Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Arctic / North Pole. We have 93 adventures that vary from 4 days to 10 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Arctic / North Pole tours
Compiled by
MelissaArctic / North Pole travel expert at TourRadar
- Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
- For families: Visit to Santa
- Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
- Arctic Experience - Adults Only
- Arctic Winter Adventure - Adults Only
- Incredible Lofoten Islands ( Harstad, Andenes, Reine & Svolvær)
- Aurora Break LIGHT
- Arctic Highlights
- Lapland Highlights
- NORTHERN LIGHTS ESCAPE Finland and Lapland Adventure
Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Communication via email was fast with replies to questions I had.”
Sue, traveled in December
In Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle, you'll guide your own husky team across 10km of Arctic wilderness after meeting the sled dogs at a local kennel. Glass igloos at Santa Igloos feature Aurora Alarm tech and 3-course meals at Arctic Eye, plus visits to Santa Claus Village with private airport transfers.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
- US$2,599
For families: Visit to Santa
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Created unbelievable memories for kids. The food was also amazing, every meal was different and delicious.”
Jennifer, traveled in December
The wilderness village of Inari sits far north in the Arctic Circle where there's minimal light pollution and great Northern Lights viewing conditions. You'll spend 4 nights with full board featuring traditional Lappish cuisine. Activities include a 2-hour reindeer farm visit and a 3-hour family husky safari across frozen lakes and wide winter landscapes. The package also covers a meeting with Santa Claus in his Arctic home plus 4-hour snowmobile tours through the Arctic wilderness.
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
- US$2,578
Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Going to Lapland in winter was always a dream. This did not disappoint. Loved the day trips we did and the accommodation was amazing.”
Claire, traveled in January
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,495
15% Off- US$2,121You save $374
Arctic Experience - Adults Only
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Facilities, food, care, activities...everything was excellent! The location is marvellous and we saw the aurora borealis.”
Julie, traveled in February
Duration 6 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$2,915
Duration 8 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$4,081
Duration 10 days Destinations Harstad, Andenes, Reine, Svolvær Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Nature Safari From $5,990
30% Off- US$4,193You save $1,797
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
30% Off- US$1,780
Arctic Highlights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Everything was well planned, but at the same time we had free time to explore on our own, which made the experience even better.”
Joana, traveled in February
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
30% Off- US$2,598
Lapland Highlights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very cool and interesting.”
Rashit, traveled in December
Four nights at Muotka Wilderness Resort near Kakslauttanen include full-board dining with traditional Lappish food at Tuisku restaurant. The package features a reindeer day with snowmobiles, husky sledding through Taiga forests, and Aurora Camp evenings where Northern Lights viewing happens right from your Aurora Cabin bed.
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Kakslauttanen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
30% Off- US$1,920
Duration 7 days Destinations Ivalo, Saariselka, Rovaniemi, Helsinki Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
30% Off- US$3,655
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Arctic / North Pole
Very cool and interesting
Lapland Highlights
- Norway Fjords and Northern Lights
Ri was so caring, considerate, knowledgeable and positive. She had solutions for almost anything and enabled me to feel less stressed with activities and transport, giving clear and concise information, times etc. As a person Ri has been the perfect fit as a tour guide for the Northern Lights and Fjords trip! Couldn't of asked for a better person to lead me on my first European trip.
This trip was wonderful and empowering. The scenery was magical. The activities were fun and memorable. Elo and our drivers were excellent. I met some wonderful people. Christmas in Lapland was truly an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.
Grand Lapland Tour - Finland, Sweden and Norway with activities
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
What's the best way to get to Arctic destinations for Christmas & New Year celebrations?
Access to Arctic destinations during the holiday season typically starts from major Nordic cities. Travelers can fly directly to Ivalo Airport for Finnish Lapland destinations or choose from multiple European connections to Tromsø. The Arctic Circle train service connects Stockholm to Luleå running entirely on renewable energy. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Arctic Circle train from Stockholm to Luleå runs on renewable energy and offers a memorable start to your adventure especially during the festive season."
What unique Christmas activities are available on Arctic winter tours?
Arctic winter tours blend traditional holiday experiences with Nordic culture. Visitors can explore Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi rest in glass igloos at Aurora Nest or Apukka Resort and participate in dog sledding expeditions with Alaskan huskies. At Vaatunki Wilderness Resort guests join festive dinners and watch the Northern Lights from riverside saunas creating a distinctive Arctic Christmas experience.
What's the best time to see the Northern Lights during the Christmas and New Year period in the Arctic?
The peak Northern Lights viewing season aligns perfectly with the holiday period from December 20th to January 5th during the Polar Night. Places like Longyearbyen in Svalbard offer potential Aurora sightings throughout the day. The most reliable viewing window falls between 6 PM and 1 AM particularly from locations like Camp Barentz near Longyearbyen or the wilderness areas around Rovaniemi. One TourRadar traveler recounted: "Watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky from the Treehotel in Harads on New Year's Eve was absolutely incredible - the perfect way to welcome the new year."
What type of accommodation options are available for Christmas & New Year stays in the Arctic?
Arctic accommodations range from the renowned ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi to the distinctive Treehotel nestled in Harads' forests. Urban options include the Scandic Rovaniemi with Finnish saunas and the Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center. Glass igloos prove especially popular as one TourRadar traveler described: "Staying in a glass igloo at the Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi for Christmas was magical - we watched the Northern Lights from our bed while staying cozy and warm." Tour packages often include stays in traditional Sami camps or wilderness lodges decorated for the season.
What festive dining experiences are offered during Arctic Christmas & New Year tours?
The Arctic holiday dining scene combines local traditions with festive celebrations. Options range from Lappish Christmas dinners at Santa's Village to refined cuisine at the ICEHOTEL Restaurant. Svalbard's Camp Barentz pairs Christmas dinner with Aurora viewing while Finnish venues present traditional Christmas buffets. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The Christmas Eve feast at the Scandic Rovaniemi was incredible - we tried traditional Finnish Christmas dishes like lutefisk and got to meet local families celebrating." New Year's celebrations often feature champagne toasts under the Northern Lights.
How cold does it get during Christmas & New Year in the Arctic?
Arctic winter temperatures typically fall between -5°C and -30°C (23°F to -22°F). Kilpisjärvi stands out as one of Finland's coldest locations. Places like the Wilderness Inari hotel provide specialized winter gear for guests' comfort during outdoor activities. A practical tip from a TourRadar traveler states: "The guides will keep you warm and comfortable even in extreme conditions but I can only recommend warm clothes and several layers of socks."