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

10 best Finland trips in December 2026

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Northern Lights
Rovaniemi Winter Adventure - 5 days
5.0 (1 traveler 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 $2,580
US$2,193per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Polar
Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua, Korouoma
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
US$2,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
WINTER DREAMS
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
EUROLATINO Tour Operators
15% Off
From
US$2,472per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Polar
Winter in Finland: Lapland & Northern Lights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
US$3,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
15% Off
From
US$4,081per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Northern Lights
Winter adventures in Inari
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
15% Off
From
US$3,097per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Polar
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 $3,975
US$3,379per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Polar
Winter wonders for families
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Hossa
Age Range
Ages 7+
Operated in
English
Operator
Upitrek
15% Off
From
US$1,810per person
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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Explorer
Nordic and Baltic Winter Magic: A 10 Day Private Journey from Riga to Lapland
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Latvia Estonia Finland
Age Range
Ages 14+
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiktour
15% Off
From
US$6,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Northern Lights
Winter wonder in Inari
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
15% Off
From
US$2,654per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Finnish Lapland in Winter
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"The trip met the expectations completely."
Ray, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi,Pallas - Yllastunturin kansallispuisto,Ylläsjärvi+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $4,895
US$3,916per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
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Explorer
Finland Family Winter Adventure
4.6 (15 traveler reviews)
"Amazing scenery, new activities, wonderful guides, great food and the Northern Lights - what more could anyone ask for!"
Tracey, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kuusamo, Oulanka National Park, Ruka
Age Range
Ages 9+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% Off
From
US$4,050per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Rovaniemi Winter Experience
4.5 (10 traveler reviews)
"I had high quality experiences and hotel. All in all I was well looked after and I had a superb time."
Margaret, traveled in February
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
20% Off
From
US$1,276per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
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
20% Off
From
US$2,605per person
Price based on Private Double Room
15 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
20 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Winter Fun in Finland
5.0 (2 traveler 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
Kylmaluoma
Age Range
Ages 14+
Operated in
English
Operator
Upitrek
20% Off
From
US$1,752per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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