Christmas Wonderland
- Tour ID: PSCW
Tour Info:
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Seasons: Winter
- Travel Style: Christmas Tours, Group Tours
- Countries: Finland
- Available: 22 - 30.12.2026
Set out on a truly unforgettable winter adventure bringing the magic of Christmas to life. Your journey begins in the beautiful Finnish city of Helsinki, before boarding the legendary Santa Claus Express for a magical overnight train ride north into the snowy landscapes of Lapland.
Now the real adventure begins – meet Santa Claus in his winter home, glide quietly through the forest on a traditional reindeer sleigh, and feel the thrill of driving your own husky sled across sparkling snow-covered trails. You’ll also visit the magical Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, where you can dig for your very own lucky amethyst to take home.
As night falls, keep an eye on the sky — the Arctic wilderness is one of the best places in the world to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights, dancing across the dark winter sky.
Filled with snowy landscapes, magical moments and unforgettable experiences, this is a Christmas adventure the whole family will remember forever.
View Digital Brochure https://purescandinavia.wetravel.com/i/69b4fa3a0e0d73bd268e32d9
Highlights:
- Board Christmas Eve Santa Claus Express
- Meet Santa
- Toboganning
- Huskies & Reindeers
Price Includes:
- Airport to hotel transfer in Helsinki
- Overnight Helsinki Hotel inclusive of breakfast
- Helsinki sightseeing tour
- Christmas Eve Santa Claus Express to Lapland
- Return resort transfers in Lapland
- 5 Nights Selected accommodation in Lapland
- Breakfast daily
- Three dinners including Christmas Dinner
- Meet Santa
- Present from Santa
- Scenic chairlift ride to top of fell
- Reindeer safari
- Husky safari
- Search for Northern Lights in heated sleigh
- Visit Santa Village
- Amethyst Mine Visit
Itinerary:
Arrive Helsinki and transfer to your hotel.
The festive season’s a special time to visit Helsinki – streets are illuminated with myriads of lights, store fronts are dressed with colourful Christmas displays and the air’s filled with a special magic.
Board the luxurious Tallink ferry from Helsinki across to Tallinn, a 2 hour crossing. The ferry itself it an experience with restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
Enjoy free time exploring Tallinn Old Town, visit the small shops tucked away down narrow alleys and walkways; find something unique at the Christmas Markets. Return to Helsinki early evening.
This morning you’ll join a guided sightseeing tour, giving you a chance to see some of the city’s highlights — the historic centre, the impressive modern library, City Hall, and the grand Parliament buildings. One of the most memorable stops is the unique Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, carved directly into solid rock and unlike anywhere else in the world.
Before leaving the city, take a little time to visit Finland’s famous Stockmann department store. At this time of year the Christmas window displays are especially magical and have been delighting visitors and locals for generations.
Later, the excitement really starts to build as we head to the station to board the legendary Santa Claus Express. Settle into your cosy sleeper cabin as the train slowly pulls away from Helsinki and begins its overnight journey north. As you drift off to sleep, the train will be carrying you through snowy landscapes towards the winter wonderland of Lapland.
Train Cabin Information:
The train cabins have two single bunk beds (each bed measures 200 cm x 75 cm). Children under 12 travel free when sharing the cabin with two adults. An additional cabin can be requested at a supplementary charge, subject to availability.
Welcome to Lapland!
It’s Christmas Day, and we have a very special invitation—Santa says he coming to meet us! Since we’ve traveled from so far away, he’s really excited to meet us but there’s one important rule—you must be on his special list! This is the list the elves keep of those who’ve been kind and caring throughout the year.
After all this fun, it time to enjoy a traditional Finnish Christmas meal.
Time to meet Lapland’s most famous animal – reindeers! Set off on a cosy sedate sleigh ride through the snow laden forest enjoying the silence and beauty of your pristine surroundings.
Today may also be a good opportunity to use your included chair lift ticket and take a ride to the top of the fell (small mountain) for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. If you start to feel chilly, pop into the cosy Tsokka restaurant for a warm drink.
Ready to try husky mushing? These amazing dogs are full of energy and can hardly wait to get moving. Barking with excitement and eager to run, your team of huskies will be ready and waiting for the adventure ahead.
After a short introduction, safety briefing and driving lesson from your guide, it’s time to take the reins. With one person driving and one riding in the sled, you’ll head out across snowy trails and through beautiful forest landscapes. The huskies set the pace as you glide over the snow, weaving through trees and open stretches of wilderness — it’s fast, exhilarating and great fun. Halfway along you’ll swap places so everyone gets the chance to drive. Just remember to hold on to your beanie!
Later this evening, the adventure continues as you head out in search of one of nature’s most magical displays — the Northern Lights. Wrapped up warm and seated in a heated sleigh, you’ll travel quietly into the Arctic wilderness, far away from artificial light. Here the night skies are incredibly dark and clear, the perfect stage for the aurora to appear.
Some nights the lights glow softly like a mist across the stars, while on others they ripple and move in dramatic waves overhead. It’s a breathtaking sight — one of those rare moments in nature that makes you feel truly privileged to view this phenomenon of nature
Today you’ll set off for a truly unique experience — a visit to the famous Lampivaara Amethyst Mine.
The adventure begins with a ride up the snowy hillside in a special snow tractor, travelling through snow-covered wilderness and the rolling fells of the national park.
At the top you’ll arrive at the amethyst mine, one of the few gem mines in the world open to visitors. Your guide will share the fascinating story of how these beautiful purple gemstones formed over two billion years ago within the ancient bedrock of Lapland.
Armed with a small pick, it’s then your turn to dig for your own lucky amethyst. Finding one to take home adds a little extra magic to your Lapland adventure.
Optional Snowmobile Safari: Experience the thrill of speeding across the snowy wilderness. After gearing up and a safety briefing from your guide, you’ll head out across a frozen lake before weaving through beautiful snow-covered forests. Children ride in a sleigh behind the guide, enjoying the scenery along the way. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence.
Day at leisure. How about trying cross country or downhill skiing, fatbiking, ice climbing or ice carting? Or grab your toboggans and head for the toboggan run.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to the magical winter wonderland of Lapland — but the adventure isn’t over just yet.
Before departing, you’ll have time to visit the famous Santa Claus Village, where the festive spirit lives all year round. Cross the magical Arctic Circle, meet Santa once more if you wish, browse the charming shops filled with Lapland gifts, and soak up the joyful Christmas atmosphere. Be sure to stop by Santa Claus Main Post Office to send a postcard stamped from Santa’s official post office — guaranteed to make family and friends back home more than a little jealous.
Late afternoon depart by flight or train to Helsinki (own arrangement but request assistance with reservation if required).
Map:
Important Info:
An itinerary and quotation will be prepared for your consideration. Once accepted, a deposit is required to secure the booking.
For each traveller, we require:
- Full name exactly as shown on passport
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number
- Dietary, medical or other special requirements
No services are held at quotation stage and remain subject to availability until booked and confirmed. If a quoted service becomes unavailable, we will offer a suitable alternative where possible.
Deposit amounts vary by tour and supplier and will be advised before booking. Some accommodation, cruises, Christmas/New Year arrangements and special services may require higher deposits, full payment or non-refundable payment at booking.
Final payment is generally due 90 days before travel, unless an earlier date is required by a supplier. Your booking invoice will confirm the applicable payment schedule.
Where final supplier rates have not yet been released, provisional pricing may be provided. Any applicable conditions will be explained before booking.
Your confirmed itinerary will specify all inclusions. Unless stated otherwise, prices generally exclude:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically listed
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as soon as the deposit is paid, particularly where components are non-refundable.
Clients receive a 20% discount with GO Insurance. Please request a quotation.
Traveller names must exactly match the passport used for travel, including all given names and surnames. Incorrect details may result in fees or difficulties with travel arrangements.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring passports meet the validity and entry requirements of all countries visited. For the Schengen Area, Australian passports generally must:
-
- Be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area
- Have been issued within the previous 10 years
We recommend having at least 6 months’ passport validity remaining wherever possible. Travellers are responsible for obtaining required visas, travel authorisations and other entry documents. Requirements should be checked with relevant government authorities before travel.
Nordic itineraries may involve walking on snow/ice, uneven surfaces, stairs, boats, snowmobiles, carrying luggage and extended periods outdoors in cold weather. Activities may have age, height, health, mobility or licensing requirements.
Medical conditions, mobility limitations and accessibility needs should be advised at booking so suitable arrangements can be considered.
Dietary requirements and allergies should be advised at booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee this, particularly in remote or wilderness locations. Travellers with serious allergies should also confirm requirements directly with meal providers.
Travellers on self-drive itineraries are responsible for holding the appropriate licence for the destination and rental provider. A valid physical licence may also be required for activities such as snowmobiling.
Accommodation will be booked in the room category shown on your confirmed itinerary. Scandinavian rooms may be smaller than Australian equivalents and configurations can differ.
Twin rooms commonly have two single beds, sometimes positioned together. Additional beds may be sofa or rollaway beds. Double rooms may also use two single beds together, with separate doonas.
If accommodation must change due to circumstances outside our control, we will seek a similar or higher standard wherever possible.
Porterage is generally not included. Travellers should be comfortable managing their own luggage.
Some trains, flights, coaches, ferries, transfers and vehicles have luggage limits. Any applicable restrictions will be advised in your travel documents. One manageable suitcase per person is recommended. Excess luggage charges are the traveller’s responsibility.
Scandinavian and Lapland travel can involve very cold temperatures, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Appropriate thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats and suitable footwear are essential. Summer weather can also change quickly, so rain protection is recommended.
Weather, road conditions or operational issues may require activities or transport to be delayed, modified, rescheduled or replaced. Safety takes priority, and suitable alternatives will be arranged where reasonably possible.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on solar activity, weather, cloud cover and darkness. Tours are designed to maximise viewing opportunities but cannot guarantee a sighting.
Weather, transport schedules, supplier operations and other circumstances may require changes to accommodation, transport, activities or itinerary order. Where possible, comparable alternatives will be arranged and significant changes communicated.
Changes and cancellations are subject to supplier conditions and may incur fees. Some services are non-refundable from booking, with Christmas/New Year arrangements often having stricter conditions.
Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions and quotation for applicable cancellation conditions.
Unused services are generally non-refundable, including those missed due to late arrival, early departure or choosing not to participate. Where services are missed due to circumstances outside the traveller’s control, we will assist where reasonably possible, subject to supplier conditions.
A live digital itinerary will be provided before departure with confirmed arrangements, important information, contacts and relevant documents/vouchers. It may be updated in real time if arrangements change.
We recommend it is kept accessible and checked regularly. If an issue occurs during travel, contact the relevant supplier and our team as soon as possible so we have the best opportunity to resolve it. Delayed reporting may limit what can be done.
Travellers should provide a mobile number that will remain active while overseas. Suppliers such as hotels, transfer companies and activity providers may use this number to contact you.
WhatsApp may not be available with all suppliers, so travellers may sometimes need to make a direct local or international call. Before departure, check roaming, international calling, SIM and eSIM options with your mobile provider.
All phone, roaming, SIM and international calling costs are the traveller’s responsibility.
Price Includes:
Based on 3* twin share. Request pricing for other categories.
11 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities
Overnight cruise Copenhagen to Oslo
Overnight cruise Stockholm to Helsinki
Breakfast daily
Norway in a Nutshell to Oslo to Bergen
