Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Lapland
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10 best christmas & new year Lapland tours
Compiled by
MelissaLapland travel expert at TourRadar
- Finland - Christmas Magic in Apukka 5 Days
- Finland - The Christmas Trip 4 Days
- Nordic Christmas Dreams
- Tailor-Made 4 Days Finland Northern Lights Private Tour
- Aurora Break
- Northern Scandinavia in Winter
- Christmas Arctic Charm 5 Days
- Christmas Igloo Escape 5 Days
- Lapland Winter Adventure - 5 days
- Tales of Lapland
Winter festivities illuminate Saariselkä Village during polar night (Dec 4-Jan 8). Muotka Wilderness Lodge's Aurora glass cabins offer private saunas, while festive reindeer sleigh rides and evening Northern Lights hunts with fireside snacks create magical moments.
Duration 4 days Destinations Ivalo, Saariselka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$7,127
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
- NZ$3,435+$313 upfront costs
Winter magic comes alive in Santa's hometown of Rovaniemi, featuring the Arctic Snowhotel and festive workshops. Traditional Sami Christmas culture awaits in Kiruna's village, while Northern Lights hunting continues in Abisko National Park. The world's northernmost brewery, MACK, welcomes visitors in Tromso.
Duration 8 days Destinations Finland, Sweden, Norway Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,770
5% Off- NZ$6,432You save $339
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $4,385
20% Off- NZ$3,508You save $877
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
20% Off- NZ$2,568
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Lapland
- Levi à la carte
Very smooth experience. Stayed in comfy cabin around the hotel, not hotel building. Found many hairs on sheets the first night but they were changed. Hotel meals were excellent and got to use pools and spa. One experience cancelled and refunded. Other experiences fun.
- Rovaniemi Winter Experience
The activities are nice and our guide Alain was very helpful. Nice tour, I recommend
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Lapland
How do Christmas celebrations differ in Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian Lapland?
The three regions of Lapland each present distinct holiday experiences. Finnish Lapland centers around Rovaniemi where visitors can explore Santa Claus Village and send mail from Santa's post office. In Swedish Lapland the focus shifts to Sami cultural celebrations particularly in places like Rensjon. Norwegian Lapland brings the festivities to the water's edge with celebrations along Tromsø's fjords. A TourRadar traveler noted "Getting to experience different Christmas traditions across three countries made the holiday extra special from Finnish Santa's Village to Swedish Sami celebrations."
What are the best dates to visit Lapland for a Christmas & New Year tour?
The peak season runs from mid-December through early January when Arctic winter conditions create an ideal setting. Cities like Rovaniemi and Saariselkä come alive with holiday activities with Santa Claus Village reaching peak festivity around Christmas Eve. Popular lodging options include the Vaatunki Wilderness Resort and Santa's Hotel Tunturi in Saariselkä. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Christmas in Lapland was truly an experience I will cherish for a lifetime."
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in Lapland tours?
Tours typically feature visits to Santa Claus at his village in Rovaniemi reindeer sleigh rides through snowy forests and husky safaris. New Year's Eve often includes traditional Finnish feasts and fireworks displays. Locations like the Apukka Resort and Vaatunki Wilderness Resort offer activities such as ice fishing snowmobile expeditions and aurora viewing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "From meeting the reindeer dog sledding to seeing the Northern lights skiing and snowshoeing and meeting wonderful Sami people I cannot recommend this trip enough."
When is the ideal time to see the Northern Lights during Christmas & New Year in Lapland?
The best viewing hours for the Northern Lights fall between 9:00 PM and midnight during the holiday season. Areas like Inari and Kilpisjärvi offer excellent viewing conditions due to their dark skies. Most tours include guided Aurora excursions to prime locations such as the wilderness near Rovaniemi or the fjords near Skibotn. One TourRadar traveler shared "Our guide took us out at the prime time for Auroras and we got to enjoy the magical display while warming up with hot drinks at an outside camp."
What accommodation options are available for Christmas & New Year tours?
The region offers varied places to stay from glass igloos at Saariselkä's Northern Lights Village to remote lodges like the Apukka Resort. Unique options include the ice-carved rooms at the Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi and the blend of Finnish tradition and modern comfort at Santa's Hotel Tunturi in Saariselkä. According to TourRadar travelers: "The quality of the hotels was top class with excellent service and the heated glass igloos provided an unforgettable experience."
What traditional Finnish Christmas & New Year customs can I experience?
Visitors can join in Finnish holiday traditions that include Christmas Eve sauna sessions at places like the Apukka Resort festive meals featuring regional specialties at wilderness lodges and New Year's celebrations with Sami communities. The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi offers hands-on experiences with Finnish Christmas customs including meeting Santa. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The local traditions and Sami culture made this Christmas experience truly authentic and magical."