Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Lapland
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Lapland. We have 85 adventures that vary from 4 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Lapland tours
Compiled by
MelissaLapland travel expert at TourRadar
- Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
- Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
- For families: Visit to Santa
- NORTHERN LIGHTS ESCAPE Finland and Lapland Adventure
- Arctic Experience - Adults Only
- Finland Wilderness Discovery - 5 Days
- Finland Wilderness Express (Igloo) - 4 Days
- Finland Wilderness Express - 4 Days
- Arctic Winter Adventure - Adults Only
- Aurora Break LIGHT
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
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
This 5-day winter adventure in Finnish Lapland has you driving your own husky team through 10km of snowy forest on a safari from a kennel near Rovaniemi. You'll spend one night at Santa Claus Hotel, then move to Santa Igloos Arctic Circle for two nights in a glass igloo with Aurora Alarm.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range Ages 12+ Operator V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia From
15% Off- US$2,609
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 Christmas package near Inari includes a personal visit to Santa Claus, who gives each family member a gift. Four nights with full board feature traditional Lappish dishes like smoked fish and wild berries at Ukko restaurant. Activities cover a 3-hour family husky safari, a 2-hour reindeer farm visit, and a 4-hour snowmobile ride through the wide winter landscapes of Finnish Lapland.
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$2,588
Duration 7 days Destinations Ivalo, Saariselka, Rovaniemi, Helsinki Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
15% Off- US$3,669
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$2,926
Festive enchantment unfolds at Santa's Village in Rovaniemi during free time. Traditional Finnish winter activities include reindeer sleigh rides through snow-laden forests, with evenings dedicated to Northern Lights viewing. Modern panoramic huts at Vaatunki Wilderness Resort provide comfortable accommodation.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,595
15% Off- US$1,356You save $239
Duration 4 days Destinations Rovaniemi, Vaattunki Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,450
15% Off- US$1,233You save $218
Christmas magic comes alive in Rovaniemi, with stays at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort's panoramic huts. Traditional reindeer sleighs glide through snow-covered forests, while husky sledding adventures span 5km wilderness trails. Festive dinners and Northern Lights viewing from the riverside sauna complete each day.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,315
15% Off- US$1,118You save $197
Duration 8 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$4,097
Duration 5 days Destinations Ivalo, Inari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
15% Off- US$1,787
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Lapland
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 Lapland
How do Christmas celebrations differ in Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian Lapland?
The three regions of Lapland each present distinct holiday experiences. Finnish Lapland centers around Rovaniemi where visitors can explore Santa Claus Village and send mail from Santa's post office. In Swedish Lapland the focus shifts to Sami cultural celebrations particularly in places like Rensjon. Norwegian Lapland brings the festivities to the water's edge with celebrations along Tromsø's fjords. A TourRadar traveler noted "Getting to experience different Christmas traditions across three countries made the holiday extra special from Finnish Santa's Village to Swedish Sami celebrations."
What are the best dates to visit Lapland for a Christmas & New Year tour?
The peak season runs from mid-December through early January when Arctic winter conditions create an ideal setting. Cities like Rovaniemi and Saariselkä come alive with holiday activities with Santa Claus Village reaching peak festivity around Christmas Eve. Popular lodging options include the Vaatunki Wilderness Resort and Santa's Hotel Tunturi in Saariselkä. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Christmas in Lapland was truly an experience I will cherish for a lifetime."
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in Lapland tours?
Tours typically feature visits to Santa Claus at his village in Rovaniemi reindeer sleigh rides through snowy forests and husky safaris. New Year's Eve often includes traditional Finnish feasts and fireworks displays. Locations like the Apukka Resort and Vaatunki Wilderness Resort offer activities such as ice fishing snowmobile expeditions and aurora viewing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "From meeting the reindeer dog sledding to seeing the Northern lights skiing and snowshoeing and meeting wonderful Sami people I cannot recommend this trip enough."
When is the ideal time to see the Northern Lights during Christmas & New Year in Lapland?
The best viewing hours for the Northern Lights fall between 9:00 PM and midnight during the holiday season. Areas like Inari and Kilpisjärvi offer excellent viewing conditions due to their dark skies. Most tours include guided Aurora excursions to prime locations such as the wilderness near Rovaniemi or the fjords near Skibotn. One TourRadar traveler shared "Our guide took us out at the prime time for Auroras and we got to enjoy the magical display while warming up with hot drinks at an outside camp."
What accommodation options are available for Christmas & New Year tours?
The region offers varied places to stay from glass igloos at Saariselkä's Northern Lights Village to remote lodges like the Apukka Resort. Unique options include the ice-carved rooms at the Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi and the blend of Finnish tradition and modern comfort at Santa's Hotel Tunturi in Saariselkä. According to TourRadar travelers: "The quality of the hotels was top class with excellent service and the heated glass igloos provided an unforgettable experience."
What traditional Finnish Christmas & New Year customs can I experience?
Visitors can join in Finnish holiday traditions that include Christmas Eve sauna sessions at places like the Apukka Resort festive meals featuring regional specialties at wilderness lodges and New Year's celebrations with Sami communities. The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi offers hands-on experiences with Finnish Christmas customs including meeting Santa. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The local traditions and Sami culture made this Christmas experience truly authentic and magical."