Tromsø, nestled above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas, into a perfect destination for families seeking unforgettable Arctic experiences. With the winter, crisp polar nights, and the chance to see the magical Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Tromsø is ideal for family-friendly winter tours, suitable for children, teens, and adults alike.
Below we cover the best seasonal activities: from Aurora chases to reindeer encounters, outdoor fun, snowmobiling and cozy cultural experiences, with direct links to each Best Arctic tour so you can book early and avoid sell-outs.
Family-friendly northern lights tours in Tromsø in December
Seeing the Northern Lights is often at the top of every family’s Arctic bucket list. Best Arctic offers a range of Aurora experiences designed for comfort, excitement, and spectacular sky shows.
Aurora Safari Chase with big bus
This classic Northern Lights excursion is a great choice for families of all ages. You’ll travel in a spacious coach from Tromsø to private Aurora camps, where warm shelters, restrooms, hot drinks, free standard photos of you with the northern lights in the background, and a camp meal await under the Arctic sky. Big bus tours are ideal for families with young kids or toddlers who need a bit more comfort in a warm place, while waiting for the lights.
Aurora Safari Minibus
Prefer a more intimate group experience? This minibus tour lets you chase the Northern Lights in a smaller group (up to ~15 participants) with an English-speaking guide.
Expect snacks, hot drinks, tripods for photos, free photos of you with the northern lights in the background, expedition meals and engaging local stories – perfect for teens and adults alike.
Aurora Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a three-hour Northern Lights cruise aboard a modern hybrid catamaran that blends fjord sightseeing with local cuisine. Dine while travelling through peaceful waters, keeping an eye out for auroras dancing above. A romantic but also family-friendly option for kids who enjoy boat tours.
Electric Northern Lights Cruise
For an eco-friendly option, this silent-powered catamaran cruise lets families seek the aurora from dark fjords without noise or engine fumes. It’s a calm and scenic experience that younger travelers and adults will appreciate equally.
Reindeer activities – Meet the Arctic’s gentle icons
Immerse your family in Sámi culture and reindeer encounters, one of the most meaningful Christmas experiences in the Arctic.
Arctic Fjords and Reindeer Experience
This small group day tour blends scenic Arctic fjords with an authentic meeting with reindeer and a Sami herder. Families can learn about indigenous traditions while surrounded by Norway’s breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Reindeer Feeding and Sámi Culture – 1 pm departure
Perfect for a gentle afternoon adventure, this tour combines reindeer feeding with insights into traditional Sámi life. Ideal for families with kids who love animals and cultural stories.
Reindeer Sledding, Feeding and Sami Culture with Chance of Northern Lights
Add more excitement with a reindeer sled ride and evening atmosphere that may include Northern Lights. Great for energetic teens and animal-loving kids alike, with both culture and thrill combined.
Bus transportation – Explore beyond Tromsø
Aurora Express Nightliner Bus
For families looking to span borders, this Nightliner bus service between Tromsø and Rovaniemi (Finland) adds a comfortable travel option that connects these two Arctic destinations. It’s an easy way to extend your festive adventure across landscapes and cultures and meet Santa Clau’s in Rovaniemi (Northern Finland – Lapland).
Other outdoor tours – Active family fun
Guided easy snowshoeing with a café visit
A perfect winter morning activity! Strap on snowshoes and wander through snowy countryside, then warm up together in a cozy café with hot drinks and pastries. Great for kids and adults alike, this tour balances activity with comfort.
Guided snowshoe trip on Tromsøya
For a lighter trek close to Tromsø city, this easy family-friendly snowshoe walk is suitable even for those who have never tried snowshoeing before.
Snowmobile adventures – Arctic thrills
Lyngen Snowmobile Safari
Adventurous teens (and adults!) will love driving across snowy terrain with views of the majestic Lyngen Alps. It’s an exciting family-friendly way to explore Arctic wilderness beyond the city.
Overnight in a Sami tent – Authentic Arctic experience
Overnight in Lavvo, Reindeer Feeding & Northern Lights
This unique experience lets your family sleep in a traditional Sami tent (lavvo) after feeding the reindeer and enjoying cultural storytelling. You might even catch the Northern Lights from your camp under the stars – a true Christmas highlight.
Why you should pre-book your Christmas tours
Tromsø’s Christmas season is one of the busiest times of year for Arctic activities, especially for tours like Aurora chases, reindeer encounters and overnight experiences.
Booking your tours well in advance online ensures you secure your preferred date, group size, and accommodations since many tours sell out months ahead during peak winter months.
Book your tours online via www.bestarctic.com and if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask Maria, our AI virtual assistant for immediate answers or contact us via info@bestarctic.com and our human customer team will reply and help you out.
