What are the traditional Finnish experiences can I have in Lapland Country Region during December?

The winter season in Lapland brings authentic Finnish customs to life. Visitors can experience traditional smoke saunas at wilderness lodges near Madejärvi or try ice fishing on the frozen lakes of Rovaniemi. Local Arctic cuisine takes center stage at unique venues like the Ice Restaurant in the Arctic SnowHotel. The Siida Museum in Inari offers insights into Sami culture while hands-on reindeer herding activities connect guests with centuries-old traditions. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The traditional Finnish sauna followed by ice swimming was an unforgettable cultural experience."

What special Christmas experiences are available in Lapland Country Region during December?

Rovaniemi the official hometown of Santa Claus becomes a winter wonderland in December. The Santa Claus Village welcomes visitors for personal meetings with Santa and the chance to send mail from the Arctic Circle Post Office. Evenings bring enchanting reindeer-drawn sleigh rides through snow-laden forests while Inari hosts authentic Sami cultural shows. Traditional Finnish Christmas meals round out the seasonal offerings. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Meeting Santa at his village was magical and the evening reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forest felt like a real Christmas fairy tale."

What unique accommodation options are available in Lapland during December?

Distinctive lodging choices define the Lapland experience. The IceHotel in Jukkasjarvi features rooms sculpted from ice kept at -5 to -8°C. At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort glass igloos provide heated comfort with clear views of the night sky. Traditional log cabins in Yllastunturi offer a more rustic stay. As one TourRadar traveler described "The ice hotel was an incredible experience - sleeping on ice beds with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags was surprisingly comfortable and truly unique."

What are the best activities to do in Lapland during December?

Winter activities define the December experience in Lapland. Visitors can join husky sledding expeditions reindeer safaris snowmobile tours and northern lights viewing sessions. In Rovaniemi and Yllastunturi traditional experiences include visits to a historic reindeer farm operating since 1861 husky safaris through silent forests and sessions in authentic smoke saunas. As a TourRadar traveler mentioned "The husky safari was incredible - hearing only the sound of the dogs' paws on the snow while driving through the pristine wilderness was unforgettable." The Apukka Resort area and Santa Claus Village serve as primary bases for these activities.

How much does a typical December trip to Lapland Country Region cost?

Daily rates for December visits to Lapland range from USD 475 to USD 1075 with peak Christmas season commanding premium prices. A 5-day Northern Lights and glass igloo package typically costs USD 2375. More comprehensive 7-day Arctic adventures can reach USD 4990. These rates generally cover lodging guided activities and winter equipment rentals. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "While not cheap the experience was worth every penny - especially the unique accommodations and included activities."

Are December tours in Lapland Country Region suitable for families with children?

Lapland's December activities cater well to families particularly around Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village and Ranua Wildlife Park where children can observe Arctic animals including polar bears. Family rooms are available at places like the Arctic SnowHotel and most activities accommodate various age groups. Some adventures such as extended husky safaris require participants to be 18 or older. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our children loved every minute especially meeting the huskies and visiting Santa's village - it was perfectly organized for families."

Lapland Tours in December 2026

10 best Lapland tour packages in December

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Northern Lights
Arctic Highlights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"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
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$2,640per 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
Arctic Experience - Adults Only
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"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
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
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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Northern Lights
For families: Visit to Santa
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Created unbelievable memories for kids. The food was also amazing, every meal was different and delicious."
Jennifer, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$2,620per 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
Arctic Winter Adventure - Adults Only
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$4,147per 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
Aurora Break LIGHT
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Inari
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$1,809per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
4.5 (10 traveler reviews)
"Communication via email was fast with replies to questions I had."
Sue, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
From
US$2,641per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Northern Lights
Lapland Highlights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Very cool and interesting."
Rashit, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Kakslauttanen
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$1,951per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Polar
NORTHERN LIGHTS ESCAPE Finland and Lapland Adventure
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Saariselka, Rovaniemi, Helsinki
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
EUROLATINO Tour Operators
From
US$3,714per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Polar
Swedish Lapland Winter Adventure
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Muonionalusta
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
4% Off
From $4,875
US$4,675per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Polar
Finland Wilderness Discovery - 5 Days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From $1,550
US$1,318per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Tailor-Made 7 Days Finland Adventure to Lapland, Private Transfer
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
15% Off
From
US$5,389per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Grand Lapland Tour - Finland, Sweden and Norway with activities
4.6 (16 traveler reviews)
"The quality of the hotels was top class with excellent service. In general, this tour was fantastic and worth every penny."
Oona, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Finland Norway Sweden
Age Range
Ages 18-50
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Timetravels
15% Off
From
US$1,757per person
Price based on Shared Room
22 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
29 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
The Northern Lights of Finland (2026)
4.9 (73 traveler reviews)
"Love the trip, enjoyed everything."
Angel, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Kakslauttanen
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
6% Off
From $5,499
US$5,149per person
+$500 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Explorer
Helsinki to Kirkenes - Beyond the Arctic Circle
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary for the tour was great and utilized the 10 days for maximum activity experience."
Jessica, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Inari, Kirkenes
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Carisa Travel Group
6% Off
From
US$5,058per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
17 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Finland – Arctic Adventure with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
6% Off
From
US$4,990per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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