New Year’s Eve in the Arctic Circle – 5 Days in Rovaniemi
New Year’s Eve in the Arctic Circle – 5 Days in Rovaniemi
5 Days Starting and ending in Rovaniemi, Finland
Visiting: Rovaniemi, SnowHotel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
130490
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
2 - 30
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
English , French , German , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
New Year’s Eve is a remarkable event around the world, next December, we invite you to experience this magical time in Lapland with us! Rovaniemi is Santa’s hometown, but not only that. The city is the gateway to Lapland and has one of the most incredible natural events in the world: The Northern Lights. Join us this Winter to experience everything Finnish Lapland has to offer, meet the reindeer, watch the aurora in the sky, drive brand new Snowmobiles and of course, relax in this Winter Land!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival To The Arctic Circle
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland! Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it’s a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for being a perfect spot for seeing the Northern Lights. It’s home to the Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke features interactive exhibits on northern forests!
You will be picked up at the airport (or train station) and taken to the Nordic Unique Travels Office where you will get dressed with proper Winter Clothes. After that, you will head to the Finnish magical forest covered in pure white snow to enjoy the Arctic Circle Traditional Campfire Dinner. You will end your special day with the exciting Northern Lights Hunting Tour!
Day 2 : Snowmobile Experience, Ice Fishing, And New Year's Eve Fireworks
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Leave from Rovaniemi by your speedy Snowmobile and take a short walk to reach the lake. Start drilling a hole on the icy lake, and wait and relax for the fish while enjoying the Lappish wilderness surrounding you. The scenery around is amazing, ideal for you to shoot memorable photos of this special holiday! After that, make a Bonfire and grill some of the tasty fish we might catch!
At night, you will see New Year’s Eve fireworks and have some free champagne during a Northern Lights Photography Tour! At Lapland’s capital, New Years Eve festivities are magical, you will be delighted with the colorful, festive atmosphere of the amazing Fireworks lighting up the skies and reflecting off on the white snow! It's pure magic! Get some photos with you and the amazing auroras at the same time!
Day 3 : Reindeer Farm And Sleigh, Santa Claus Village, The Arctic Circle
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
At the Reindeer farm, you will meet the real reindeer herders, who will tell you about their way of life hand by hand with nature! You will have a Reindeer sleigh which will give you a taste of the old traditional way of traveling in Lapland. The quiet and comfortable reindeer sleigh ride helps you to clear out your mind and release stress, you will also receive a driver's license certificate!
After that, head for the Santa Claus Village; underneath the Arctic Circle, it is Christmas all year round! Spend an unforgettable visit to Santa Park! You will have a private meeting with Santa Claus, and visit the popular and sweet Santa's Post office! You will join the Elves in their magic world, and you will have the chance to send greetings from Santa's Post Office. Also, the Arctic Circle cuts right through Santa Claus Village! A white line denoting the Arctic Circle (at its position in 1865) is painted across the park. You will officially enter the Arctic area when you cross the line. The line is a very popular photo spot for every visitor! You also will acquire the Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate.The lunch will be provided at Santa's place, where you will have the opportunity to taste the traditional Finnish buffet.
Day 4 : Husky Farm And Sleigh Ride, Visit Ice Castle, Night At The Snow Hotel With Traditional Sauna
Location: SnowHotel
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Your first stop of the day will be at the Husky farm! The enthusiasm of Husky dogs, the atmosphere of old days and the exoticism of Lapland. You will meet the genuine Siberian Huskies, enjoy the environment and get thrilled by the speed of the sled in the forest! After the unforgettable experience with the Huskies, stop for a lunch break in the beautiful outdoors while your guide prepares a delicious Lappish lunch by the snow campfire!
At night you will check in at the Arctic Snow Hotel and have one of the most wonderful nights of your life! The Snow Hotel is a complete comfort, they are located on the Arctic Circle, far enough from the city lights of Rovaniemi. Although there is no way to guarantee an Aurora sighting – since a clear sky, geomagnetic activity and a dash of luck are needed – the probability for a great Northern Lights show at the Arctic Snow Hotel is almost optimal! Experience the most traditional custom in Finland.
Day 5 : Arctic Circle Forest Experience, Departure From Rovaniemi
Location: Rovaniemi
Meals Included: No Meals
It's your last day in Winter land and it is time for you to chill and be comfortable! In the morning, head to the peaceful snow-covered Winterland for magic walk into the Arctic Secret Forest. Here you can cross the Arctic Circle and experience the wilds of Lapland just outside Rovaniemi. After, you are free to do what you want, until you will be picked up to be taken either to the airport or train station!
What's Included
- 3 Nights in Hotel Aakenus or similiar
- 1 Night in Arctic Snow Hotel * Double Room
- Professional Guide
- Meals:
- Day 1 - Arctic Circle Traditional Campfire Dinner
- Day 2 - Bonfire Grilled Fish
- Day 3 - Christmas Traditional Lunch Buffet
- Day 4 - Snow Campfire Lunch
- All activities in the itinerary are included in the price
- Free Transport between activities and sites during the 5 days for the activities.
Please Note
- At least 2 people are required for this tour to take place
- Changes in the itinerary are possible upon request
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
- Please be ready and wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time
- Infant under 2 is complimentary
- Product may be cancelled or rescheduled if the group size is smaller than 2 persons.
Check out our Q&As
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Where are we located?
Nordic Unique Travels LTD located in the door to the Arctic: Rovaniemi, Lapland. Our office is approachable by walking distance from the major hotels in the city area (Maakuntakatu 29-31 96200 Rovaniemi Finland). We are in the middle of the city centre, next to Subway and in front of Sale Market. Come make us a visit!
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When to travel to Lapland?
There are four distinctly different seasons as far up north as Rovaniemi. However, locals think the conditions are in a constant state of change and say there are up to eight seasons in the year: midwinter, snowy spring, spring, summer, harvest season, autumn leaf colour, first snowfall, and Christmas. Please bear in mind that there is annual fluctuation in weather. Lapland is in the continental climate zone. The winters are cold and rich in snow, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, the summers are relatively warm. Rovaniemi is part of the arctic region; its climate, however, is subarctic and temperate, characterised by strong seasonal contrasts of dark versus bright and cold versus warm.
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Summer in Lapland
The Midnight Sun and white nights in June and July The Midnight Sun period officially lasts from early June until early July, but nights are white throughout the summer in Rovaniemi. The summer in Lapland can offer an interesting variety of weather conditions, with a longer warm spell expected in July. The warmest time of year brings people out in masses, and various events take place in summery Rovaniemi. Prepare to celebrate until the wee hours, as the sun never goes down. There are plenty of things to do in Rovaniemi in the summer, and with 24 hours of light, there’s no limits to time of action.
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Spring in Lapland
The snow melts, the ice breaks and nature is reborn in April and May April is still considered a snowy month in Rovaniemi and Lapland, but the snow gradually disappears as May approaches. The ice on rivers and lakes starts melting, and big chunks of ice can be seen flowing downstream. In early April, the last of the Northern Lights displays can be seen. Towards the end of April, nights are too light for the Auroras to be spotted. In May, northern nature starts getting ready to blossom once again after a harsh winter. At the end of May, nights are white. In Rovaniemi, winter activities still run in early April, after which it’s time for non-snow stuff.
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Winter in Lapland
Christmas, the Polar Night and snowy spring from December to March December and January are snowy months shrouded in the darkness of the Polar Night. The sun comes out in February and marks the start of the snowy, light-filled spring. March is often terrific for Northern Lights viewing. In Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, Christmas is a special time, as many flock to the arctic town to meet Santa in person and experience the festive season in magical wintery surroundings. The winter is a great time for a number of activities both in the snow outside and experiencing local culture inside.
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Autumn in Lapland
First Auroras and first snowfall from August to November Early August is still considered summer by many, but by the end of the month, it’s definitely autumn. The Northern Lights start appearing in late August, and September and October are ideal Aurora viewing months. Temperatures start dropping below zero in October, and first snow usually falls at around the same time period. A permanent snow cover is expected in late November. Autumn leaf colour paints the landscapes in earthy shades, and days are perfect for hiking and other nature related activities, as nights are best reserved for Aurora spotting.
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Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Nordic Unique Travels requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of nordic unique travels charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.