Finland Flag

Finland is one of the Northern European countries sharing its border with Sweden, Norway and Russia. Its capital city, Helsinki, is located on a peninsula and on several islands in the city’s archipelago of the Baltic Sea. Helsinki also boasts the 18th-century sea fortress, Suomenlinna, fashion-conscious Design District and many museums. The Northern Lights are visible across the country’s Arctic Lapland that is the country’s expansive province encompassing national parks, and skiing destinations.

Planning Your December Trip to Finland

Planning a December trip to Finland needs a good look at several unique factors. Here’s what you should know before you start your arctic adventure. Here is Top Experience Finland in December: Top Winter Activities

Understanding Finnish winter weather

Finnish winters bring true winter conditions nationwide, with temperatures that vary by region. Southern areas like Helsinki typically have temperatures from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F). Our time in Lapland showed us even lower temperatures that average between 3°C to -16°C.

The dramatic daylight hours left us amazed. Southern Finland gets about six hours of daylight. The sun doesn’t rise at all in northern Lapland during midwinter. This “kaamos” creates a beautiful blue twilight that covers the snowy landscape.

Best regions to visit in December

Our experiences point to these must-visit regions:

• Lapland: This northern wonderland tops our list for December visits. You’ll find the best chances to see northern lights, enjoy winter activities, and experience the authentic Santa Claus Village.

• Helsinki Region: The capital area buzzes with cultural activities and works as your gateway to Finland, with excellent transport links.

• Coast and Archipelago: The frozen waters turn into natural ice skating rinks and perfect spots for ice fishing.

Transportation options and tips

• Winter travel in Finland runs smoothly, but route planning helps. The country’s transport system gives you several reliable options:
• The public transportation network runs trains, busses, and domestic flights nationwide. Flights between Helsinki and Lapland save the most time. Budget travelers will find public busses both cost-effective and reliable throughout the country.
• Driving needs extra attention in winter. The law requires snow tires from November to March, and winter brings lower speed limits. Watch out for elk and reindeer on rural roads – they’re a real hazard.
• Trains work best for trips between major cities. The Santa Claus Express overnight train to Rovaniemi gives you a special way to travel.

SEE ALSO

• Top 5 Travel Destinations in December
• Greenlight Northernlights Tour Guide 
• Top 7 Argentina Attractions

Essential Winter Packing Guide

Our many winters in Finland have taught us how to stay warm and comfortable in arctic conditions. Let’s take a closer look at our tested packing guide that will help you enjoy your December adventure. Read About the Traveling packing

Clothing layers explained

The right layering system keeps you warm in Finnish winter. Here’s what works best:

• Base Layer: We pick merino wool or synthetic materials that wick moisture away from the skin. Cotton won’t work because it traps moisture and cools you down.
• Mid Layer: This layer insulates you. Wool sweaters or fleece provide the best warmth. On very cold days, we add a light down vest.
• Shell Layer: Your outer protection needs to be windproof and water-resistant. Longer parkas shield you better, especially up north.

Winter gear recommendations

Years in Finnish winters have helped us create our essential gear list. Quality gear makes a real difference, so we focus on getting the right pieces.

Your boots should be one size bigger to fit thick socks. Merino wool socks keep feet warm better than any other material. A combination of thin liner gloves under mittens gives you the most warmth.

Your head, hands, and feet need the most protection because they lose heat quickly. A wool or fleece hat is vital since up to 40-50% of body heat can be lost through your head.

Electronics and camera equipment

Taking photos in Finland’s winter wonderland has taught us how to protect our gear. Cold weather drains batteries faster, so we keep extras in an inside pocket close to our body.

A simple trick protects cameras from condensation: we put our equipment in sealed plastic bags before going inside. This stops moisture from building up on the gear as it warms.

Smartphones need to stay in an inner pocket because cold temperatures drain their batteries quickly. Our northern lights and snowy landscape photography kit includes:

• Extra batteries kept warm in inside pockets
• Airtight plastic bags for temperature transitions
• A small brush to clean snow off lenses

Note that most cameras work fine down to 32°F (0°C), but batteries struggle first in extreme cold. We work fast and protect our gear when we’re not using it. Read more about the things tou need while traveling. Read about Top Affordable Photography Camera

Traditional Finnish Winter Activities

Our Finnish winter adventures taught us that the most memorable moments happen when you join locals in their age-old traditions. These authentic winter activities make Finland a truly special place.

Authentic sauna experiences

The sauna stands at the core of Finnish winter culture. It’s not just a hot room – locals see it as a sacred space to relax and rejuvenate. Finland’s sauna culture runs deep with over 3 million saunas for its 5.5 million people, which shows how much this tradition means to Finnish life.

Our experience taught us these important sauna rules:

• Start with a shower before entering
• Begin on lower benches if you’re new to sauna
• Add water to the hot stones (löyly) as needed
• Cool down between sessions
• Stay hydrated throughout

The use of birch branches (vihta or vasta) adds a unique touch to the experience. This gentle skin whisking helps cleanse and boost blood flow. The most thrilling part comes between sauna sessions when you cool off in the snow or an ice hole – a truly Finnish experience.

Ice fishing adventures

Ice fishing, or pilkki as locals call it, blends peaceful meditation with exciting sport perfectly. A typical session runs about 3 hours. You drill through the ice and wait for perch, whitefish, roach, or pike to take the bait.

Local guides showed us how to cook our catch by an open fire. Nothing beats sitting on a frozen lake surrounded by pristine winter landscape. These moments capture pure Finnish magic.

Winter foraging and cooking

Finnish forests yield culinary treasures even in winter. Winter foraging differs from summer gathering since it focuses on preserved ingredients and seasonal items. Forests cover more than two-thirds of Finland, making it a rich source of foraged goods year-round.

Traditional Finnish warm dishes help beat the winter chill. Protein-rich meals take center stage, like Karjalanpaisti – a hearty stew that combines lamb, beef, and pork to keep you warm. Riisipuuro, a warming rice porridge with cinnamon, becomes a winter favorite.

We loved joining workshops about traditional herbs in Finnish culture. These sessions teach you to make natural cosmetics like lotions and lip balms – perfect shields against harsh Nordic winters.

Magical Christmas Experiences

The magic of Finnish Christmas traditions comes alive each December, transforming the entire country with celebrations that span 700 years. Visitors from every corner of the world flock to one enchanting destination that stands at the heart of these festivities.

Santa Claus Village highlights

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle and creates a truly magical experience. This winter wonderland never closes its doors and serves as Santa’s official North Pole residence. Our visits showed us that meeting Santa is just the beginning – guests can mail postcards with Santa’s special postmark, explore Christmas exhibitions, and step across the actual Arctic Circle line.

The village welcomes everyone without an entrance fee. Getting there is easy – just hop on local bus 8 or the Santa Claus Bus for the 8-kilometer journey north from Rovaniemi.

Local Christmas markets

Helsinki’s Senate Square market, Tuomaan markkinat, stands as Finland’s oldest and most important Christmas gathering. The market draws more than 300,000 people each year and features:

• Nearly 100 artisans and small producers from Finland
• More than 20 delicacy sellers and food vendors
• A vintage carousel that offers free rides
• Daily appearances by Santa Claus himself

Each Finnish city adds its own special touch to these markets. Tampere’s Christmas market, to name just one example, delights visitors with glass-blowing demonstrations and theater performances.

Finnish holiday traditions

Finnish Christmas celebrations run deep with tradition, starting on the First Advent in December. Christmas Eve holds a special place in Finnish hearts, and that’s when the real magic happens.

Finnish families start their Christmas Eve watching Joulupukin kuumalinja (The Santa Claus Hotline) on TV, where children call Santa live. The historic Declaration of Christmas Peace echoes from Turku at noon, carrying on a tradition that’s over 700 years old.

Evening brings families together around tables laden with traditional dishes like joulukinkku (baked ham) and various casseroles. Many people take a peaceful Christmas sauna and visit church to sing carols, blending spiritual and cultural celebrations beautifully.

These cherished traditions live on through generations of Finnish families. Modern December evenings glow with countless candles, yard lights, and sometimes even ice lanterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captures the true spirit of Finnish Christmas.

Arctic Adventure Activities

The heart-pounding arctic adventures in Finland’s snowy wilderness made our winter exploration complete. These activities gave us some of our most thrilling Finnish memories that December.

Dog sledding experiences

Excited barking from energetic dogs greeted us at the husky farm. These eager pups couldn’t wait to run through the snow-covered forest trails. We learned to drive our own sleigh after a quick but thorough lesson at the kennel. Two people shared each sleigh and took turns mushing.

The close bond we developed with these incredible animals made this experience special. These dogs don’t just pull a sled – they share their natural love for running through the pristine winter landscape. Most tours cover roughly 15 kilometers (9 miles) of breathtaking winter scenery.

Snowmobile safaris

Snowmobiling delivers an unmatched thrill as an adrenaline-packed winter activity. Professional guides start with essential instructions before leading groups through the Arctic wilderness. A typical experience has:

• A 3-4 hour safari with warming breaks
• Stops for hot drinks and grilled sausages
• Safe exploration at speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph)

Important requirements: Snowmobile drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid Finnish driving license. Two guests usually share each snowmobile and take turns driving.

Ice climbing opportunities

Ice climbing in Pyhä turned out to be one of our unique winter finds. We discovered what might be the world’s most available venue for proper ice climbing just a 10-minute walk from Hotel Pyhätunturi.

Beginners and experts alike can enjoy this thrilling yet safe experience. Professional guides showed us proper ice climbing techniques during our climbs. Each person got two full climbs up ice walls reaching above 20 meters. The Arctic forest views became more spectacular as we climbed higher.

This activity works well for different skill levels, which impressed us most. Anyone who enjoys a brisk walk can handle ice climbing – no athletic background needed. Guides provide all necessary equipment and keep everyone safe while maintaining an exciting atmosphere.

Hot berry drinks and stories of our vertical adventures around a bonfire filled the time between climbs. This mix of excitement and comfort shows why Finland’s winter activities stand out.

Northern Lights Viewing Tips

Our chase for the magical northern lights in Finland’s dark winter skies has taught us a lot. Let me share what we learned about seeing this incredible natural light show. The aurora borealis dancing above has given us some of our best Finnish winter memories.

Best locations for aurora spotting

The right spot makes all the difference when you’re hunting for auroras. Kilpisjärvi gave us our best chances to see the northern lights, with an impressive 75% chance during clear, dark nights. The popular ski resorts like Ylläs, Levi, and Saariselkä down south still offer great views with roughly 50% probability on clear nights.

Here’s what works best to see the lights:

1. Choose locations above the Arctic Circle
2. Find spots away from city lights
3. Look for areas with unobstructed northern views
4. Pick higher ground if you can

Photography guidelines

A good camera setup is vital to capture the aurora. You can’t skip having a solid tripod. Here’s the gear you’ll need:

• Camera with manual settings capability
• Wide-angle lens with f/2.8 or lower aperture
• Remote shutter release
• Extra batteries (keep them warm in your pockets)
• Tripod with sturdy legs

Our shots usually take between 5 and 30 seconds, depending on how bright the aurora is. We learned to keep spare batteries close to our body because cold weather drains them fast. Get Knowledge about Best Photography Camera

Weather monitoring tools

The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) has made its aurora service better with a dual-threshold system. Red areas on their maps tell us we might see something spectacular.

These are our go-to monitoring tools:

• The FMI’s magnetic activity map (updates every 5 minutes)
• Cloud cover forecasts (look for 0-30% coverage)
• The Kp-index (geomagnetic activity scale)

The best shows happen between 10 PM and 2 AM. You can hunt for auroras from late August through April, and December is perfect because you can mix aurora hunting with other winter fun.

Dark skies away from city lights give you the best views. Places like Rovaniemi light up with up to 150 aurora displays per year. Head to Saariselkä and that number jumps to an amazing 200 nights annually.

Note that patience pays off – we bundle up warm and sometimes bring a mattress to watch the sky in comfort. Good prep, perfect timing, and the right spot have rewarded us with some breathtaking aurora shows in Finland’s winter sky.

Conclusion

Finland’s December magic combines arctic adventures, cultural traditions, and natural wonders that we treasure from our winter visits. Snow-covered landscapes set the stage for thrilling dog sled rides and peaceful ice fishing. The mystical northern lights create spectacular displays in the dark winter sky.

Success depends on proper preparation. You need appropriate layers, the right gear, and well-planned activities. The authentic Finnish moments make it worthwhile – a traditional sauna warms you after snowmobiling, stories flow around crackling fires, and the aurora borealis dances above the Arctic wilderness.