Arrive Helsinki, clear immigration, transfer to centrally located hotel (Ateneum/Esplanadi area) and drop bags; many hotels allow early luggage hold if room not ready.
Popular fully vegetarian restaurant with seasonal plates and many egg‑free options; good introduction to Helsinki veg cuisine. (Open midday into evening; check live hours.)
Stroll the Esplanadi boulevard and the Market Square by the harbor — light shopping and local crafts; if weather permits, enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Vegetarian restaurant with many egg‑free options and Nordic produce — great for plant-based diners. Usually open evenings; confirm reservation in high season.
Visit the iconic cathedral and surrounding historic square — a quick and photogenic stop in central Helsinki. Cathedral typically open to visitors 9am–6pm.
Arrive and transfer to your hotel near the city center or river; drop bags and prepare for Arctic activities. Daylight is short in December — plan daylight activities mid-day.
Visit Arktikum (generally open 10am–6pm) to learn about Arctic nature, culture and the science behind the Northern Lights — great orientation to Lapland.
Santa Claus Village is open year‑round; enjoy the atmosphere, post a letter from the Arctic and cross the Arctic Circle. Shops remain open into evening in high season.
Join an organised Northern Lights chase (departure ~9–11pm, returns late). Guides drive to clear skies and use apps/experience to maximize sighting chances — book in advance. Tours operate nightly when conditions allow.
Experience a classic husky ride (short family safaris are 1–2 hours, longer options available). Most providers run safaris daily in winter — confirm age/weight rules and that dogs are handled by guides.
Choose a restaurant that can adapt dishes (root-veg stews, mushroom dishes, barley/rye-based mains). Ask for no egg and explain strict vegetarian diet.
Early breakfast, check out and transfer north by pre-booked transfer or internal flight to Ivalo / Saariselkä area (drive approx 3–4 hours by private transfer; internal flight option exists).
Arrive at Kakslauttanen or Saariselkä resort; lunch at resort restaurant with vegetarian choices (many will accommodate egg‑free diets if told in advance).
Resort restaurant will prepare vegetarian meals by request — confirm no eggs; many resorts pride themselves on local produce and can craft plant-based dishes.
Relax on your bed under the glass dome and watch the skies — no guided travel needed if conditions are good, but staff can alert you for Aurora activity.
Take a guided snowmobile safari (typically 2–4 hours) or try ice‑fishing — both are classic Lapland adventures; choose based on comfort and appetite for speed/cold.
Enjoy another carefully prepared vegetarian dinner. If you’d like a special dinner (e.g., Lappish vegan tasting), ask the resort to arrange in advance.