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Lapland Christmas Dream
Experience Frozen Beauty & Wonder
Independent holiday with guided small group experiences
Image: Destination Lapland
Dates
On request
December 23-27, 2025
Duration
5 days/4 nights
Suitable
For travellers wanting to experience the magic of Christmas away from the crowds
Price
From AUD 6780 per person
"Welcome, weary traveller - make yourself at home!"
If you're dreaming of a peaceful Christmas far from the crowds, where nature sets the scene and time slows down, Nivunki Village is the perfect place to celebrate. This exclusive retreat is nestled on a private 250-hectare property and is home to over 100 reindeer, offering a true immersion into the heart of Arctic life.
Here, Christmas is about simplicity and warmth. Wake up to crisp Arctic air, spend your days exploring the wilderness, and unwind by the fire with a hot drink in hand. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Finnish sauna, a husky safari through the silent forest, or simply gazing at the northern lights dancing across the night sky, every moment feels special.
With cosy accommodation, authentic Lapland experiences, and plenty of space to reconnect with nature, Nivunki Village offers a Christmas that’s both peaceful and unforgettable. Step away from the holiday rush and into the heart of Lapland for a truly magical festive season.
The founder of Nivunki Village invites you to experience the same warm hospitality his grandparents offered nearly a century ago to the first visitors of nearby Äkäslompolo. Back then, guests arrived by horse-drawn carriages and stayed in humble homes, sharing quarters with their hosts. Despite the simple comforts, the untouched wilderness and stunning landscapes left a lasting impression. Today, you'll enjoy modern amenities, but the welcoming warmth and natural beauty remain unchanged.
You’ll be staying in a cosy Northern Lights Hut, inspired by the traditional Lappish kota. The kota is a conical structure historically used by the indigenous Sámi people of Lapland as a portable shelter, allowing them to follow their reindeer herds across the Arctic. Traditionally made from wooden poles and covered with reindeer hides or bark, today's kotas use modern materials while maintaining their distinctive shape. This unique accommodation offers a connection to the Sámi way of life, while perfectly designed for viewing the Northern Lights.
Experience true Arctic hospitality at this exclusive resort as you step into its lovely dining space, where each meal is a celebration of the land. Indulge in a menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients, and savour the flavours of the Arctic in every bite.
The heart of the village is the sauna, a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the frozen lake. For the adventurous, a plunge into the icy waters offers a refreshing boost. For Finns, the sauna is a centuries-old tradition - a space for relaxation, cleansing, and connection with oneself and others.
Tour Highlights
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Multiple winter activities including snowmobiling, husky sleigh ride & meeting the reindeer
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Private sauna experience with ice swimming
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Sleep under the stars in a Northern Lights Hut
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Enjoy delicious Arctic Cuisine prepared from local produce including festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners
Tour Itinerary
December 23, 2025 : Arrival
Upon arrival at Kittilä (KTT) - or Kolari Railway Station, if you arrived by night train from Helsinki - transfer to Nivunki Village. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the resort restaurant before retreating to your cosy Northern Lights hut, kota.
December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve: Husky Experience
In Finland, Christmas Eve is the heart of the festive season - a time when families come together to celebrate with tradition and plenty of good food. As darkness settles over the landscape, homes glow with the soft flicker of candles, and the air is filled with the comforting aromas of a Christmas feast.
One of the most cherished traditions is the Christmas sauna, a moment of peaceful reflection before the evening’s celebrations begin. It’s a time to unwind, cleanse both body and mind, and step into the holiday spirit with a sense of calm.
The Christmas meal is another highlight, typically featuring glazed ham, creamy casseroles, rosolli, a vibrant beetroot salad, and various types of herring and other fish like trout or salmon. Many families also enjoy rice porridge for lunch - usually hiding a single almond, said to bring luck to whoever finds it.
For many, Christmas Eve isn’t complete without a quiet moment of remembrance. Families light candles at cemeteries, turning graveyards into breathtaking seas of light - a beautiful way to honour loved ones who are no longer here.
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on an unforgettable half-day husky safari, where you'll harness the strength of these magnificent Arctic dogs and venture deep into the snowy wilderness.
After a brief orientation and safety briefing, you'll be introduced to your eager husky team, ready to whisk you away on your Arctic adventure. You’ll feel the thrill of gliding through the frozen landscape, guided by the expertise of an experienced musher. Midway through the journey, we'll pause at a cosy Lappish hut, or kota, to warm up with traditional snacks and hot drinks. During this break, you'll have the chance to learn more about your incredible canine companions and their vital role in Arctic life. As your adventure concludes and you return to the husky farm, you’ll leave with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the unique bond between humans and these remarkable dogs. (Two people will share a husky sled - one mushing and the one sitting in the sled. You can swap along the way if you wish.)
Enjoy lunch at the resort restaurant.
Later on indulge in a traditional Finnish sauna experience, where you can unwind while gazing through large panoramic windows at the serene beauty of a frozen lake. Let the soothing heat envelop you as the steam melts away any tension. Afterward, for the ultimate Finnish ritual, take the plunge into the icy waters of a lake through a specially carved hole - an invigorating contrast that leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalised. This is a private sauna session for you.
This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a festive five-course Christmas Eve dinner, savouring the flavours of the season in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
December 25, 2025 Christmas Day: Meet the Reindeer
Enjoy breakfast at the resort restaurant.
At Nivunki Village, home to over a hundred reindeer, you'll have the opportunity to experience the timeless tradition of traversing the Arctic wilderness with these gentle creatures. As you glide through the pristine snow, the only sound you’ll hear is the soft rhythm of reindeer hooves against the snow. Your expert guide will share captivating stories of the locals and their deep bond with the reindeer, revealing the vital role these beautiful animals play in sustaining life in the Arctic.
Savour a leisurely lunch at the resort restaurant before spending the afternoon as you please - cosy up in your kota for some quiet relaxation or head out on a snowshoe walk to explore the serene winter landscape at your own pace.
This evening, gather for a festive five-course Christmas dinner, celebrating the season with delicious flavours and good company.
December 26, 2025: Snowmobile Tour & Silent Night Aurora Walk
Enjoy breakfast at the resort restaurant.
This snowmobile adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes around Lake Nivunkijärvi and is perfect for beginners. Before setting off, your guide will provide a thorough introduction to snowmobile safety and driving techniques, ensuring everyone feels confident and ready to ride. Once comfortable, it's time to head into the snowy wilderness. Follow your guide through snow-laden forests, across frozen lakes, and along winding trails that showcase the beauty of Lapland. Along the way, we’ll pause at a traditional Lappish kota, a cosy wilderness hut, where you can warm up by the crackling fire, sip a hot drink, and enjoy some local treats. (2 people will be sharing a snowmobile - you can swap drivers along the way if you wish).
After lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax by the fire with a warm drink (or something a little stronger), or retreat to your kota for a peaceful afternoon nap.
In the evening, sit down to a delicious dinner at the resort restaurant. After dinner join us for an evening snowshoe adventure in search of the Northern Lights. This peaceful trek through the untouched wilderness around Lake Nivunki offers a chance to step into the stillness of the Arctic night, where the only sounds are the crunch of snow beneath your feet and the whisper of the wind. Breathe in some of the purest air in the world as you scan the sky for nature’s most mesmerising light show. Midway, we’ll pause to enjoy hot drinks, each sip warming you from the inside out before we make our way back to the village.
December 27, 2025: Departure
After breakfast, it's time to say your goodbyes as your transfer to Kittilä Airport is waiting. Transfers to other locations can be arranged - let us know where you are heading (surcharges may apply).
Images by Destination Lapland
Prices
Tour price when 2 adults sharing a 'Kota' Northern Lights Hut
From AUD 6780 per person
Tour price for a solo traveller in a private 'Kota' Northern Lights Hut
From AUD 10,595 per person
Details about your Northern Lights Hut 'Kota'
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Size 30m2
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Suitable for max 2 people
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Comfortable double beds that can be used separately or combined to form a spacious bed for two
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Premium bed & bath linens
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Bathroom with a rain shower
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Complimentary premium toiletries made in Finland
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Complimentary coffee & tea (Nespresso machine & tea kettle)
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Minibar (charged based on consumption)
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Complimentary high speed wi-fi
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Room service
What's included
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4 nights' accommodation in a luxurious 'Kota' Northern Lights Hut
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Full board including:
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Daily breakfast
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3 x half board lunch
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2 x half board dinner (3 courses)
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Festive 5 course Christmas Eve dinner
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Festive 5 course Christmas Day dinner
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Shared return airport transfers (Kittilä Airport) - about 45 mins one way
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Winter outdoor clothing (thermal jacket, pants, mittens and winter boots)
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Private sauna experience 1 hr
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Husky Experience 3 hrs, two people sharing a sled - group tour
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Reindeer Experience 2.5hrs - group tour
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Snowmobile Tour 2 hrs, two people sharing a snowmobile - group tour
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Aurora snowshoe walk 2.5hrs/3kms - group tour
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Complimentary use of snow shoes
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A daily shared sauna session available to all guests
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A donation on your behalf for protection of the endangered Arctic Fox - read more >
What's not included
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Meals other than described
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Alcoholic beverages during meals unless mentioned
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Tips or any other items of personal nature
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Flights
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Travel Insurance
Please note
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This is a remote location with no shops or other restaurants near-by
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Minimum age for guests is 16 years
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Your daily itinerary is subject to change and a detailed itinerary will be provided upon arrival
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All snowmobile safaris have a self-liability of maximum 1200 €/snowmobile.
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The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age with a driver’s license for car valid in Finland
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To be able to steer your own husky team the driver must be at least 18 years old
Your Health & Activities
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Activities like snowmobile and husky safaris can be physically demanding and the participants may be exposed to different kinds of physical strain. If you suffer from any illnesses or disabilities (for instance heart disease, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, back or hip problems) they can affect your ability to take part in these activities.
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The speed of the dog team might be a surprise and mushing (driving) the team requires concentration. Taking part in a husky safari requires good physical condition (a person should be able to run short distances with ease). Driving a dog team is not suitable for persons with missing limbs, suffering back, hip, knee, or any leg problems. You have to be 18 years old to mush a dog team.
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A person suffering any illnesses or disabilities, above mentioned or heart disease, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, recent surgical operation, should be aware that she/he is participating at her/his own risk. Please consult your doctor prior to booking or participating in these activities.
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Activities, especially snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobile, husky and reindeer excursions can be physically demanding and participants may be exposed to different kinds of physical strain, vibration or carbon monoxide (in case of snowmobiling). Therefore, in order to avoid any complications and to guarantee the safety of all participants, we do not recommend husky, reindeer and snowmobile programmes to pregnant women.
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Make sure your comprehensive travel insurance covers winter activities including husky sled and snowmobile tours and any other activities you want to participate in.
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Please consult your doctor about sauna and ice swimming, particularly if you suffer from any heart issues or high blood pressure.
Weather & Snow
During the winter, temperature can vary between -10˚C and -25˚C and on the coldest days the temperature may drop all the way to -40 ˚C.
Please note that weather conditions vary from year to year and it is advisable to check the weather conditions before your arrival. You can check the weather on weather service sites such as http://www.yr.no/.
Usually, this time of year brings a beautiful blanket of snow to Nivunki Village, but due to unpredictable weather patterns, snowfall cannot be guaranteed.
Daylight
Check daylight hours for this region via this link.
At this time of the year the sun does not rise above the horizon at Nivunki Village. This period, when the sun stays below the horizon, is called 'kaamos' in Finland - or Polar Night in English.
But it doesn’t mean that it’s completely dark all day. Around midday, a few hours of soft, bluish light brighten the snow-covered landscape, making it feel surprisingly luminous. During Polar Night, the sky comes alive with stunning colours, as sunlight interacts with the upper atmosphere creating hues reminiscent of a sunset.
Ask us about
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Creating a tailor-made pre and/or post tours
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Adding extra activities to your travel package, eg. ice fishing, longer snowmobile tours or a traditional handicrafts session
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About a shorter 3 night package or longer holidays
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Arrangements for special celebrations or milestones during your stay
Booking Conditions
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SAFETY & TRAVEL INSURANCE
All outdoor activities carry an element of risk and a comprehensive travel insurance covering winter activities is strongly recommended for this holiday. You warrant that the information you provide regarding your health & fitness is accurate and there are no other medical issues (both physical/mental) that may impact your ability to participate in this holiday without the need for special assistance.
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WEATHER
If the organisers do not deem one of the activities safe, they reserve the right to change the order of the activities or the content of the program if necessary due to the weather. In extreme conditions they might have to reschedule or cancel.
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ALTERATIONS BY ORGANISER
Sometimes the organiser has to make changes, usually because of circumstances out of their control. If this happens, they reserve the right at any time to substitute accommodation or activities. If this means extra cost to you, we’ll let you know.
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ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
You acknowledge that travel involves personal risks which may be greater than those present in your everyday life. This could be as a result of the adventurous nature of your trip or the visiting of destinations which present geographical risks and dangers.
Our full terms & conditions (link).
Payment & cancellations
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20% deposit is required within 7 days after your participation is confirmed
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Balance due 65 days prior to travel
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Cancellations:
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More than 66 days prior to departure - loss of deposit
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From 65 days prior to departure - loss of 100% of total cost
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Please arrange a comprehensive travel insurance which covers winter activities and any cancellation costs, should you not be able to travel
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Our full terms & conditions can be found here (link)
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a mesmerising yet unpredictable natural phenomenon. While evening tours are designed to give you the best chance to witness the Aurora, we cannot guarantee its appearance. However, the nighttime experience itself is unforgettable, and if the Aurora graces the sky, it will make the moment even more magical.
Researchers have discovered that auroral activity follows an 11-year cycle, with peaks during what's known as the Solar Maximum. The next peak is expected around 2025-26, and the lead-up to this period offers an excellent opportunity for Aurora sightings. This year has already seen some spectacular displays, both in the North and even in the Southern Hemisphere (Aurora Australis).