December in Finland means candles: in windows, on tables, in the stairwell of a block of flats. If you are staying in a rented apartment in Rovaniemi, you will probably want a few too. The sensible rule is to use them the way a Finnish family does, with common sense and a little more care than usual in a place that is not your own. Here is how we, as hosts, think about candles, fairy lights and fire safety in a holiday apartment. Check live dates on Airbnb or Booking.com if you are planning a winter stay.

Why are candles so common in Finnish homes in winter?

Because the days are short. In the darkest weeks around Christmas, a candle in the window is as much about light and mood as about decoration. Rovaniemi sits north of the Arctic Circle, so the dark season is a big part of the experience; our guide to kaamos and staying in the polar night explains what to expect, and our post on daylight by month gives the rhythm of the year. A few candles on the dining table can change the whole feel of an evening.

Is it fine to burn candles in a holiday apartment?

Ask first, and read the house rules. Different hosts and buildings have different expectations, and an apartment building has neighbours on every side. At Nine Pines, which is in a quiet family building, we would simply ask you to be careful, to blow out candles when you leave the room, and to write to us if you are unsure about something. We recommend battery-powered LED candles as the easiest option: they give the same glow with no flame, they are safe around children, and they pack flat.

What is the safe way to use real candles?

General common-sense rules apply anywhere, and nothing here replaces the instructions of your host or the building.

• Use a stable, non-flammable holder, and place it on a hard surface away from curtains, paper and decorations.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended, and never go to sleep with one lit.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and away from tables where a toddler might pull a cloth.
• Avoid placing candles near the window sill if there are curtains or reindeer decorations nearby.
• Extinguish them fully before you leave the apartment, even for a short walk.

Our checklist on child safety in a rental apartment covers other points parents should consider.

What should you pack if you love candlelight?

Bring a small set of battery-powered tea lights and a pack of spare batteries. They weigh almost nothing, and they let you create the glow of a Finnish December evening in any room. A string of battery-powered fairy lights can brighten the dining table or a children’s bedroom without a plug. Add a small box of matches or a lighter only if you intend to use real candles with the host’s agreement. If you take any of your own decorations, pack a small bag to carry them out again, because the apartment should look the way you found it when you leave. Our check-out checklist lists the final steps.

In the end, a good winter evening here needs very little: warm rooms, soft light and good company. The apartment also has a window with reindeer decor, a balcony and fast Wi-Fi, which helps if you want to stream a Christmas film while the children draw with the colouring books.

What about fairy lights and Christmas decorations?

Lights are a lovely addition, and battery-powered strings are the simplest choice. If you bring mains-powered lights from home, check that the plug fits the Finnish sockets, since an adapter is needed from some countries; our post on plug adapters for Finland explains this. Do not overload sockets or extension cables, and do not cover lights with fabric. Avoid taping or sticking items to walls, windows and furniture without asking first. Our post about Christmas presents and wrapping in the apartment includes tips for decorating gently.

How do you celebrate without worrying the neighbours?

Finnish buildings have quiet hours, and at Nine Pines they run from 22:00 to 07:00. Music, singing and cooking noise should fit that frame. Parties are not allowed, and the maximum is nine guests. Candlelight dinners, board games and a walk in the snow are all welcome. If you want to mark a special occasion, such as a proposal or a celebration, we can arrange decoration from €190; see our post on the celebration and proposal option and our rules on quiet hours.

What should you do if something goes wrong?

If there is a fire or any emergency, leave the building immediately and call 112, the emergency number in Finland. Do not stay to collect belongings. Afterwards, message us. Our post on illness and 112 explains how to use the emergency number, and the guest guide lists the house information you should read on arrival. For a minor problem, like a spilled candle wax mark on the table, tell us as soon as you notice, and we will tell you how to deal with it.

Which is the better choice for families?

For families with toddlers, battery-powered candles and lights are the best option. For adults who like the real thing, one or two candles on the dining table, watched the whole time, are usually fine if the host agrees. Tell us your plan in advance and we will give a straight answer. The kitchen at Nine Pines is equipped for nine, with a dining table for six, which makes a lovely place for a candle-lit meal; our dining table guide explains how groups of nine manage.

FAQ: candles and lights in a Rovaniemi holiday apartment

Can I light candles at Nine Pines?

Please ask us first. We would suggest battery-powered candles as the easiest option.

Which number do I call in an emergency?

112, the Finnish emergency number.

Can I decorate the apartment?

Light, removable decoration is usually fine; ask before attaching anything to walls or furniture.

Can I celebrate an occasion in the apartment?

Yes, quietly. Parties are not allowed and quiet hours run from 22:00 to 07:00.