Magical December in Finland: New Moon & Christmas Wonderland

Day 1: Helsinki Highlights

Helsinki, Finland on December 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Engel

Start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast by the Senate Square, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee amidst stunning neoclassical architecture.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Explore the iconic Lutheran cathedral and the surrounding historical square, perfect for Christmas decorations and winter ambiance.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Esplanadi Park Christmas Market

Wander through the charming Christmas market offering Finnish crafts, seasonal foods, and festive holiday gifts.
Free entry, purchases optional, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Savotta

Enjoy authentic Finnish cuisine near Senate Square featuring traditional dishes with a nostalgic ambiance reflecting the Finnish countryside.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Visit this open-air museum showcasing Finnish wooden architecture and Christmas traditions in a snowy winter setting. It’s open until 4pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax and Coffee Break at Café Regatta

Experience a cozy Finnish lakeside cottage café famous for its cinnamon buns and charming fireplace.
EUR7, 0h45m

4:30pm

Evening New Moon Viewing at Löyly

Enjoy the new moon evening by the sea with traditional Finnish sauna and panoramic views of a dark winter sea sky. Sauna open till 10pm.
EUR30, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Olo

Dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Nordic cuisine that highlights local holiday ingredients, a perfect celebration meal.
EUR70, 2h0m
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Day 2: Rovaniemi Arctic Adventure

Rovaniemi, Finland on December 22, 2025

7:00am

Early Flight or Train to Rovaniemi

Travel north to Lapland’s capital, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Book flights or sleeper train arriving early morning.
EUR150, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Nordica

Warm up with a hearty breakfast featuring local Finnish berries and reindeer meat pastries to fuel your Northern adventure.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Santa Claus Village

Meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and explore festive holiday shops open until 6pm, with plenty of photo ops and Christmas magic.
Free entry, souvenir purchases optional, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Santa’s Salmon Place

Savor freshly smoked salmon and traditional Lappish dishes with a festive atmosphere inside the Santa Claus Village.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arktikum Science Museum

Discover the nature, history, and culture of Lapland including polar night and Aurora Borealis exhibitions. Open until 6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Northern Lights Tour

Join a guided evening tour to hunt for the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis under the dark new moon sky. Tours start around 7pm and last 3-4 hours.
EUR100, 4h0m

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Rakas Restaurant

Enjoy locally inspired fine dining featuring reindeer, Arctic char, and wild berries in a cozy atmosphere post Northern Lights viewing.
EUR50, 1h0m
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Day 3: Kemi and Lapland Wonders

Kemi, Finland on December 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kemi

Depart early from Rovaniemi to Kemi by train or car, approximately 1.5-2 hours south-west towards the Bothnian Bay.
EUR30, 2h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café Kemi

Taste traditional Finnish pastries and freshly brewed coffee to start your day in this historic coastal town.
EUR12, 0h45m

10:45am

Kemi SnowCastle

Visit the famous SnowCastle, a spectacular seasonal attraction with intricately carved ice sculptures, an ice restaurant, and hotel, open winter months.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at SnowCastle Ice Restaurant

Dine inside the magical ice restaurant with a unique Finnish winter-menu experience in an unforgettable icy environment.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:15pm

Kemi Gemstone Gallery and Museum

Explore Finland’s gemstone history and local Lapland traditions. The museum closes at 5pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax by the Bothnian Bay and Winter Walk

Take a winter coastline stroll and enjoy the peaceful snowy seascape and crisp fresh air before heading back.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Helsinki or Overnight in Kemi

Depending on your onward travel plans, either take an evening train/flight back to Helsinki or spend one more night in a cozy local hotel.
Varies, Varies

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Finnish Tavern

Enjoy a comforting Lappish meal of sautéed mushrooms, potatoes, and reindeer stew with freshly baked rye bread to end your magical Christmas experience.
EUR30, 1h0m
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