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
- Nordic Christmas Dreams
- Lapland Winter Adventure
- Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
- Visit to Santa
- Husky Winter Dream: Classic
- Highlight of Rovaniemi
- Tailor-Made 4 Days Finland Northern Lights Private Tour
- Swedish Northern Lights & Arctic Explorer
- Finland Wilderness Express - 4 Days
- Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days
Lapland Winter Adventure
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Awesome, everything was on scheduled and on time.”
Jacqueline, traveled in November
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi welcomes visitors to meet Santa and cross the magical Arctic Circle. Reindeer sleigh rides through pristine Lappish wilderness complement authentic farm visits, while mesmerizing Northern Lights viewing around midnight includes hot drinks at an outdoor camp.
Duration 6 days Destinations Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kalix Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Carisa Travel Group From
- NZ$6,417
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
- NZ$4,564
Duration 8 days Destinations Kittila, Akaslompolo Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
- NZ$4,203
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Expeditions Gateways From
- NZ$8,314
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$6,538
Duration 5 days Destinations Lulea Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Expeditions Gateways From
- NZ$7,510
Christmas magic comes alive in Rovaniemi, with stays at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort's panoramic huts. Traditional reindeer sleighs glide through snow-covered forests, while husky sledding adventures span 5km wilderness trails. Festive dinners and Northern Lights viewing from the riverside sauna complete each day.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $3,965
15% Off- NZ$3,370You save $595
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
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Lapland
- Rovaniemi Winter Experience
Great and knowledgeable tour guide. Was very helpful when activities were canceled and changed by the weather. I would add that I did not know there would be families on the tour with children under 10. There was tears/ tantrums/loud during talks/instructions ect with some of the children and as a solo traveller I was getting a bit frustrated. A group meal would be recommended to help break ice ect. I would also swap the snowmobiling and make that an optional activity
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!
Express Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway with activites
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."