Christmas on Svalbard
Experience the magic of Christmas in Longyearbyen
Home to snowy landscapes, Svalbard reindeer and Santa Claus himself (if the rumours are true!) Svalbard is the ultimate Christmas destination. Longyearbyen is a winter wonderland at this time of year. Christmas cheer spreads throughout the lit-up streets, the northern lights often come out to play, and seasonal events add to the festive ambience.
Christmas in the Polar Night
A magical atmosphere fills the air in Longyearbyen at Christmastime. The holiday season occurs during the northern lights winter, when the polar night plunges Svalbard into darkness and invites the aurora to dance across the starry sky, illuminating the Arctic landscape. In Longyearbyen, Christmas lights twinkle throughout the town, creating a cosy and enchanting atmosphere that will put you in the festive spirit.
Read moreNorwegian Christmas Traditions in Longyearbyen
Torch-lit procession
On the first Sunday of Advent, the community comes together for a torch-lit procession to the town square to light the Christmas tree.
Christmas March
The annual Christmas March sees participants dress up in their best seasonal costumes for a lively pub-to-pub walk.
Services at Svalbard Church
Christmas services provide the chance to worship, socialise and celebrate the spirit of the season at the world's northernmost church.
Svalbard Christmas and New Year Travel Packages
Whether you're planning a family holiday, travelling with friends or embarking on a solo adventure, enjoy Christmas in Norway's far north with a festive trip to Svalbard. Explore holiday packages featuring a cosy Christmas programme of winter activities, including husky dog sledding, northern lights hunting in the polar night, gingerbread decorating and more!
Funken Lodge
Christmas at Funken Lodge
Enjoy winter activities and Norwegian Christmas food with a festive stay at Funken Lodge.
New Year's Celebration at Funken Lodge
Bring in 2026 at Funken Lodge, a 5* boutique Arctic hotel that will add a touch of luxury to your New Year celebrations.
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen
Christmas at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
Celebrate Christmas at the world's northernmost full-service hotel with a four-night stay at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen.
New Year's Celebration at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
Celebrate New Year at the top of the world by welcoming 2026 at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen.
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Longyearbyen Christmas Events
Christmas Markets: Tick off everyone on your gift list with tax-free shopping in Longyearbyen. For unique presents from the Arctic, go shopping at the traditional Christmas markets, which take place every December at Kulturhuset and Nybyen. Many stalls feature items crafted by talented artists and makers from Longyearbyen's creative community. Elsewhere, the town's shops stock a fantastic selection of food, clothing and outdoor gear from top-notch brands.
Santa in Mine 2B: Little ones will be excited to learn that Santa Claus is rumoured to live in Mine 2B on the edge of Nybyen. During the festive season, you can see its lights glowing in the dark. And on the road outside, there's a special letterbox for children to post their Christmas wish lists to Santa. It's the perfect reason to go for a walk around the settlement – known as the "town round" – and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Christmas Food and Drink: Toast the festive season with champagne and wine-tasting sessions in Svalbard's historic cellars at Huset Restaurant and Funken Lodge. These underground treasure troves house exclusive bottles and rare vintages that you won't find anywhere else in Norway. Join the sommelier for an intimate tasting session as they take your palate on a journey to famous vineyards.
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