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
- Nordic Christmas Dreams
- Visit to Santa
- Highlight of Rovaniemi
- Tailor-Made 4 Days Finland Northern Lights Private Tour
- Express Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway (departure from Rovaniemi) with activites
- Husky Winter Dream: Classic
- Finland – Arctic Adventure with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo
- Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days
- Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
- Lapland Winter Adventure (Superior) - 5 days
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Expeditions Gateways From
- NZ$8,286
Magical Arctic adventures await during polar nights at Muotka Wilderness Lodge's Aurora cabins. Traditional Sámi Christmas at reindeer farms near Saariselkä and Northern Lights hunting combine with festive local treats around campfires.
Duration 4 days Destinations Ivalo, Saariselka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$6,516
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 Ages 18-45 Operator Timetravels From
- NZ$2,526
Duration 8 days Destinations Kittila, Akaslompolo Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
- NZ$4,200
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 Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- NZ$8,492
Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tours and hotel stay were excelent. All the tours and transfers were timed to perfection.”
Gershon, traveled in February
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $4,785
15% Off- NZ$4,067You save $718
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
15% Off- NZ$4,561
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $7,725
15% Off- NZ$6,566You save $1,159
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
- Express Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway with activites
The Grand Lapland tour I can recommend for anyone wanting to see Lapland. We stayed in cosy shared cottages in Finish and Swedish Lapland. We made lots of new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Our tour guide, Elo was fantastic and very knowledgeable. Our bus driver, Saki was very friendly and funny. The Lapland winter scenery is really that of a magical winter wonderland. The excursions were great, we were not bored for one moment.
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."