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Home Story How the holidays are celebrated in Santa’s neighbourhood
holiday lights glow in the dark

How the holidays are celebrated in Santa's Neighbourhood

It all starts in early December and the sun goes down, not to rise above the horizon for the next month or so. That’s when the Christmas lights come up in full force, a warm glow emanating from each carefully decorated home, providing a festive substitute for the waning daylight. The Western Arctic region of the Northwest Territories is a magical place in Santa’s backyard. It’s a winter wonderland, home to the only reindeer herd in all of Canada. (Although, there’s no word on whether a red-nosed reindeer lives among this historic herd of 3,000.) It’s a land where people love getting together to celebrate the holidays with feasts, family and fun – even if, in some of its more northerly communities, you have to travel hundreds of kilometres to cut down a Christmas tree.

sun rise in snow

A few weeks before the big day, there’s a huge Christmas Craft Sale in Inuvik, where artists from all over the Western Arctic gather to sell their wares. The elves in Santa’s workshop are no match for these intricate crafts and stunning works of art. Here, you’ll find Northern-themed stained-glass ornaments and soapstone carvings. Dazzling beaver mitts and beaded moosehide moccasins and mukluks. You can also choose from a great variety of uluit—the traditional Inuit cutting and scraping implement—along with homemade blankets and quilts and a bounty of jams and baked goods.

a woman wearing a pair of mukluks gathers for a holiday celebration

As Christmas approaches, the daily pace of life slows down as people move throughout the Western Arctic, over ice road crossings that are just now strong enough to support cars and trucks, to spend time with their loved ones in different communities. Families crowd around wood stoves and share food, stories and laughs after spending the days outside together. School gymnasiums and community centres fill with nighttime Christmas games and country food feasts.

A mother in her parka holds her child in her own pink parka

The night before Christmas, kids from Sachs Harbour to Fort McPherson rush to bed, after hanging stockings and leaving out cookies and milk, comforted by the knowledge that Santa doesn’t have to travel very far to visit them.

the green aurora lights up the arctic sky

Throughout the holiday season, families will get out on the land at their cabins or camps, with winter having truly, finally arrived. But they’ll return to town on New Year’s Eve for a fireworks celebration. This doesn’t mark the end of festivities, though. Soon there’s another cause worthy of celebration—the sun’s return to the Western Arctic skies after its month (or longer) absence.

two people watch a fireworks display at the Sunrise Festival in Inuvik.

In Inuvik, this happens less than a week into the New Year and it’s commemorated with the Sunrise Festival. Local food, dance, music and winter activities, including snow carving and snow yoga, are all part of the spectacle. On the Saturday night, a party on the frozen permafrost continues as residents have a giant bonfire and an put on an incredible firework display. It’s a fantastic way to finish off the holiday celebrations in Santa’s neighborhood.

 

Tugah Northern Experiences_ Traditional dogsledding experiences_Yellowknife_Package 2_ 2026

Traditional Dogsledding Experience

Tugáh Northern Experiences

Activities

Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding On the Land Winter Activities

We look forward to introducing you to this exciting lifestyle! At Tugáh Northern Experiences we strive to give you a personal and special experience by maintaining small group sizes that are individualized to each tour. Dogsledding is very important to Indigenous culture and our family’s sled dogs are very dear to us. We look forward […]...

Starting at

$150

CAD + GST + Per Person
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Aurora Viewing In our Traditional Cabin

Tugáh Northern Experiences

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Day Trips Cultural Demonstrations Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Stay warm in our unique log cabin while you come in and out watching the Northern lights on the frozen lake less than a minute walk from our cabin. Yellowknife is known as the aurora borealis capital of North America. At Tugáh Northern Experiences you can enjoy the beauty of these lights in a relaxing […]...

$100

CAD + GST + Per Person
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Northern Lights Odyssey

Blachford Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arts and Culture Aurora Cross-Country Skiing Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Housekeeping Lodges Ice Fishing Kicksledding Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to the Northern Lights Odyssey, a journey where the raw beauty of Canada’s Arctic meets authentic cultural discovery. This experience takes you across three distinct regions, each with its own unique charm, history, and spectacular Northern Lights viewing opportunities. From the rich traditions of the Inuit in Iqaluit to the warm northern hospitality of […]...

Starting at

$18,615.00

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person

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Frozen Aurora

Blachford Lodge

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Lodges Cross-Country Skiing Cultural Demonstrations Fall Aurora Fishing Housekeeping Lodges Ice Fishing Nature and Wildlife Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to Blachford Lodge. Snow-blanketed landscapes, crackling fires, and aurora-filled nights. Winter and early Spring is a magical time to experience the serene beauty of the Northwest Territories. From January through April, Blachford Lodge offers a front-row seat to the season’s quiet wonders. Guests can cozy up in warm teepees, watch the northern lights dance across […]...

Starting at

$4,919.25

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $525 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

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Blachford Lake Lodge - Aurora

Aurora Reflections

Blachford Lodge

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Day Trips Aurora Lodges Canoeing and Kayaking Cross-Country Skiing Cultural Demonstrations Fall Aurora Fishing Housekeeping Lodges Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Northern Pike Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Stand up Paddling Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to Blachford Lodge. Golden skies, glowing leaves, and aurora-filled nights. Fall is a magical time to experience the wild beauty of the Canadian North. From mid August through early October, Blachford Lodge offers a front-row seat to seasonal transformation in the heart of the Northwest Territories. As the land shifts from autumn hues to […]...

Starting at

$4,919.25

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $525 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package
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Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Winter Getaway

Air North

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Day Trips Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Fall Aurora Nature and Wildlife Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Situated on the northern tip of Great Slave Lake in Canada’s North, Yellowknife is an ideal destination for an unforgettable winter retreat. Discover the city’s unique charm during the day and, at night, head out to witness the spectacular Northern Lights dance across the sky. Toast with locals at the Woodyard Brewhouse, enjoy arctic char […]...

Starting at

$2,505

CAD + Tax & Fee + Per Person based on double occupancy on a 5 day package from Vancouver
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Summer Okpik Arctic Village Wall Tent

Okpik Arctic Village Summer Package

Tundra North Travel

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land

DAY 1 Arrive at the Okpik Arctic Village. Start off by settling into your home away from home. We’ll show you around our Village where you will learn about our local manufacturing and food production programs and why they are so important for Northern food security, economic leakage, as well as providing culturally relevant jobs […]...

Starting at

$2,850

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Red Cliff Island Boat Tour

Red Cliff Adventures Island Boat Tour

Red Cliff Adventures

Activities

Arctic Grayling Boat Tours Cultural Demonstrations Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours Whitefish

See the grandeur of Red Cliff Island on this 4-hour scenic boat tour. Ron will share his deep knowledge of the land’s history and significance while you enjoy fishing in the area or learning more about the culture of the Łutsël K’é Dene through traditional Indigenous storytelling. The East Arm is world-renowned for its amazing […]...

$300

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Thaidene Nëné Authentic Wilderness Camp

Wilderness Camping Adventures

Red Cliff Adventures

Activities

Camping Cultural Demonstrations Fishing Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land

Thaidene Nëné Authentic Wilderness Camp Spend two days and two nights getting a completely authentic experience of the area around Thiadene Nëné and Łutsël K’é. Tour the community itself and enjoy a scenic boat trip out to Red Cliff Island, learning the history and hearing Indigenous storytelling from Ron himself. Hearty meals and an authentic […]...

$1,445

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Nature's North Wildlife Gallery

Nature's North Wildlife Gallery Guided Tours

Nature’s North Wildlife Gallery

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Arts and Culture Nature and Wildlife Tours Workshops

Nature’s North Wildlife Gallery is much more than just a specimen gallery. You will take part in an artistic experience with many of the animals who call the Northwest Territories home – over 60 species of birds and mammals! Our tours are led by guides with extensive knowledge and experience of the fauna of the […]...

$30

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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A group of eight people standing in front of a plane with the backdrop the lake.

Canada North Experiences - Mackenzie Nahanni Expedition

North Star Adventures

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Aurora City Tours Cultural Demonstrations Flight Tours Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land Tours

Embark on the Mackenzie Nahanni Expedition, an unforgettable adventure through Canada’s Northwest Territories. Explore Yellowknife, the majestic Mackenzie River, and the stunning Nahanni National Park, all while immersing yourself in authentic Indigenous cultures. With comfortable accommodations and all-inclusive meals, this Indigenous-led tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and history. Book your Arctic Circle Adventure today—spaces are limited!...

Starting at

$10,995

CAD + 5% GST + Based on Double Occupancy
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Great Northern Adventure Signature Package

Tundra North Travel

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Arts and Culture City Tours Cultural Demonstrations Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean Dogsledding On the Land Road Tours Road Trips Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities

Day 1 Meet your guide at the airport in Inuvik, collect your bags and start your adventure. You will experience a town tour of Inuvik, learning about the Northern community before we take you on a scenic ride along the Inuvik-Aklavik ice road to the small community of Aklavik. After a town tour of Aklavik, […]...

Starting at

$6,000

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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5 Day Arctic Variety Package

Arctic Chalet Tours

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Nature and Wildlife Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Western Arctic Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Discover the wonders of the Arctic Ocean, witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis far from city lights, and embark on thrilling adventures with dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing along breathtaking scenic trails! Sunday: We will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to the Arctic Chalet where you will check into your cozy cabin, followed […]...

Starting at

$2,650

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
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Arctic Tours Canada

Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......

Old Town Glassworks in Yellowknife and some cool glassware with animal etching made there.

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Old Town Glassworks

Etching popular northern designs on unique 100% recycled glass, since 1994. Visit our gift shop in Old Town or come......

Aurora Hunting Tour - North Star Adventures

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North Star Adventures

Day Trips Indigenous Multi-day Trips Northern Lights Summer Winter

100% Indigenous owned!  Experience the spirit of the untamed Canadian north with a 100% Indigenous owned tour company. Journey with an Indigenous tour company that still lives by the traditions of our ancestors. Feel the heartbeat of the land as we share the stories, wisdom, and spiritual connections that have been passed down from generation to […]...

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Noksana Mushing Tours

Day Trips Indigenous Northern Lights Summer Winter

Noksana Mushing Tours offers authentic Inuvialuit cultural experiences in Tuktoyaktuk, NT, combining dog sledding and snowmobile tours with storytelling, traditional food and insights into Arctic life, led by Bruce Noksana, an Inuvialuit guide who shares his passion for dog sledding and local history on the tundra and Arctic Ocean....

NWT Charter Services

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NWT Charter Services

Northern Lights Summer Winter

Charter the bus. Tour the North. Explore more. Local tours, private transfers, and charter travel in Yellowknife! See below for some of our Local Tour options: Aurora Hunting (Bus or Private SUV) Aurora Viewing at Cabin and Teepee Sightseeing City Tours Bison & Wildlife Tours Waterfall & Nature Hiking Tours Art Gallery, Writing Cultural Tours  Multi-Night Aurora […]...

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Ever Good Medicine

Day Trips Indigenous Summer Wellness Winter

Ever Good Medicine is owned and operated by Carl Jr. Kodakin-Yakeleya, a Shúhtagot’ine man (Mountain People) originally from Délı̨nę and Tulita First Nations in the Sahtú region of NWT. Now based in Yellowknife, he offers a variety of programs and services such as Medicine Walks, Retreats, Apprenticeships and Group Workshops about Traditional Dene Medicines in […]...

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Diamonds de Canada

Day Trips Summer Winter

Canada has a deep love for our natural resources with diamonds being the highest expression of love.  Thanks to Canada’s world class standard for sustainable mining, we are custodians of our precious lands and take great pride and care releasing these rare gems.  From the moment our land is surveyed to the final reclamation (the […]...

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NWT Diamond Centre

Come shop and experience the true beauty of Canadian diamonds. We feature and sell a variety of loose diamonds, mined, cut, and polished all here in the Northwest Territories. ...

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NARWAL Northern Adventures

Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......

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Day Trips Indigenous Summer Winter

An Indigenous, family owned business with much history, knowledge and stories to share about the Spectacular Northwest Territories! We used to operate Dene culture camps in the mid-1990s, teaching students, parents and visitors about NWT key cultural experiences and outdoor learning. Angela James as camp coordinator, Scott McQueen as camp storyteller. Mamma & Pappa – the […]...

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Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......

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To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......

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© Northwest Territories Tourism 2026

Land Acknowledgement

Northwest Territories Tourism acknowledges that we are located in Chief Drygeese territory. From time immemorial, it has been the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and more recently, the homeland of the North Slave Métis Alliance. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of Inuit, First Nations, Metis, and all First Peoples of the NWT and Canada, whose presence and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant communities.