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.
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Book With ConfidencePlan your travels with peace of mind
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Trusted travel expertsProfessional service from knowledgeable experts
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Great reviewsWe are proud of our service quality and great reviews
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Flexible tour optionsPersonalise your trip to suit your needs
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You are in good handsWith our 24/7 helpline, support is never out of reach
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Handpicked hotelsStay in carefully selected accommodation on your trip
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Full financial protectionYour payments are protected with financial safety as standard
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:
Christmas in Iceland
Reykjavik, Waterfalls, Northern Lights
280814ISK
Eur
A Christmas to Remember
Super Jeeps, Glaciers & Blue Lagoon
320538ISK
Eur
Christmas & Northern Lights
Best of South Iceland
313620ISK
Eur
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:
Best of Rovaniemi - Classic
Santa Claus Village & Dog Sledding
1753EUR
Eur
Winter Getaway at the Arctic Snowhotel
1477EUR
Eur
Best of Lapland Complete - Rovaniemi
2472EUR
Eur
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:
Christmas Adventure in Swedish Lapland
1896EUR
Eur
Classic Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL
2341EUR
Eur
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:
A Scottish Christmas to Remember
845GBP
Eur
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Winter
1408GBP
Eur
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 in a Nutshell® & Snowhotel
4119EUR
Eur
Northern Lights Norway Express
1565EUR
Eur
Best of Northern Norway Classic
3984EUR
Eur
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Certificate of Excellence
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…
- Marvel at Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park on Iceland’s Golden Circle route
- Head to the enchanting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi to meet the “man in red”
- Soak up Scandinavian culture and festive cheer in cities like Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm
- Hunt for the northern lights in Tromsø and visit the Kirkenes SnowHotel in Northern Norway
- Visit Lapland to sleep under the stars in a glass igloo or inside an intricately carved ice hotel
- Take in the views on a Norway in a Nutshell train tour and cruise along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
- Cross into the Arctic Circle to learn about local Sámi culture and visit a reindeer farm
- Discover the heart of the Scottish Highlands in Glen Coe and venture to the magical Isle of Skye
- Relax in Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon and walk along the black sands of Reynisfjara
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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Our main phone number is
+354 578 20 80
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