Finland, Europe

Finnish Lapland in December

Christmas in Santa's hometown. Snowy and festive, but the most expensive and darkest time.

BestVery cold, highs near 14F (-10C), polar night in the far north

Reindeer sled in a snowy Lapland forest — Finnish LaplandPhoto: Jacek Rużyczka, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Finnish Lapland. Christmas in Santa's hometown. Snowy and festive, but the most expensive and darkest time.

Weather: Very cold, highs near 14F (-10C), polar night in the far north
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Finnish Lapland

December is Christmas in Santa's hometown. Highs sit near 14F (-10C), and polar night settles over the far north, with the sun staying below the horizon. Snow covers the forests, and every lodge runs Christmas programs. It is also the busiest and most expensive month, and husky and reindeer safaris sell out. Early December can have thin snow in some years.

It suits families with young kids who dream of meeting Santa. Book flights, lodges, and safaris very early, often a year ahead. If you want lower prices, better snow, and more daylight, go in March.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Finnish Lapland this month.

Santa Claus Village

Meeting Santa on the Arctic Circle is the top reason families come. Go in the morning to avoid the longest lines.

Christmas programs at the lodges

Lodges run festive dinners, sleigh rides, and events. Confirm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining early.

Polar night skies

In the far north, the sun does not rise, and the midday sky glows pink and blue.

What to pack for December

A heavy parka and snow pants
Thermal base layers
Insulated winter boots
Warm mittens, hat, and face cover
Hand warmers

Our timing tip

Book Christmas trips a year ahead, and visit Santa Claus Village early in the day before tour groups arrive.

Book Finnish Lapland for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Finnish Lapland
Opens a hotel search for Finnish Lapland in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Finnish Lapland
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Finnish Lapland
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Finnish Lapland for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Northern lights season

Late August to early April, best on dark clear nights from September to March

Stay at least three to four nights to improve your odds, and get away from town lights.

Polar night (kaamos)

Roughly December into early January in the far north

The sun does not rise above the horizon in northern Lapland. Blue-hour light and pink skies at midday instead.

Christmas in Lapland

December

Santa Claus Village, snowy forests, and Christmas programs at every lodge. Book very early.

Things to do in Finnish Lapland

Full guide

Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle

The regional capital and the gateway for most visitors, with Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle line just outside town.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Santa Claus Village

Open every day of the year. Go in the morning to avoid the longest lines to meet Santa in December.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Arktikum

Science center and museum in Rovaniemi on Arctic nature and people. A great first stop to understand the region.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Siida, Inari

The Sami museum and nature center on Lake Inari. Well worth the drive north.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Levi and Yllas

The two biggest fell resorts, with downhill and cross-country skiing in winter and hiking and biking in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Husky and reindeer safaris

Most run from December to early April, with the best snow conditions from February to March. Book ahead in peak weeks.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

For a winter trip, aim for March instead of December or February school holidays: better light, lower prices, and still excellent snow.
Stay outside Rovaniemi, for example in Saariselka, Levi, Yllas, or Inari, for darker skies and fewer tour buses.
Book safaris, glass cabins, and flights for December months ahead; prices and demand peak around Christmas.
Summer and September hiking trails are uncrowded almost everywhere; the national park huts rarely feel busy outside holiday weeks.

Know before you go

May and early June (the melt season) and October to November (before snow) are gaps: many safaris, hotels, and restaurants close or run limited service.
Snow-dependent activities like husky and snowmobile safaris usually run from December to April. In some years, early December snow can be thin.
Around Christmas, restaurants and activities can be booked out; confirm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining in advance.
Some ski lifts and resort services close in late April or May, depending on snow.

Finnish Lapland in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Finnish Lapland?

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Finnish Lapland. Christmas in Santa's hometown. Snowy and festive, but the most expensive and darkest time.

What is the weather like in Finnish Lapland in December?

Very cold, highs near 14F (-10C), polar night in the far north.

Is Finnish Lapland crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Finnish Lapland; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Finnish Lapland in December?

Northern lights season (late august to early april, best on dark clear nights from september to march); Polar night (kaamos) (roughly december into early january in the far north); Christmas in Lapland (december).