Holidays in Karelia 2025 for the New Year: where to go and what to see

If you are planning to experience the winter New Year atmosphere for the whole 100%, you should go on holiday to land of 1000 lakes. There is a special atmosphere, picturesque nature and great opportunities for rest and relaxation for every taste. When planning New Year in Karelia 2025, it is worth choosing tours, getting acquainted with prices.

Weather in Karelia for New Year 2025

Winter in Karelia at the turn of December and January is often unpredictable. At this time it is snowy and cold, and the temperature can suddenly and quickly change from -10° to -25°C. For many, it is not even the severe cold that causes discomfort – there are a large number of rivers and lakes, high humidity. It is important to know this when choosing tours to Karelia for New Year holidays.

Karelia – a paradise for those who prefer active winter recreation, the snow cover in some places can reach 180-200 cm. Plan your vacation with great caution if you are traveling by private transport – heavy snowfalls are not uncommon in these places. When planning a trip to Holidays in Karelia in December-January, take into account that the nights at this time are long and the days are short (daylight hours can last only 7 hours). The sun usually rises at 10 am and sets at 3 pm. From the second half of January, the days become longer. Those planning to visit Lapland should expect that the days are even shorter here.

Considering the weather conditions in these places, it is important to choose the right clothes and think about where to rent a house in Karelia for the New Year holidays. First of all, consider the type and place of rest. Choose outerwear so that it is not blown through, with good thermal insulation properties. Shoes should also be insulated and waterproof. Do not refuse a couple of sets of high-quality thermal underwear. It is recommended to lubricate your face with moisturizing cream daily, have lip balm with you.

How New Year is celebrated in Karelia

Going to Holidays in Karelia for New Year 2025, consider that this is an ideal place for winter holidays. Every vacationer will find something to do. It can be either active outdoor recreation or quiet relaxation – the choice is wide.

Festive celebrations, as in most countries on New Year's Eve, take place in the central part of the city. Dancing and entertainment can continue until the morning. A few weeks before the New Year and 10-12 days after, you can visit the Christmas fair, where souvenirs, fish, honey, traditional pastries and other delicacies are offered to locals and tourists. Entertainment programs are offered for both children and adults.

What to watch during the New Year holidays

High season in Karelia is not only in summer, but also in winter. Each time has its own special atmosphere. In winter there is special comfort and peace with beautiful landscapes, icy lakes and fresh frosty air. In order for the holiday to be fun, interesting and meaningful, it is better to think in advance what you can see in Karelia for the New Year holidays.

  • Visit ski resorts. For lovers of active recreation, resorts such as Yalgora, Kurgan, Gorka are suitable.
  • Visit one of the local national parks. They look stunning in winter.
  • To see the northern lights – many tourists come here just for this.
  • Go fishing. Local fishing will be interesting and exciting not only for men, but also for women. There is a lot of fish, and equipment is rented.
  • Booking a snowmobile safari is an opportunity to have an active holiday and see the local nature at the same time.
  • Visit Lake Onega – here you can go fishing, hiking, snowboarding or skiing, and take spectacular photos.
  • Go to the local mountain Vottovaara. This walk will be interesting for older children too. The rocky ridge is only 417 meters high and is located 20 km from the village of Sukkozero.

You can organize it either independently or through travel agencies easy walks in Karelia for 1 day, book excursions for 2-7 days or join expedition tours. For a meeting New Year 2025 in Karelia You can choose different options.

Many tourists want to have a good rest and bring home something for their family and friends as a gift.

There are many fish farms in Karelia, so you shouldn’t refuse to enjoy fish caviar and trout.

Plus, it's fresh, not frozen or canned.

The region is famous for its delicious jam made from local berries, compotes, and game dishes.

Where to go with children

Holidays in Karelia will be interesting and exciting not only for adults, but also for children. When planning a vacation, think about where you can take your children so that they don’t get bored. It is important to plan correctly New Year's tour to Karelia with children.

  • Visit a nursery with reindeer. Here you can also ride a dog sled, get to know the wild northern nature better. Usually, hot tea and tasty treats are offered on such excursions.
  • Visit the birthplace of the local Santa Claus – Talviukko. There is a fairy-tale town with beautiful houses, a restaurant where local dishes are prepared, and a kennel for sled dogs.
  • The House of Crafts is an ideal place for a quiet and exciting, educational pastime. Master classes of local folk crafts for children and adults are offered - they make costumes, dishes, decorations, souvenirs.
  • Visit Ruskeala and Sortavala, Marble Canyon. These places are also called the land of jewels.
  • Visit a restaurant in Petrozavodsk or another city, get acquainted with the local cuisine. Most dishes are to children's liking.
  • If you stay in Petrozavodsk or its environs, visit the Syamozero cheese factory and the local zoo complex.
  • Visit the Geographica Park near the White Sea. Depending on the season and weather conditions, a boat ride is offered.
  • Ice canyon in Ruskeala Park. In winter it turns into a snow-ice town where you can walk and skate. In the evening the territory is illuminated.

Where to stay

If you go to Karelia for New Year through a travel agency, usually its representatives are engaged in finding comfortable apartments for vacationers. It will not be a problem to find accommodation if an independent trip is planned.

For tourists the following is offered here:

  • Houses and cottages for the New Year in Karelia in 2025. Options can be both compact - 1-2 rooms, and those intended for renting by a large company. Their cost depends on where they are located and what conditions are provided. Cottages near rivers and lakes are very popular. When going on vacation to Karelia for the New Year, it is better to choose and book a place to stay in advance.
  • Hotels. Such accommodation is mainly offered in the budget and mid-price segment. If you need the cheapest option, you can choose a hostel. The latter type of accommodation is difficult to find in Petrozavodsk.
  • Recreation centers. They are booked by large companies or families, fishermen or those who want to be alone with nature. Remote centers are very popular. To get the best option that will suit all criteria, it is better to search for and book a center for the New Year holidays at the beginning of autumn. The most frequently visited centers in Karelia include: the Fregat tourist complex, Verkhovye, Lumivaara, Niska. Usually, recreation centers can offer additional services - cooking, a sauna, excursions.

Karelia – a region where the tourism segment is being actively developed. For this purpose, more than 6,000 cottages and recreation centers, hotels or special guest houses are provided here.