Christmas Holidays to Iceland

These bases suit families with children, offering short distances between attractions and easy daytime activities during the school break.

• Ísafjörður: Ísafjörður, the largest town in Iceland's remote Westfjords, offers families a gentler pace and a real sense of adventure. Its colourful harbourside houses sit beneath dramatic mountains, and the town's small swimming pool and friendly cafes make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. Short drives reach quiet beaches, puffin-watching cliffs and walking trails suited to older children, while the local maritime museum keeps younger travellers entertained. Families who prefer fewer crowds and more wildlife will find Ísafjörður a memorable and welcoming base for a relaxed Icelandic holiday. It is exactly the brief our Iceland Family Holidays deals are built around.
• Húsavík: Húsavík offers a relaxed pace, a compact harbour and an outstanding setting on Skjálfandi Bay that children often find memorable, even in the cold. Whale watching trips from the quayside are a family highlight, though sailings depend on conditions and should be treated as a bonus rather than a certainty. The town is small enough to explore on foot and feels safe for family walks. We suggest it to families seeking a quieter northern base with a few well-chosen day trips.
• Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon, on the Reykjanes Peninsula close to the international gateway airport serving the capital region, is a geothermal spa with warm water that many families enjoy as a winter treat. It is easy to reach from the airport, which helps on arrival or departure days. Age restrictions apply to some facilities, so check the rules before you book with us. We find it works well as a short, relaxed visit rather than an all-day commitment for younger children.
• Golden Circle: The Golden Circle is a route of about 300 km starting from the capital and taking in Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. The geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes, which children tend to find thrilling, and the whole loop fits into a single winter day. Roads can be icy and daylight is short, so an early start and a driver familiar with winter conditions are essential. We recommend it as a classic family day trip when the weather allows.
• Seyðisfjörður: Seyðisfjörður offers a charming, compact village set beneath steep mountains at the end of a fjord, with colourful wooden houses and a gentle harbour walk that suits families. Children can explore the small local museum and enjoy the friendly cafes along the main street, while parents appreciate how easy it is to reach the surrounding trails without long walks. The drive from the east coast involves winding mountain roads that can be affected by snow and wind, so allow generous time and check conditions before setting off, the same careful planning our Iceland holidays itineraries are built around. We recommend it as a relaxed stop for families with younger and older children alike, provided everyone keeps to marked paths.