White Christmas Norwegian style - four destinations to consider

Experience a White Christmas in Norway with four enchanting destinations - Alta, Kirkenes, Senja and Lofoten - each paired with its own festive winter adventure.

A Scandinavian Christmas is something quite special. From candlelit windows and snow-dusted streets to timeless winter traditions, December in Norway feels both magical and deeply comforting. Christmas trees stand proudly in every home and hotel, festive markets fill the air with spices and song, and winter days invite you to slow down and savour the season.

From dog sledding and Northern Lights tours to quiet nights in timber lodges, our independent tailor-made itineraries bring you closer to the landscapes, culture and people who make a Norwegian Christmas so memorable.

Below are four of our favourite northern destinations for a White Christmas — each paired with a journey designed for the season.

Alta – Forest Lodges, Snowhotels and Family Adventures

Alta is one of northern Norway’s most reliable winter destinations — a place of quiet forests, deep snow, wide plateaus and excellent Northern Lights conditions throughout December. It is an easy and welcoming region for both families and couples, with two standout accommodation styles: intimate forest lodges and the extraordinary Sorrisniva Snowhotel.

Alta is also the base for two of our festive itineraries, each offering a different way to experience Christmas in the Arctic.

For families and gentle winter fun

Our Norwegian Winter Family Adventure (5 days) is perfect for travellers wanting a relaxed and magical Christmas atmosphere. Stay three nights in a cosy, family-run forest lodge before a final night at the spectacular Snowhotel. This itinerary is filled with soft adventures ideal for all ages:

• Dogsledding through snowy forests
• A snowshoe hike with friendly huskies
• Reindeer sledding and Sami storytelling
• A night inside the shimmering Snowhotel
• Optional snowmobiling on your final day

With activity trails right from the lodge door and a welcoming husky farm nearby, Alta is a wonderful place for families to experience the Polar Night and — with luck — the Northern Lights.

For couples or travellers wanting more Arctic adventure

Our Festive Adventure in Norway (5 days) offers a slightly more grown-up and adventurous take on the Alta region. Spend three nights at the elegant Arctic Wilderness Lodge by the river, then move into your intricately carved Igloo (Ice) Room for a truly unforgettable night.

This journey includes:

• A snowmobile adventure along the Alta River
• Husky sledding and an evening Northern Lights search
• A Sami cultural experience with reindeer sledding
• One night inside the handcrafted ice hotel

With its mix of comfort, culture and Arctic excitement, this festive itinerary is ideal for couples or small groups seeking a memorable and atmospheric Christmas far above the Arctic Circle.

Kirkenes – Snowhotel Magic and Arctic Adventures

Kirkenes is a winter wonderland tucked against Norway’s eastern border — remote, snowy and perfectly placed within the Aurora Zone. Known for its iconic Snowhotel and easy access to the ice-covered fjords, Kirkenes offers a true Arctic festive experience.

Our Kirkenes Winter Experience (5 days) is crafted for travellers wanting a blend of adventure, comfort and Northern Lights excitement. Enjoy a varied selection of winter experiences before spending a night in a room sculpted entirely from snow and ice.

Highlights include:

• Husky dogsledding
• Evening Northern Lights tour
• King crab fishing on frozen fjords
• A snowmobile safari across mountain fells
• One magical night in the Snowhotel ice room

Suitable for couples, families or first-time Arctic visitors, Kirkenes offers a relaxed and atmospheric Christmas with plenty of snowy fun.

Senja – Wildlife, Quiet Bays and Aurora-Filled Nights

Often described as a quieter alternative to Lofoten, Senja is one of Norway’s best-kept secrets — a dramatic island of sharp peaks, turquoise inlets and peaceful fishing communities. Winter on Senja feels intimate and wild; the silence, the scenery and the shifting Arctic light create a truly memorable festive atmosphere.

Our Senja, Wildlife & Auroras (6 days) itinerary blends the best of Tromsø and Senja, allowing you to experience both vibrant Arctic city life and the tranquillity of a remote island Christmas.

During this journey you will enjoy:

• Snowmobiling and free time in Tromsø
• A husky sledding experience before travelling to Senja
• A wildlife safari with sea eagles, seals and Arctic birdlife
• A Northern Lights snowshoe walk
• A peaceful stay at Hamn i Senja overlooking sheltered bays

With a mix of soft adventure and quiet winter moments, Senja offers a beautiful and less-trodden way to experience a Norwegian festive holiday.

Lofoten – Storybook Villages and Northern Lights over the Sea

The Lofoten Islands, our secret gem on Norway’s northern coast, are impossibly picturesque at Christmas: razor-sharp mountains, tiny red fishing huts, narrow fjords and a crisp tang of sea salt in the air. These islands are perfect for travellers seeking a scenic, atmospheric and authentic festive escape.

Our Lofoten & Northern Lights (4 days) itinerary invites you into this dramatic archipelago, staying in traditional fisherman’s cottages and exploring the landscapes that make Lofoten so unforgettable.

This short but rich winter break includes:

• A snowshoe nature experience
• An evening Northern Lights tour with a local photographer
• A thrilling RIB Sea Eagle safari
• Time to enjoy fishing villages, coastal walks and quiet winter light

With flexibility, soft adventure and breathtaking views everywhere you turn, Lofoten is a dream for photographers, nature lovers and anyone wanting a beautiful and peaceful Christmas in the Arctic.