Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Arctic / North Pole. We have 87 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
Polar Nights in Tromsø & Sommarøy Island
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Superb tour. Well planned, timing was excellent, had a marvelous time!”
Nancy, traveled in March
Duration 5 days Destinations Tromso, Sommaroy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
- US$2,039
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$2,547
The Arctic winter comes alive with husky sledding through snow-covered landscapes and Northern Lights viewing from Camp Nikka's cozy lavvu. Malangen Resort's sea-view cabins and Tromsø's Clarion Collection Aurora provide comfortable lodging. Evenings feature fireside dining and aurora hunting in prime locations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tromso, Malangen Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
- US$2,242
Arctic Experience - Adults Only
1 Review 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
- US$2,877
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
- US$2,567
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
- US$1,897
Duration 4 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,390
15% Off- US$1,182You save $209
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Arctic / North Pole
Ri and how she planned the trip was amazing, the people and the places we went to blew my mind away. To see the beauties of God’s creation is something special.
Norway Fjords and Northern Lights
- Grand Lapland Tour - Finland, Sweden and Norway with activities
It was amazing .Our guide was very knowledgeable and it was lovely listening to him. The quality of the hotels was top class with excellent service. In general the this tour was fantastic and worth every penny.
- Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
Going to Lapland in winter was always a dream. This did not disappoint. Right from the start of organising this, the team were a great help. They did everything possible to try find availability and make it all work so that we could do this trip. Loved the day trips we did and the accommodation was amazing. Didn’t have to think about anything as it was all organised. 100% would recommend this trip.
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."