While in Iceland, we stumbled across the most magical place. It is called Jólagarðurinn, the Christmas Garden in Northern Iceland. We were cruising around, looking for a fun place to stop outside of Akureyri, and this place was impossible to miss. The colors, the sparkles, and the fact that we hadn’t found it on any of our guides, we could not resist. We pulled in and couldn’t find a single person, but we were able to explore. It seemed like just the place where Santa Claus would spend his summers.
The Christmas Garden in Northern Iceland – Santa’s Summer Hang Out
The place honestly felt like we had stumbled upon Santa’s Summer Workshop. Every detail was immaculate, and the fact that we were the only ones there felt like a real treat. Remember that our trip around Iceland’s Ring Road was in May, so not exactly the peak Christmas season.
There was a small shop filled with candies, ornaments, and all things Christmas. In the yard, all kinds of props and photo opportunities were set up. You could even find Santa’s clothes out on the clothesline. There were signs for cocoa & cider and games that were all Christmas-themed. It was so fun and kitschy that we couldn’t resist sharing it. It would be a perfect stop for families to take advantage of all the little surprises.
This was such a happy accident for us to stumble across it. If you ever visit the Akureyri area, it is only about a 10-minute drive from the city. It is worth a visit, even if it isn’t the holiday season. They have some cool Icelandic gifts there. Check their open hours and dates.
I am fully immersed in the Christmas spirit now. I am dreaming of a return trip to the Christmas Garden in Northern Iceland. It’s not quite to the level of the best Christmas Market in Europe or Christmas in New York City, but it’s a fun little adventure.
Have you ever stumbled across something so magical on a road trip?
