The Christmas village is fully booked – preparations are in full swing
The Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður opens on Friday, 13th November. Preparations for this essential town tradition are in full swing. All 20 of the Christmas houses are now fully booked. All 100 applicants who sought a place in the village have received a response.
Christmas is coming to Hafnarfjörður
Yes, six festive weekends are ahead with a wide variety of Christmas goods, an entertaining programme and a true Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Hafnarfjörður.
Interest in taking part in the Christmas Village has never been greater, and it's clear that the selection will be both varied and exciting. Old favourites, mixed with new additions, will be making an appearance. Visitors can look forward to buying handicrafts, Christmas wreaths, pottery and various Christmas goods, as well as tucking into freshly baked flatbread and Christmas sausages.
„The Christmas Village has evolved from a small Christmas market into one of the country's most well-known Advent events,“ says Sunna Magnúsdóttir, project manager for culture and tourism at the City of Hafnarfjörður, in an interview with the Christmas supplement of Morgunblaðið.
She recalls that in the early years it was a major task to fill the Christmas houses, but now the situation is completely different. Demand is huge and many more people want to take part than can be accommodated.
Six weekends of Christmas joy
The Christmas village has long become an integral part of the Advent season in Hafnarfjörður. Grýla and the Yule Lads will be there, and the new Icelandic book elves, Una and Snotra, will also be visiting the village to delight the youngest visitors.
„Our aim is for the atmosphere in the village to be cosy, welcoming and relaxed,“ says Sunna, pointing out that the decorations, the splendour of the lights, the music and the social life together create the unique experience that many people return for year after year.
For many families, a visit to the Christmas Village has become a firm fixture in the run-up to Christmas. It could therefore be said that in Hafnarfjörður, the Advent is a little longer than elsewhere.
Yes, the same layout as in previous years. Brikk will have the central pavilion on the square this year, just like last year. The pavilion plays an important part in the village's overall appearance. The area's lighting decorations are attached to it, among other things. The pavilion will only be on Thorsplan during the Christmas period.
The Christmas Town of Hafnarfjörður
The Christmas village is the heart of the Christmas town of Hafnarfjörður, but the Christmas spirit extends far beyond Thorsplan.
„The seafront, the Heart Lava Field and the magical Christmas lights in Hellisgerði create a unique experience for visitors of all ages,“ says Sunna, encouraging visitors to take their time to enjoy everything the city centre has to offer.
„I don't think many people will be first-time visitors, as there were 100,000 visitors last year. But for those who are visiting for the first time, I would advise them to allow plenty of time, take a stroll along Strandgatan, see the Christmas village at Thorsplan and check out Hjartasvellið,“ she says.
„Last but not least, I recommend a walk through Hellisgerði, where the Christmas lights create a truly magical atmosphere. It's sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.“
Opening hours of the Christmas Village
The Christmas Village opens on Friday, 13th November and will be open as follows:
- Fridays: 5–8 pm
- Saturdays: 1 pm–8 pm
- Sundays: 1 pm–6 pm
- St. Thomas's Day: 1pm–9pm
Yes, it's fast approaching the time for the lights to be switched on, the Christmas carols to be sung, and the smell of festive treats to fill the town centre.
Christmas is on its way to the Christmas town of Hafnarfjörður!