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Cool Christmas

Visit Stockholm and spend Christmas at the Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi
Icehotel, Sweden © Asaf Kliger/Icehotel

Celebrate Christmas at the Icehotel in Swedish Lapland! Spend a night in Stockholm, then take the overnight train to Kiruna. Stay three nights at the original Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, 2 nights in warm accommodation and 1 night in an Ice Room. On Christmas Eve there will be a visit from Santa Claus and a celebration dinner. Ice Sculpting, Northern Lights Hunting and Dog Sledding excursions at the Icehotel are included.

Itinerary

21 December Stockholm Arrival

Upon your arrival into Stockholm make your own way to the hotel. Stockholm city has an abundance of charm, history and tradition. Known as the Beauty on the Water, this is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful capitals; built on 14 islands and protected from the sea by Skargarden archipelago. Perhaps explore Gamla Stan's narrow cobbled streets, see the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings and much more. 1 nights hotel accommodation in Stockholm city centre.

22 December Stockholm - Kiruna By Overnight Train

Day at leisure for you to further explore Stockholm on your own. In the late evening, depart by overnight train from Stockholm to Kiruna. Accommodation on-board the train in a private sleeping compartment.

23 December Kiruna Arrival, Icehotel and Overnight Ice Room

Upon your arrival at Kiruna railway station you will be transferred to the world-famous Icehotel located in Jukkasjärvi. Situated 200km north of the Arctic Circle, the Icehotel annually creates wondrous Ice Rooms and Suites, using vast blocks of ice harvested from the nearby River Torne. Built in different stages, upon completion the Icehotel has individual rooms & suites, some with uniquely hand-crafted, ice & snow sculptures, an ice chapel & the famous Absolut Ice Bar. The hotel also has warm, stylish hotel room accommodation and a restaurant with locally inspired menu selections.

Your stay at Icehotel is filled with some amazing winter fun, with four included excursions. Details of the excursions are shown below - the timing for each of these activities will be scheduled according to availability:
Ice Sculpting: learn about the crystal-clear ice, which is harvested from Torne River. Then an introduction on how to use the tools and your own ice block. Let the creativity flow and ice take shape. 1.5hrs duration
Northern Lights Hunt by Snowmobile: a clear sky, darkness and some patience are the best ingredients for hunting the Northern Lights. On this tour, you drive a snowmobile out in the wilderness, away from light pollution. The guide make short stops to tell you about the Aurora, and have time to take your own pictures. Stop in a warm wilderness cabin where the guide serves dinner. 4hrs duration
Northern Lights Hunt and Photography: in the wilderness surrounding Juk­kasjärvi - away from the artificial light - the conditions for catching the lights are at their best. While we wait for the Aurora to possibly appear in the night sky, your guide takes you through the basics of night time photography and capturing the northern lights on camera. 4.5hrs duration
Experience Dog Sledding: travel by dog sled through the beautiful landscape. As you sit back and enjoy the ride, the silence is broken only by the runners whooshing through the snow. The tour includes wilderness coffee and cake served by an open fire. 1.5hrs duration

Tonight you will experience an overnight in an Ice Room - get a good night's sleep in minus 5 degrees, snuggled cosily in thermal sleeping bags on a special bed built of snow and ice, on reindeer skins.

24 December Icehotel, Christmas Eve, Santa's Visit and Festive Dinner

This morning you are awakened with a cup of hot lingonberry juice at your bedside. Enjoy a sauna before your breakfast buffet, then time at leisure. Later this afternoon, gather for a very special visit from Santa Claus, who will arrive in front of the Icehotel. Children of all ages are welcome to share their Christmas wishes and to take a picture with Santa - he may even have some gifts for the children who have been good! Tonight enjoy a delightful festive dinner. Tonight and tomorrow night you will sleep in warm accommodation in a stylish Kaamos room.

25 December Icehotel Christmas Day and Festive Dinner, Optional Torch Procession and Concert

Breakfast at the Icehotel. A day to relax or if you prefer perhaps join an optional excursion. Or you can join the optional Christmas day village torch procession to the local church, where a carol concert with soloists and an organist is held each year. Enjoy a festive Christmas dinner this evening. 

26 December Icehotel Departure

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Kiruna airport and end of arrangements. 


2023 departure: 21 December

2024 details and itinerary coming soon

Notes:

This tour is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

The Christmas Day torch procession and carol concert must be pre-booked.

Snowmobile Safaris: To drive a snowmobile you must have a valid driving license and be 18 years of age or over. All single travellers must drive their own snowmobile solo.

The operation of all excursions is subject to weather conditions. 

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