Hello Fodors,

Planning for a 10 / 11 day trip to Finland in December this year, probably 19th Dec to 28 or 29th december. Need help plan my travel. We are into full mobile, love trains , drive, hike, norther lights, experiences with igloo stays, food, culture.

My rough Plan was
Day 1: Land in Helsinki, relax and stroll for remaining left day
Day 2: Explore Helsinki
Day 3: Explore Helsinki (yet to decide what all i can do for second and third day.)
Day 4-5 -6: Rovaniemi (Santa village , northern lights, icebreaker cruise)
Day 7 -8 - 9: Saariselka (Yet to plan)
Day 10 - 11: Helsinki (plan on any side day trips)

I will be flying out of Finland to London, So i dont necessarily have to return to Helsinki to fly out of country to reach London. So any other airport is also fine.
This will be my first travel with my wife. So want to plan it wisely.

Thanks in advance for all fodorites.

Ok, it will be cold. Depending on how cold you have to wear a hat (the police will take you off the street if you don't). The days are incredibly short

Rovaniemi is ok, but it is a northern town so tends towards either skiing or stay in doors. Not done Santa, so no advice

Do get clip on chains for your boots. $10 in good department stores. Do wear boots and thick socks

If you can, go husky sledging, a real blast and seriously better than ski-doo.

I have been in Finland a few times in December for work.
As Bilbo says, it is cold, dark, and maybe snowy/icy. If I remember correctly, Helsinki gets snow later due to location on coast. The Finns like the snow cover because it reflects light and makes it fell brighter.
In Helsinki--there are lots of street lights so people can get around despite getting totally dark so early, but day and night you need hat, WARM coat, gloves, boots. Think practical, not style. A friend also gave me a tin of parrifin to put on my face to protect my skin.

As for sites, there may be a Christmas market in the Esplanadi. temppeliaukio church is worth a visit. Uspenski cathedral. Ride the tram to see some interesting architecture neighborhood. Eat reindeer if you are not vegetarians. Take a sauna.
The museums are ok, but not a must. There are some architecture and design exhibits, if that interests you.

I haven't been to Rovaniemi, but a friend went and he said he'd enjoyed it, just went expecting a very touristic experience.
Haven't been to Saariselka.

Another help a friend gave me were little reflectors to put on my bag, coat sleeve, etc. To help drivers see pedestrians in the dark.

Thanks Kay2 and bilboburgler .