Ilulissat is one of Greenland’s most iconic destinations, with its dramatic icefjord which sends a constant stream of beautiful icebergs drifting towards the Arctic ocean. Positioned around 300km north of the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat benefits from spectacular displays of the midnight sun during the summer, and a good amount of polar darkness and northern lights during the winter.
Throughout the month of December and for much of January, the sun does not rise above the horizon in Ilulissat, which means that Christmas in Ilulissat is a real Arctic experience. Although there is no true daylight, there are a few hours of twilight every day – this, coupled with the reflection of the stars and the street lights off of the snow – cloaks the town in an eerie and magical light. And of course you can count on loads and loads of snow this far north in the winter – making Ilulissat one of the world’s most guaranteed white Christmas locations!
As a tourist in Ilulissat over Christmas, there are plenty of things you can do to make your Christmas one to remember. One of the most unforgettable experiences is witnessing the northern lights dancing over the icefjord. Seeing these two natural wonders of the world in the same place at the same time, with floating icebergs bathed in the hypnotising swathes of colour, is truly extraordinary.
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You can reach the icefjord in an easy walk from Ilulissat town – simply follow the road to the south of the town, past Restaurant Marmatut, and you will soon reach a wooden boardwalk that takes you right to the edge of the icefjord. This means that you can easily make it out to the icefjord as soon as you see the lights beginning to play.
This year, Greenland Travel are launching Greenland’s first and only Christmas-themed tour in Ilulissat, which offers a collection of the best Greenlandic experiences with a Christmas twist. The 6-day tour takes you to Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq, and includes a guided town walk in which the guide will explain how Christmas was celebrated in Greenland in the past, and how it is celebrated today.
Most households in Greenland place an orange Christmas star in their window at this time of year. Wandering around the dusky streets, counting the stars, and feeling the warmth and cosiness emanating from people’s homes, you’ll be well into the Christmas spirit in no time.
Other activities on Greenland Travel’s tour include hiking to a former Inuit settlement, making traditional Christmas decorations, looking for Northern Lights, sailing in the icefjord, and dogsledding. There is also the opportunity to go on a tundra safari when you pass back through Kangerlussuaq, to get a glimpse of the local wildlife.
Because of the unpredictable nature of Greenland’s weather, particularly during the winter, the tour itinerary is not set in stone, and is subject to change, so be aware that you must be somewhat flexible. To learn more about the tour or to book for Christmas 2020, visit Greenland Travel’s website.
Like the Scandinavians and the Germans, Greenlanders celebrate Christmas on the 24th December. On this day, there will be several church services happening around Ilulissat. It’s very common for Greenlanders to attend church on Christmas, so prepare for services to be crowded!
Some of the hotels and restaurants will be closed over the Christmas period for the holidays, but you can enjoy a traditional Scandinavian Christmas dinner at Hotel Icefiord, which is situated in a spectacular location right on the edge of the icefjord. Greenlandic Christmas dinner varies according to region, but duck, pork and red cabbage are generally staples on the menu. Many Greenlanders also eat reindeer, lamb, muskox, razorbill and grouse. If you are an independent traveller, get in touch with Hotel Icefiord prior to your trip, to make sure there will be space for you on Christmas Day.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the local Christmas experience, have a dance around the Christmas tree, which is a local festive tradition. It’s also common for children to go Christmas carolling around town on this day – so wrap up warm, take a walk and absorb the Christmas cheer.
