Iceland Winter Escape: Northern Lights, Hot Springs

Arriving In Reykjavik: A Cosy Base At CenterHotel Plaza

Flying from London Gatwick with easyJet holidays, everything was nicely packaged: flights, transfers and hotel arranged in one go, which made arriving in Iceland simple and stress‑free.

Our base was CenterHotel Plaza, right in the heart of Reykjavik:

• Excellent central location, ideal for walking to shops, cafés and the harbour.
• Warm, modern interiors and a welcoming atmosphere that felt especially cosy in December.

A particularly thoughtful touch awaited us on arrival:
For our wedding anniversary, the hotel surprised us with macaroons and a lovely card in the room. That small gesture made the stay feel personal and special, and it is exactly the sort of detail that leaves a lasting impression.

Evening Magic: Northern Lights & Fontana Geothermal Baths

On the first evening, we joined a combined Northern Lights & Fontana Geothermal Baths tour.

This experience beautifully balanced adventure and relaxation:

• First, heading out of the city into deeper darkness, watching the sky in the hope of seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the horizon. Even on cloudy or quieter nights, there is a sense of excitement simply being out under the vast Icelandic sky.
• Then, time to sink into the warm waters of Fontana Geothermal Baths, with steam rising into the cold night air. Soaking in naturally heated pools while surrounded by winter landscapes is pure Icelandic magic.

It is the kind of evening that feels both invigorating and deeply soothing, and it set the tone perfectly for the rest of the trip.

Exploring The Icons: Golden Circle Classic Tour

The next day, we embarked on the Golden Circle Classic, a 7.5‑hour tour that showcases some of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders. It is an excellent choice for first‑time visitors:

• Þingvellir National Park
  A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can literally see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Steeped in volcanic drama and Viking history, it is as atmospheric as it is beautiful.
• Geysir Geothermal Area
  Home to bubbling hot springs and steaming vents, with the active geyser Strokkur erupting regularly and sending hot water shooting into the air. It is one of those places where nature really feels alive.
• Gullfoss Waterfall
  A spectacular two‑tiered waterfall roaring through a dramatic canyon. In winter, with ice and snow framing the falls, it looks especially powerful and otherworldly.

With comfortable transport and a knowledgeable guide, the Golden Circle Classic offers a full but manageable day, giving a real sense of Iceland’s unique landscapes in just one excursion.

Reykjavik At Christmas Time

With three nights in total, there was also time to enjoy Reykjavik itself:

• Strolling through the compact city centre, wrapped up warm against the crisp December air.
• Enjoying festive lights, local shops and cafés.
• Walking down to the waterfront to see the Harpa concert hall and views across the bay.

Combined with the organised tours, it was the perfect balance: structured experiences to see the highlights and plenty of time to simply wander and soak up the atmosphere.

A Perfect Short Winter Break

This 3‑night easyJet holidays package from London Gatwick, staying at CenterHotel Plaza with:

• A Northern Lights & Fontana Geothermal Baths tour,
• A full‑day Golden Circle Classic experience, and
• A thoughtful wedding anniversary surprise from the hotel,

proved that you do not need a long stay to create big memories.