Christmas in Levi – The Complete Guide to Lapland Christmas
Experience a magical Christmas in snowy Lapland – the home of Santa Claus
Lapland is the birthplace of Christmas, and Levi offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable Christmas experience. Snowy landscapes, northern lights, reindeer and the proximity of Santa Claus make Christmas in Levi truly unique.
Christmas accommodation books up early — see available cabins and apartments.
The home of Santa Claus
Christmas Dinner in Levi – Restaurants, Menus & Cabin Delivery
Complete guide to Christmas Eve dining in Levi. Restaurant menus, cabin catering options, traditional Finnish Christmas food, and practical booking tips.
Read more →Christmas market in Levi centre — local handicrafts and festive atmosphere
Christmas market atmosphere — you can grill stick buns and reindeer sausage by the fire at the foot of the slopes
Christmas Experiences in Levi
Meeting Santa Claus
Meet the real Santa Claus in the Levi area. Children and adults can chat with Santa and take photos with his elves.
Reindeer Safaris
A traditional reindeer ride through snowy landscapes is an unforgettable experience. Reindeer will take you into the peaceful Lapland nature.
Northern Lights
The dark nights of December are excellent for viewing the northern lights. Aurora Borealis adds a magical touch to Christmas.
Read more →Husky Safaris
Husky sled rides offer speed and adventure into Lapland forests. Dogs pull you through the snowy landscape.
Read more →Christmas Saunas
Finnish sauna is part of Christmas tradition. Our accommodations have private saunas where you can relax during the holidays.
Read more →Winter Activities
Skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling – Levi has activities for the whole family even at Christmas.
Read more →Why Spend Christmas in Levi?
- Guaranteed snow – Levi always has a white Christmas
- Santa's homeland – authentic Christmas traditions
- Northern lights – magical light show in the sky
- Peaceful atmosphere – escape from everyday stress
- Activities for all ages – skiing, reindeer safaris, snowmobiling
- Quality accommodations – cozy Christmas apartment in Levi center
Did you know?
Santa's cabin is located on the slopes of Levi! You can reach it by the Levi Black gondola lift – it's an exciting adventure for the whole family.
Tips for Your Christmas Visit
Book Early
Christmas season is extremely popular. Book accommodation at least 6–12 months in advance.
Pack Warmly
In December temperatures can drop to -35°C. Layered clothing, wool base layers and good winter boots are essential.
Embrace the Darkness
During Christmas, daylight is short, but darkness reveals the northern lights and beautiful Christmas decorations.
All our properties have a private sauna and a fully equipped kitchen for Christmas →
Levi Christmas Market
The Levi Christmas market brings local artisans, reindeer-meat producers and festive atmosphere to the village centre throughout December. You'll find handmade jewellery, woollens, gift ideas and warm glögi (mulled wine). Campfires and local performers set the evening mood.
Check exact dates and opening hours from Levi's official events calendar.
- Location: Levi centre, Zero Point area
- Timing: December weekends before Christmas
- Free entry
Christmas Dinners & the Finnish Christmas Table
Levi restaurants serve traditional Finnish Christmas menus (joulupöytä) and à la carte options on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Popular venues such as Hullu Poro, Restaurant Sokka and Tunturialpit fill quickly — reserve well in advance. The traditional table features ham, root-vegetable casseroles, rosolli salad and glögi.
Prefer to celebrate at your apartment? Local caterers deliver a ready Christmas table straight to your accommodation.
- Book Christmas dinner 2–3 months in advance
- Catering deliveries typically 22–24 December
- Mention dietary requirements when booking
Book Christmas accommodation with a kitchen — perfect for your own Christmas table →
Santa Claus in Levi – Elves' Village & Christmas World
You can meet Santa Claus in several places in Levi. Elves' Village (Tonttula) near the centre is an experience village where children meet Santa and his elves and feed reindeer. Christmas World at Levi Summit offers guided programmes and Santa audiences.
Private Santa visits to your cabin can be booked from local activity operators — a favourite for groups and families.
- Elves' Village Tonttula — daily in December
- Santa's Post Office — send a letter to Santa
- Book a private Santa visit in advance
Christmas Slopes & Winter Sports
Levi's slopes are open throughout the Christmas season: 43 slopes, 28 lifts and a longest run of 2.5 km. Lifts run on shortened hours on Christmas Eve and return to normal on Christmas Day. The cross-country network is 230 km, of which nearly 30 km is lit.
Ski schools and equipment rentals are open, though Christmas Eve hours are limited. Buy lift passes online in advance to save time.
Northern Lights at Christmas
December is Lapland's darkest month — after sunset the sky can glow with aurora late into the night. Several dark spots around Levi minimise light pollution, such as the shores of Lake Immel and the surroundings of Kätkä fell.
Follow the aurora forecast and head out when the KP index is 3 or higher and the sky is clear.
Christmas Sauna & Wellness
The Finnish Christmas tradition culminates in the Christmas Eve sauna. Every Leville.net apartment has its own sauna, and many also have a fireplace. Enjoy silence, candlelight and traditional Christmas treats after your löyly.
For a public sauna experience, Levi offers smoke saunas, lakeside barrel saunas and hotel saunas with ice-swimming access.
- Private sauna in every apartment
- Ice swimming at nearby Lake Immel
- Smoke-sauna and reindeer-themed sauna experiences
The Declaration of Christmas Peace
The Declaration of Christmas Peace is broadcast in Finland at noon on Christmas Eve. Watch the TV broadcast with your family in the cabin, or attend the Christmas Eve service at Levi Chapel — a quiet, meaningful moment amid the holiday preparations.
Practical Tips for a Christmas Holiday in Levi
Clothing: December temperatures can drop below –30 °C. Wear layers, wool base layers and a windproof outer shell. From Kittilä Airport to Levi is about 15 km — reachable by airport bus, taxi or rental car, roughly a 20-minute drive.
Prices rise in peak season: accommodation, activities and restaurants should be booked as soon as your dates are fixed. Grocery shops close early on Christmas Eve — stock up in advance.
- Kittilä Airport to Levi: about 20 minutes
- Grocery shops open until about 15:00 on Christmas Eve
- Buy lift passes and activities in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Levi Christmas market held?
The Christmas market runs throughout December in Levi centre, with main weekends before Christmas. Check exact dates from Levi's official events calendar.
Are the slopes open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, Levi's slopes are open on Christmas Eve with shortened hours, typically in the morning. Christmas Day and Boxing Day operate on normal hours.
Where can I meet Santa Claus in Levi?
At Elves' Village Tonttula near the centre, and at Christmas World at Levi Summit. Private Santa visits to your cabin can be booked from local activity operators.
Can I see the northern lights at Christmas?
December is a great aurora period. On clear, cloudless nights the northern lights are likely when the KP index is 3 or higher.
How early should I book Christmas accommodation?
Popular Christmas dates (23–27 December) often sell out 6–12 months in advance. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.
How do I get from Kittilä Airport to Levi?
Kittilä Airport is about 15 km from Levi. You can travel by airport bus, taxi or rental car — the trip takes about 20 minutes.
Book Your Christmas Accommodation
December 2026 is now open for bookings. Book early and secure your dream Christmas destination in Levi!
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The information on this page is intended as general tips and inspiration for planning your Levi holiday. Availability, prices, opening hours and business details may change without notice. We recommend verifying current information directly with service providers before making any bookings. Leville.net is not responsible for third-party services or any changes to their offerings.