Christmas in Reykjavík A Festival of Light and Peace Spending Christmas in the world's northernmost capital is a unique experience. For the residents of Reykjavík Christmas is a celebration of light and peace. After the winter darkness the days gradually get longer again and every household and every shop celebrates and helps by putting up bright lights, candles or torches. This is the season of endless cultural activity as every theatre, every gallery, bookshop, restaurant and music venue opens its doors unto the decorated streets and offers its very best. Under dancing northern lights you will find a peaceful city, far from the strains and stresses of big city life, radiating warm light and bustling with happy Christmas activity. You will be warmly welcomed by the two words echoing everywhere: Gleðileg jól! (Merry Christmas). A mild climate The climate is surprisingly mild in Iceland; Reykjavík´s average temperature in October is 39°F, and in April 37.2°F, derived from the warm Gulf Stream that swings past the country. So while you still have a fair chance of a truly "White Christmas" under the Northern Lights and a clear starry sky, don't expect any extremes of frost or cold. Icelanders have also long learned to fight the winter cold by using natural geothermal water to warm their well-insulated houses, and renewable energy from hydroelectric power plants to light up the winter darkness. So after a stroll through the decorated streets of the city center, take off your warm winter coat as you enter one of the numerous cafés or restaurants to have a cup of hot chocolate or the warm and spicy "Glögg", made from red wine, almonds, raisins, cinnamon, citrus fruits and brown sugar. Lights and life This extended celebration of light and peace actually begins on the first Sunday of December and runs through January 6th. This is also the season when the city center of Reykjavík is bustling with activity; concerts, opera, theatre, dance, art exhibitions and much more; the variety is surprising. Almost every restaurant and café offers special holiday buffets with many interesting delicacies and regional specialties. People stroll through the charming streets of midtown - Skólavörðustígur, Laugavegur, Austurstræti, etc. - visiting galleries, handicraft shops, fashion boutiques, bookstores, cafés and restaurants. Choirs and musicians perform on the squares, street corners and in shopping centers. Authors read from their works in cafés and bookstores as this is peak season in book publishing, books being the most popular Christmas present in Iceland. We must not forget the Christmas Lads or the Icelandic equivalent of Santa Claus. These Lads are 13 and are in fact trolls, coming from the mountains to the towns over the holidays to entertain children, bring them presents and do a little mischief now and then. A peace of mind Experience the Northern Atlantic Christmas spirit and participate in this celebration of light and peace. Enjoy peace of mind in Reykjavík, far from the world's strains and stresses. Hear the church bells of Reykjavík call for world peace and unity over the brightly lit streets and snow capped mountains surrounding the city. Whether you want to come to relax, have fun, sample truly delicious cuisine, visit a great selection of specialized shops or join the people of Reykjavík in their celebration of peace and light, you will be welcomed. Gleðileg jól!