Christmas in Levi means reliable snow cover, a festive village atmosphere wrapped in polar night blue light, and a wide range of winter activities from snowmobile safaris to ice fishing. December is peak season in this Lapland resort, so temperatures hover well below freezing and daylight is limited to a few hours of twilight, but that atmospheric darkness is a major part of the appeal.
Whether you are planning a Lapland Christmas holiday with family or a romantic getaway for two, Levi delivers the kind of winter wonderland setting that few places can match. Below, we answer the most common questions travelers ask about spending December in this corner of Finnish Lapland.
How Much Snow Does Levi Have in December?
Levi typically has a well-established snow cover throughout December, often reaching 40 to 60 centimetres or more by the middle of the month. Snow usually arrives in late October or November, so by the time the Christmas season begins, the landscape is blanketed in white and snowmobile trails are fully operational.
The snow in Levi during December is the dry, powdery kind that Lapland is known for. It clings to every branch and rooftop, creating the picture-perfect winter scenery most visitors dream about. Because temperatures regularly stay below minus ten degrees Celsius, the snow does not melt or turn slushy. It stays crisp and fresh, refreshed by regular snowfalls throughout the month.
One practical point worth noting: the short daylight hours mean you will experience much of the snow scenery under the soft blue twilight of polar night, known in Finnish as kaamos. The sun does not rise above the horizon in Levi for several weeks around the winter solstice, but the sky produces a beautiful gradient of deep blues and soft pinks around midday. This light reflecting off fresh snow is one of the most magical visual experiences of a Lapland Christmas holiday.
What Christmas Activities Can You Do in Levi?
Levi in December offers a full programme of winter activities, including snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, reindeer farm visits, husky rides, and festive village experiences. The range of options makes it easy to fill every day of a Christmas holiday with memorable outdoor adventures.
We run a winter daily safari programme from November through April with departures at 10:00, 13:30, and 18:00. Daytime options include a Traditional Ice Fishing Experience lasting about 2.5 hours, a snowmobile safari to a Lapp tent (also 2.5 hours), a combined Snowmobile and Ice Fishing Adventure spanning 3 hours, and a fast and easy snowmobile safari of 2.5 hours. We keep group sizes small to ensure a personal, high-quality experience.
For families, couples, or small groups who want something tailored, private tours are also available. You can combine a snowmobile ride through snowy forests with a stop at a cosy Lapp tent for hot drinks by the fire, or visit a reindeer farm to learn about Sámi culture and traditions.
One especially popular option for families travelling with children is the Tonttula Elves Village snowmobile safari, which brings the Christmas spirit to life in the Lapland wilderness. The festive atmosphere in Levi village itself is also worth enjoying, with Christmas lights, local restaurants serving seasonal dishes, and a genuine sense of celebration throughout the resort.
Because December falls within Levi’s higher price season periods, according to Levi’s official classification and price seasons page, both accommodation and activities should be booked well in advance. Popular safaris and tours fill up quickly during the Christmas weeks, so early planning is essential.
Is December a Good Time to See the Northern Lights in Levi?
December is an excellent time to see the northern lights in Levi. The extended darkness of polar night provides many hours of dark sky each day, which significantly increases your chances of spotting the aurora borealis when solar activity and clear skies align.
Levi sits well within the auroral zone, the band around the magnetic north pole where northern lights appear most frequently. During December, usable darkness stretches from the early afternoon into the late morning of the following day, giving you a much wider window for aurora viewing than you would have during autumn or spring months.
The main variable is cloud cover. Overcast skies can block the view, so it helps to stay flexible and be ready to head outdoors whenever the clouds break. Evening snowmobile safaris, with departures at 18:00, offer a chance to get away from village lights and into darker areas where the aurora display is more vivid. For a deeper look at the best conditions and timing, we have written a detailed guide on the best time to see the northern lights in Levi.
Proper clothing matters for aurora watching. Standing still in minus fifteen to minus twenty degree temperatures requires warm base layers, an insulated outer layer, thick gloves, a warm hat, and insulated boots. Most safari operators, including us, provide thermal suits for guided excursions, but having your own warm clothing underneath makes a real difference.
How Do You Get to Levi for a Christmas Holiday?
The easiest way to reach Levi is by flying into Kittilä Airport, which is just 15 kilometres from the resort. According to Finavia’s Kittilä Airport page, the airport has scheduled flights from major European cities and multiple daily connections from Helsinki, making it one of the most accessible gateways to Lapland.
The short transfer from Kittilä Airport to Levi takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car, bus, or taxi. Many hotels and holiday rental companies arrange airport transfers, and there are also public bus connections timed to match flight arrivals.
Flying from Helsinki
If you are arriving from outside Finland, the most common route is to fly into Helsinki Airport and connect to Kittilä. The domestic flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. During the Christmas season, flight frequency increases to meet demand, but seats sell out quickly. Booking flights early, ideally several months ahead, helps secure better prices and availability.
Alternative Travel Options
Driving to Levi from southern Finland is possible but takes roughly 12 to 14 hours depending on your starting point and road conditions. Some travellers enjoy the road trip through Lapland’s winter landscapes, though winter driving in northern Finland requires experience with icy roads and proper winter tyres. There are also overnight train connections to Kolari, a town about 80 kilometres from Levi, from where you can continue by bus or rental car.
Whichever route you choose, remember that Christmas in Levi falls during peak season. Flights, accommodation, and activities all book up faster than at other times of year. Planning your trip well in advance is the single most important piece of practical advice for a smooth Lapland Christmas holiday.
Start Planning Your Christmas in Levi with Kinos Safaris
We at Kinos Safaris have been creating unforgettable Lapland experiences from the heart of Levi since 2003. With over 20 years of experience, small group sizes, and a genuine passion for sharing the magic of Arctic winter, we are here to help you make the most of your December visit.
Whether you want to glide through snowy forests on a snowmobile, try your hand at ice fishing on a frozen lake, or chase the northern lights on an evening safari, our team will take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the moment. Private tours for families, couples, and small groups are available throughout the season.
Browse our winter daily safaris to see the full programme, and get in touch to reserve your spot before the Christmas season fills up. We look forward to welcoming you to Levi.
