The Aurora Zone Blog

What’s happening over Christmas and New Year 2018 at the ICEHOTEL®?

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The ICEHOTEL® in Sweden is one of the most famous hotels in the world. Now in its 29th year, this season the theme will focus heavily on nature including a forest suite and an underwater world room. You can find out more about the plans for the ICEHOTEL® 2018 here.

Though a stay at the ICEHOTEL® is an experience in itself, there are also several events happening over Christmas and New Year 2018/2019 that will really add to your holiday. What better way to experience this bucket-list destination than during the wonderful festive period? This time of year is so special, even the locals have made it a tradition to visit.

Here are all the things happening at the ICEHOTEL® over Christmas and New Year that will add to your holiday experience, as you swap the stress of the festive season at home for a once-in-a-lifetime stay in this unique accommodation:

Christmas markets

Get into the festive spirit when the Christmas markets come to the ICEHOTEL® on the 15th and 16th December 2018. Browse the local handicrafts and take some unique presents home to your loved ones.

Christmas buffet

From 23rd November 2018 every Friday to Sunday, you can enjoy a Christmas buffet at Jukkasjärvi Homestead. Tuck into traditional Swedish Christmas delicacies such as herring, roast moose and reindeer steak.

Santa visit

Stay at the ICEHOTEL® for Christmas Day and you’ll receive a visit from Father Christmas himself. Traditionally, Christmas here is celebrated on the 24th so he will make his first appearance on Christmas Eve before returning again on the 25th.

Christmas Day festivities

Though the main family celebrations take place on Christmas Eve, there are long-standing traditions here that take place on Christmas Day. One of these is the village torch procession and carol concert at Jukkasjärvi Church, which attracts both guests and locals alike.

Grand opening of the seasonal suites and ceremony hall

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The grand opening of the suites officially takes place on December 14th and the ICEHOTEL® Ceremony Hall opens on December 22nd. The Hall is intended as a spiritual place for ceremonies and weddings. If you’re lucky, you might see the first wedding couple of the season get married here!

New Year’s Eve

Your New Year’s celebrations start with a special dinner in the ICEHOTEL® restaurant. You’ll then bring in 2019 by the spectacular frozen Torne River as hundreds of lanterns rise towards the sky.

Next, the party gets well underway in the ICEBAR as you dance under ice chandeliers and drink from glasses made from, you’ve guessed it, ice. The only way you’ll forget this celebration is if you have too many of the delicious cocktails!

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With this array of events happening over the festive period as well as the once-in-a-lifetime experiences included in our holidays, Christmas 2018 is a wonderful time to book your trip to the ICEHOTEL®. We can include the ICEHOTEL® in many of our holidays to Sweden. Get in touch with an Aurora Expert today to plan your perfect trip today. Call: 01670 785 012/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Click here to find out more about our holidays to the ICEHOTEL®

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 Image credits: ICEHOTEL, Petros Dermatas, Ellie Souti, Asaf Kliger, Akaslompolo Activities, John Bark and Charli Kasselback.

 
Read 2104 times Last modified on Monday, 10 December 2018

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