Join hosts Laura and Jesse Caldwell of Left Coast Revivals for a festive winter escape that feels straight out of a Christmas movie. Your adventure begins in Helsinki, where twinkling lights, steaming cups of glögi and rows of wooden market stalls create the perfect holiday welcome. With Laura and Jesse leading the way, you’ll explore the city’s most enchanting corners and soak up all the cosy Nordic charm.
Helsinki comes alive in December, and you’ll dive right into its colourful design scene, quirky vintage stores and lively Christmas markets bursting with handmade treats. Between treasure hunting, café hopping and festive browsing, every day is filled with cheerful winter magic.
The celebration continues as you board the Santa Claus Express, drifting overnight into the snowy Arctic Circle. In Rovaniemi, the home of Santa himself, your days are filled with husky rides, reindeer encounters, crackling fires, Lappish flavours and the chance to spot the Northern Lights dancing above the pine forests.
Helsinki, Finland - Friday December 4th 2026
Rovaniemi, Finland - Thursday December 10th 2026
6 Nights Hand-picked Hotels + 1 Night Overnight Train (Shared & Private Available)
Breakfast Daily, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 3
Up to 25 Guests
Shared Room: $4,250 ($750 Deposit + Instalments)
Private Room: $5,245 ($750 Deposit + Instalments)
Accommodation: 6 Nights Hand-picked Hotels + 1 Night Overnight Train (Shared & Private Available)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 3
Hosted by Laura and Jesse Caldwell (Left Coast Revivals)
Experienced English Speaking Local Guides
Private Local Transportation During Trip
Welcome Meeting & Dinner in Helsinki
Helsinki Christmas Market Walking Tour
Visit to Helsinki Antique and Thrift Stores
Visit to St. Thomas Market
Free Time to Explore Helsinki
Visit to Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village
Reindeer Sleigh Ride in Rovaniemi
Lappish Kota Lunch in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi Husky Safari Experience
Arctic Winter Gear Rental in Rovaniemi
Optional Finnish Sauna Experience
Optional Day Trip to Tallinn (Pre Booking Required)
Optional Snowmobile Safari in Rovaniemi
Optional Northern Lights Viewing Experience in Rovaniemi
Flights
Airport Transfers
Travel Insurance (Required)
Personal Expenses (incl Tips & Market Purchases)
Visa/Entry Requirements
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Arrive in Helsinki via your own arrangements and make your way to your centrally located hotel by mid-afternoon. After settling in, enjoy time to unwind or take a gentle stroll through the nearby streets, soaking in the crisp Nordic air and early festive atmosphere that Helsinki is known for in December.
In the evening, join your group for a Welcome Dinner before heading out on an organised walking tour of the charming Helsinki Christmas Market at Senate Square. Wander between glowing wooden stalls, festive lights and seasonal treats as you ease into the magic of Finnish Christmas traditions.
🏨 Accommodation
Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
Dinner
✅ Activities
Helsinki Christmas Market Walking Tour
Welcome Meeting and Dinner
This morning takes you through Helsinki’s celebrated antique stores, vintage shops and design studios. Explore everything from mid-century Scandinavian furniture in the Design District to quirky secondhand gems in Kallio, offering a relaxed treasure hunt for unique souvenirs before pausing for a cozy kahvi break.
After a short rest, spend the afternoon immersed in the city’s traditional Christmas markets, including the beloved St. Thomas Market at Senate Square. Browse handcrafted gifts, warm up with glögi, sample gingerbread and embrace the festive cheer that fills the crisp winter air. The evening is yours to explore or enjoy an optional Finnish sauna experience.
🏨 Accommodation
Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
Breakfast
✅ Activities
Visit Helsinki Antique and Thrift Stores
Visit St. Thomas Market
Free Evening to Explore Helsinki
Optional Finnish Spa Experience
Today is yours to enjoy Helsinki at your own pace. Spend the morning wandering through more Christmas markets, visit cultural landmarks or simply unwind at a local sauna to embrace Finland’s most iconic wellness ritual. Helsinki’s cosy cafés, museums and waterfront promenades offer plenty of options for a relaxed free day.
Those seeking a cross-border adventure may join an optional excursion with Laura and Jesse to Tallinn, Estonia by return ferry. Explore Toompea Hill with panoramic views, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and wander through Tallinn’s atmospheric medieval Old Town before browsing its charming artisan markets. Return to Helsinki later this afternoon.
🏨 Accommodation
Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
Breakfast
✅ Activities
Free Day in Helsinki
Optional Day Trip to Tallinn (Pre Booking Required, Approx $150 USD)
Enjoy a free morning to soak up the festive atmosphere, revisit your favourite stalls or explore any last-minute sights in Helsinki. The winter streets, lit with twinkling Christmas lights, offer the perfect backdrop for a leisurely wander before the next stage of your Lapland adventure.
In the late afternoon, gather for an early group dinner before transferring to the train station by private coach. Board the overnight Santa Claus Express bound for Rovaniemi, settling into your cozy sleeper cabin as the train journeys north into the Arctic Circle.
🏨 Accommodation
🍽️ Included Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
✅ Activities
Free Morning in Helsinki
Santa Claus Express Overnight Journey
Arrive in Rovaniemi this morning and meet your private coach for a warm welcome to Lapland. After collecting your Arctic gear, continue directly to Santa Claus Village where the true magic of Christmas comes alive in the snowy surroundings.
Meet Santa Claus, enjoy a traditional reindeer sleigh ride through the forest and savour an authentic Lappish lunch inside a cozy kota. The village’s festive ambience and snowy landscapes create an unforgettable introduction to the Arctic.
🏨 Accommodation
Arctic City Hotel Rovaniemi or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
✅ Activities
Visit Santa Claus Village
Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Lappish Lunch in a Kota
This morning, meet Lapland’s resident reindeer and learn about their importance in local Sámi culture before heading out for a thrilling husky safari. Spend time with the dogs, learn how to guide the sleigh and glide through the wintery forest on a truly iconic Arctic adventure.
In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional Snowmobile Safari, offering an exhilarating ride through the snowy forests and open Arctic landscapes. After returning to the hotel, gather for a warm and memorable Farewell Dinner to celebrate your final night in Lapland.
Later in the evening, those who wish can head back out for an optional Northern Lights hunting experience, giving you a magical chance to witness the aurora dancing across the Arctic sky – a fitting finale for a spectacular trip!
🏨 Accommodation
Arctic City Hotel Rovaniemi or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
✅ Activities
Meet Local Reindeer
Husky Safari
Farewell Dinner
Optional Snowmobile Safari (Approx $125 USD)
Optional Northern Lights Hunting (Approx $100 USD)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy a final morning in Finland’s winter wonderland. Whether you take one last stroll through the snowy streets or browse for a final keepsake, it’s a fitting farewell to this magical festive journey.
Make your own way to the airport or continue your travels across Finland or beyond. Your Scandinavian Christmas adventure concludes with unforgettable memories of markets, snow and holiday cheer.
🏨 Accommodation
None
🍽️ Included Meals
Breakfast
✅ Activities
Departure from Rovaniemi
Laura Caldwell, the creative force behind Left Coast Revivals, an online vintage shop, also hosts a captivating YouTube channel where she shares her expertise in sourcing and decorating with vintage and antique finds. Through her channel, Laura invites viewers to join her on exclusive Left Coast Travel Club trips, exploring some of the world’s oldest and largest flea markets in search of unique, one-of-a-kind treasures. Alongside her husband Jesse, Laura has hosted group trips in Italy, Japan, England, France, and Belgium, with upcoming trips in Greece, Croatia and Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria. Join Laura on this extraordinary journey and discover the charm of vintage treasures from around the globe.
Jesse Caldwell has teamed up with his wife, Laura, on her popular YouTube channel, where they delve into the world of thrifting for unique vintage finds. As a co-host of the Left Coast Travel Club, Jesse leads group trips to some of the world’s most historic and expansive flea markets, hunting for one-of-a-kind treasures. Together with Laura, he has guided travelers through Italy, England, Japan, Paris, Germany and Austria and they’re gearing up for even more exciting new adventures in the future. Jesse combines logistical skills with an infectious sense of humor, making every group trip both well-organized and fun!
ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, also known simply as Helsinki Airport (HEL).
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Rovaniemi Airport (RVN).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. More specific information on transport options for your arrival and departure airports will be available on the airport websites.
Pre-booked airport transfers are available for most airports via Expedia - please select "Cars" and then "Airport Transportation": https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised roughly 2-3 months prior to the trip starting. We will advise guests once that happens, and we then recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip's location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/finland-destination-guide/
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS:
For this trip, each traveller may bring up to 2 suitcases plus small carry-on items. To ensure there is sufficient space for everyone’s luggage during transits, we kindly ask guests to stay within these limits. Please also make sure your bags meet standard airline size and weight requirements, as excess luggage may incur additional fees.
OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN:
Please note that cabins on the Santa Claus Express are double sleeper cabins. We will endeavour to secure private cabins for guests booked on the private room package; however, availability is limited. We will notify guests as soon as possible if we are unable to secure a private cabin for them.
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We do not recommend booking flights until your trip is CONFIRMED.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available. We do not recommend organising this until your trip is CONFIRMED.
For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
TRAVELLER CONDUCT & WELLBEING:
For a quick guide on how to enjoy our group trips safely, respectfully, and with the right balance of fun and wellbeing, head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/group-trips-great-times-how-to-eat-drink-stay-well-on-the-road/