Norway at Christmas: Northern Lights Expedition
- Experience a magical white Christmas in Northern Norway with snow-covered landscapes, traditional Norwegian food, and true yuletide cheer.
- Embrace a flexible itinerary, seek out the ethereal Northern Lights, and go beyond the usual highlights to discover the real Arctic Norway.
- Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure filled with winter activities, from kayaking and snowshoeing to whale-spotting and expedition boat cruising.
- Immerse yourself in the Norwegian way of life with three special experiences designed to bring you closer to the country’s iconic culture, nature and heritage.
A Northern Norwegian Christmas
Welcome to a quieter kind of Christmas, set against the stillness of the Arctic. Travelling aboard a purpose-built HX expedition ship, you’ll journey through Northern Norway’s wild coast — from the Lyngen Alps and Senja to the islands of Vesterålen and Lofoten. With flexibility to follow nature’s lead, each day is shaped by opportunity: snowshoeing through quiet forest trails, cruising among icy inlets, or simply admiring the coastal communities in their magical Christmas lights.
Live the Nordic Winter Life
On shore and on board, experience a season steeped in Norwegian customs — and shaped by the rhythm of the Arctic winter. Warm up with spiced gløgg and gingerbread, learn the stories behind local decorations and seasonal dishes, and join in festive traditions as Norwegians have for generations. You might step into a centuries-old stave church, dine by candlelight in the Hurtigruten Museum, or raise a toast by a beach bonfire beneath the Northern Lights.
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
HX Expedition Gear
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home
Ship Facilities
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
Extras
- Professional photos from your trip taken by onboard photographer
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
- Included unique and bespoke experiences
Your fare excludes:
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with local partners
Day 1 - Depart from Tromsø
Lap up the Christmas atmosphere in Tromsø
Backed by snowy mountains, lively Tromsø is the perfect place from which to set out on an adventure. It was the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the 'Gateway to the Arctic'. Just like the legendary explorers, now it is your turn to set a course for the Arctic.
If you arrive early in Tromsø, recommend exploring the city before joining your cruise. This time of year is enchanting, with bustling Christmas markets, cafés serving gløgg (hot mulled wine) and twinkling lights in every window. From the Fjellheisen cable car, you'll have an amazing view over the snowy city and its festive decorations. Make sure to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral with its huge stained-glass window.
Day 2 - Exploring Lyngenfjord and Alps
Approaching the scenic Lyngen Alps via the Lyngenfjord
For the next seven days, you will be exploring four distinct regions in depth, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region likely to be visited is Lyngen.
The scenic Lyngen area is a landscape of jagged, snowy mountains, and a magnet for winter activities. Lyngenfjord is over a hundred miles long, and spend time here going on nature landings, hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, and, if conditions allow, spotting whales from small expedition boats or the ship's deck.
Later, it's time for a real treat. Inspired by Norway's friluftsliv, or deep love for the great outdoors, gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on Day to Dusk - Flames and Flavours experience. With hot drinks in hand and Norwegian treats cooked by onboard chefs, you'll really feel at one with nature. If lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display.
Day 3 - Senja
Discover Norway in miniature
Senja is Norway's second-largest island, and it's sometimes called Norway-in-miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free-roaming reindeer wander around the island, so keep an eye out for them.
Plan to visit the historic settlement of Tranoya for a unique experience with some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about ancient Viking culture and modern life in the remote villages of Arctic Norway during the winter months.
In December and January, sometimes be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day, but this will only enhance our experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight.
Day 4 - Vesterålen
Enjoy an exclusive adventure
Vesterålen awaits with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and kayaking. Plan to spend two days in this region.
It's here that you have a special Into the Night - Dinner at the Museum experience at Hurtigrutemuseet, the Hurtigruten Museum. You'll enjoy an exclusive opening of this heritage setting and dine amid historical artefacts in the old dining room of the ship, MS Finnmarken.
Day 5 - Lofoten
Get to know Lofoten in more detail
Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær, your Captain and Expedition Leader will chart the day's route based on conditions and opportunities, ensuring you make the most of what the region has to offer.
If conditions allow, venture into Trollfjord, where narrow waters are framed by sheer-sided cliffs, or cruise between rugged peaks through the Raftsundet Strait. Whatever route you take, you'll be immersed in striking scenery. And as you navigate dramatic fjords, the mountains rise so close to the ship you'll feel like you could reach out and touch them.
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beaches between towering mountains, and picturesque fishing communities are all ideal to visit with a small ship like MS Spitsbergen.
One such community is Svolvær. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere.
To top it off, you'll also get to enjoy your second special experience, a Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge. Embrace a revitalising Norwegian tradition as you relax in the warmth of a sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge.
Day 6 - Lofoten
Get to know Lofoten in more detail
Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær, your Captain and Expedition Leader will chart the day's route based on conditions and opportunities, ensuring you make the most of what the region has to offer.
If conditions allow, venture into Trollfjord, where narrow waters are framed by sheer-sided cliffs, or cruise between rugged peaks through the Raftsundet Strait. Whatever route you take, you'll be immersed in striking scenery. And as you navigate dramatic fjords, the mountains rise so close to the ship you'll feel like you could reach out and touch them.
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beaches between towering mountains, and picturesque fishing communities are all ideal to visit with a small ship like MS Spitsbergen.
One such community is Svolvær. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere.
To top it off, you'll also get to enjoy your second special experience, a Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge. Embrace a revitalising Norwegian tradition as you relax in the warmth of a sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge.
Day 7 - Christmas in Lofoten
A Jul to remember
In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas or Jul, as the Norwegians say. Enjoy a lovely day as sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature; perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks.
Later, on board, you'll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg-could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening, you'll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner or julebord, and afterwards the celebrations will continue.
Day 8 - Towards Tromsø
Enjoy Christmas Day in serene Norwegian beauty
Today is Christmas Day, and continue to enjoy the uniquely festive onboard atmosphere, but with added adventure. Stay sheltered in the deep fjords as make way back towards Tromsø; at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way, have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.
The scenery continues to be stunning as pass through these inner waters, with the magical winter light playing softly on the sea and mountains. Also pass through areas where likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna, or join the Expedition Team to listen to talks and attend discovery sessions in the Science Centre.
Day 9 - Towards Tromsø
Enjoy Christmas Day in serene Norwegian beauty
Today is Christmas Day, and continue to enjoy the uniquely festive onboard atmosphere, but with added adventure. Stay sheltered in the deep fjords as make way back towards Tromsø; at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way, have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.
The scenery continues to be stunning as pass through these inner waters, with the magical winter light playing softly on the sea and mountains. Also pass through areas where likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna, or join the Expedition Team to listen to talks and attend discovery sessions in the Science Centre.
Day 10 - Return to Tromsø
Another opportunity to explore Tromsø
Your Christmas expedition cruise ends back in Tromsø. If you didn't have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, make sure you do now. There's so much to see and do here.
* Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time and are not guaranteed
Departing 18 December 2027
- Polar Inside from
$14,595$9,677 pp twin share* - Polar Outside from
$16,263$10,783 pp twin share* - Arctic Superior from
$18,070$11,981 pp twin share* - Expedition Suite from
23,631$15,668 pp twin share*
* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
MS Spitsbergen
Rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025, MS Spitsbergen combines modern expedition capability and adaptability with elegance and simplicity. With space for just 150 guests, she offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that speaks to Scandinavian style — and the agility to access remote places larger ships can’t.
How long is the cruise?
10 days.
Where does it start?
Oslo, Norway.
What are the highlights?
Northern Lights, fjords and Arctic scenery.
Can I see the Northern Lights?
Sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
When does it travel?
Over the Christmas period.
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