ChristmasinFinland
$3189.00
Discovery
7 nights in Finland
Winter Activities
Kick-sledging, tobogganing & more
Unique Christmas Day
Snowshoe tour, dinner & campfire
Boxing Day Adventures
Snowmobile safari & reindeer ride
Finnish Traditions
Gingerbread baking & festive crafts
About this trip...
Step into a true winter wonderland where the spirit of Christmas comes alive. Set in the snowy wilderness of Finland’s Wild Taiga, Hotel Kalevala is your cosy festive base for an unforgettable holiday packed with authentic Finnish traditions. Wander through pristine snow-laden forests, glide across frozen landscapes by husky or reindeer sleigh and share seasonal favourites like baking gingerbread and choosing the perfect Christmas tree. With sparkling snow, crackling campfires and the chance of Northern Lights, Christmas magic feels wonderfully real.
What's included?
Return transfers
Private Room
Daily breakfast & dinner
Welcome drink 
Daily evening sauna and use of indoor & outdoor jacuzzi-
One smoke sauna
-
Free use of kick-sledges & toboggans
Santa adventure, decorating the Christmas tree and baking cookies -
Reindeer, husky, and horse-drawn sleighs
-
Snowmobile safari
-
Snowshoeing trip
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International & domestic flights are not included Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive in Kajaani & transfer to Hotel Kalevala
- Explore Kuhmo
- Decorate the Christmas Tree and bake gingerbread
- Meet Santa & Finnish Christmas Eve celebration
- Snowshoe walk & Christmas Day festive celebrations
- Snowmobile adventure, huskies, reindeers & horse-drawn sleighs
- Farewell dinner
- Departure day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Welcome to Finland!
- Dinner included
Day Two: Explore Kuhmo
After a hearty Finnish breakfast, the day begins with a briefing on the week’s itinerary and an introduction to optional activities in Kuhmo. We’re then free to embrace the snowy outdoors, trying sledges and toboggans on the hillside or venturing across the frozen lake on a kick sled. In the afternoon, there’s the opportunity to walk to nearby Kuhmo town for sightseeing, shopping and a warming cup of coffee (transfers available at an additional charge).
Later, we return to the hotel to unwind and embrace true Nordic relaxation in the traditional Finnish smoke sauna, a deeply restorative experience that leaves us feeling refreshed and ready for the festive days ahead.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Three: Discovering Finnish Festive Traditions
Today we take part in one of the most cherished traditions of the season: venturing into the snowy wilderness to find the perfect Christmas tree and bringing it back to the hotel. Decorating the tree is a shared experience, a special moment that brings us together and signals the arrival of the Christmas season. In the afternoon, we enjoy a magical visit to Santa Claus, the real Finnish Joulupukki. Together, we bake gingerbread and create festive decorations, culminating in a memorable audience with Santa himself.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Four: Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve begins with traditional Finnish Christmas rice porridge, a beloved festive treat enjoyed across the country. In the afternoon, we take a short bus ride to the Kuhmo churchyard, where we can light candles in remembrance of loved ones far away, creating a poignant and reflective moment. As evening falls, the true magic of Finnish Christmas arrives as Santa Claus himself appears to deliver gifts, in keeping with local tradition.* The evening is celebrated with a lavish Finnish Christmas buffet, featuring seasonal dishes and festive flavours.
*We are invited to bring one small gift to exchange with a fellow guest.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Five: Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, we embark on a refreshing two-hour snowshoe walk through pristine wilderness, taking in the serene beauty of snow-covered forests while enjoying hot drinks and snacks by a crackling fire along the way. The day continues with a festive Christmas dinner at the hotel, before we gather around a campfire under the starry northern sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights for a truly magical end to the day.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Six: Boxing Day Adventures
Today we enjoy thrilling outdoor activities that bring out the adventurous spirit in everyone. We can take exhilarating rides by reindeer, husky and horse-drawn sleigh, immersing ourselves in an authentic Finnish winter experience. A two-hour snowmobile safari adds even more excitement (participants must hold a valid driving licence; an alternative activity can be offered in place of the snowmobile safari to the same value). For those still seeking more adventure, there is still time to try other optional activities such as rapid swimming or cross-country skiing, catering to every interest and energy level.
- Please see FAQ 'More to explore' below for more details
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Seven: Day at leisure
Today is devoted entirely to relaxation and optional activities available at the hotel. As the day draws to a close, we enjoy a special farewell dinner at Santa’s residence, a final magical gathering where we celebrate the week’s adventures and savour the festive spirit on our last evening. We may also choose to indulge in a smoke sauna, included as part of our stay.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Eight: Departure day
After breakfast and some free time, we transfer to Kuopio Airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
Hotel Kalevala
Hotel Kalevala is set on the tranquil shores of Lake Lammasjärvi in north-east Finland, offering an authentic stay in the heart of the Wild Taiga region. The hotel blends nature and warm Finnish hospitality in a truly unique wilderness setting, surrounded by ancient forests and deep winter snow. Located just outside the town of Kuhmo, it enjoys a peaceful lakeside position, with traditional Finnish saunas plus indoor and outdoor jacuzzis to unwind in after a day in the snow. Rooms are warm and comfortable in a Nordic style, featuring en-suite facilities, Wi-Fi, TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Room includes:
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Transfer Time
Kajaani Airport to Hotel Kalevala is approximately 1hr 35 minutes.
Hotel Kalevala to Kuopio Airport is approximately 2 hrs 30 minutes.
We recommend dressing in layers, starting with a thermal base layer, followed by an insulating mid-layer such as fleece or wool, and finishing with a windproof and waterproof outer layer. Thermal leggings or trousers are essential, and ski trousers are ideal for outdoor activities.
Footwear should be warm, waterproof winter boots with good grip and room for thick socks. Wool or thermal socks are strongly recommended, and it is advisable to bring several pairs.
Additional essential items include:
- Warm hat that covers the ears
- Insulated gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer, especially for children)
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Optional hand and foot warmers for extra comfort
- Swimwear for use in the jacuzzi and sauna.
- Casual clothing for your time at the hotel.
The hotel has a drying room which you can use to dry your clothes at the end of each day.
Snowsuit hire
You can hire a snow suit from the hotel at a cost of €25 per day or €75 for the duration of your stay. Please book this prior to departure.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
The currency in Finland is the Euro.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters, and hotel staff of approximately EUR 30.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. Please note: - Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos travelers.
Winter Experiences
Cross-Country Ski School or Tour, 2 hours | €69
Learn the basics of cross-country skiing at the Kalevala Ski Centre or join a guided tour through forests and over a frozen lake. Suitable for beginners. Includes hot juice.
Ice Fishing, 2–3 hours | €59
Drill a hole in the ice and try traditional ice fishing with a jig. Travel to the fishing spot on snowshoes, skis, or on foot.
Includes hot drinks, sausages cooked over an open fire, and fishing equipment for the rest of the day.
Fat Bike Tour, 2 hours | €79
Explore winter trails on a fat bike. The route is planned together with your guide to suit the group.
Includes guide, fat bike, helmet, and refreshments.
Unique Wilderness Experiences
Healing from Nature 3–4 hours | €129
Reconnect with nature and discover the healing properties of the forest. After a short drive, use snowshoes or skishoes to gather spruce resin. By the campfire, prepare your own natural resin cream while enjoying a fireside snack.
Each participant takes home a jar of handcrafted resin cream, known for its soothing and healing qualities. Includes transfers, coffee, snacks, and jar.
Skishoe Adventure on an Island, 3 hours | €129
Skishoes, a hybrid between skis and snowshoes, are easy to learn and ideal for off-trail exploration. Ski across a frozen lake from Hotel Kalevala to Harakkasaari Island, formed during the Ice Age. Explore the island, hear fascinating stories about Finnish nature, then enjoy soup, bread, and coffee or tea by the fire.
Aurora Tours, Chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic Night
Aurora Photography Picnic, 2–3 hours | €129
Join a local professional Aurora Hunter for a magical evening beneath the northern sky. Walk just one kilometre across a frozen lake to Harakkasaari Island, away from light pollution, and settle by a cosy campfire while grilling tasty snacks.
As you enjoy the picnic, your guide will share fascinating stories about the Northern Lights, local nature, and life in the north. A night photography expert will take beautiful photos of you with the auroras — and if the sky is cloudy, we’ll create enchanting lantern portraits instead.
Photos are delivered by email after the tour. You’re also welcome to bring your own camera and learn how to capture the night sky.
With an open view towards the north, Harakkasaari Island offers excellent conditions for aurora watching when the lights appear.
Aurora Hunting by Car, 3–4 hours | €159
Set off on an exciting aurora hunt with a professional Aurora Hunter. Using advanced weather forecasts and aurora activity data, your guide will drive to the best viewing locations based on real-time conditions.
We may visit 2–3 different observation spots around northern Kuhmo and if needed, travel further afield to maximise the chances of seeing the lights. If time allows, we’ll enjoy a warm snack by a campfire while your guide shares intriguing facts and stories about the auroras.
Your guide can photograph you under the Northern Lights or help you set up your own camera.
Please note: Sightings of the auroras cannot be guaranteed, and tours are non-refundable if the lights do not appear. If conditions look better on another day, we may suggest rescheduling to improve your chances.
Wellbeing, Nature & Local Life
Life in Bearlands, 3–4 hours | €159
Visit the home of a local guide in the heart of bear country, just 25 km from Kuhmo. Surrounded by forests rich in wildlife, this experience offers a gentle walk of up to 4 km (in winter using skishoes), where you’ll discover animal tracks and traces of the Ice Age.
After the walk, relax indoors with coffee, tea, and snacks while your host shares insights into everyday life in the Finnish wilderness — blending tradition with modern living.
You might even discover why Finns are considered the happiest people in the world!
Note: There is a cat in the house, so this tour is not suitable for guests with allergies.
Nature, History & Culture of Kuhmo, 2 hours | €99
Explore the highlights of Kuhmo on a guided walk combining nature, history, and culture. Begin at the scenic Pajakkakoski River, a peaceful haven near the town centre and a great spot for birdwatching and photography.
Continue along the lakeshore to visit the Juminkeko Cultural Centre, where you’ll learn about Kalevala traditions, borderland life, and view an art exhibition. The walk then continues to the Kuhmo Arts Centre, home to one of Finland’s finest concert halls.
After the tour, enjoy 2 hours of free time for lunch, cafés, or shopping (not included).
Transfers from the hotel and entrance to Juminkeko included.
Two Nature Trails, Best of Kuhmo, 3–4 hours | €129
Discover Kuhmo’s natural beauty on an easy-paced tour visiting two scenic nature trails, both just 15 minutes from the hotel.
- Lauttavaara Nature Trail (2 km): Explore old-growth forest, Ice Age formations, plants, and wildlife signs.
- Lentua Rapids (1.5 km): Visit the largest free-flowing rapid in the Kainuu region and learn about its historical use as a tar transport route.
Finish the experience by lighting a fire at a traditional laavu shelter and enjoying coffee and a snack by the rapids.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here to learn more.
If you are taking part in an excursion which includes hot air ballooning, 4 x 4 off road drives, quad biking, motorcycling or snowmobiling you need to check your travel insurer will offer you adequate cover. You will also need to sign a waiver form.
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of our trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.
