DARK SEASON DECEMBER
Christmas in Svalbard
Make december memorable with a christmas or New Years adventure in Svalbard. Explore the winter activities as well as the traditional Norwegian events.
Christmas on Svalbard
Why visit Svalbard during December?
Experience a different kind of Christmas above the Arctic Circle. In December, Longyearbyen is surrounded by polar night which means we will have the twinkling christmas lights and the northern lights in the sky.
This will be a magical winter adventure with snow landscapes and a cosy atmosphere with the seasonal events in Longyearbyen.
Things to do in december on Svalbard?
The best december activities in Svalbard
Longyearbyen sightseeing
Ski touring
Ice adventures
Hiking tours
Other sightseeing tours in Longyearbyen
Visit Camp Barentz
Spend an evening out in a cabin in Adventdalen where you will get dinner around the campfire and drinks while listening to stories about the northern lights. You will be picked up in buss and your host will meet you there. We will keep an eye on northern lights in the sky outside.
- Season: October
- Duration: 4 hours
- Pick up: at 19:00
- Age minimum: 8 years old
- Min: 2 persons
- Difficulty: 2/5 – For those with normal good shape
- Price from: NOK 1595 per person
Dogsledding on sled in Bolterdalen
The sledge is dependent on snow conditions. If there is enough snow, we go by sledge into Bolterdalen. If theres lack of snow, the trip goes by dog cart in Adventdalen. You drive your own cart! There will be 2 persons per cart.
- Season: November to February
- Duration: 4 hours
- Pick up: at 09:00 or 15:00
- Age minimum: 12 years old
- Min/Max: 2 to 8 persons
- Difficulty: 3/5 – For those with normal good shape
- Price from: NOK 2390 per person
Visit the coal mine no 3
(Gruve 3)
Step back in time with an exciting tour of Gruve 3. Explore Longyearbyen’s rich coal mining history as you walk through authentic facilities where the original machinery was left behind. Experience the tough life of an Arctic miner.
- Season: January to December
- Duration: 3 hours
- Pick up: at 09:00 or 13:00
- Age minimum: 12 years old
- Min/Max: 2+ persons
- Difficulty: 3/5 – For those with normal good shape
- Price from: NOK 1190,- per person
Christmas on Svalbard package suggestion
Stay
Stay: Radisson Blu Polar, Spitsbergen
Date: 22nd to 27th of December
Prices from:
Standard room for 2 persons NOK 18.625
Superior room for 2 persons NOK 20.125
Standard room for 1 person NOK 17.625
Superior room for 1 person NOK 19.125
Excursions (suggestion for itinerary)
Day 1: December 22nd
Arrival to Longyearbyen
Check in to your hotel and go for a walk in town. If you arrive early we suggest to start the adventure with a visit to Svalbard museum.
Day 2: December 23rd
Dogsledding in Bolterdalen
You will start the day with a pick up to go to the dogyard. The dogs will be eager to go but as soon as you have left on the sled there will be silence. You will be 2 persons on the sled. One of you will drive it.
Pick up at 09:00 – 13:00
Price NOK 2390,-
When you return from the trip there is time to eat lunch and maybe take a warm shower.
The iconic places in Longyearbyen
We will go in a van to the most iconic places in Longyearbyen like the polar bear sign and the Global Seed Vault entrance. Here you might spot a Svalbard reindeer as well.
Departure at 16:00 to 18:30
Price NOK 1149
Day 3: December 24th (Christmas eve)
Glacier hike on our backyard glacier
How many can say they have been hiking on a glacier? You will be provided with a headlamp as well as snowshoes or crampons depending on the weather.
Pick up: at 10:00 (return at 15:00)
Price NOK 1990
Christmas celebration at the hotel. We recommend that you book a table at the restaurant Nansen for the christmas dinner as soon as you have booked your stay.
Day 4: December 25th (Christmas day)
Northern lights hunting
For the past couple of years we have had amazing northern lights during the christmas days, so we will go hunt for the northern lights tonight and experience Adventdalen, the darkness and share stories from the Arctic.
Pick up: at 20:00 (return at 22:00)
Price NOK 1490
Day 5: December 26th
Hike to Platåfjellet – The locals favorite mountain. This is a moderate hike where we will be hiking up hill to the cairn on top and get the most amazing panorama view of Longyearbyen, fjord and the mountains.
Pick up: at 09:00 (return at 12:30)
Price NOK 1400
Day 6: December 27th
Departure day
Coal Mine no 3
Longyearbyen is based on a coal mining industry. Visit this old mine in the mountains where you will get an introduction to the hard work of a coal miner.
Pick up: at 09:00 (return at 12:00)
Price NOK 1090
Note: Check available flights (SAS or Norwegian). Prices are per person and they are based on arrival in 2026. There will be a discount of 15% if you book 3 tours: Iconic places, glacier hike, Platåfjellet hike and/or northern lights hunt.
Svalbard traditions and events
Christmas traditions and local experiences
Discover the Arctic and Norwegian traditions,
flavours and little Arctic moments
that make Christmas in Longyearbyen extra special.
Christmas tree lighting
Experience the lighting of Longyearbyen’s Christmas tree and enjoy the cosy atmosphere with hot drinks and dance around the Christmas tree
Traditional Christmas dinner
Taste traditional Norwegian Christmas classics such as “pinnekjøtt (salted lamb ribs), “ribbe” (Roast pork), potatoes, sausages and traditional Christmas desserts in our local restaurants.
Christmas market
Find handmade gift, local crafts and Arctic inspirered decorations and treats at Longyearbyens seasonal christmas market. It will be in the beginning of December.
Santa's mailbox
Visit the little red Christmas mailbox in Nybyen, where children can post their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, who live in the old mine (Gruve 2B)
Plan your Arctic december adventure
with Backyard Svalbard
At Backyard Svalbard, we offer a wide range of tours to suit every level of adventure and curiosity.
Experience the tranquility of the polar night in winter and we ensure that your time in Svalbard will be safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Our expert guides will provide you with all the support you need to explore the wonders of the Arctic and make lasting memories.