Christmas is just not the same without a snow - and Scandinavia, with its wide wilderness areas and fairy-tale forests, is the best place to enjoy that much-loved white Christmas. Rush through the fields on a husky-drawn sled, toboggan down the slopes, ride a reindeer and even meet St. Nick himself on a variety of Christmas breaks that are sure to build memories for years to come. Similarly, New Year in Scandinavia serves up plenty of seasonal fun, encapsulated to perfection in our selection of tailor-made breaks.

Meet Santa

Head to Lapland’s Harriniva winter wonderland, where Father Christmas's grotto and family-friendly winter activities combine to make for an unforgettable festive period. Guaranteed snow blankets a picturesque landscape of fields and snow fir trees, hanging heavy with fresh powder. Pierce the quiet with a dogsledding trip or a snowmobile excursion.You’ll also bake Christmas cookies – including traditional Finnish gingerbread – and perhaps take Rudolph out for a ride.

Meeting Santa in Harrivina, Finnish Lapland
Meeting Santa in Harriniva, Finnish Lapland

Staying in lakeside cabins, you’ll be led – by elves, of course – to meet Santa, who hands out early presents to well-behaved guests. If you’re lucky, you might spot the famed Northern Lights while adult activities include wilderness cooking lessons and cross-country skiing.

A Norwegian retreat

Set on the shores of the impressive Malangenfjord and marking the start of Norway’s Arctic, Malangen Resort puts on a full complement of festive activities that make the most of its fairy-tale location. Stay in fjord-side traditional Norwegian cabins as you don thermals for husky safaris and snowmobile rides to a backdrop of forested mountains dropping into the sea.

Winter at Malangen Resort, Norway
Malangen Resort, Norway

You’ll also spend an afternoon in a Sámi tent to learn about the rich culture and hardy past of the region’s indigenous people before setting out in search of the Northern Lights. Come Christmas Day, you’ll be treated to a festive feast from the resort’s European chefs.

Norway offer lots of lovely cabins and cottages, so you can find your own winter getaway retreat.

City breaks

It’s not just the region’s rural swathes that come to life over Christmas. Head to Copenhagen where festive markets spring up each season and the aromas of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg fill the air. Feast on Danish smorrebrod – open rye sandwiches – or tuck into traditional pastries, cakes and apple dumplings all washed down with a hot cup of glogg – mulled wine.

Entrance to Bergen Christmas Market, Norway
Bergen Christmas Market, Norway

Christmas markets are also a great chance to do a spot of last minute Christmas shopping. From your central hotel, you’ll also have all of the Danish capital’s sights on your doorstep – pastel painted townhouses host world-renowned modern art galleries and museums alike.

New Year Holidays

While Christmas rightly steals the headlines, Scandinavia also offers a superb line in New Year holidays, and our collection of unique getaways allows you celebrate in style. Perhaps you'll head to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, where a stay at the Arctic SnowHotel sets the scene for the likes of snowmobiling, ice fishing and even an ice-bar disco to see in the new year.

Drinks in the ice bar at Tromso Ice Domes, Norway
Tromso Ice Domes

Or, head to Tromso's Ice Domes for cocktails and a husky-friendly fireworks display. Whatever you fancy, speak to our specialists, who'll be able to suggest the best options for you.

Finland

Finland

Ride huskies or reindeer, try winter sports, spot the Northern Lights or meet Santa himself on a luxury holiday in Finland.

Norway

Norway

Exciting cities and remote Arctic landscapes result in husky sledding, Christmas markets, snowmobiling and Northern Lights all being in abundance.

Iceland

Iceland

While blankets of snow cover Iceland at Christmas, you’ll also find volcano-strewn fields, hot springs and lordly glaciers that form a unique collection of ecosystems.

Sweden

Sweden

From the bustling Christmas markets of the country's urban cities to husky sled excursions in the remote reaches of Lapland, Sweden knows how to put on a memorable Christmas.

 

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