Availability for Christmas & New Year 2026

With Christmas and New Year departures always among our most sought-after journeys, December 2026 availability is going fast. Whether that means a quieter pre-Christmas escape, meeting Santa on one of our small group tours or independent packages, or seeing in the New Year in the Arctic, explore what's still available below.

Our festive options

Pre-Christmas escapes: Travelling before Christmas means Lapland at its most anticipatory, markets, lights and snow-covered villages, with better value, more accommodation choice, fewer visitors than peak week, and typically an even more personal meeting with Santa. Read more on why Christmas is a season, not just one date, or browse Pre-Christmas departures which include the classics: husky sledding, reindeer encounters, Northern Lights excursions, and - of course - Santa.

Christmas week in Lapland: Nowhere does Christmas quite like Lapland. Meet Santa in his lantern-lit home in the forest, decorate festive treats, and spend evenings by the fire in a cabin or wilderness lodge, a once-in-a-lifetime week for many travellers.

New Year in the Arctic: The festive atmosphere lingers well past Christmas, with fewer crowds, easier restaurant bookings and stronger availability across Lapland's most sought-after stays, plus a genuinely local New Year once the Christmas crowds have moved on. A New Year escape means wilderness days, Northern Lights hunting and ringing in the new year beneath Arctic skies.

However you time it, every journey is designed by Nordic-born specialists who know Lapland beyond the postcard. Small groups, genuine local experiences, and support around the clock while you're travelling.

1. Is it too late to book a Christmas or New Year trip to Lapland for 2026?

Not too late, but timing matters. Several Christmas week (23–28 December) departures are already closed or fully booked, so availability is tightest right around Christmas Day itself. Pre-Christmas and New Year departures still have some availability, though release dates fall progressively between September and November, and once a release date passes, any unsold allocation may no longer be guaranteed. See our guide to timing your Nordic Christmas trip for more on why earlier or later departures can work in your favour.

2. What's the difference between a small group tour and an independent Christmas tour?

Small group tours travel as a small group with a tour leader throughout, looking after everything. Independent packages include the same accommodation and organised activities and transfers but without a shared group or tour leader.

3. How far in advance do I need to book?

12 months in advance is recommended, however, some packages may have last-minute availability up to two to three months before travel.

4. What happens if my preferred date shows no availability?

If a date is closed or fully booked, get in touch by filling in the enquiry form on the relevant trip page, and we may be able to suggest an alternative date or a similar tour with availability.

5. Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are visible across the Arctic north from September to March, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity and can never be guaranteed on any single trip. See our guide to the best time for Northern Lights.

6. What's included in the price?

Most major costs, including accommodation, transport and activities, are included, though specifics vary by tour. Check the inclusions listed on each tour page for exact detail. 24/7 emergency support is also included, giving you peace of mind that if the unexpected happens, you're in good hands.

7. Is Lapland suitable for young children or older travellers in winter?

Suitability depends on the specific tour and the ages in your group. Tours like Santa in Lapland and Christmas in Finland suit families with younger children from about age four, with gentle activities and hotel-style comfort. Older children get more adventure-focused options while Santa remains central, and teens or very active families can access boutique stays such as glass igloos, though some activities, snowmobiling as a passenger among them, have a minimum age of 10.

A couple of options are designed specifically for couples wanting a quieter festive escape without family crowds, and room configurations vary too, worth checking if you need a triple or quad cabin. See our guide to which Christmas in Lapland tour suits you.

8. How cold does it get, and what should I pack?

Lapland winters call for proper cold-weather preparation, and layering matters more than any single item. Our guide favours merino wool base layers, a woollen or fleece mid-layer and a windproof, waterproof outer shell over cotton, which holds moisture and makes you colder. Good boots, mittens over gloves, and a spare hat are all worth the suitcase space. See the full snow clothing essentials guide.

9. What if I need to change or cancel my booking?

Please refer to our booking conditions for change and cancellation terms.

10. Why should I choose 50 Degrees North?

We're Nordic specialists only, founded from a personal connection to Norway and built by people who know the region first-hand, not a generalist travel company that happens to sell Lapland. Groups are genuinely small, accommodation is handpicked rather than mass-market, and support is available 24 hours a day while you're travelling. We're also a certified B Corporation, the same principle carried through the whole business: fewer intermediaries, closer relationships with local partners, and journeys designed around the destination rather than a template. Read more about our approach to sustainable tourism and who we are.

11. I'm a travel agent, how do I check specific availability?

Visit the Christmas and New Year's Eve availability list on the Travel Advisor Hub (registration or login required).