Christmas Village Opens in Hafnarfjörður

The Christmas Village on Thorsplan square in Hafnarfjörður, just south of Reykjavík, opened Saturday, mbl.is reports. Festively decorated Christmas stands have been installed. They will be open every weekend before Christmas, from 1 to 6 pm.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings, no events are scheduled in the Christmas Village this season, but there will be all sorts of gift items, delicatessen, and handicrafts for sale.

The Christmas Village was first installed on the square in 2003 and has been popular among the locals as well as tourists.

The Yule lads will make an appearance on Saturdays, and their mother Grýla will take a stroll through the Village on Sundays, making sure everyone is respecting the 2-meter social distancing rule, wearing a face mask and keeping their hands clean.

Customers are asked to use contactless payment methods instead of cash. On the website of the Town of Hafnarfjörður, this advice is listed as well: 

“It is cold in December. Let’s keep our hands in our pockets and enjoy looking and experiencing through our eyes. Let’s wash hands regularly and disinfect them if you give in to temptation and touch something someone else has likely touched as well.”