Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Arctic / North Pole
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Arctic / North Pole. We have 84 adventures that vary from 4 days to 10 days. With the greatest number of departures in February, 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
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$2,651
Arctic Christmas unfolds at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort, overlooking Rovaniemi's snow-covered wilderness. Guests master husky sledding on 5km trails, glide on traditional reindeer sleigh rides, and share stories in authentic Finnish kotas. Evening saunas provide perfect Northern Lights viewing spots.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,165
20% Off- US$1,732You save $433
This 5-day winter trip brings you to Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle in Finland's frozen north. Drive your own snowmobile through wilderness on a 2-hour guided safari, mush through snowy forests on a husky sled pulled by energetic Alaskan dogs, and meet Santa Claus himself at the iconic Santa Claus Village.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Expeditions Gateways From $4,869
50% Off- US$2,435You save $2,435
Duration 9 days Destinations Finland, Norway, Sweden Age Range Ages 20-50 Operator Timetravels From $1,658
5% Off- US$1,575You save $84
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
5% Off- US$1,497
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 $2,333
10% Off- US$2,100You save $233
Lapland Highlights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very cool and interesting.”
Rashit, traveled in December
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Kakslauttanen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
10% Off- US$1,974
Levi à la carte
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Absolutely fantastic tour. Highly recommend.”
Robert, traveled in February
Duration 5 days Destinations Kittila, Levi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
10% Off- US$1,217
Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Communication via email was fast with replies to questions I had.”
Sue, traveled in December
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
10% Off- US$2,714
Winter magic unfolds with husky sledding and reindeer safaris in Rovaniemi's Arctic wilderness. Santa's Village awaits during free exploration time, while modern panoramic huts at Vaatunki Wilderness Resort offer rest. Traditional Finnish 'kota' teepee gatherings include warming hot drinks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,555
20% Off- US$2,044You save $511
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Arctic / North Pole
Rianna’s positivity and love for travel is absolutely contagious. She is caring, understanding, patient and inclusive all of her travellers and I cannot fault her as my guide. I would recommend Ri to anyone as she was amazing!
Norway Fjords and Northern Lights
- Rovaniemi Winter Experience
Great and knowledgeable tour guide. Was very helpful when activities were canceled and changed by the weather. I would add that I did not know there would be families on the tour with children under 10. There was tears/ tantrums/loud during talks/instructions ect with some of the children and as a solo traveller I was getting a bit frustrated. A group meal would be recommended to help break ice ect. I would also swap the snowmobiling and make that an optional activity
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."