Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Lapland
4.5 stars on(7,883 reviews)- Choose from 16 Lapland tours
- 8 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best christmas & new year Lapland tours
Compiled by
MelissaLapland travel expert at TourRadar
- Rovaniemi Winter Experience
- Northern Scandinavia in Winter
- Finland Wilderness Discovery - 5 Days
- Saariselkä à la carte
- Cross-Country Skiing in Lapland
- Tailor-Made Private Finland Tour to Fairy Tale Lapland
- Finland in 8 days - Covering Helsinki and Rovaniemi
- Finnish winter week in the Arctic
- Highlights around Yllas
- Swedish Lapland & Arctic Explorer - 5 days
Rovaniemi Winter Experience
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nice tour, I recommend.”
Mariana, traveled in March
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
- US$1,356
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 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$4,635
Festive enchantment unfolds at Santa's Village in Rovaniemi during free time. Traditional Finnish winter activities include reindeer sleigh rides through snow-laden forests, with evenings dedicated to Northern Lights viewing. Modern panoramic huts at Vaatunki Wilderness Resort provide comfortable accommodation.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $3,185
15% Off- US$2,707You save $477
Winter magic awaits at Santa's Hotel Tunturi, where superior rooms come with private saunas. Guided Northern Lights excursions venture through Saariselkä's wilderness while sharing local traditions. Private transfers from Ivalo Airport included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Saariselka Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
15% Off- US$1,308
Duration 8 days Destinations Akaslompolo Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
15% Off- US$1,955
Festive charm fills Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, with private ice sculpture viewing and authentic reindeer farm visits. Snowmobile adventures cross the Arctic Circle, featuring Lappish sausages by campfire. The centrally-located Scandic Rovaniemi serves as base for December's Northern Lights viewing.
Duration 6 days Destinations Helsinki, Rovaniemi Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
15% Off- US$3,409
Experience Northern Lights hunting in Rovaniemi with expert aurora photographers during winter months. Visit Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle, ride reindeer sleighs at local farms, and enjoy husky sledding adventures. Stay at the cozy Hotelli Aakenus in central Rovaniemi.
Duration 8 days Destinations Helsinki, Rovaniemi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator WiseYatra From $2,917
5% Off- US$2,772You save $145
Duration 8 days Destinations Ivalo Age Range 4 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator DERTOUR From
5% Off- US$1,736
Duration 8 days Destinations Kittila, Ylläsjärvi Age Range 6 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator DERTOUR From
5% Off- US$3,235
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Lulea Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours
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."