Grapevine Events: Jólagestir, Nest Opening & More Christmas Markets

It seems like the town is slowly digesting the election results while preparing for the holiday season. With political surprises still hitting us (thanks, Bjarni Ben), locals are seeking solace in cultural experiences and good old Christmas shopping. Here are our weekly picks for what to do this weekend if you don’t have tickets to those sold-out Sigur Rós shows.

For more events, head to events.grapevine.is.

Gallery Port — Jólagestir

Saturday December 7 – Saturday January 11 — Gallery Port, Hallgerðargata 19-23 — Free Entry

December is absolutely the best time to buy art. Artists who’ve had their applications for the artist salary denied are busy getting their work out there. With multiple art markets happening over town, the annual fair at Gallery Port is always worth checking out. Opening on December 7, Port’s exhibition features both grassroots artists and seasoned veterans. New works are added regularly until Christmas and the show keeps going into the new year. JB

Nest — Francesca Hummler & Victoria Björk

Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 15 — Gallery Kannski, Lindargata 66 — Free entry

Iceland can be cruel to newcomers. Apart from the inhospitable environment and chronic inflation, Iceland’s insider mentality often leads to people quickly judging foreigners. Although not exclusively tied to Iceland, the upcoming exhibition Nest tackles the subject of belonging. Produced in a collaboration between Francesca Hummler and Victoria Björk, the duo evoke an almost three-dimensional aspect from their work where organic material seems to flow from images. JB

Turbulent Flow

Until Sunday December 8— Litla Gallerý — Free entry

An intimate exploration of ideas born in nighttime stillness, transformed into evocative artworks in colour and black and white. The exhibition by visual artist Aðalheiður Skarphéðinsdóttir features mixed-media graphics, watercolors inspired by Icelandic landscapes, and intricate textile designs that capture the subtle interplay between imagination and nature. IZ

Austurvöllur Christmas Market

Every weekend until December 24, hours vary — Free entry — Austurvöllur

Smack-dab in the heart of the capital, Austurvöllur’s Christmas market offers another reason to take a quaint stroll through the historic square. This is the go-to spot for public demonstration, but the only thing people will be protesting here is Grýla and her abominable cat. Austurvöllur will be filled with holiday cheer, delicious snacks, and clever crafts every weekend until December 24. Visit jolamarkadur.is for opening hours. JB

Heiðmörk Christmas Market

Every weekend until December 24, 12:00-15:00 — Free entry — Elliðavatnsbær, Heiðmörk

A nature reserve tucked away in the outskirts of Reykjavík, Heiðmörk transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. Among the spruce trees, you’ll find gorgeous walking paths throughout the area dotted with icy ponds. Centred near Elliðavatnsbær on the eastern bank of Lake Elliðavatn, the Heiðmörk Christmas market offers an assortment of handcrafted items, children’s book readings and roasted almonds. JB

Hafnarfjörður Christmas Market

Every weekend until December 24, hours vary — Free entry — Thorsplan, Hafnarfjörður

If you’re adventurous enough to leave the city limits, you should keep Hafnarfjörður in mind. Though the town prides itself on being simultaneously the town of vikings and elves (pick one!), it’s coming in strong as a Yule town. Every weekend, the Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village opens its concession huts to visitors in the city centre. Multi-coloured string lights adorn the square, where you can get your hands on designer items, churros and food from Deig. Visit hafnarfjordur.is for opening hours. JB