What special events or festivals take place in Finland during December?

Finland comes alive in December with celebrations across the country. The month begins with Finnish Independence Day on December 6 followed by St. Lucia Day on December 13. Helsinki's Senate Square transforms into a bustling Christmas market where visitors can find traditional Finnish crafts and local food. In Rovaniemi known as Santa's hometown special holiday events run throughout the month. Hotels like the Arctic Light Hotel create festive programs for Christmas and New Year's Eve letting guests experience authentic Finnish holiday traditions.

What are typical temperatures in Finland during December?

Finnish Lapland experiences winter temperatures from -5°C to -25°C with occasional dips to -40°C. Southern regions including Helsinki stay relatively milder with temperatures between 0°C and -10°C. Visitors staying at places like Basecamp Oulanka receive specialized winter gear including thermal suits boots and gloves. Previous guests report staying comfortable even when temperatures reached -32°C thanks to the proper equipment provided.

What type of accommodation is available in Finland during December?

The range of winter accommodations spans from extraordinary to traditional. Visitors can sleep under the stars in glass igloos at the Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi or stay in wilderness lodges like Basecamp Oulanka near Kuusamo. Helsinki offers city-center options such as Hotel Arthur while Rovaniemi features themed stays at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus. Most properties include authentic Finnish saunas and many provide special facilities for viewing the northern lights.

What are the best activities to experience in Finland during December?

The winter landscape opens up countless possibilities especially in Lapland and the Arctic region. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort organizes reindeer safaris through snow-covered forests husky sledding adventures and visits to Santa's home near Rovaniemi. Coastal towns like Kotka and Helsinki invite visitors to experience traditional Finnish saunas at locations such as Joensuun Jääkarhut where brave souls can try an ice plunge. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The husky safari was absolutely incredible - mushing through the pristine snow-covered landscape was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland during December?

Finnish Lapland provides prime viewing conditions for the Northern Lights during December. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort located above the Arctic Circle offers special glass igloos where guests can watch the aurora from their beds. The Rovaniemi region also serves as an excellent base for aurora hunting with numerous tours dedicated to finding the best viewing spots. A TourRadar traveler shared "Staying in the glass igloo at Kakslauttanen was magical - we saw the Northern Lights dance above us for hours while staying cozy inside."

Is Finland expensive to visit in December compared to other months?

December represents peak season in Finland especially during the Christmas period. A week-long Northern Lights tour typically costs between 4899 USD and 7799 USD. The coastal cities including Helsinki often provide more budget-friendly options compared to Lapland destinations. Despite the higher costs the December atmosphere creates a special experience. As one TourRadar traveler noted "While December wasn't the cheapest time to visit Finland the Christmas atmosphere and winter activities made it worth every penny."

Finland Tours in December 2026

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10 best Finland trips in December 2026

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Polar
Finnish Lapland in Winter
4.8 (12 reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi,Pallas - Yllastunturin kansallispuisto+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% off
From $4,665
US$3,732per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $187
5 Dec, 2026
3 spaces left
16 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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Polar
Rovaniemi Winter Experience - Christmas Edition
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
8% off
From $1,794
US$1,643per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
2 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
2 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua, Korouoma
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
8% off
From
US$2,499per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $125
13 Dec, 2026
3 spaces left
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Northern Lights
Winter in Finland: Lapland & Northern Lights
5.0 (1 review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% off
From $3,549
US$3,194per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $160
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Northern Lights
Arctic Winter Adventure - Adults Only
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
10% off
From
US$3,944per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Polar
Winter wonders for families
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kuusamo, Hossa
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Upitrek
10% off
From
US$1,750per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
20 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Polar
Winter Wonderland Experience in Premium Log Cabins
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Saariselka, Ivalo
Age Range
Ages 4-14
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
10% off
From
US$3,626per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Northern Lights
Highlights of Rovaniemi Winter Wonders
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Expeditions Gateways
50% off
From $3,665
US$1,833per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
9 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
Rovaniemi Winter Adventure - 5 days
5.0 (1 review)
"We had enough time for ourselves in Rovaniemi. This tour was more like half guided tour, yet we have enough free time for ourselves to explore the area."
Praise, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% off
From $2,500
US$2,125per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
30 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Northern Lights
Lapland Winter Getaway & Igloo - 5 days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% off
From $3,855
US$3,277per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Lapland Winter Adventure
4.6 (5 reviews)
"Awesome, everything was on scheduled and on time."
Jacqueline, traveled in November
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kalix
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Carisa Travel Group
15% off
From
US$3,914per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
Rovaniemi Winter Experience
4.5 (10 reviews)
"Was very helpful when activities were canceled and changed by the weather. A group meal would be recommended to help break ice."
Ricky, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
15% off
From
US$1,234per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Northern Lights
Finnish Lapland Winter Family Holiday
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Levi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% off
From
US$2,355per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $118
15 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
20 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
Winter Fun in Finland
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Everything was organized well and the tour guide really tried their best to make everyone fell welcome."
mishidde, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kuusamo, Kylmaluoma
Age Range
Ages 14+
Operated in
English
Operator
Upitrek
15% off
From
US$1,693per person
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Price based on Shared Room
20 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Polar
Finland Family Winter Adventure
4.6 (15 reviews)
"We loved the beautiful, remote setting-pristine wilderness. This trip really did exceed our expectations."
Samantha, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Juuma, Oulanka National Park, Ruka
Age Range
Ages 9+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% off
From $4,185
US$3,348per person
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Price based on Shared Room
27 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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