Christmas in Lapland

Arrive in Helsinki, a political, intellectual and cultural capital renowned for its fiercely independent artists and architects. The city’s warren of bays, inlets and islands invites guests to wander broad, tree-lined boulevards in search of world-class cultural, dining and shopping opportunities.

This morning, explore Helsinki’s Temppeliaukio Church, an iconic structure hewn directly into solid rock. Continue to medieval Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns. Here, take in the festive atmosphere as you stroll amid traditional wooden shops and houses fully bedecked for the holiday season. Cap off your excursion with a festive tour of the home of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Finland’s national poet.

Embark on the Lapland leg of your holiday adventure with a short flight to Rovaniemi, perched on the Arctic Circle. The high Arctic in microcosm, Rovaniemi is renowned the world over as the legendary realm of Santa Claus and his elves. Here, at a secluded lakefront cabin, take your pick from one of these Design Your Day options.Try Your Hand at Ice Fishing, learning time-tested tips and tricks from the locals.Snowshoe Through the Woods, immersed in the quiet beauty of the untouched wilderness.Experience Ice Floating, donning a survival suit for an unforgettable polar plunge in the lake’s Arctic waters.Back at your hotel, a hearty dinner of Lappish dishes awaits.

Visit a local reindeer farm to meet the family that has worked on this land for seven generations. After a tour of the farm, hop aboard a reindeer sleigh for a romp through the forest. Then, change mounts for an Arctic snowmobile safari to a remote wooden cabin where you decorate (and taste) gingerbread along with a side of local folklore.

Get under the skin of rural Lapland with a visit to Palovaara Farm, home to the Posio family since 1860. Hosted by hunter and fisherman Jakko, explore the family’s generations-long history in the region and tuck into a traditional lunch of game and foraged berries. The rest of your day is free to relax or join your guide for an all-ages visit to Santa’s house.

Cross a far-north frontier this morning as you pass from Finnish Lapland into Swedish Lapland. Next, step inside a local family home, where you try your hand at traditional Sami crafts beside a crackling fireplace. After a traditional Swedish Christmas lunch, head to nearby Lulea for your short flight to Stockholm.

Stockholm is gorgeous: historic palaces, impressive castles, waterways and bridges, with a soaring ABBA soundtrack over the top. It’s easy to explore on foot, from the cobbled medieval streets of the old town Gamla Stan to the creative district of Sodermalm. Begin your tour with a visit to the Vasa Museum’s restored 17th-century ship. Then, stroll Skansen, an open-air museum of Swedish traditions, which hosts a bustling Christmas market. Take some free time for a bit of last-minute shopping or sightseeing at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a special farewell dinner as you recall the adventures of your festive journey.