What are the typical temperatures and daylight hours in Nordic/Scandinavia during December?

December in Nordic/Scandinavia brings distinctly short days and winter temperatures. Iceland sees about 4-5 hours of daylight with temperatures from -5°C to +5°C (23-41°F). Parts of Finland and northern Sweden experience the polar night when the sun doesn't rise at all. Temperatures in Stockholm stay around 0°C (32°F) while Copenhagen runs slightly milder at 2-6°C (35-43°F). A TourRadar traveler noted "In November sunlight hours were very short with sunset around 4pm." Places like Hotel Cabin in Reykjavík provide warm shelter from the winter elements with proper heating and insulation.

What are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Nordic/Scandinavia during December?

Several locations offer good chances to spot the Northern Lights in December. Finnish Lapland near Rovaniemi and the Arctic Snow Hotel's glass igloos provide clear viewing spots. In Iceland going beyond Reykjavik to Lake Myvatn or Kirkjubæjarklaustur increases your chances. TourRadar travelers note "The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings will be dependent on weather conditions." The areas around Lulea in northern Sweden and Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula also serve as reliable viewing locations on clear nights.

What unique winter activities can I experience in Nordic/Scandinavia during December?

December fills the region with distinctive winter experiences. Visitors can hike Solheimajökull glacier explore ice caves at Breiðamerkurjökull or chase the Northern Lights. One TourRadar traveler shared "We were fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights 2x" during their Iceland tour. The Arctic Snow Hotel offers glass igloo stays while Santa's Village welcomes visitors in Rovaniemi Finland. Other activities include traditional Finnish saunas walks through snow-covered Thingvellir National Park and visits to winter waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss.

What are the Christmas markets and winter festivals like in Nordic/Scandinavia during December?

Christmas markets bring local traditions to life across Nordic cities in December. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen sets up market stalls under festive lights. Stockholm's Gamla Stan fills with vendors selling crafts and warming glögg. Helsinki's Senate Square showcases Finnish Christmas treats and handicrafts. The Skansen Christmas Market keeps Swedish winter traditions alive while Oslo's markets feature Nordic crafts and seasonal foods. Most markets operate daily through the Christmas season.

What makes December a special time to visit Nordic/Scandinavia compared to other months?

December combines natural wonders and cultural traditions unique to winter. Snow blankets the landscape while Northern Lights dance above creating perfect photo opportunities. TourRadar travelers note "Iceland's otherworldly aura seems to heighten at the winter months." Visitors can meet Santa in Rovaniemi browse Christmas markets or sleep under stars in glass igloos at the Arctic SnowHotel. The extended darkness provides more chances to see the Northern Lights while Swedish Lucia celebrations and Finnish Independence Day add cultural depth to any visit.

What accommodation options are available in Nordic/Scandinavia during December?

Winter accommodations range from unique to practical across the region. Finland's Arctic SnowHotel offers glass igloos for Northern Lights viewing. Iceland features hotels like Hotel Höfn and Hotel Katla perfect for winter storm watching. TourRadar travelers confirm "The accommodation is very good always clean warm and comfortable." City options include The Square Hotel in Copenhagen and Profil Hotels Central in Stockholm while remote locations offer guesthouses with winter comforts like saunas and fireplaces.

Nordic / Scandinavia Tours in December 2026

10 best Nordic / Scandinavia trips in December 2026

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Explorer
Northern Scandinavia in Winter
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Finland Sweden Norway
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
From $5,160
US$4,902per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Scandinavia (Winter)
4.9 (119 traveler reviews)
"The whole experience felt effortless, turning every stop into a rich and immersive adventure."
Jasmin, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Denmark Norway Sweden
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
5% Off
From
US$1,975per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Winter Scandinavia and Northern Lights Small Group Tour
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Denmark Norway Sweden
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Norwegian Fjords
Operated in
English
Operator
Firebird Tours
5% Off
From
US$6,208per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Jokulsarlon,Egilsstadir,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Akureyri,Djupalonssandur,Reykholt,Hraunfossar,Reykjavik+15 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
5% Off
From $4,748
US$4,511per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
10 Days Iceland Ring Road In-depth - Private Tour (Winter)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The booking and tailor made itinerary was just amazing. Iceland was amazing."
Renee, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes, Arnarstapi, Hellnar,Grundarfjordur,Reykholt,Hvammstangi,Husavik,Akureyri,Godafoss,Myvatn,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Reynisfjara,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Solheimajokull,Hella,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Reykjavik+22 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
5% Off
From $13,213
US$12,553per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Capitals of the North
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Denmark Norway Sweden Finland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
5% Off
From
US$2,971per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.4 (22 traveler reviews)
"Fabulous 8 day winter tour round Iceland, packed with adventures and plenty of photo stops."
Celia, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogar,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Mount Namaskard,Godafoss,Akureyri,Borgarnes,Snæfellsnes,Djupalonssandur,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Kirkjufell Mountain,Stykkisholmur,Borgarfjörður,Reykholt,Hraunfossar+22 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
5% Off
From
US$2,688per 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
Geluxe: Winter in Iceland: Otherworldly Landscapes & Northern Lights
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Hella, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir,Gullfoss,Secret Lagoon,Snæfellsnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
5% Off
From
US$3,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
28 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Excellent tour operator that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone interested in an adventure in Iceland!"
Hong, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Seljaland,Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Faskrudsfjordur,Egilsstadir,Mount Namaskard,Hverfjall Volcano,Myvatn,Godafoss,Akureyri,Blonduos,Borgarnes+15 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
5% Off
From
US$2,284per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Winter Wonders of Norway - 7 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Bergen, Flam, Oslo
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $2,505
US$2,004per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Capitals of Scandinavia
3.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"The be my guest lunch was off the beaten track and was sensational."
Marilyn, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Denmark Norway Sweden Finland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $4,325
US$3,893per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Finnish Lapland in Winter
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"Always had good experiences with Intrepid."
Henk, 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
9 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Exploring Copenhagen Oslo and Reykjavik With Enchanting Northern Lights
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The actual experience itself was excellent as a taster of each country. The tour support was also excellent and got a fast helpful response anytime we needed to reach out."
Anthony, traveled in December
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Denmark Norway Iceland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
8% Off
From $4,067
US$3,742per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Scandinavian Northern Lights Adventure: 10 Days Across Denmark, Norway & Sweden
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"All the hotels we stayed in are very nice and cozy. We saw the Northern lights twice during the ferry and bus chasing northern light tour."
LIWAYWAY, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Denmark Norway Sweden
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
8% Off
From $4,610
US$4,241per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Lapland Winter Adventure
4.6 (5 traveler reviews)
"Excellent from start to finish, such a smooth payment plan and travel experience."
Ann-Claire, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kalix
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Carisa Travel Group
8% Off
From
US$4,115per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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