Christmas in Rovaniemi is wonderful and also expensive, busy and booked out months ahead. We love it, but we often tell friends that the calmer weeks that follow can be the better time for a reindeer outing, because the pace slows and the forest feels quieter.

This post is for anyone planning a reindeer sleigh ride in January 2027, whether you are fitting it into a week away or you were priced out of Christmas week. We wrote it from local knowledge rather than a personal story about this exact tour, and we point out where you should check the booking page for the latest details.

What January in Rovaniemi is actually like

January is cold, dark in the early hours and lit by long blue twilight rather than bright sun. The days are short but the light is soft, and fresh snow on spruce branches makes the forest beautiful. This is Lapland as many people picture it.

The crowds are generally thinner than in the days around Christmas and New Year, though school holiday weeks elsewhere in Europe can bring families back. We would not assume the first week of January is quiet, because many visitors extend their festive trips.

If you want a gentler schedule, mid to late January often feels calmer to us. Always check availability, because individual dates vary.

What the Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure includes

The listing describes a 2–3 km reindeer safari in the forest of Lapland, information about reindeer life and herding, an English-speaking guide (other languages by request), winter clothing in adult and child sizes including overalls, boots and gloves, cookies and juice, and photos taken on your own device.

It lasts about three hours and is rated very easy. The booking cut-off is 12 hours before the start. At least two people are required, which is worth knowing if you are travelling solo. If weather conditions do not allow for a sleigh ride, the tour is run as a reindeer walk instead. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the activity.

Check dates and prices for the Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure →

The price is from €159 per adult. Type HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 at checkout for 5% off.

Who should choose this outing

It suits families with small children, grandparents, couples who want something gentle and anyone who is curious about reindeer but does not want an active day. Our post on reindeer tours in Rovaniemi compares the options in more detail.

It is not the right choice for someone who wants speed. If you prefer adrenaline, a husky or snowmobile tour is a better match, and we suggest you read our guide to choosing an activity.

The very easy rating and the short sleigh ride make it among the most accessible tours in the area.

How January compares with December

In December the price of everything rises and the best slots disappear early. January tends to relax. You still need to book ahead, but you have a better chance of getting your first-choice day and a more spacious feel in the forest.

The trade-off is daylight. December and January days are both short, so a late-morning or early-afternoon start makes the most of the light. We would not choose a late afternoon departure unless you specifically want a twilight atmosphere.

Compare the month in more detail in our January guide.

Private alternative for a special occasion

If your group wants a quieter and exclusive experience, the Private Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 is from €990 for your party and also lasts about three hours, with pickup included within the stated radius of Rovaniemi city centre. It costs much more, but if you are a family of five or six, or marking a proposal or a birthday, the per-person price changes the picture.

For families who want Santa as well, the Private Reindeer Sleigh Ride & Santa Visit5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 (from €1,490) adds an exclusive 30-minute meeting. It is a big spend and we would only recommend it if the Santa meeting matters to your children.

See the private reindeer adventure →

Preparing for a January outing

Wear a warm base layer, wool socks and a hat. The tour provides outer clothing, but your layers underneath decide how warm you feel. Bring liner gloves to keep fingers working for photos.

Eat before you go and avoid very heavy meals. Charge your phone fully and keep it in an inside pocket. If you are travelling with children, bring a spare pair of mittens, because small hands get wet.

You do not need any experience with animals. The guide explains what to do and the reindeer are used to visitors.

What to expect from the reindeer

Reindeer are gentle, calm animals that are used to people. They are not pets, and the guide will explain how close you can get and how to behave around them. They sometimes make a clicking sound with their ankles as they walk, which many visitors find charming.

The sleigh ride is slow and quiet, more about atmosphere than speed. The 2–3 km route winds through the forest, and the guide shares stories about reindeer herding, which in Lapland is a living tradition and not a show.

Children usually do well, even those who are nervous around animals, because the pace is gentle. If your child is hesitant, let them watch first and join when ready. There is no pressure, and the guide will adapt to the group.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure?
From €159 per adult. Type HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 at checkout for 5% off.

How long does it last?
About three hours.

Is it suitable for young children?
It is rated very easy and designed for families; check the live age categories.

What happens in bad weather?
If a sleigh ride is not possible, the tour is run as a reindeer walk.

How many people are needed?
The listing says at least two people.

Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.

Our pick

For a calm, family-friendly day in January, the Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure is one of our favourite recommendations. It is easy, affordable and gives you real contact with the animals and the forest.

Book early, choose a daylight slot and type HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 at checkout for 5% off.

Check dates & book the Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure →