A Local’s Guide to Rovaniemi in December (& Christmas!)

So, you’ve decided to book a trip to Rovaniemi in December? Congratulations… you have chosen the most expensive and visited month to go!

But… there’s a reason so many people choose to spend December and Christmas in Rovaniemi.

It is the home of Santa Claus, after all! In this guide, I will discuss what to expect when visiting Rovaniemi in December, including things to do, essential items to pack, and some valuable trip tips. I will also cover what the weather is like in December in this guide.

A December trip to Rovaniemi can be one of the pricier ones, but there are ways to cut costs. If you want to know more, be sure to check out my budget tips for Rovaniemi as well as my guide to the best budget tours in Rovaniemi.

Let me know if you have any questions about spending December in Rovaniemi in the comments. Thanks!

Weather in Rovaniemi in December

December is far less unpredictable than November, but it is not our snowiest month. Sometimes we don’t even have snow coverage for most of December (2024 was like this, but 2023 was so snowy!).

Temperatures range from -11°C to -4°C (12°F to 24°F) during December.

Snow in December in Rovaniemi

Like most months, it varies. Last December sucked and the one before was good! In December, the average snowfall is anywhere from 40 cm to 50 cm (15.7 inches to 19.7 inches).

I recommend packing crampons if you’re planning to walk around in December and you notice the snow hasn’t really stuck around (meaning it may be icy there). If there has been good snow throughout most of December, you should be fine without them. I give more packing suggestions later in the post.

December Daylight Hours

December is dark. No way to skirt around that! On December 1, we have 3 hours and 43 minutes of daylight. By December 15, however, we have 2 hours and 25 minutes. On December 31, we have 2 hours and 40 minutes of daylight.

Winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) is December 21 and on that day, you will see 2 hours and 14 minutes of daylight.

No, we never have true polar night here (despite having proper midnight sun for a month). This is due to the Earth’s tilt. And even though the days are short, you will have what appears like dawn/dusk around the hours when the sun is up.

For this to make sense, you can see the sunset and sunrise times below:

• December 1: sunrise 10:14am, sunset 1:57pm
• December 15: sunrise 10:59am, sunset 1:24pm
• December 21 (Winter Solstice): sunrise 11:07am, sunset 1:22pm
• December 30: sunrise 11:00am, sunset 1:40pm

Keep in mind that each year is slightly different, but the times indicated above will be close to the same.

Northern Lights in December

Rovaniemi tends to be cloudy most of December and you can expect around 80% cloudy days on your trip. The best way to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Rovaniemi is to take a tour!

I always recommend one that will do unlimited distances, as it really maximizes your chances! Keep in mind that these can make for super long nights, but they give you the best chance of viewing the aurora, especially as the region tends to be quite cloudy and you can drive to where there is an opening in the clouds!

Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi in December

Below are a few of my favorite things to do during December in Rovaniemi. As I mentioned above, this is the busiest month in Rovaniemi, so you should book everything ahead of time if you can!

Some of the experiences below start during December, and I have included their seasonal dates to help you see what is available during your trip. All of the links below are to specific guides I have written, which contain additional information.

• Take a northern lights tour: Most people come to Rovaniemi for the Northern Lights, so securing a tour as soon as possible is imperative.
• Snowmobiling: These tours start up at the beginning of December and are a favorite of mine. Definitely book asap as there is a finite number of machines.
• Snowman World: Located at SCV and is an ice and snow attraction. Great for kids. Opens December 6, 2025.
• Dog-sledding: Another favorite of adults and kids in Rovaniemi. This starts at the beginning of the month.
• Kotatieva Resort: Ice skating and other activities (and is probably my favorite thing to do in Rovaniemi in winter!). Opens December 6, 2025.
• Arctic SnowHotel: A beautiful hotel built from snow and ice. You can visit on your own or take a tour from Rovaniemi. Opens December 15, 2025.
• SnowGlow Winterpark: There are better attractions in Rovaniemi, but it may be worth a stop if you’re staying in the city center with kids.
• Korouoma Canyon: This waterfall freezes in winter and is a day trip option from Rovaniemi. Must be mid-fitness level.
• Go ice floating: This is a unique tour where you’ll put on a floating drysuit and relax in Arctic waters among the ice.
• Feed reindeer at Local Lifestyle Rovaniemi
• Arktikum: Our local museum where you can learn more about life in the Arctic, the Sámi, local animals, and more. Also is a great place to view the aurora at night!

And naturally, Santa Claus Village will be in full swing in December! It will be packed and you can expect lines everywhere. But… it is such an essential to get into the Christmas vibe and a lot of fun! Be sure to also visit Santa Park, which is only open seasonally (and is open daily in December).

For a more in-depth guide about visiting Rovaniemi in winter, you can check out my dedicated guide I linked here!

What to Wear & Bring

Honestly, I always recommend bringing the same things from November until the end of March! It is cold and the chance that you’re coming from somewhere else with similar temperatures is slim (unless you hold a Canadian passport).

Here are the things I always recommend to our winter visitors:

• Parka or heavy winter coat
• Wool sweater (I like ones from Devold of Norway or Dale of Norway)
• Base layers (I use ones from Kari Traa… but they are only for women. Devold of Norway is also good for men and women both.)
• Mittens or gloves (I prefer mittens as they keep your hands warmer)
• Wool socks
• Snowboots
• Crampons (December can be icy as the snow finally settles in, especially if you venture outside the city center or main parts of SCV)
• Hat
• Mobile power bank (phone batteries can drain in cold weather – especially on northern lights tours)

If you don’t want to purchase all new clothing for this trip, don’t worry! You can rent clothing in Rovaniemi at two different places, Wild Nordic (SCV) or Winter Rent (city center).

FAQ about Lapland in December

Is snow guaranteed in Lapland in December?

Nothing is ever guaranteed, regardless of whether you visit Rovaniemi in December or in March! December tends to have snow on the ground, but every year is different.

If snow is a must for your trip. opt for a January/February trip instead of a December one. But you will likely encounter snow on your trip. I am writing this in October and we have snow on the ground outside now!

Can you see the northern lights in Lapland in December?

Yep – if the skies are clear, you have a really solid chance of seeing the northern lights in December! If the northern lights are a MUST for you and you want to visit solely for the best chances to see them, consider a March trip, however. March is our best month for aurora here.

Is it busy around Christmas in Rovaniemi?

Yes. Very, very busy. Be sure to book hotels well in advance. Also, make sure tours are pre-booked to avoid disappointment. Another thing to consider is where you’re going to eat.

A lot of people visit Rovaniemi as part of a package deal, but if you’re not one of those travelers, it is best to start making restaurant reservations as soon as you know your dates.

Do you have any questions about visiting Rovaniemi in December? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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