White Christmas Holidays
A White Christmas holiday in the Nordics offers the chance to spend the festive season surrounded by winter landscapes, from snow-covered forests and frozen lakes to traditional log cabins and glass-roofed igloos. Finnish Lapland is our main destination for a snowy Christmas, with holidays that combine distinctive accommodation, Arctic activities and opportunities to meet Santa. For those looking beyond Finland, we also offer festive Christmas holidays in Norway and Sweden.
Finland's log cabins and snowy forests
Imagine stepping outside your private log cabin into a landscape of snow-covered trees. The forest is quiet, the snow crunches beneath your boots, and the evening sky may reveal the Northern Lights. In Finnish Lapland, winter brings opportunities to enjoy this kind of Arctic setting, with time for outdoor adventures and evenings spent warming up in your own cabin.
Travelling north of the Arctic Circle also means experiencing the distinctive light of the polar winter. In parts of Finnish Lapland, the sun stays below the horizon for a period around midwinter, although the exact dates vary by location. There are still periods of twilight and blue light during the day, creating a different atmosphere from the long summer days.
The Northern Lights are another possible highlight of a winter holiday, but sightings depend on solar activity, clear skies and darkness. Staying several nights gives you more opportunities to see them than relying on a single evening.
Read our guide to the best time to see the Northern Lights to help plan your trip.
Find your White Christmas holiday
Our Christmas and New Year holidays focus primarily on Finnish Lapland, where you can stay in a private log cabin or a glass igloo, meet Santa and enjoy Arctic winter activities. Depending on your chosen holiday, experiences may include husky sledding, reindeer visits and snowmobile excursions.
Some holidays are designed around families with young children and include a Santa experience, while others focus on Arctic nature, distinctive accommodation or a quieter winter escape for couples. Consider whether you want a hosted program with activities arranged for you, an independent stay with more flexibility, or a festive holiday centred on meeting Santa.
If you would prefer to celebrate Christmas elsewhere in Scandinavia, we also offer Festive Adventure in Norway and Festive Swedish Christmas. These provide two alternatives for travellers looking to experience the festive season in Norway or Swedish Lapland.
When should you book a White Christmas holiday?
Christmas is a popular time to travel to Finnish Lapland, particularly for family-sized cabins and accommodation with glass roofs. Booking early gives you a better chance of securing your preferred dates and room configuration.
Snow conditions vary by destination and year, so choose your location carefully if a snowy landscape is central to your plans. Finnish and Swedish Lapland are popular choices for winter experiences, but snow cannot be guaranteed on a particular date.
Explore our Christmas and New Year holidays to compare available trips, or contact our Nordic destination specialists for advice on finding the right festive experience.
Enjoy your winter in the north!
Further reading
- Travel inspiration and news
- More articles about Christmas in Lapland
- More articles about Finland
- When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
- Glass igloos in Finland
About the author
Mari Räsänen is the CEO of 50 Degrees North. Originally from Finland, she has worked across many areas of the company, from sales to finance, and has personally guided Christmas tours in the Nordic region. Her Finnish roots and first-hand experience help bring the region’s winter landscapes, traditions and festive experiences to life. Read more about Mari.