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Northern Lights in Lapland

Europe Christmas Tours

Experience festive magic with these Christmas tours in Europe. Let regional experts plan your perfect getaway with quality stays and unforgettable winter activities. Get ready to chase the northern lights, go husky sledding, and explore festive markets.

Iceland

Discover breathtaking frozen waterfalls, epic landscapes, and soothing hot springs.

Top 3 things to do:

  • Chase the northern lights
  • Unwind in a geothermal hot pool
  • Go snowmobiling over glaciers

5 Must-see attractions:

Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
December

Christmas in Iceland

Reykjavik, Waterfalls, Northern Lights

280814ISK

Eur

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5 days / 4 nights
December

280814ISK

Eur

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Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
December

A Christmas to Remember

Super Jeeps, Glaciers & Blue Lagoon

320538ISK

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
December

320538ISK

Eur

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Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
6 days / 5 nights
4.6
December

Christmas & Northern Lights

Best of South Iceland

313620ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
December

313620ISK

Eur

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Finnish Lapland

Celebrate Christmas any time from December to March, and meet Santa Claus in his home town.

Top 3 things to do:

  • Sleep under the stars in a glass igloo
  • Relax in a Finnish sauna
  • Meet friendly reindeer

5 Must-see attractions:

Finland
Best seller
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

Best of Rovaniemi - Classic

Santa Claus Village & Dog Sledding

1753EUR

Eur

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Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

1753EUR

Eur

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Finland
Partially Guided
3 days / 2 nights
Dec - Mar

Winter Getaway at the Arctic Snowhotel

1477EUR

Eur

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3 days / 2 nights
Dec - Mar

1477EUR

Eur

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Finland
Partially Guided
6 days / 5 nights
Dec-Mar

Best of Lapland Complete - Rovaniemi

2472EUR

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
Dec-Mar

2472EUR

Eur

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Swedish Lapland

Try thrilling wintry activities in this snowy wonderland and stay in a hotel sculpted from ice.

Top 3 things to do:

  • Look out for the aurora borealis
  • Go on a husky sled ride
  • Sleep in a hotel made from ice

5 Must-see attractions:

Sweden
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
23 Dec

Christmas Adventure in Swedish Lapland

1896EUR

Eur

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5 days / 4 nights
23 Dec

1896EUR

Eur

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Sweden
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
29 Dec

New Years Adventure in Swedish Lapland

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Sweden
Best seller
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
4.9
Dec - Mar

Classic Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

2341EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Dec - Mar

2341EUR

Eur

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Scotland

Experience warm hospitality and old-world charm in this Celtic country.

Top 3 things to do:

  • See Edinburgh glow under twinkling lights
  • Relax in the peaceful Scottish Highlands
  • Visit atmospheric castles

5 Must-see attractions:

Scotland
Multi-Day Tours
4 days / 3 nights
Nov - Dec

Christmas in Scotland

702GBP

Eur

View map
4 days / 3 nights
Nov - Dec

702GBP

Eur

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Scotland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
Nov - Dec

A Scottish Christmas to Remember

845GBP

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
Nov - Dec

845GBP

Eur

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Scotland
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
Nov - Mar

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Winter

1408GBP

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Nov - Mar

1408GBP

Eur

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Norway

Explore Norway’s crisp countryside, rugged islands, and frozen fjords.

Top 3 things to do:

  • Ride the scenic Flåm railway
  • Cross into the Arctic Circle
  • Discover Norway in a Nutshell®

5 Must-see attractions:

Norway
Partially Guided & Train
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Mar

Norway in a Nutshell® & Snowhotel

4119EUR

Eur

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7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Mar

4119EUR

Eur

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Norway
Best seller
Partially Guided
4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

Northern Lights Norway Express

1565EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
4 days / 3 nights
Dec - Mar

1565EUR

Eur

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Norway
Partially Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Dec - Mar

Best of Northern Norway Classic

3984EUR

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Dec - Mar

3984EUR

Eur

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Scandinavia

Uncover multiple countries’ festive traditions on one trip to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Top 3 things to do:

  • Sample delicious treats at Christmas markets
  • Cruise down crystal blue fjords
  • Relax along Nyhavn harbour

5 Must-see attractions:

Norway & Sweden
Best seller
Independent Tours
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

Capitals of Scandinavia in Winter

Train & Cruise

1549EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

1549EUR

Eur

Close map view
Norway, Sweden & Denmark
Best seller
Independent Tours
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

Best of Scandinavia Classic - Winter

Train & Cruise

2555EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

2555EUR

Eur

Close map view
Iceland, Norway, 2 more ...
Best seller
Independent Tours
14 days / 13 nights
Oct - Apr

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland - Winter

Train, Cruise & Minibus

4592EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
Oct - Apr

4592EUR

Eur

Close map view

About Your European Christmas Vacation

Treat yourself to a winter getaway in one of these postcard-ready destinations. You’ll get insight from a regional travel expert who’ll plan your trip for you. Whether you’re discovering Lapland’s Arctic wilderness, Scotland’s serene Highlands, or Norway’s epic mountain scenery, prepare for a Christmas you’ll never forget.

When you book one of these European Christmas tours, you get:

• An authentic experience planned by a trusted travel agency
• A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your tour
• A detailed itinerary with personal recommendations
Handpicked accommodation for a comfortable stay
24/7 phone support for peace of mind
Festive itineraries crafted to make the most of Christmastime

Planning your festive getaway is easy with Nordic Visitor. Start your journey by following these simple steps:

1. Pick your favourite tour
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

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Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Book With Confidence

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Trusted travel experts

Nordic Visitor is an experienced tour operator with regional experts who know the destinations inside out. Book with us, and you’ll get a dedicated travel consultant to help you plan your dream getaway. They’ll use their in-depth knowledge to ensure your festive escape is hassle-free and unforgettable.

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Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when Tripadvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

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Flexible tour options

These tours are curated to make the most of Europe’s Christmas celebrations. But you can customise your trip with extra nights, accommodation upgrades, and optional excursions. Plus, add wintry activities like snowmobiling or husky sledding. If you have something specific in mind, ask your travel consultant.

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You are in good hands

Relax during your trip, safe in the knowledge that assistance is just a call away. Whether it’s an unexpected situation or weather event, call our 24/7 helpline and speak to a travel expert. If needed, they’ll update your itinerary and re-book any activities while keeping you safe and informed.

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Handpicked hotels

Having somewhere comfortable and welcoming to unwind after a day of exploring is essential. To ensure each accommodation meets our high standards, we handpick every place you’ll stay on your trip. For an extra special winter getaway, you could sleep in a cosy glass igloo or a cool ice hotel.

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Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Reviews for Christmas Vacation Packages in Europe

Don’t take our word for it! Find out what our wonderful guests had to say about their tour.

F

FrancesUnited States

Nordic Visitor was the perfect partner for us. Frank (and Margret) were extremely helpful, pleasant and responsive to... read more

Nordic Visitor was the perfect partner for us. Frank (and Margret) were extremely helpful, pleasant and responsive to my questions. Using an Iceland-based agency was important as their first-hand knowledge of the tours and restaurants when giving recommendations were very helpful! Thank you to Nordic Visitor for a wonderful Christmas vacation.

R

RachelUnited Kingdom

I was hugely impressed by the responsive and knowledge of our advisor at Nordic Visitor. We felt that she took a... read more

I was hugely impressed by the responsive and knowledge of our advisor at Nordic Visitor. We felt that she took a personal interest in booking the best tour for us, and making sure that we had all the info we needed. We felt well supported and advised all the way through the booking process and during our holiday. Nothing was too much trouble. And the accommodation and all the activities were truly excellent. We loved our holiday!

2000+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Certificate of Excellence
See the reviews

Your European Christmas Tour Highlights

Imagine seeing landscapes dusted in snow, historic towns lit by twinkling lights and the sky alive with the northern lights. Visit Europe in winter, and soon you could…

Frequently Asked Questions About
Christmas Holiday Tours in Europe

Read on to get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about these European Christmas tours. You’ll learn about the top things to see and do, as well as information about travelling with us.

What’s more, choose Nordic Visitor and you can Book With Confidence, safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected. If you want to learn more about our processes and payment details, check out these booking terms and FAQs.

Head to countries such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden or Finland over the festive season, and you'll find the locals celebrate Christmas on 24 December. This means they exchange gifts and gather for festive meals on Christmas Eve. The Scots, on the other hand, will have their main celebrations on 25 December.

That said, the festive season kicks off much earlier, usually in late November or early December, with Christmas markets, traditional food and colourful decorations. The festive atmosphere usually continues into early January.

No matter where you go, spending Christmas in Europe is a heartwarming experience. Here’s how each country puts its own fun spin on the festivities:

Iceland
Christmas is a blend of folklore and festive traditions in Iceland. The season begins with the arrival of the 13 Yule Lads, playful figures who bring gifts to children. Locals celebrate with meals like smoked lamb and leaf bread, and homes light up with Christmas decorations.

One quirky tradition is the Christmas Book Flood (“Jólabókaflóð”), where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve, followed by a cosy night of reading.

Discover more about Christmas traditions in the Nordics.

Lapland
Make the most of this snowy paradise with reindeer sleigh rides and visits to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. You won’t be short on enchanting things to do in this ultimate Christmas destination.

Find out more in this guide to Christmas in Lapland.

Norway
Locals gather for a festive meal on the 24 December, often cooking roast pork. You can stroll around towns and cities to see charming stalls selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats.

Get inspired by these top Christmas markets in Europe.

Scotland
Edinburgh and Glasgow come alive with bustling markets at Christmastime and famous Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) festivities are marked by fireworks and spirited street parties. On 25 December, locals traditionally enjoy a hearty dinner of roast beef or turkey.

Learn more about how to celebrate Christmas in Scotland.

Scandinavia
Swedes celebrate the occasion with a festive smorgasbord and Lucia Day festivities, complete with candlelit processions. What makes Christmas in Denmark truly unique is the focus on “hygge”, with cosy gatherings, handmade decorations, and the playful tradition of “Nisse” elves bringing festive mischief.

Absolutely! The continent transforms into a winter wonderland throughout the festive period.

Whether you’re exploring Scotland’s historic capital, Norway’s snowy scenes, Iceland’s otherwordly landscapes, or Lapland’s enchanting atmosphere, each destination offers a special Christmas experience.

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, then Lapland and Northern Norway should be at the top of your list. Plus, with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures from October to April, this is a great place to get your festive fix outside of Christmastime. For instance, in Rovaniemi – a self-proclaimed capital of Christmas – you can visit Santa Claus anytime you like.

If you're looking for destinations in Europe to spend Christmas, head north for some of the best experiences.

Lapland is a must-visit. You can meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi and Kiruna, take reindeer sleigh rides, and marvel at the northern lights. Find out more in this guide to the best winter getaways in Lapland.

Scandinavia is another magical choice for your Christmas celebrations. Norwegian cities, like Oslo and Bergen, are dressed in decorations and Christmas lights. In Sweden, Stockholm’s Old Town is bustling with markets selling warming festive treats like hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Visit Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, to see one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, located in Tivoli Gardens. It’s an unmissable stop for your Christmas market tour.

Scotland offers a blend of festive excitement in the cities and peaceful retreats in the countryside. Imagine yourself enjoying the buzzing city atmosphere before travelling north to the snow-covered Highlands for a relaxing escape.

In Iceland, the rugged landscape adds an element of drama to your winter escape. See frozen waterfalls, hunt the northern lights, and warm up in a thermal hot spring.

You’ll have plenty of fun things to do during the holiday season in Europe. For example:

  • • Chase thrills on a snowmobile or on a husky-led safari
  • • Savour seasonal treats like mulled wine and gingerbread
  • • Explore colourful European Christmas markets
  • • Glide across ice skating rinks in scenic city squares
  • • Visit iconic landmarks adorned with festive lights
  • • Experience beautiful cities like Reykjavík, Edinburgh and Stockholm
  • • Join in with local traditions, like Lucia Day in Sweden

Learn more about what to do during winter in Scandinavia, Scotland, Lapland, Iceland and Norway.

During Christmas in Europe, you’ll find that many attractions and restaurants are still open, though they might have varying hours. Major businesses in cities usually stay open, even if it’s with reduced hours. Whereas smaller museums and attractions might be closed or have limited opening hours.

When it comes to dining, many restaurants, especially family-owned ones, might close on Christmas Day. But don’t worry, there will still be plenty of options available on the days around Christmas. Restaurants in busier areas usually remain open and may offer special Christmas menus or festive events.

Overall, while some places might adjust their hours, many of the most popular spots will still be bustling with festive cheer. Checking ahead and making reservations where possible will help you enjoy a smooth experience.

Of course! You can personalise your Christmas getaway to suit your needs. For instance, you can add extra nights, upgrade your accommodation, or choose from optional excursions like snowmobiling or reindeer sledding.

Book your trip online, and you’ll be able to tailor your itinerary as you go through the booking steps. Browse the “Optional Extras” tab of the tour you’re interested in to see what you can add, or speak to a travel expert for recommendations.

You can choose from a wide range of arrival dates depending on the package and season you’re interested in. Simply find the date that suits you on each tour’s online availability calendar. We recommend booking early, especially for popular destinations like Rovaniemi, as these can sell out quickly.

We suggest checking flight times and dates in advance, but it’s best not to buy your tickets just yet. Wait until you’ve booked your tour first. Once you get the confirmation email from your personal travel consultant, you can choose and pay for your flights.

If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to your travel consultant.

The northern European climate during winter is cool, with snow in many areas. And as you’ll probably want to spend time exploring the outdoors, it’s best to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Here’s our recommended packing list:

  • Walking boots or shoes with good grip
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Insulated jacket
  • Woollen or fleece jumpers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Warm hat, scarf and gloves
  • Warm hiking socks
  • Rucksack
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear
  • Heat pads for hands and feet
  • Smart clothes for dining out

Get seasonal tips and more in these packing guides for Iceland, Lapland, Scotland and Norway.

Contact us

Get in touch with us, whether you’re ready to book or you’d like to find out more. Our regional travel experts are ready to answer any questions you might have about your Christmas getaway.

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