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 $5,095
US$4,840per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
7 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$1,775per 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 $4,703
US$4,468per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ 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$2,943per 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)
"Great tour company and guide/driver, would highly recommend. Tour gave a great overview of Iceland."
Petrina, traveled in July
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$3,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
28 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Gilvy was really kind and a fun guide!!"
Kathleen, traveled in January
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 $2,500
US$2,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Winter)
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"The nightly accommodations were clean and comfortable, and breakfast was plentiful at each hotel."
Ellen, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi,Hellnar,Kirkjufell Mountain,Reykholt,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Solheimajokull,Myrdalsjokull,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Reykjavik+18 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
5% Off
From $2,452
US$2,330per 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 Self-drive | In-Depth Iceland Ring Road Tour (Winter)
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Every question I had beforehand and during the trip was quickly responded to. Highlights were zodiac tour of lagoon, glacier hike and puffins."
Ann, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykholt, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi,Kirkjufell Mountain,Hvitserkur,Akureyri,Godafoss,Myvatn,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Bakkagerdi,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Reynisfjara,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Solheimajokull,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Reykjavik,Blue Lagoon+24 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
5% Off
From $3,118
US$2,962per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Lapland Winter Adventure
4.6 (5 traveler 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
5% Off
From
US$4,076per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Exploring Copenhagen Oslo and Reykjavik With Enchanting Northern Lights
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"I'm giving excellent rating for the tour. There were a little hitch with regard to pick ups."
Wilda, 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 $4,580
US$4,214per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Capitals of Scandinavia
3.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"Great company, guide and driver."
Geoff, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Denmark Norway Sweden Finland Estonia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
8% Off
From
US$3,050per 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)
"It was a good trip, well planned, not too hurried."
Lynsay, 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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Nordic / Scandinavia Tours in December 2026

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