Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
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10 best christmas & new year Arctic / North Pole tours
Compiled by
MelissaArctic / North Pole travel expert at TourRadar
- Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway (departure from Rovaniemi) with activites
- Winter Adventure Lofoten: To the Magic of the northern lights & stilt houses (5 destinations)
- Finland – Arctic Adventure with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo
- Lapland Winter Getaway - 5 days
- Lapland Winter Getaway & Igloo - 5 days
- Saariselkä à la carte
- Lapland Winter Adventure - 5 days
- Lapland Winter Adventure (Superior) - 5 days
- Finland Wilderness Discovery - 5 Days
- Finland Wilderness Express - 4 Days
The Arctic Circle stretches from Santa's Village in Rovaniemi through Finland's snowiest region in Kilpisjärvi. Night swimming in Norwegian fjords near Skibotn and snowmobile safaris to the three-country border offer prime northern lights viewing opportunities.
Duration 6 days Destinations Finland, Norway, Sweden Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operator Timetravels From
- NZ$2,418
Duration 9 days Destinations Harstad, Lofoten, Svolvær, Nusfjord, Narvik Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator journaway From $2,570
64% Off- NZ$938You save $1,631
Rovaniemi, Santa's official hometown, offers private meetings at Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle crossing. Glass igloos provide starlit accommodation, while traditional Finnish sauna with ice swimming, husky and reindeer sleigh rides delight guests. Arctic Snowcastle's ice bar and snow hotel complete the experience for around $5,000.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
64% Off- NZ$8,292
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $4,025
25% Off- NZ$3,019You save $1,006
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $7,295
25% Off- NZ$5,471You save $1,824
Arctic winter beckons from Santa's Hotel Tunturi in Saariselkä, offering superior rooms with private saunas. Northern Lights hunting through pristine polar wilderness reveals local culture. Private transfers from Ivalo Airport ensure seamless travel.
Duration 5 days Destinations Saariselka Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
25% Off- NZ$2,491
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range 4 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $4,335
15% Off- NZ$3,685You save $650
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range 4 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $7,965
15% Off- NZ$6,770You save $1,195
Winter magic unfolds with husky sledding and reindeer safaris in Rovaniemi's Arctic wilderness. Santa's Village awaits during free exploration time, while modern panoramic huts at Vaatunki Wilderness Resort offer rest. Traditional Finnish 'kota' teepee gatherings include warming hot drinks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $4,275
15% Off- NZ$3,634You save $641
Arctic Christmas unfolds at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort, overlooking Rovaniemi's snow-covered wilderness. Guests master husky sledding on 5km trails, glide on traditional reindeer sleigh rides, and share stories in authentic Finnish kotas. Evening saunas provide perfect Northern Lights viewing spots.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $3,595
15% Off- NZ$3,056You save $539
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Arctic / North Pole
Our trip manager Rianna has been amazing and well organized, and very knowledgeable around the areas we went to. It really made our trip easy and we were able to focus on all the fun.
Norway Fjords and Northern Lights (From November 2025)
A very nice and adventurous tour! I loved seeing the northern lights, the huskies, everything! The guides were most helpful and friendly and everyone on the tour was great. I can only recommend warm clothes and several layers of socks, but even without that the guides will keep you warm and comfortable. 10/10!
Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and with activites
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
What's the best way to get to Arctic destinations for Christmas & New Year celebrations?
Access to Arctic destinations during the holiday season typically starts from major Nordic cities. Travelers can fly directly to Ivalo Airport for Finnish Lapland destinations or choose from multiple European connections to Tromsø. The Arctic Circle train service connects Stockholm to Luleå running entirely on renewable energy. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Arctic Circle train from Stockholm to Luleå runs on renewable energy and offers a memorable start to your adventure especially during the festive season."
What unique Christmas activities are available on Arctic winter tours?
Arctic winter tours blend traditional holiday experiences with Nordic culture. Visitors can explore Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi rest in glass igloos at Aurora Nest or Apukka Resort and participate in dog sledding expeditions with Alaskan huskies. At Vaatunki Wilderness Resort guests join festive dinners and watch the Northern Lights from riverside saunas creating a distinctive Arctic Christmas experience.
What's the best time to see the Northern Lights during the Christmas and New Year period in the Arctic?
The peak Northern Lights viewing season aligns perfectly with the holiday period from December 20th to January 5th during the Polar Night. Places like Longyearbyen in Svalbard offer potential Aurora sightings throughout the day. The most reliable viewing window falls between 6 PM and 1 AM particularly from locations like Camp Barentz near Longyearbyen or the wilderness areas around Rovaniemi. One TourRadar traveler recounted: "Watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky from the Treehotel in Harads on New Year's Eve was absolutely incredible - the perfect way to welcome the new year."
What type of accommodation options are available for Christmas & New Year stays in the Arctic?
Arctic accommodations range from the renowned ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi to the distinctive Treehotel nestled in Harads' forests. Urban options include the Scandic Rovaniemi with Finnish saunas and the Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center. Glass igloos prove especially popular as one TourRadar traveler described: "Staying in a glass igloo at the Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi for Christmas was magical - we watched the Northern Lights from our bed while staying cozy and warm." Tour packages often include stays in traditional Sami camps or wilderness lodges decorated for the season.
What festive dining experiences are offered during Arctic Christmas & New Year tours?
The Arctic holiday dining scene combines local traditions with festive celebrations. Options range from Lappish Christmas dinners at Santa's Village to refined cuisine at the ICEHOTEL Restaurant. Svalbard's Camp Barentz pairs Christmas dinner with Aurora viewing while Finnish venues present traditional Christmas buffets. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The Christmas Eve feast at the Scandic Rovaniemi was incredible - we tried traditional Finnish Christmas dishes like lutefisk and got to meet local families celebrating." New Year's celebrations often feature champagne toasts under the Northern Lights.
How cold does it get during Christmas & New Year in the Arctic?
Arctic winter temperatures typically fall between -5°C and -30°C (23°F to -22°F). Kilpisjärvi stands out as one of Finland's coldest locations. Places like the Wilderness Inari hotel provide specialized winter gear for guests' comfort during outdoor activities. A practical tip from a TourRadar traveler states: "The guides will keep you warm and comfortable even in extreme conditions but I can only recommend warm clothes and several layers of socks."