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Northern Lights by ilovegreenlandNorthern Lights by ilovegreenland

Christmas in the Land of Icebergs


Christmas holiday in unique surroundings

from £ 2,950 pp - 8 days / 7 nights

Print this package
 
Photo by Andre Schoenherr / Visit Greenland

Overview:

Christmas in Greenland is a beautiful and peaceful experience. Reload your batteries and experience the magic of Christmas with dog sledding, Northern Lights and the traditional orange and Greenlandic Christmas stars.

On this trip, you will get a unique chance to go above the Arctic Circle during the Polar Night. During the Polar Night, the sun does not rise above the horizon. However, your days will not be pitch black! During the day you will experience a dusk-like light in the sky. In the town the streets are lit and there is an orange glow from the many Christmas stars displayed in the windows of the homes of the Greenlanders.

Remeber to also bring the books that you didn’t get to read this year and some games - your co-travelers may be up for a game of cards or checkers!

Holiday price is from £ 2,950 per person based on availability and 2 persons sharing a standard double/twin room. Single supplement is £ 350. 

2023 Departure Date to be confirmed:

DEPARTURE RETURN
NO DEPARTURES 
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Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Copenhagen

Arrival in Copenhagen Airport and make your way to the airport hotel for your overnight stay. The hotel is located about 5 minutes’ drive from the airport and taxis are available from a taxi rank.

Day 2: Departure to Greenland

In Copenhagen, we board Air Greenland’s airplane Norsaq, flying us to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, a trip of 4½ hours. After landing, we transfer to a smaller plane that is taking us to Ilulissat. Along the way, you can look down on Greenland’s beautiful coastline, and we also fly over the world-famous Ilulissat Ice Fjord just before reaching the airport in Ilulissat.

You will be picked up by Hotel Arctics busses and driven to the cozy hotel, located on the waterfront in llulissat town. Our guide now gives an information meeting, and you will hear about the town, the surrounding area, and the excursion opportunities. Note that there may be changes in the days when you are going on a certain excursion. Daylight is limited at this time of year. We may not be able to get all people on the same boat trip as the boat only takes 12 passengers. But the guide will ensure that things will work out for all of those who are going on the excursions. After the information meeting, it is time for a guided town walk for all visitors.

Guided sightseeing

Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town and is considered one of the four main cities in Greenland, together with Nuuk, Qaqortoq, and Sisimiut. In the area of Ilulissat, people have lived for 4,500 years, but the town itself was founded in 1741. You will see many buildings from colonial times. Look forward to an exciting town walk where you will get lots of information that you can use in the coming days. Enjoy the twilight in the town; at this time of the year, there is no sun in Ilulissat. The sun does not rise until January 13, but do not worry: You will experience dusk in the daytime because of the glare of the snow from the stars and street lights. Knud Rasmussen, the world-famous polar explorer, grew up in the building, which is now the Museum of Cultural History in Ilulissat.

In the evening, since Greenland is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, there are probably some who would like to go to bed early. Others can enjoy a small walk in the streets of Ilulissat and count the orange Christmas stars. If your count is under 100, you didn’t walk far enough for almost all houses, and apartments have a star in the window.

Day 3: Ilulissat on your own - Optional Hike to Sermermiut & Northern Lights Safari

There is plenty to do on your own in Ilulissat, and the guide already told you about this on the first day. Today, you can immerse yourself in these experiences. If you have bought the excursion package, you will go on hikes to the former settlement of Sermermiut and, later on, to see the northern lights.

Optional: Hiking to the Former Inuit Settlement of Sermermiut at the Ice Fjord 

Today you are going to the former settlement of Sermermiut, which has been inhabited for millennia because of its great location on the lce Fjord. Even though the view is astonishing, this was not the reason why the Inuit settled here. There are excellent hunting opportunities in the area as the lce Fjord still provides food for both fish and seals, which in turn has created the basis for human dwellings. It is December in Greenland, so on this trip, it is likely that there will be snow en route. We drive from the World of Greenland office to the outskirts of the town. From here, we now have to walk towards the Ice Fjord. This walk is approximately one kilometer, along a path most likely covered by snow. Since it is winter, you cannot see the remains of the settlement, as it is also covered by snow, but the guide will tell you about life in a Greenlandic settlement in the old days. On this hike, you also get a fantastic view of the Ice Fjord.

Optional: Northern Lights Safari

Everyone is fond of the Ice Fjord and the northern lights. It may seem that we are flaunting, but we have never met anyone who has not been impressed by both. When you go outside on a frosty evening and watch the amazing northern lights move across the sky with the big icebergs bathed in the night light, you will be close to tears from the beauty.

Optional: Northern Lights Excursion

After dinner, we go for an evening walk, where we hope to see the northern lights. On evenings with clear winter skies, you can experience the beautiful northern lights above Ilulissat. We will drive away from the lights of the town and start walking. Your guide will tell you about the phenomenon and also about the Greenlandic legends about the northern light. Be aware that northern lights can only be seen on clear winter evenings and not when it’s overcast. There is a risk that we will look for the northern lights on one of the other evenings instead.

Making Christmas Decorations

Before dinner, we will have fun, making traditional Christmas ornaments. Of course, it’s not mandatory to participate in this. Some people love doing this, others not so much.

Christmas closing hours and alcohol: Greenland has restrictive alcohol legislation, which means that alcohol must not be served in public places on December 25. Also, most cafes, restaurants, and bars are closed during the Christmas days from December 24 to December 26, so buying supplies for the next few days may be a good idea. In the local supermarkets, you can buy candy, cookies, or alcoholic beverages. It is also possible to buy tax-free sweets and alcohol on arrival in Kangerlussuaq before flying on to Ilulissat.

Day 4: Christmas Eve Celebrations - Optional Boat Trip to the Ice Fjord

Christmas has arrived! There are Christmas church services several times during the coming days, so feel free to see if there is room for you in the church. Be aware that it might be completely crowded. If you bought the excursion package, you are going sailing today. Let it be a wonderful Christmas gift to yourself!

Optional: Sailing on the lce Fjord 

This may very well be one of the highlights of your life! A boat trip to the Ice Fjord is unforgettable. You will sail among the huge icebergs stranded here at the mouth of the fjord. Here, the huge icebergs have created an underwater sandbank where the largest icebergs get stuck. When the pressure becomes too high from ice in the fjord or because of melting, the larger icebergs can finally get unstuck and proceed into the Disco Bay. We recommended that you bring sea sickness tablets if you already know that you are at risk of getting seasick.

Christmas Dinner

Christmas Eve is approaching, and tonight you will be served a traditional Scandinavian Christmas dinner at Hotel Arctic. We will enjoy the traditional duck and pork and, of course, a healthy serving of the indispensable red cabbage. Perhaps you can persuade the guide to dance with you around the Christmas tree, another local Christmas tradition. After dinner, it’s up to you how to enjoy Christmas Eve. You may want to go for a walk to see if children are singing Christmas carols outside the houses. They often do this on Christmas Eve, and then they get a little candy for their efforts (please note that Christmas in Greenland is celebrated as the Scandinavians and Germans do. Our main event is the dinner on Christmas Eve and not on Christmas Morning the 25th – feel free to also celebrate on the morning of the 25th if that is how you do it).

Day 5 - 6: Ilulissat on your own - Optional Inuit Legends, Dog Sledding or Snowshoeing

On December 24th and 25th, you can relax and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of the town. If you have bought the excursion package, you will go on a dog sled trip today or tomorrow. On the day that you are not going dog sledding, you will experience Inuit Legends instead.

Optional: Two-hour dog sledding trip

You should look forward to trying a two-hour dog sledding trip. The Ice Fjord is an impressive sight all year round, and we will experience it again on today’s dog sledding trip. We drive across the small hill Akinnaq and, seven kilometers later, we reach a super-good viewpoint of the area. The trip goes through hilly terrain, and you will experience the dogs both in front of and behind the sled. This is because the dogs act as brakes when you go down. You will be two people on the sled in addition to the sled driver.

Optional: Inuit legends – tales and myths

On this excursion, you will go to a turf hut or a heated tent in the mountains where you can wrap yourself in blankets and hides from the Greenlandic fauna. The guide will introduce you to the legends and myths that have been told through generations. We will also keep an eye on the sky in the hope that the northern lights will dance across it. Culture, myths, and the Inuit’s relationship to nature’s phenomena are the focus of this trip. You will also get a taste of different local specialties. You can also go snowshoe hiking.

Snowshoe Hiking

The winter landscape is covered by beautiful snow, which also makes it difficult to explore the World Heritage Site outside the path. Markings on the longer hiking routes are often covered by snow, but if you go with a local guide and wear snowshoes, it becomes easier. On this hike, you will follow the so-called yellow route that starts at the power plant, and you will walk along the coast. You will have the opportunity to photograph the area and enjoy the panoramic view of the Sermermiut Valley, the icebergs and the Disco Bay. The tour ends at the former heliport where you will be picked up. You don’t need experience using snowshoes, because everyone can learn how to move safely through the landscape with these. But you should be aware that this hike is not as easy as the regular Sermermiut hike.

Day 7: Flight from Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen

Today, we head back towards Denmark. With one of Air Greenland's Dash 8’s, you leave Ilulissat Airport for Kangerlussuaq and then fly on to Copenhagen, where you will arrive in the evening

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast at your hotel and time to explore the Danish capital before your return flight back to the UK. We can also assist in extending your stay in Copenhagen with extra nights in downtown Copenhagen.

Package Includes:

  • Return flights from London to Copenhagen (other UK airports upon request)
  • 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
  • Return flights from Copenhagen to Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq
  • Food and beverages on board the Air Greenland flight Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq return
  • Airport transfers in Greenland
  • 2 nights' accommodation at 3* airport hotel in Copenhagen
  • 5 nights' accommodation at 4* Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
  • Breakfast daily
  • Welcome dinner in Ilulissat, excl. drinks
  • Information meetings in Greenland
  • Sightseeing in Ilulissat
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • ATOL Protection
  • All taxes

Enquire now »
 


This map uses Google Maps, so you can zoom and interact with it as we hope it is familiar to you.

For a larger version of this map which opens in a new window, click here

The lines shown give you an indication of our destinations and are not the exact route used.

You'll see...

  • Photo by Mads Phil / Visit Greenland
  • Photo by Mads Phil / Visit Greenland
  • Photo by Mads Phil / Visit Greenland
  • Photo by Paul Zizla / Visit Greenland
  • Photo by Paul Zizla / Visit Greenland

Will I see the Northern Lights?

Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:

Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.

Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm. 

In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.

Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.

The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.

As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.

Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:

Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.

Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.

Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.

Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.

 

Transportation

Railway mostly serves domestic routes and is used as an easy and quick way to get from the capital to major cities of the country. There are some international routes, like to Moscow and St. Petersburg, but time spent on the way will be quite long.

Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltic States. Eurolines will get you between Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. One way tickets will cost £ 15 - £ 20 and approximate travel time is 5 hours between the cities. Ticket reservations in advance are recommended.

Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way of travelling round the city. You'll find them located close to the main hotels. Usually it's quite easy to catch a taxi on the street, however, it's much better and safer to order one by phone. Taxi costs in all of the Baltic countries and Poland are approximately the same and a ride in the centre of the city will cost you approx £ 5 - £ 7.  Taxis in Finland and Russia are considerably more expensive.  It is always a good idea to get your hotel to book a taxi for you and ask approximately how much the trip will cost before you get in.

We would not recommend you to take public transportation within the city, as it's usually crowded and it may cause you unnecessary anxiety about where to stop.

Car Rental

You can rent a car, as long as you have a valid EU or international driver's license. Most cars will have manual transmission.

Join our newsletter

Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button.

We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we're people too!


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