lapland christmas trip

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Welcome to Santa Claus Village & the Arctic Circle!

Experience the magic of Christmas every day of the year!

Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus has made Lapland in Northern Finland his home for centuries, and the Arctic Circle is close to his heart because many Christmas secrets are rooted in this magical place. Santa Claus Village is a family destination with plenty to see and do for all ages. Here’s wishing you an unforgettable visit!

Greetings, the Santa Claus Village family

Meet Santa Claus

You can meet Santa Claus every day of the year at Santa Claus Village. Meeting Santa is a unique experience, no matter what time of year you visit us. Santa’s gift sack is always filled with good cheer, warmth, and friendship. He reminds us of a world of fairy tales and stories where everyone is welcome, not just the children.

Cross the magical Arctic Circle

Did you know that the Arctic Circle runs right through the Santa Claus Village? As the Arctic Circle line is marked in Santa Claus Village’s central square, you can experience something uniquely exciting here – you get to cross the magical Arctic Circle! You can hop, step, jump or even do a cartwheel!

Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights

The colourful Northern Lights playing in the sky are one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. The geographical location of Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area makes it a suitable area to encounter the Northern Lights. It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. This means that while there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, the search will be even more exciting!

Be enchanted by Lapland’s nature

Every season is different in Rovaniemi. In this Arctic nature wonderland, you can breathe in the silence of snow-covered forests, experience the magic of the midnight sun in summer, and admire the famously colourful autumnal hues of “Ruska” in Lapland. Explore the enchanting natural sites and landscapes of Santa Claus Village.

Outstanding flavours of the North

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi in Santa Claus Village offers quality Lappish gastronomy. The restaurant Kotahovi gets its name from “kota” which is Finnish for Lappish-style hut.

Café of Mrs. Claus

A warm & spacious café in Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage in Santa Claus Village. The House itself is very “Christmassy”, making it a must-visit destination. A variety of hot & cold drinks, as well as salty and sweet snacks. Entrance to café is FREE.

Restaurant Kota in Apukka Resort

Atmospheric Restaurant Kota in Apukka Resort Rovaniemi located some 10 km from Santa Claus Village. Come to discover authentic Lappish flavors!

Atmospheric accommodation

Arctic Aurora HideAway

Premium lakefront villa only 15 min drive from Santa Claus Village. Families & groups of traveling friends are welcome. Up to 6 adults. We also offer activities and excursions at additional cost.

Arctic Holiday Services

The perfect choice for you who are looking for a unique accommodation in the center of Rovaniemi and its surroundings. Apartments only some 8 km from Santa Claus Village.

Santa’s Cottage

A cozy Christmas themed cottage fox six! Santa’s Cottage is a cozy accommodation option in a beautiful and peaceful location around 37 km from Santa Claus Village.

Delightful souvenirs

Santa Claus Office Webshop

Santa Claus Office Gift Shop can be found also online. We ship…

Pokka Reindeer Hides

High-quality reindeer hides for interior decoration purposes. Consumers can purchase reindeer hides from well-stocked shops in Santa Claus Village or online.

Iittala & co Napapiiri / Arctic Circle

In Iittala & co in the Arctic Circle you can find Iittala, Arabia, Fiskars and Hackman products, included Moomin products.

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How to get to the Santa Claus Village? What should you know before visiting? We’ve put together some useful tips for you!

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Santa & Snowmen - Your Lapland Christmas Bucket List

Looking for some inspiration for your holiday bucket list? A trip to Lapland at Christmas has all the fairy tale magic of the year’s best holiday amidst true Arctic wilderness.

Traveling to Finnish Lapland at Christmas tops a lot of bucket lists. And for good reason. The holiday spirit in Santa’s hometown reaches a fever pitch. The long dark nights in the north are perfect for adventures by lamplight, and the peace and silence of never-ending nature acts a counter-balance for all the stress–good and bad–that the holiday season can create. Here’s our bucket list of can’t-miss and can’t-forget Christmas experiences you can only have in Lapland.

1. Santa Knocking On Your Door

The windows of your cozy cabin in the heart of Santa Claus Village are foggy on one side, with ice flowers creeping up the other. Regardless, you can see colorful movement beyond, and you hear the heavy boots climb your steps. “Get ready! Get ready!” you tell everyone, casting one final look over the cabin. There’s a knock at the door, and you hear a deep voice give a jubilant laugh. You always expected him to come down your chimney, but here he is, at your front door, for an intimate meeting. You open it and Santa’s eyes twinkle. “Merry Christmas,” he booms, bigger and better than you ever imagined.

Christmas Bucket List: Santa knocking at your door

2. Grab the Reins (of Excitement)

The dark forest breaks, the tall snow-crowned pines giving way to a frozen river, blanketed with snow. Santa’s helper pulls the sledge easily, and the local guide points to the western horizon, where the setting sun is turning the world incredibly pink. You take a deep breath of the cold, clean air and it brings a smile to your face. Northern Finland in December is so charming, more peaceful and relaxing than you imagined, bigger and wilder than you ever imagined. And here’s this antlered creature, happily pulling you through the forest, across the snowy river, and back into the thick pines.

Christmas Bucket List: reindeer sledge ride in Salla

3. A Steamy Finnish Tradition

Now you’re starting to see why Finns are the happiest people on Earth. As you throw another ladle of water on the dark sauna stove, you hear the others hiss in anticipation. The heat rolls over your head, and your ears glow. The warmth prickles your shoulders and works its way inside. After all the shopping, the wrapping, the gifts and phone calls and cards and driving, flying, bussing and walking around the ski village, there’s nowhere you’d rather spend Christmas evening than here among the pale wood, hot rocks and soothing steam of the sauna. “Throw some more,” you hear someone say among the steam.

Christmas Bucket List: sauna in Ruka-Kuusamo

4. Stamped & Delivered

A post card is a simple thing. On one side, there’s the picture of auroras waltzing over a midnight snowscape, a reminder that you traveled here in Lapland. On the other are the words that say “Even here, I’m thinking of you.” The stamp on the post card is unique—you can only get it at Santa Claus Main Post Office on the Arctic Circle, another token of how special the recipient is. “Merry Christmas,” you write, dropping the card in the special mailbox— Christmas delivery only —looking forward to seeing their face next year when the card arrives.

Psst! Looking for how to write a letter to Santa Claus?

Christmas Bucket List: Northern Lights over Inari, Finland

5. Meet the Elves of Lapland

Finnish Lapland is home to 180,00 people, 200,000 reindeer, one jolly St. Nick, and an unknown number of elves. Some of these elves are shy, and they spend their time trolling the forest, hiding behind thick trees and snoozing under snowbanks. But a select few are more than happy to welcome you to magical Lapland and to spend their Christmas alongside you, wandering the snowy trails, searching for fairy folk, or introducing you to the Finnish method of de-stressing by dipping yourself in ice-cold water after a long steamy sauna.

Christmas Bucket List: Meet the elves of Lapland

6. Journey to Santa’s Magic Mountain

In the distance, you see the pointed ears of the fell rise, the location of Santa’s secret workshop. You want to press on, to feel the snowmobile rear beneath you, to feel the sharp air on your cheeks, but you know this is the end of the road. Santa’s elves need peace, quiet and solitude to do their magic work, the guide explains with a twinkle in his eye. Instead, you’ll spend the morning breathing the crisp clean air, enjoying the dark blue skies and a winter landscape from a child’s fairytale book. Good thing those are top items on your winter bucket list .

Christmas Bucket List: landscapes of northern Finland in winter

7. An Enchanting Dinner

The exquisite ice sculpture in the center of restaurant watches over your dinner table like a guardian angel. In fact, she even has wings of transparent ice. Every breath rolls out in a cloud, which would normally be negative–but in a building made entirely of hard-packed snow and ice , it’s hardly surprising. Your meal comes, the warmth radiating from the grilled salmon, the smell of the roasted vegetables intoxicating. Across the table, he lifts his ice shotglass, and says, “To us. To Christmas. To Lapland.”

Christmas Bucket List: Ice restaurant in Rovaniemi, Finland

8. Sip Cocoa Among the Trees

The fire crackles, sending precious warmth to your face and your outstretched fingers. Beyond the fire lies a vast frozen lake, the wind whipping up little snow devils. You sip hot chocolate, admitting to yourself that you’ve never wanted a hot drink more in your life. Sitting beside you in the laavu, the guide tells you about the warm porridge you’ll have when you return to your cabin. The thought of the wind caressing your cheeks atop the snowmobile sends a little shiver down your back. Not for the first time, you feel like you understand Christmas a little better. More than smiling elves and brightly-wrapped gifts, this is a more primal holiday. The victory of warmth and light against the darkest days of the year.

Christmas Bucket List: winter campfire in Sodankylä, FInland

9. A Christmas Gift Like No Other

They say it’s the thought that counts. And after visiting Siida, the Sámi Museum and Nature Center , you want to choose Christmas gifts that reflect not only your visit to northernmost Finland, but the way your mind has expanded on this journey. You want to give books on lively Arctic cultures, stunning Sámi artwork and indigenous jewelry, gifts that evoke wonder, surprise, curiosity and inspiration.

Christmas Bucket List: display at Siida, in Inari, Finland

Christmas comes only one day a year, but winter lasts almost 200 days in Lapland! Check out some other great reasons to visit Finnish Lapland in the winter.

Here are some other great reasons to visit Lapland in the winter!

Santa & Snowmen – Your Lapland Christmas Bucket List

8 Ways to Experience The Northern Lights in Lapland

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Visit Santa Claus in Lapland

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Have you ever dreamed of visiting the magical homeland of Santa Claus and his helpers in the North Pole? Lapland trips to see Santa are bucket list journeys of thousands of adults and children around the world. Let’s find out more about the magical experience.

Trips to see Santa in Lapland

Located in the city of Rovaniemi , Finland, the official Santa Claus Residence is open all year round and annually welcomes hundreds of guests who travel to Lapland to see Santa.

Of course, Christmas Santa trips at the end of December are the most popular time of the year to go there with the highest demand. For this reason, in order to avoid little or no availability or sky-rocket prices during this season, it is recommended to book trips to visit Santa as early in advance as possible.

The Santa Village boasts a large territory and is made up of numerous buildings and areas. The holiday spirit is all around, starting from Santa’s office, where you can meet the honoree.

A husky dog-sledding through a beutiful winter forest

There’s also a husky park offering sled rides onsite, a couple of restaurants, a snowmobile park, the legendary icy Snowman World, several unique hotels, as well as the popular Santa post office, from which you can send a letter or postcard back home or to your friends from the North Pole.

Of course, holidays to Lapland to meet Santa don't stop at that as here you can also meet his charming reindeer, a character that we can't imagine a proper winter fairytale without.

Those who prefer to stay right by the village sometimes choose several one-of-a-kind nearby options, for instance, glass igloos with panoramic roofs for watching Northern Lights or the unique Treehouse hotel.

And as for getting there, one of the most popular ways to reach the destination apart from flights is taking the Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The train itself isn't themed but carries the name due to its scenic route from the capital city all the way above the Arctic Circle.

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The ultimate guide to christmas in lapland in 2024.

I know what you’re thinking, what could possibly be more christmassy than Christmas in Lapland?! Thankfully the Christmas season in Lapland actually runs all year around, but if you want snow, and that christmassy vibe, then christmas in Lapland is best experienced in November to December.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy my guide to the ultimate Christmas in Lapland which will take you through the best places to visit in Lapland during Christmas, the best things to do in Lapland at Christmas and where to stay during Christmas in Lapland!

Travellerspoint

When does Christmas start in Lapland?

As mentioned before the best season to experience Christmas in Lapland is definitely during November to December. November is a great season because the Christmas season is declared opened in Rovaniemi and all things Christmas related start to emerge.

Also, you’ll have lots of snow which makes it even more awesome.

Obviously this is one of the most peak times to visit Lapland, so you’ll need to plan in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Santa Clause Village in Rovaniemi (the official home town of Santa Claus) declares the start of the Christmas season in Lapland every year.

Where is the best place to stay for Christmas in Lapland?

There are so many amazing places to stay to experience Christmas in Lapland and below I run you through some of my favourites. Remember as mentioned before, this is peak tourist season in November and December, so if you want to stay in these awesome hotels in Lapland, then you’re going to need to book in advance.

The Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi

This is a wonderful place to stay in Rovaniemi with children thanks to its proximity to Santa Park (it’s on site!)it's not far from the airport, it’s close to Santa Claus Village and it’s got one of the most awesome hotel designs in the world: you’re staying in an ultra luxury treehouse!

We actually had the chance to stay there which you can read all about here. But if you want to go ahead and check out prices and how to book then click here!

Northern Lights Ranch, near Levi

The Northern Lights Ranch is a hotel experience like no other. The accommodation is in the form of “Aurora Cabins” which gives you the best chance to see the Northern Lights from your room, but not only that, there is the chance to book a cabin with a Jacuzzi outside and when you’re surrounded with snow in a Jacuzzi, it’s amazing.

Plus they have the best on-site chef I’ve ever experienced, and I would stay there for the food alone. OH and they have an Ice church ...how awesome is that.

It’s SUPER christmassy and of the best places I’ve experienced in my life!

You can read about our stay here and go ahead and book that amazing stay at the Northern Lights Ranch right here!

Pyhan Astelli Igloos in Pyhä

Looking for a unique igloo stay in a beautiful part of Lapland? Then this place is a gem. The igloos and aurora cabins on offer are modern, cosy, comfortable and just amazing. The resort of Pyha itself is awesome and super Christmassy. It’s a great spot for families and couples.

Check out our stay here OR go ahead and get your amazing igloo booked right here.

These are some of my favourite stays and if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Lapland at Christmas, I’m not sure I can choose between them all. I think if you manage to snag of those above properties, then you’re going to be in for a real Christmas treat!

Snow Hotel and Glass Igloos outside Rovaniemi

The Snow Hotel is exactly what it says on the tin, a hotel made out of snow that you can actually sleep in. It’s awesome! Or if you fancy staying in something a little warmer, you can stay in their glass igloos, ( which Brad and I did ) and be in with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights from your room.

Book your stay here.

Where are the best places to visit to experience Christmas in Lapland?

There are lots of amazing places in Lapland that will give you those Christmas vibes. Actually when the place is covered in snow, every single area is Christmasy, but to help you narrow it down, here are some of my favourite areas.

Rovaniemi city in Lapland province in northern Finland

Well, we have to start here, because it’s the home of Santa Claus and the tourist hotspot of Christmas and Lapland. Rovaniemi is great for families as there is SO much to do.

My favourite places include a visit to Santa Claus village and Santa Park for the chance to meet Mr Claus himself, try your hand at Elf School and of course post your letter to Santa Claus at the official Santa Claus post office...

Levi is another amazing place in Lapland that’s very Christmassy. It’s a tourist hotspot for it’s access to skiing, so if you love to ski, then you’re going to love Levi. Not only that, it’s home to one of the most epic Ice hotels in the world, for a couple of years it was actually Game of Thrones themed and looked amazing. You can even stay there too. (It’s going to be cold!)

This is another great place in Lapland for those Christmas in Lapland vibes. There a beautiful national park to explore and lots of opportunities for skiing with two ski resorts! It’s also a great spot to find the Northern Lights thanks to the reduced light pollution.

Salla is another great place in Lapland that’s super Christmassy. There is a ski resort for keen skiers and they have a really cool reindeer farm that Brad and I visited. They can also arrange husky tours, so basically you can experience all the great things to do in Lapland here too.

What are the most Christmassy things to do in Lapland?

Oh there are so many amazing things to do in Lapland that ooze that Christmas vibe and below I take you through my favourites, most tried and tested!

1. Hunt for the Northern lights

When you visit Lapland at Christmas, you’ll still have the chance to see the epic phenomenon that is the Northern Lights. Some tips for seeing the lights:

You’ll need to escape light pollution, so if you’re staying in Rovaniemi, spend a night just outside at the Snow Hotel and Glass Igloos resort a higher chance to see the lights.
Go on a Northern Lights Tour as they’ll know all the best spots with less light pollution to give you a higher chance. I can recommend Wild About Lapland.
Download an Aurora app which will help give you the KP index needed for seeing the Northern Lights. In Finland you need a KP index of 3.

2. Dine at a Snow Hotel

Speaking of Snow Hotels in Rovaniemi, even if you don’t want to stay there, you can still experience what it’s like to eat in a Snow Hotel which is pretty awesome! This is one of those bucket list experiences and unique things to do at Christmas in Lapland.

3. Take a Husky Ride

Imagine meeting lots of amazing and loving husky dogs then going for a ride with them in the snow. That’s the ultimate lapland dream. What I will say is that you should choose a Husky company that’s ethical, so therefore I choose BearHill Husky who are just awesome!

You can read all about our experience with huskies right here.

4. Head out on a snowmobile

When the snow covers the ground in Lapland, one of the great experiences is to hit the roads on a snowmobile. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and possible all around Lapland.

Book your adventure here.

5. Visit Santa Park and Santa Claus Village

Santa Park is located in Rovaniemi and gives adults and children the chance to meet Santa, attend Elf School (and graduate), make gingerbread cookies and so much more. Anything you can think of associated with Christmas and it will be at Santa Park. Yes I went, because I am a child at heart!

6. Visit a Reindeer Farm and experience a sleigh ride

What could possibly be more Christmassy than meeting Santa’s reindeer and a sleigh ride? I really don’t know! Well that’s totally possible in Lapland. You can do that in a variety of spots in Lapland including Salla and Rovaniemi.

Actually this tour is a great one from Rovaniemi that you can book here.

7. Dig for your own Amethyst at the Amethyst Mine

This was one of the coolest things I did in Lapland and it’s a great way to dig a unique Christmas gift! Basically it’s one of the unique mine in the world that allows you to dig your own amethyst and take a piece home with you. You can read all about our experience here.

If you’re coming from Rovaniemi you can book with this tour which includes your transportation, lunch and your entrance ticket.

8. Visit the Arctic Animals at Ranua Wildlife Park

The most Northernmost zoo in the world and the ONLY place you can see polar bears in Finland. This is a pretty awesome experience, and relatively cheap for Finland standards. You’ll see lots of arctic animals at this wildlife park.

Just a note, they don’t have any lights for the comfort of the animals, so if you visit after 2pm (when the sun sets) you’ll need to bring your own torch or rent one.

You can book a tour from Rovaniemi right here.

I think this is a great chance to mention Tinggly, the awesome gift giving experience company. You can gift people experiences as a Christmas gift this year and these are some of my favourite gift ideas they offer in Lapland…

A 2 night overnight stay for two with breakfast in an awesome glass igloo under their “bucket list experience package”. Check it here.
Two Hour Snowmobile ride in Rovaniemi with the purchase of their “Christmas gift box”. Check it here.

Oh and what I really love about Tinggly, apart from the fact you’re gifting an experience, is that all their experiences come with a co2 offset of 200%!

Where is the best place to see Santa in Lapland?

Without doubt, the best place to see Santa in Lapland in Rovaniemi, because that’s where he lives. You can guarantee he is there! He’s always hanging around the Santa Claus Village, and he’s always happy to meet children and adults.

So if you’re looking for the best Lapland Santa experience then you’re best bet is to go to Rovaniemi.

How do I get to Lapland?

So Lapland is a region in Scandinavia, and it covers both Finland and Sweden . In this blog post we are talking about Finland and the easiest starting point for a Lapland holiday is to fly to Rovaniemi.

You can get direct flights from the UK and other European countries and I recommend you use Skyscanner to search for the best flights.

How long should I spend for Christmas in Lapland?

Lots of people do “one-day” trip to Lapland and I can understand why (it’s probably cheaper), but you will not get to experience the true Lapland at Christmas atmosphere.

I won’t lie to you, a trip to Lapland at Christmas isn’t cheap and you should only go if you can afford to do it. It’s the type of trip that you do once and you do it right. It’s truly a bucket list holiday.

So, with that being said, I would suggest around 3 nights to fully experience Lapland at Christmas. This will give you a chance to visit the hotspots of Rovaniemi, the ski resorts of Pyhan, and more.

Of course the longer you have, the more you can see, but 3 nights in a reasonable amount and will leave you with amazing memories to last a lifetime.

So there you have it, my ultimate guide to Christmas in Lapland. I hope this post has gotten you into the Christmas spirit or helped you book that amazing Lapland holiday. If you’ve got any other suggestions or simply want to ask a question, then please drop us a comment on this post.

Happy travels!

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Christmas in lapland: how to plan the best trip.

All You Need to Know About Christmas in Lapland

If there’s one time of year everyone wants to visit Lapland, it’s in the lead-up to Christmas.

After all, this winter wonderland just screams festive fun and if there’s one surefire way to get you into the holiday spirit, then kicking off Christmas in Lapland is surely it!

And I should know!

It’s not every year you get to head to Lapland in December, but that’s just what lucky old me got to experience and, let me tell you, it’s certainly a trip I’m never going to forget.

Soaking up every snowflake of festive feeling that I could in this totally unique and breathtakingly beautiful landscape, Christmas in Lapland really was one of my top travel experiences and I’m here to bring you the full lowdown to ensure you have the best time there too.

With all my top tips on how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to pack and my top Christmas in Lapland budget hacks, this guide is jampacked with all the advice you need.

So let’s get stuck in with how to plan your perfect Christmas in Lapland experience…

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My stay in Lapland was sponsored by Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos and Ranua Wildlife Park but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

#1 Get Organised

So the first thing to know when it comes to planning your Christmas Lapland trip is that you need to get organised.

To start with, it pays to know that Lapland – the region – actually spans 4 different countries, namely Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

However the part that’s most famous for those wishing to experience Christmas in Lapland is Finland.

Yes it’s certainly Finnish Lapland that provides the best array of festive activities and adventures, so I’d centre your research around this region if you want to have the best holiday experience possible.

Understandably, the lead-up to Christmas is the most popular time to visit Finnish Lapland, which means you need to get started with your planning early. This will help ensure you have the best choice over activities, places to stay and, of course, availability and prices.

Alternatively, if you want to have more flexibility and pay slightly lower prices, you may opt to enjoy Christmas in Lapland in November, instead of December.

That said, it pays to know that while prices at this time of year might be cheaper, in November the snow in Lapland is a lot thinner on the ground – literally!

Yes the snow only really starts to come down heavily in December in Finnish Lapland, which means to enjoy those winter wonderland views, it’s certainly worth paying a bit more to visit in December and get that full Christmassy feeling.

#2 Watch Your Budget!

Alternatively, January and February are cheaper months to visit Lapland, so if budget is a key concern, you might opt for these months over November or December.

However, if it’s the festive feels you’re really after, then December is certainly the time to head to Lapland… just watch your budget!

Yes, as I mentioned in the above point, getting organised and booking certain elements of your trip in advance is a key way to your costs from spiralling out of control – definitely pretty important when to comes to having a stress-free, seasonal trip here!

For Christmas in Lapland, the general rule of thumb is that the further in advance you book, the cheaper it’s likely to be.

Last-minute deals are rarely a thing when it comes to Christmas in Lapland, so don’t be afraid to book accommodation, flights and even some activities months in advance…. many do!

It’s also worth pointing out here that you certainly don’t need to employ the services of a travel agent to arrange your Christmas in Lapland trip.

DIY trips are both easy to plan and book (with everything very well set-up for tourists), and making a travel itinerary yourself will likely save you a fortune, as you won’t be paying the costs of any middlemen to do the research.

And on that note, reading blogs about how to plan your trip, as well as what to expect, is a great place to start, so you’re already on the right track!

Check out this post I wrote about how much my Finland travels cost to learn more.

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#3 Think About How Long to Spend There

Now that you’ve thought about when to visit Lapland for the Christmas experience that suits you best, it’s time to think about how long to spend there.

Given that this is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s worth making sure you get the best value for money from your Christmas Lapland experience and, as such, I think a stay of around 5 nights is a nice balance between budget considerations and getting the most from your time there.

Anything less than 4 nights is likely to make your trip feel rushed and you’ll miss out on some of the top festive activities you can enjoy here.

In contrast, 5 nights will allow you to enjoy many of the top things to do during Christmas in Lapland and increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights too.

5 nights is also short enough to ensure you don’t become too drained by the freezing temperatures in this sub-zero winter destination… but more about these later!

#4 Consider Where to Stay Carefully

Finland, Lapland, Me at Arctic Guesthouse

And now we come to a key component in planning the best Christmas in Lapland experience – where to stay.

We’ve already discussed that Finnish Lapland is the region most people head to for their Christmas experiences but, within this area, there are many different towns where you can base yourself.

The main town in Finnish Lapland is the tourism hotspot of Rovaniemi – home to the official Santa Claus Village and a major international airport.

The other flagship resorts in Finnish Lapland are Levi, Pyhä, Salla, Inari and Saariselka.

Inari and Saariselka are the furthest north and are serviced by Ivalo airport.

Levi is in the northwest of Finnish Lapland and is accessed via Kittilä International Airport.

Pyhä and Salla can both be accessed from Rovaniemi in the south.

That said, I’d actually avoid all these main tourism hotspots when it comes to the best Christmas in Lapland experience because they tend to be very crowded and very commercialised.

Instead, for those real picture-perfect views, I’d head to a smaller and more authentic Finnish Lapland town instead – one that boasts loads of great activities and tourism infrastructure, but that still retains a very genuine and quintessential Christmas Lapland experience.

And luckily I know just the place!

Ranua is a small local town of just 4000 people with a very authentic and genuine Finnish feel.

Safe and welcoming, Ranua is just an hour’s drive from the major airport at Rovaniemi and has some great tourism infrastructure, including traditional places to stay, iconic glass igloos, a famous wildlife park and loads of brilliant Lapland activities on offer that will get you right into the holiday spirit

Hiring a car, using a public bus, opting for a private transfer service or taking a taxi are all ways you can easily get from Rovaniemi airport to the centre of Ranua and, once there, I’d head for the Arctic Guesthouse who provide affordable guesthouse accommodation in traditional Lapland buildings or unique, bucket list stays in eco-friendly glass igloos.

Owned by local people, the Arctic Guesthouse provides guests with an intimate and authentic stay that includes breakfast, wifi, a dinner menu and 2 great saunas which are free to use.

Check out the review of my stay there here .

#5 Research How to Get There

Now that I’ve let you in on my Christmas Lapland secret about the best place to stay, it’s time to talk about getting there – this is definitely a key part of planning the trip!

If you’re heading to Ranua, then you can fly to Rovaniemi direct from London (along with several other European cities) and from Helsinki too.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best deals as these guys include budget airlines in their searches.

Alternatively, you can also catch the overnight train to Rovaniemi from Helsinki.

Learn more about all the travel routes from Helsinki to Lapland (including those by train) in this article I wrote.

#6 Travel Insurance

After all, you don’t want to risk your Christmas in Lapland being ruined by a travel accident.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

#7 Make Sure You’ll Be Warm Enough

Well you’re really getting along with organising the perfect Christmas in Lapland trip now, but there are still a few practical details you’ll want to take into account.

And a key one here is making sure you have the appropriate clothing because, trust me, a key part of having the best experience will be making sure you’re warm enough!

You can check out my complete packing list for a winter trip to Finland here , which is an item-by-item guide as to exactly what you should pack, but for now, I’ll just say loads of warm layers are absolutely crucial!

Temperatures can get down to minus 50 degrees celsius in Lapland – they were minus 20 for most of my adventure there – so skiwear, merino layers, thick wool jumpers, thermal socks and hand warmers are all essential.

If you don’t have the outer layers you’ll need, like snow boots and snowsuits, you can often rent them here.

Otherwise, if you want to grab some gear while you’re still at home, I’d definitely start planning what you’re going to wear and pack for Christmas in Lapland at least a few weeks ahead of the trip.

This will give you the time to both research and buy any items you might need.

#8 Pick Your Lapland Christmas Activities

We’re almost there when it comes to prepping your epic Christmas in Lapland, but there are just a couple more crucial steps.

And something we couldn’t overlook, are the things to do in Lapland that will have you enjoying your slice of festive fun to the max.

Indeed, I was pretty amazed just how many activities you could enjoy in the snow here, so do believe me when I say it might take a bit of research and time to pick your favs.

From snow-shoeing to reindeer visits, snowmobile rides to northern light tours, husky-sledding to sauna-ing, I loved all these activities and certainly found they were the best way to soak in the winter wonderland and revel in the Christmas card landscape of Lapland.

Thankfully, organising all my activities was easy due to the amazing services of Ranua Wildlife Park, who not only lent me the snow gear I needed, but also put together an incredible itinerary that gave me the most incredible Lapland experience.

Their guides were brilliant, friendly and knowledgeable (plus they spoke perfect English) and their safety was top-notch too.

All the animals we encountered during the activities were well-cared for too, and the great range of activities they provided meant there was something for everyone… kids and grandparents included.

Top of my list had to be the reindeer visit, the snowmobile rides and my time with the huskies and, if you want to get the best Christmas in Lapland experience, these would be my top picks for you.

Learn more about all these options and more on my list of the top things to do in Lapland .

#9 Plan Your Santa Visit

And last but not least, Christmas in Lapland wouldn’t be complete with a trip to Santa!

And you’re in luck!

Finnish Lapland is the official home of Santa and Rovaniemi is where the Santa Claus Village can be found.

If you’re heading to Ranua to enjoy the glass igloos at the Arctic Guesthouse and the activities at the Ranua Wildlife Centre, then it’s easy to stop in at the Santa Claus Village, just a few km from the Rovaniemi airport, on the way.

Seeing Santa here is free, although you do have to pay for a photo, and this is a great activity for kids, big and small, alike.

Yes everyone loves meeting the big Christmas man and your time with him isn’t super rushed, which made the experience feel very heart-warming.

You do have to queue to get in to see Santa, but colouring crayons make it easy to pass the time, or you can talk with kids about the questions they want to ask the King of Christmas himself!

Either way, this activity is one of the pivotal Christmas in Lapland experiences you can’t miss!

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Christmas in Lapland How to Plan the Best Trip

So there it is, my guide to planning the best Christmas in Lapland!

I hope I’ve made prepping for your trip to this magical region a little easier, but if you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ Christmas in Lapland: How to Plan the Best Trip ”

I want to experience this Lapland adventure with my daughter & husband

Great idea Donna! Happy travels, Steph 🙂

Christmas in Lapland

Why go to lapland for christmas, christmas and new year is a magical time of year. it's a season full of excitement and wonder, of magical stories that you've always heard about but never got to experience. now's your chance to watch these stories come to life and step into a mystical winter wonderland of never-ending snow..

Deep in the wintry wilderness of Lapland, of frozen lakes and enchanting pine forests, Santa and his cheeky elves are waiting to give you the most magical Christmas ever. Better than you could ever possibly imagine.

A Christmas To Remember

Are you looking for a Christmas present that will keep on giving?

Santa’s Lapland brings you to an other-worldly location, deep in the wilderness of Saariselkä. An unforgettable festive break awaits you in this magical wonderland of traditional log cabins, snow-sprinkled wooded fells, mystical reindeer and cheeky elves.

The best gifts are the ones that make memories of a lifetime, and when you give the gift of Santa’s Lapland, it will be difficult to top next Christmas!

The Build up Is Real, and So Is the Excitement

Staying in a cosy log cabin in Lapland is a sure way to have a storybook-worthy Christmas. With an abundance of charm, warm log fires and traditional Christmas decorations, these cabins will have you excited to explore all that Lapland has to offer in December.

From adventurous snowmobile trips to fun husky sledge rides, we offer lots of activities so you and the family can explore the snowy wilderness in the best fun-fuelled way.

Sign, Sealed & Delivered with Magic

Nothing beats the excitement and build-up of meeting Santa. Before your visit to Lapland, we encourage you to write a letter to Santa and tell him all of your Christmas wishes. All of Santa’s letters are delivered by magic and will reach his home in Lapland, ready for your special meeting with him.

Meet Santa’s Elves

If you're looking for some Christmas cheer, look no further than Santa's helpers.

The elves of Lapland work hard all year to ensure that Santa's gifts are made and delivered to children around the world. They're so good at their job that they have to take breaks from time to time.

They are a cheeky bunch, always ready to play and love nothing more than spreading joy and laughter during your Santa's Lapland stay.

Our elves also have their very own language that only Santa and his helpers can understand. Don’t worry, those with magical ears will translate.

More Lapland inspiration

Discover our Santa's Lapland experiences

No one knows how to make Christmas more magical

Flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, a fun-filled activity trip and snowsuits are all included.

Seeing Lapland in the snow is all part of the experience, so if we decide that there’s not enough snow, you can change your travel dates, within the same season, or get a full refund.

A remote spot in the far north of Finland, 200km above the Arctic Circle among the snowy trees of Saariselkä.

We are currently closed. Why not try booking online?

Spitsbergen (Svalbard)
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Destinations

Christmas in Lapland

What better way to spend a white Christmas than in wonderful Lapland! Spend Christmas itself at Rovaniemi, Santa's Home Town, plus visit Saariselka, enjoy an overnight in a Glass Igloo, a reindeer farm visit with sled ride, Snowshoe Walk, Husky Safari, a visit to delightful Santa Claus Village, a trip to Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park and more.

Choose from two itineraries: Option 1 starts on 21 December. Option 2 starts on 20 December SOLD OUT.

Option 1 - start date 21 december 2024, 21 december saariselka arrival .

On arrival into Ivalo Airport, transfer by airport coach to your hotel in Saariselka. Here in the far north of Finnish Lapland is an area of National Parks, lakes, rivers and highland fells, where the Northern Lights can dance across the sky up to 200 days each year, and the ancient Sami culture is still very much alive. Time at leisure and two overnights at Santa's Hotel Tunturi Saariselka or similar.

22 December Saariselka: Snowshoe Walk, Optional Aurora Safari by Heated Sleigh

This morning, enjoy something that literally has you following in the Sami's footsteps! Snowshoes are one of the oldest forms of transport in the world and when you wear them, you can capture the true feeling of winter in the woods. Explore the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, surrounding Saariselka. Afternoon is at leisure - perhaps try a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel.

Tonight you may like to join the optional Evening Safari by Heated Sleigh. Discover the silent and peaceful mystique of the snowy forest. Your guide tows the sleigh by snowmobile through the lunar and starry landscape, to the top of the fall, away from the light pollution. After arriving, we set up our cameras and take pictures of the northern night sky. Wait comfortably by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and listening to tales until someone hopefully sees the first Aurora. Second night at Santa's Hotel Tunturi Saariselka or similar.

23 December Saariselka - Rovaniemi: Reindeer Farm and Sleigh Ride, Optional Aurora Safari by Snowmobile

Today, en route to Rovaniemi, enjoy a delightful visit to a traditional Sami reindeer farm. Meet the farmers who will tell you the cultural importance of the reindeer. Then relax with a short reindeer sleigh ride, moving over white landscapes, where the only sound you will hear is the music of the reindeer bells. Lunch is included at the farm. Continue into downtown Rovaniemi. Check in to the hotel and then some free time - explore the town, browse the shops or perhaps visit the fabulous Arktikum Museum. Tonight enjoy a traditional buffet dinner of Lappish specialities at the hotel. Three overnights at Scandic Rovaniemi City Hotel or similar.

This evening, you might also like to join an optional Aurora Safari by Snowmobile. Driving through snow-covered forests and over treeless fells (with a little luck), if the sky is clear, the moon, stars and Northern Lights may show you the way. Enjoy a warm drink and snack by the open fire before returning to the hotel. 2 persons share each snowmobile and each driver must have a full valid driver's license.

24 December Rovaniemi: Husky Safari, Santa Claus Village, Santa's Visit and Christmas Eve Gala Dinner

Today we visit the Husky Farm - the barking of happy dogs will welcome you, and the head 'musher' will tell you all about the life of these hard working Arctic dogs. Then enjoy a short 3km sled ride, riding in pairs, with one person driving and the other seated in the sleigh, on trails through the forest. Then the day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, the official home of Santa Claus. Take a step into this magical world and meet the man himself, send a letter from his Post Office, step across the Arctic Circle and more. Then at approximately 16:00, the children are invited to participate in the traditional activity of decorating the Christmas tree. At around 18:00 Santa himself will visit the hotel, to bring special Christmas wishes and to deliver a small gift for each child. There is also the possibility for families to arrange that Santa Claus delivers a special present to their children on behalf of the family. A Christmas Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel. Merry Christmas to all! Second night at Scandic Rovaniemi City Hotel or similar.

25 December Rovaniemi: Ranua Wildlife Park and Christmas Gala Dinner

Another day of adventure! This morning we visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, situated 80km south of Rovaniemi. Established 1983, specialises in Arctic and northern animal species and the zoo sits amid northern conifer forests, the natural habitat of most of the animals. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful park and visit the different animals and birds which include wolverine, deer, bear and of course the King of the Arctic, the polar bear. After lunch at the restaurant in the park there is time to further explore - visit the souvenir shops, the Fazer factory and the local wine shop with their unique selection of wines made from berries – before we return to Rovaniemi. In the evening enjoy a Christmas Gala dinner buffet at the hotel. Third night at Scandic Rovaniemi City Hotel or similar.

26 December Rovaniemi - Santa's Igloos overnight in a Glass Igloo, Optional Aurora Ice Floating

This morning, the adventure continues through the snowy forest to Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle, located approximately 10km from downtown Rovaniemi. Check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting you may have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from the comfort of your bed. A traditional Lappish three course dinner is included.

This evening you might like to join an optional Aurora Ice Floating excursion. Experience the lightness of your body during the arctic ice floating! Let your body and mind float, enjoy this frozen adventure. You will be provided with a high-quality rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. As you have your own clothing under the suit you will not get cold even in the open 0º water. Lying down in the lake's ice hole, is definitely something worth trying. The circumstances truly are arctic!

27 December Rovaniemi Departure

Transfer to Rovaniemi airport and end of arrangements.

Option 2 - start date 20 December 2024 SOLD OUT

20 december saariselka arrival .

21 December Saariselka: Snowshoe Walk, Optional Aurora Safari by Heated Sleigh

22 December Saariselka - Santa's Igloos: Reindeer Farm and Sleigh Ride, Overnight in a Glass Igloo, Optional Aurora Ice Floating

Today, en route to Rovaniemi, enjoy a delightful visit to a traditional Sami reindeer farm. Meet the farmers who will tell you the cultural importance of the reindeer. Then relax with a short reindeer sleigh ride, moving over white landscapes, where the only sound you will hear is the music of the reindeer bells. Lunch is included at the farm. Later we continue our journey south through the snowy forest to Santa's Igloos, located approximately 10km from downtown Rovaniemi. Check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting you may have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from the comfort of your bed. A traditional Lappish three course dinner is included.

23 December Rovaniemi: Optional Aurora Safari by Snowmobile

After your wonderful overnight stay at Santa's Igloos we head into downtown Rovaniemi. Check in to the hotel and then some free time - explore the town, browse the shops or perhaps visit the fabulous Arktikum Museum. Tonight enjoy a traditional buffet of Lappish specialities at the hotel. Three overnights at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus Rovaniemi or similar.

24 December Rovaniemi: Husky Safari, Santa Claus Village, Santa's Visit and Christmas Eve Gala Dinner

25 December Rovaniemi: Ranua Wildlife Park and Christmas Gala Dinner

26 December Rovaniemi Departure

2024 departures: 20 december ** sold out** and 21 december.

Maximum Group Size: 25 persons

All optional excursions must be pre-booked. Some excursions subject to minimum age and height requirements.

Airport transfers are shared with fellow arriving/departing passengers. Minor waiting times may occur.

Luggage allowance is 1 suitcase plus 1 piece of hand luggage per person.

Services of a bi-lingual tour escort, English and Spanish or Portuguese.

Child policy: children aged under 4 years are not permitted on this tour.

Up to 1 child 4 years and over can share a room with 2 adults and will sleep on a sofa bed.

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Santa's Igloos Rovaniemi, Finland © Santa's Igloos

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> Visit Santa in Lapland
Visit Santa in Lapland

Visit Santa Claus this Christmas in his time-honoured home

Experience one of the most unforgettable family holidays, visit the home of the real father christmas in lapland.

Make your children’s winter wonderland dreams a reality: enjoy a private family meeting with Father Christmas on your Lapland holiday. World-famous for being home to the festive icon and his gaggle of mischievous elves, Lapland will offer a festive holiday unlike no other. With a charming cabin amid snow-dusted trees and wild reindeer, the scene is set. Inside is richly decorated in a cosy, twinkling display, where Father Christmas awaits. Transun take you deep within the Arctic Circle to remote areas of Lapland - far away from the busy, commercial resorts of Saariselka and Rovaniemi.

In the run-up to Christmas when the festive fever is high, this is a real fairly-tale experience for children and adults alike. All True Lapland holidays with Transun include an authentic, private family meeting with Father Christmas, which we believe is the best way to meet him. You’ll also get the chance to enjoy a whole host of snow-based activities go on a snowmobiling safari and a reindeer sleigh ride for a truly memorable winter adventure.

Whether you opt for an action-packed Winter Wonderland day trip or wish to soak up the calm, wintry loveliness of the Christmas season in Lapland on a short break, we want you to enjoy every last moment. The best spots do book up quickly, so we do advise to book early if possible. And don’t forget to check out our Offers page - we still have free and half price child places on short breaks and Lapland day trips this year.

Be prepared for your visit to Santa’s Lapland

The climate during the winter months in Lapland can be harsh. Temperatures can dive to a very chilly -40°C, so it is essential that visitors pack the right kit. Clothing must not only keep you warm for short stints but also prolonged periods in the cold (think snowmobiling or watching the Northern Lights).

Simple layering with the right materials is key. Avoid cotton as it soaks up moisture, which in turn will make you damp and cold. Aim for merino wool where possible - this is cosy, comfortable and warm. A base layer, wool jumper and fleece is an ideal way to layer up-top, before adding your thermal suit, gloves, neck-warmer and hat with ear-flaps. And don’t forget one or two pairs of thick woolly socks. The cold is perfectly bearable as long as you are prepared.

The most magical moment

A family holiday to the Arctic Circle wouldn’t be complete without coming face-to-face with Father Christmas himself. In the winter months, with the landscapes sprinkled in snow and dotted with herds of reindeer, the festive feel is inescapable.

You hear the pitter patter of excited feet as your sleigh pulls up to a small cabin in the woods, stacked full of gifts, treats and presents. Your children will be full of joy as they meet him first-hand, with Father Christmas knowing their names and how well behaved they’ve been this year. The festive meeting is a magical, unforgettable moment for both children and adults whilst on holiday in Lapland.

This experience can be enjoyed as part of these tours

Snow is falling, finnish lapland.

Visit Santa in his secret log cabin in the forest on this pre-Christmas short holiday

2, 3 or 4 nights from £1099 per adult

Winter Wonderland

Experience all the magic of Lapland in a single day and return home in time for supper!

Daybreak from £599 per adult

Santa's On His Way

Search for Santa in his magical homeland on our Lapland short break

3 or 4 nights from £1199 per adult

Sleigh Bells Ringing

Meet the REAL Father Christmas on this festive family stay in Jeris cabins – True Lapland at its...

3 or 4 nights from £1399 per adult

Dashing Through the Snow

A Lapland holiday in Kilpisjarvi, including snowmobiling, husky sledding, and a meeting with Santa...

3 or 4 nights from £1299 per adult

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

How fun is cross country skiing.

Picture this. As far as you can see, there's snow. Pristine, crisp perfect snow, only broken by the marks made by husky sleds and reindeer sleds. The light is incredible, fresh and crystal clear, and you can see...

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Northern Lights 3 or 4 nights from £949
Festive Lights 3 or 4 nights from £1059
Aurora Hunter 7 nights from £1439
Snowmobile Voyager 3 or 4 nights from £1239
Santa's On His Way 3 or 4 nights from £1199
Winter Wonderland Daybreak from £599
Sleigh Bells Ringing 3 or 4 nights from £1399
Snow is Falling 2, 3 or 4 nights from £1099
Dashing Through the Snow 3 or 4 nights from £1299
Glass Cabins
See the Northern Lights
Real Snow Igloos
Husky Sledding
Snowmobiling
The Reindeer of Lapland
Ski and Snowshoe
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Bookings & Enquiries

Christmas & new years.

You have come to the right place if you are interested in visiting Scandinavia in the festive season. We go out of our way to offer you unparalleled white Christmas experiences in our region, from sleeping in glass igloos under the skies of Finland or a log cabin in Sweden. Meeting Santa in Lapland is an unforgettable family highlight.

We specialise in multi-generation family travel experiences and escorted tours. Read here for reviews from families who have travelled at Christmas time with 50 Degrees North .

Availability is already extremely limited over the exact Christmas dates for 2024. At this stage, we encourage travelling before this peak travel season; internal flights are considerably cheaper, it is less crowded, and the Santa experiences and atmosphere are nearly identical. New Year's Eve is also a great time to visit with local fireworks and gala events.

Our Scandinavian experts can assist you with flight connections to meet these tours as well as adding pre- and post- accommodation in the Nordic capitals. All the cities have many lovely Christmas markets to visit as well as activities such as ice-skating and strolling through the Christmas shops during your stopover.

Many of our holidays include private cabins and apartments for your family only, with activities in small groups.

Our Lapland Christmas Magic tour was the winner of the 2023 Luxury Travel Gold List Award in the Family Luxury Experience category, independently judged with public voting.

Destination

Tour standard.

Christmas in Finland

6 days - Family friendly program designed for young children

Lapland Arctic Christmas

5 days - Spend Christmas under the Northern Lights in a Wilderness Lodge in Finland

2024 Available

Christmas in the Arctic

6 days - Independent Christmas tour, visiting Tromsø and new boutique Cahkal hotel in Finland

Christmas at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel Escorted

5 days - Visit Rovaniemi with a stay in the TreeHouse Hotel.

Lapland Winter Wonderland

5 days - Independent tour for families to visit Santa before Christmas

Santa in Lapland escorted tour

6 days - Magical Christmas tour for families with skiing, Santa and adventures.

Christmas in Aurora Village Finland

5 days - Independent Christmas tour to Finnish Lapland. Sleep in an Aurora Glass Cabin and enjoy winter activities.

Lapland Christmas Magic - escorted tour

7 days - Magical Christmas tour for families | 50DN Exclusive

AWARD WINNING

Christmas Adventure in Ruka, Finland - escorted tour

5 days - Truly magical escorted Christmas tour in Northern Finland

PRE-XMAS AVAILABLE ONLY

Image credit: Julia Gal and Moments of Gregory - Levi Igloos

Christmas in Levi Glass Igloos

5 days - Spend Christmas in the heart of Northern Finland

PRE-XMAS DATE AVAILABLE

Lapland Winter Magic

6 days - Escorted magical winter tour for families with private Santa visit.

Polar Bears and New Year's Eve in Lapland

5 days - Celebrate the New Year in Finland staying in modern apartments and overnight in Glass Igloo.

Polar Bears & Santa in Lapland

6 days - Stay at a self-catering apartment near Rovaniemi and visit Santa's secret hideout

FULLY BOOKED 2024

Festive Swedish Christmas Tour

5 days - Secluded Boutique Winter Guesthouse in Sweden

Christmas at Sunday Morning Resort

6 days - Family Christmas Tour with Sustainable Focus

Christmas at Livo Arctic Resort

5 days - Stay at Aurora Cabins at Livo Arctic Resort in Posio, Finland

NEW TOUR 2024

Arctic TreeHouse Stay in Finland

5 days - Follow Eugene Levy's travels with a stay in the TreeHouse Hotel.

Rovaniemi and Wilderness Aurora Lodge

6 days - Visit Rovaniemi and Salla with winter wonderland experiences

Northern Lights in Aurora Village Finland

5 days - Independent Northern Lights tour to Finnish Lapland. Sleep in an Aurora Glass Cabin and enjoy winter activities.

Norwegian Winter Family Adventure

5 days - Family 'Frozen' adventure in Alta and the Snowhotel

A Royal New Year's Celebration

5 days - Toast the New Year's Eve in Copenhagen

Christmas in Kurula’s Resort

6 days - Family Lakeside Stay in Finland with Christmas Activities

Festive Adventure in Norway

5 days - Stay in an Igloo Hotel for the Norwegian festive season

Lapland Festive Adventure

5 days - Pre-Christmas Winter Adventure in a Wilderness Lodge in Finland

Lapland Festive Stay at Juutua

5 days - Pre-Christmas Winter Adventure in the Juutua Wilderness Lodge

New Year's Adventure in Ruka, Finland - escorted tour

6 days - Escorted New Year's tour in Northern Finland

New Year's Eve in Levi Glass Igloos

5 days - Spend New Year's Eve in the heart of Northern Finland

New Year's in Aurora Village, Finland

5 days - Independent New Year's Eve tour to Finnish Lapland. Sleep in an Aurora Glass Cabin and enjoy winter activities.

New Year's in Finland

6 days - Wellness Program, Fireworks and New Year Concert at the Kuhmo Arts Centre

Northern Lights Village in Pyhä

6 days - Stay at this new resort, opened December 2023 near Rovaniemi

NEW TOUR FOR 2024

Polar Bears & Glass Igloos in Ranua

5 days - Pre-Christmas tour near Rovaniemi with Santa's secret hideout

Swedish Winter Adventure Tour

5 days - Short Sweden Winter Tour in a boutique family run lodge

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Travel Update

(4 days / 3 nights)

Travel Style
Partially Guided

Celebrate Christmas in Finnish Lapland

Come experience Christmas like you always imagined, with tasty food, good company, fun activities in the snow and, of course, Santa Claus. With a group of other travellers, you‘ll get to meet Santa in person at the famous Santa Claus Village, enjoy the thrill of a dog sled ride and learn about the local culture at a reindeer farm. If you‘re lucky, the northern lights may also shine for you at night!

Contact us for availability

Travel style, partially guided i, active i , christmas i , culture and history i , dog sled i , family i , reindeers and sami culture i , santa claus i , soft activities i, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Santa Claus Village

Dog sledding, reindeer farm, ranua wildlife park, finnish sauna.

A day-by-day plan to guide your northern adventure.

Day 1: Arrival to Kemi

Arrive at Kemi Airport where you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Kemi. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town or relax in a traditional Finnish sauna at the hotel. In the evening, you will meet your travel companions and tour leader for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Up for a little adventure this evening? If so, you can take part in a guided snowmobile excursion to experience the tranquil beauty of Lapland’s wilderness and, if conditions are favourable, the northern lights (optional; not included).

Spend the night in Kemi.

Helpful notes: • Transfer from Kemi Airport is included in this package. We can also arrange a transfer from Oulu Airport for an additional fee. See ‘Not Included List’ for details. • Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 2: Huskies, Wildlife & Christmas Eve Festivities

This action-packed day is a treat for animal lovers! Start your special Christmas Eve with a visit to a husky kennel. Here you’ll enjoy a short (1.5 kilometre) but thrilling dog sled ride as well as a hot beverage and snacks in a traditional Sami tepee. You might even get a chance to feed the animals that dwell in the forest! Then your group will continue onwards to Ranua Wildlife Park to go on a guided walking tour through the park to observe arctic wildlife such as polar bears, lynx and wolves. You’ll then enjoy a lunch buffet of local specialties in the park’s restaurant. Before the ride back to Kemi, you’ll have a chance for some last-minute Christmas shopping at the park’s souvenir and candy shops.

Back at the hotel, take some time to relax and dress up in your Christmas Eve outfit. Then your guide will meet you at the hotel for the short walk to the restaurant for tonight's celebration. Before dinner, you can help decorate the Christmas tree while enjoying some freshly baked gingerbread cookies and a warm mug of glögg, a mulled wine traditionally served at this time of year. Of course, you’ll want to save room for the festive Christmas Eve dinner buffet! Last but not least, Santa's elves will make a special appearance to spread Christmas cheer and give small gifts.

Helpful notes: • Two people will share one dog sled and take turns driving. • The ride to the husky kennel is 30 minutes and the ride to the wildlife park is 1.5 hours. Transportation is by comfortable coach bus.

Day 3: Christmas Day with Santa & Reindeers

Experience the magic of an arctic Christmas during an excursion to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. The first stop will be at the famous Santa Claus Village. There you’ll get to meet Santa himself at his workshop and do a bit of souvenir shopping if you wish. After, you'll travel back to Kemi to visit a reindeer farm and learn about reindeer herding and Sami culture. Here you'll enjoy a delicious Lappish lunch in a traditional Kota before going on a fun 1.5-kilometre reindeer sleigh ride through the woods, which will earn you a special “reindeer driver license”.

Later, you'll have time to enjoy a stint in a Finnish sauna before having dinner at your hotel.

Helpful notes: • The ride between Kemi and Rovaniemi is about 1.5 hours each way. Transportation is by comfortable coach bus.

Day 4: Departure

After this exciting Christmas getaway in Finnish Lapland you will be transferred back to Kemi Airport for your departure flight.

Helpful notes: • Transfer to Kemi Airport is included in this package. We can also arrange a transfer to Oulu Airport for an additional fee. See ‘Not Included List’ for details.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Northern Lights Snowmobile Excursion

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Transfer from Kemi Airport or Kemi Train Station to accommodation
Accommodation (Comfort Plus) for 3 nights
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, including festive holiday dinner
Excursion to husky kennel & Ranua Wildlife Park
Christmas Eve celebration at Hotel Merihovi
Day trip to Rovaniemi, includes Santa Claus Village & reindeer farm visit
Transfer to Kemi Airport or Kemi Train Station on departure
Loan of additional outerwear & safety gear
Detailed personal itinerary
Nordic Visitor’s Lapland Travel Guide
24/7 helpline
Taxes & service fees

Not included

Flights to/from Finland & Kemi
Personal travel insurance
Drinks at restaurants/bars
Transfer from Oulu Airport to Kemi on Arrival
Transfer from Kemi to Oulu Airport on Departure
Any services not listed above as “Included”

Optional Extras

Photographic evidence of just how stunning Lapland is.

Forest in Lapland

Santa in Lapland

Larg Lynx in the Swedish Lapland

Northern Lights in Lapland

Huskies in Lapland

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Thank you for the great experience!

This is the first package tour that we have ever booked, as I am used to arranging our travel myself and being more independent. Given the quality of the service and organisation, and how much less stress it was than to do that all myself, I would absolutely consider doing this again. Thank you for the great experience!

Zachary, Germany

Christmas adventure in finnish lapland, december 2017, accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Hotel Merihovi is located in the centre of Kemi, steps from shops, cafes and other convenient town amenities. Each room offers a c..

Tour Information

If you would like to book this tour with an arrival date 4 weeks or less from today, please contact us for assistance .

All tour packages in Lapland are subject to availability, so we advise not booking flights until we have confirmed your booking. In the event that accommodations are fully booked on your preferred dates, your travel consultant will be in touch with information about the next available dates.
Extra nights can be added on request.
You will be travelling in a bus with a group of other guests to all scheduled activities. All activities are with English-speaking guides.
Please note that the activities for each day may be done in a different order than stated in the itinerary and will be confirmed closer to arrival.
Due to safety reasons this package has a minimum age limit of 4 years old.

For more information about travelling in Lapland, such as what to pack and what to expect with the weather, check out our Lapland Travel Guide .

Adventure Packages All of Nordic Visitor’s Lapland travel packages should be considered adventure travel on account of being operated in the Arctic during sometimes extreme weather conditions and with the use of live animals for many excursions. For this reason, those booking a travel package in Lapland (except for those considered family travel packages) should consider themselves at least moderately physically fit and comfortable engaging in activities that are considered adventurous or strenuous.

Some things to keep in mind:

Please be advised that in peak winter months, daylight is limited to a few hours — usually between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. However, the light reflecting off the snow can make the days seem brighter.
There will be snow and ice on the ground, sometimes making it difficult to walk.
No luggage handling services will be available. You must be prepared and able to carry your own luggage in snowy conditions.
Accommodations will be simple in comparison to what you’d find in major urban centres.
WC facilities encountered during excursions may be unheated outhouses without running water.
During husky safaris where you share one team of huskies with another person, the person standing to drive the sled will need to kick to assist the dogs and may be required to run when sledding uphill.
Reindeer and huskies can run moderately fast and the terrain may be uneven in some spots, so the sled rides can be bumpy at times.

The safety of our travellers is our top priority at Nordic Visitor. We reserve the right to change or cancel departures if we feel the conditions will jeopardize the safety of our customers.

Meals Starting with dinner on 23rd December and ending with breakfast on 26th December, all meals are included in this tour. The meals are a mix of traditional Finnish foods, Sami foods and international dishes. The dinners are either 3-course set menus or buffets. A typical 3-course dinner consists of: a starter of salad or soup, a main course such as meat or fish and a dessert such as cake and ice cream. The Christmas Eve dinner is normally served as a traditional Christmas buffet with a variety of dishes such as different salads and fish choices, a Finnish Christmas ham with potato casserole and carrot purée, dill potatoes, gingerbread biscuits, Christmas chocolates, plum mousse and other treats.

If you have any food allergies, please let your travel consultant know as soon as possible so we can inform the local suppliers and hotels.

Northern Lights The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Evening excursions will operate according to the tour schedule, even in unfavourable viewing conditions, and our guides will do their utmost to determine the best possible location for sightings.

After booking with Nordic Visitor After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two working days by one of our travel consultants, who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all of your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Before you travel, Nordic Visitor will provide you with a detailed personal itinerary and vouchers for all services and activities booked for your travel package. You will also be provided with Nordic Visitor’s 24/7 helpline phone number where you can always reach a Nordic Visitor representative during your time in Lapland.

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Lapland Holidays 2024/2025

Tucked far away in northernmost Finland lies the magical place that Santa Claus calls home. This is a region deep inside the Arctic Circle; a land of wonder and enchantment that really comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. You never know just who you might see...

Whether you're looking to explore pretty snow-clad pine forests in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, search for Santa and his elves, or indulge in adrenaline-charged activities like snowmobile safaris, we can offer something that will tick most boxes. Lapland is a winter wonderland with a difference.

Book a break to Lapland next winter from under £1,000pp. Say hello to Santa, get cosy in a log cabin and spot the famous Northern Lights.

New lapland day trip for 2024.

Lapland Santa Experience

privately chartered planes, flying from a regional airport near you, will touch down just beyond the Arctic Circle at A completely exclusive spot in Swedish Lapland.

From here, you’ll set off to Santa’s village, where you’ll have the place completely to yourself, to kick-start the fun. Journey on husky rides, snowmobiles and reindeer-drawn sleighs through the forest or surrounding fields illuminated by red lanterns.

Then pause for a hearty lunch and sip on steaming berry juice beneath the trees before following the secret path to Santa’s cabin for a private meeting with the jolly man himself – the perfect end to your authentic and intimate Lappish experience.

VIEW DAY TRIP

Hidden in the snowy forest, are two enchanted igloos offering a magical experience for your trip to Santa's Lapland . Admire the twinkling lights and ice sculptures, join in the fun and games with Santa's Elves and even enjoy a drink and snack in our ice bar.

Imagine the excitement of riding through the snowy forest by a snowmobile sleigh and watching your children's faces light up when they meet Santa. Plus, with lots of fun snow activities to enjoy too - there's no better place to celebrate the festive season than Santa's Lapland.

On a Santa's Lapland holiday you'll stay in the real winter wonderland, 200km above the Arctic Circle. With snow-sprinkled forests and lots of fun snow activities, including meeting Santa in his wooden cabin, Saariselkä is the perfect magical home for a three or four day festive break.

Mountains of snow to toboggan down, mini-skidoos for the kids to enjoy and as much cloud-berry juice and pancakes as you like… and there’s plenty more fun to have! Stay in hotels, hand-picked by Santa’s elves and enjoy a half-board stay, with lunch and refreshments on your Search for Santa day.

TAILORMADE ENQUIRIES

Please fill out the form below and an independent ABTA registered agent will source the best deals and contact you.

This is a no obligation form, however any bookings made as a result of submitting this form will be bound by our operators terms and conditions.

Featured Lapland Hotels

Santa's Holiday Club

A family favourite. An indoor pool with waterslides and chutes to keep the children entertained, whilst parents can watch from the pool bar.

Santa's Hotel Tunturi

An excellent choice of rooms and suites suitable for the whole family. Opposite a charming wooded area close-by to the village centre.

Iisakki Glass Village

Staying at the Iisakki Glass Village is like camping under the stars in Lapland’s snowy, pine-cloaked countryside.

Crazy Reindeer Hotel

The Crazy & White Reindeer Complex is close to the slopes and full of pampering options, so it offers relaxation and get-up-and-go in equal measure.

Snowy Wilderness Lodge

The name says it all at the Snowy Wilderness Lodge. The property is surrounded by a winter wonderland of forest and fields.

Winter Wonderland Hotel and Log Cabins

The Winter Wonderland Hotel and Cabins are surrounded by wilderness scenery. The deluxe cabins come with luxury touches like hot tubs, too.

Lapland Day Trips

Search For Santa

This trip is packed with outdoor adventures from start to finish. Your venue for the day is Kittila’s Snow Village, which is home to an ice hotel, an ice bar and an ice chapel. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the igloo-like hotel rooms and admire the impressive sculptures that have been carved from frozen water.

In December, take the kids on the trip of a lifetime, and watch their faces light up when they see Santa in a true Winter Wonderland.

Lapland Short Breaks

Classic Lapland

If this Lapland holiday doesn’t get you into the festive spirit, nothing will. It includes loads of great activities, from husky sledging to gingerbread decorating. What’s more, you’ll be based in Rovaniemi – the hub of all things Christmassy.

Lapland Explorer

Looking for traditional holidays in Lapland? This trip goes off the beaten track in Levi, Pallas and Yllas – all packed with authentic Lappish atmosphere. Stay in and snuggle up by the fire, or try out activities like ice-fishing or snowmobiling.

Santa's Wonderland

These Lapland holidays take you to our northernmost resort – Saariselka. It’s set amongst a snow-covered wilderness and is home to Santa Resort – where you’ll get to meet the big man himself. You might even be lucky enough to spot the mysterious Northern Lights.

Lapland Discovery

Traditional log cabins, snow-dusted landscapes and forest-coated fells are all on the cards on holidays to Luosto.

Lapland Adventure

Holidays to Hetta conjure up a taste of true Lapland – expect empty snowscapes, cute wooden villages and thrilling winter sports.

TUI Lapland Explorer

Kilometre-long frozen lakes, acres of snow-topped trees, and first-class ski slopes with the nightlife to match are all staples of holidays to Ruka. Holidays to Kuusamo serve up some stellar, snow-blanketed scenery – this peaceful town’s a great spot to see the best of Finland’s natural beauty.

Lapland Tour

Scandinavia's magical Northern Lights occupy a very lofty spot on many people's travel goals, and with good reason. This stunning natural phenomenon is caused by collisions between electrically charged particles entering the earth's atmosphere from the sun, creating a captivating natural light show best seen within the Arctic Circle.

On this remarkable adventure, explore Norway and Swedish Lapland, journeying to the far north to seek out the magical Aurora while travelling on some of world's most scenic railways.

10 Days from £2,395

More Information

New Lapland Destination

We are taking you to Kuusamo , which is known for its snow-blanketed scenery, ski slopes and hiking trails. This peaceful town also offers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, such as spending an afternoon visiting a reindeer farm where you'll get the chance to feed them and learn all about anta's sleigh-pullers.

Lapland Holiday Hotels

Holiday Club Kuusamo

Surrounded by lakes and pine trees, this place is on the outskirts of Kuusamo – a winter sports hub. Skiing, fishing and kayaking all take place right outside. And it’s a 10-minute drive into the centre of town.

Lapland Hotel Hetta

This hotel is in a picturesque part of town, snuggled up to the shores of Lake Ounasjärvi. It’s right in the heart of Lapland’s snow-dusted wilderness, so it’s a popular base for hikers and skiers.

Santa's Aurora

All of the rooms in the hotel's main building come with their own sauna as standard – or you can opt to stay in glass-walled igloos that sit just outside. Meanwhile, in the restaurant cosy settings are paired up with top-class cuisine.

Luosto Hotel

The Luosto Hotel is nestled in the log cabin village of Luosto and cloaked in forested parkland. A neighbouring ski resort finishes the scene off with a flourish.

The Snow Elf Hotel & Apartments

This resort-style complex has a real fairytale setting – it’s bordered on all sides by snow-dusted pine forests. It’s a family-friendly spot, with an indoor pool and lots of activities on offer.

Scandic Rukahovi

The Scandic Rukahovi's a winner when it comes to scenery. It sits at the bottom of Ruka's ski slopes, and the back of the property brushes shoulders with a pine forest. There's lots to do nearby, from hiking to reindeer safaris.

Lapland Hotel Sirkantähti

Ski slopes, snowshoe trails and ice-fishing lakes are right on your doorstep when you stay at the Lapland Hotel Sirkantähti – it’s in the heart of Levi village.

Lapland Hotel Saaga

You’ll find it hard to beat the mountain scenery that surrounds the Lapland Hotel Saaga – drift-drenched slopes, frozen lakes and pine forests all put in appearances.

Hotel Snowflake and Apartments

This place puts you within walking distance of the action. Stroll for a few minutes past the frost-covered trees on the hotel’s frozen forecourt, and you’ll reach a toboggan hill.

Levi Panorama

If you haven’t already guessed by the name, cinematic views are what this place majors in. Everything from the restaurants to the seventh-floor saunas look out over the snow-dusted landscape.

Hotel Snow Princess

This place looks out over a pine-cloaked fell, so wintery views are a permanent fixture. It’s in a handy location, too, with slopes nearby, and ski tracks leading from the doorstep to Äkäslompolo village, 5 minutes away.

Aurora Pyramids

The pyramids have got lots of write-home-about features. Like mechanised beds that move up and down at the touch of a button – perfect for looking up at the night sky. And underfloor heating, a sofa and a shower.

Levi Suites Levi Gold

Balanced between the Chapel of St Mary and Levi Square, Levi Suites Levi Gold Apartments couldn’t get much more central. They neighbour the slopes, and are close to a selection of restaurants and bars.

Holiday Club Saariselka

This hotel is in the heart of Saariselka, with shops, restaurants and a big toboggan run nearby. Its convenient setting makes it great for families. Plus, it’s got an impressive swimming pool.

Santasport Hotel

Set in the heart of Ounasvaara, on the edge of Rovaniemi, the Santasport specialises in active holidays and wellbeing breaks. There’s something for all ages and fitness levels, so it’s a great choice for families.

Lapland Holidays

Make next Christmas a magical one and book a trip to Lapland!. Don't forget to take a look at our tour descriptions to help you plan for your magical Day/Stay trip to Lapland this Christmas.

Lapland trips top the listing of wonderful encounters for family members with youthful kids. After all, a trip to true home of Santa is the ideal method to keep the Christmas magic alive. The wonder on little faces as they take in reindeer, husky canines and, of course, a visit to the big guy himself is worth the trip alone!

While Christmas is a big component of Lapland's attraction, that's not to say that holidays to Lapland are just for children. This wintertime wonderland has activities for grownups to take pleasure in as well, including wonderful chances to ski, as well as a wide range of various other winter season tasks, adventures and also sports.

Visualize taking a snow safari via an icy forest, or snowboarding with a fairy-lit village at your feet? Whatever you decide to do in Lapland, it will have a wonderful touch.

In Rovaniemi , Lapland’s cosmopolitan capital, you’ve got international-name shops and restaurants, as well as an after-dark scene that rivals any European city. Levi, Pallas , Yllas and Kuusamo, meanwhile, are experts when it comes to snow activities. Then there’s Saariselka , a real winter wonderland, and Luosto and Hetta , secluded spots, which are real Northern Lights territory. If you're looking for a hotel that’s goes the extra mile for families, keep your eyes peeled for our SnowClub tag. Hotels with a SnowClub put on lots of activities and entertainment especially for little ones.

Levi is one of the very best ski places in Lapland, with great conditions from November to May. Beginner skiers will certainly be in paradise in Levi, thanks to the uncrowded slopes, broad runs and excellent tuition centers. Those which are a little more experienced on their skis will certainly wish to explore off-piste as well as tackle the World Cup gondola pitch. Snowboarders will certainly also discover plenty to keep them occupied and also off-piste tasks include husky, reindeer as well as snowmobile safaris, sledging, tobogganing, snow shoeing, ice angling and far more!

For those whose Lapland visit is about the big jully guy in his red suit, Rovaniemi is the destination to select. In the heart of the magical Arctic Circle, the highlight of Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus Village. And also the Santa Claus Office and also the Main Post Office, you could also venture underground right into the ice cavern attraction, Santa Park, take a snowmobile or husky trip, or visit Dasher as well as Dancer at the reindeer ranch.

Lapland vacations are the excellent winter months treat for adventurers of any ages. Those with children won't find anywhere in the world as wonderful, while snow-loving adults could experience wonderful ski possibilities in one of the most charming of locations.

Santa Trips

If you're looking for Lapland holidays, look no further! Lapland is where Christmas dreams come true. It's not just a magical winter wonderland deep inside the Arctic Circle. It's also where you'll find Santa Claus and his trusty team of elves, whose mission is to spread happiness and fun. If you come on one of our Christmas trips you'll have a chance to drop in on Santa for a private meeting and he has a present for all the children.

Christmas is the most enchanting time of the year, and the excitement never truly fades, no matter your age. With our fantastic getaways, you can embrace the spirit of Christmas on an adventure like you’ve never experienced before. Which Lapland holiday is perfect for you? Whether you’d like to meet Santa and his furry woodland friends, go exploring on a sled or discover a secret village, there’s something for everyone. Maybe you’ll discover the natural wonder of the Northern Lights on Santa’s Sleigh-Bell Sleepover, after spending an afternoon playing in the snow with the family. Couples are invited too, on an adventure packed with exhilarating excursions and cosy meals by a roaring fire. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a perfect holiday for you to create the most magical Christmas yet.

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Book your dream Lapland Trip

Sunway currently operates Ireland's largest Lapland Program. We have been putting together packages to Lapland for 20 years now. We have unrivalled knowledge and we make sure everything is taken care of for you.

Our Charters fly Direct from Dublin from the end of November. We have 2 & 3 night all-inclusive packages available which include: Snow Mobiles, Husky & Reindeer Rides, Santa Visit, Tobogganing, Elf School, Flights, 20kg Bags, Transfers, Accommodation, Meals, Thermal Suits & Gear, Entertainment Elves & much more. Lapland is truly a family trip of a lifetime and one to treasure forever. Those who visit Lapland experience a scenery like no other.

It's a wonderland of snow where your time is filled with activities and special moments to share with your loved ones. You can book your trip to Lapland Now with just a €300pp deposit either online or over the phone.

Payment plans available. Pay what you can when you can - 0% interest. T&C's apply.

2 Night Trip: Enchanted Escape from €1549

Enchanted Escape

A perfect choice for a magical trip

2 Night Trip: Sleighbell Spectacular from €1769

Sleighbell Spectacular

Experience the snowy magic and adventure of Lapland on our 2 night trip

2 Night Trip: Holly Jolly Ruka from €1499

Holly Jolly Ruka

3 night trip: triple treat from €1799.

Triple Treat

Enjoy Yllás a traditional Lappish resort with breathtaking scenery

3 Night Trip: Holly Jolly Ruka from €1849

Experience the snowy magic and adventure of Lapland on our 3 night trip

3 Night Trip: Winter Wonderland from €1899

Winter Wonderland

Levi is an enchanting village that offers the ultimate family Christmas experience

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Lapland for Grown-ups: Why Lapland Isn’t Just for Kids

You might have heard about Santa’s home in the North Pole. And yes, Lapland is indeed a fantastic place to go with the kids to meet the man in red. But did you know a Lapland holiday for adults offers you the perfect winter escape?

While Father Christmas has made Lapland famous, there are so many more reasons to visit this northern region in Finland and Sweden. In winter Lapland is an enchanting wonderland draped in snow, with thrilling activities to enjoy and cultural experiences to be had.

If you’re travelling as a couple, expect to be swept off your feet on a romantic Lapland tour . Or bond with friends and family while out on a husky ride or reindeer safari. The great thing about a Lapland holiday for adults is that you can make it as active or relaxed as you like!

Read on to learn why Lapland is such a wonderful winter destination for grown-ups.

Explore Lapland holiday packages to start planning your trip

1. You can enjoy activities in the snow

Snowmobiling.

One of the most thrilling things you can do in Lapland is ride a snowmobile! Carve your way through secluded forests and open landscapes, admiring the sight of snow sparkling in the sunlight. A guide will accompany you but you’ll get to drive a snowmobile yourself for a truly exhilarating experience.

You’ll cover a lot of ground on a snowmobile safari, zipping through pristine national parks dotted with frozen lakes. And, if you like the idea of exploring this wintry scenery at night, you can even embark on an evening snowmobile tour to hunt for the northern lights.

Discover Lapland’s magical winter scenery with these snowmobiling tour packages

Chasing the northern lights

Did you know that Lapland is one of the best places you can see the aurora borealis ? This natural phenomenon lights up the night sky with beautiful colours, which are more visible the further north you go. Since Lapland is located in the Arctic Circle, it is a prime location for witnessing the northern lights.

In fact, Swedish and Finnish Lapland are both within the “aurora zone” (or “northern lights belt”). This is a band encircling the Northern Hemisphere between 65 to 72 degrees north, where the aurora occur with frequency and intensity.

You could head out on a snowmobiling or snowshoeing adventure at night to chase the aurora borealis. Or visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland. Here you can enjoy a 4-course dinner followed by a guided excursion to hunt for the northern lights.

See the aurora borealis in Lapland with these northern lights tours

Dog sledding

Dog sledding is a quintessential Lapland experience and one you’ll never forget. Imagine being pulled along by a group of energetic sled dogs, gliding through the snowy wilderness while cosied up under a blanket.

You’ll get to travel in the traditional way, as the locals have done for more than 1,000 years. The dog sled drivers, or “mushers”, manage teams of Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes that can run at an average speed of 32 kilometres (20 miles) an hour.

On your husky ride, you’ll learn how to drive the sled before taking the reins and setting off. Two people can share one sleigh, so if you’re travelling to Lapland as a couple , prepare for a wonderfully romantic ride through a winter wonderland!

Go mushing in the far north with these Lapland dog sledding packages

Snowshoeing

Lapland is a haven for winter sports, its snowy plains dotted with ski resorts that beckon active travellers. It’s not just snowboarding and skiing you can try here though.

Immerse yourself in the unspoilt scenery on a snowshoeing excursion. This activity is the closest thing to hiking you can get in these snow-laden landscapes. And although you do need to have good physical health to take part, this isn’t a super strenuous activity so previous experience is not required.

You’ll be geared up with shoes and poles to help you walk through the snow, feeling the crunch beneath your feet and seeing immaculate landscapes. You might even spot some Arctic wildlife!

Try snowshoeing and other winter sports on these active Lapland tours

2. You can soak up culture too

Sámi culture.

Although the snowy scenery is indeed pretty, that’s just the start of the story. On your Lapland holiday for adults, you can experience traditional Sámi culture too. The Sámi are the native people of northern Scandinavia who have lived in this region for thousands of years.

Meet Lapland's local Sámi people and learn about their way of life. Buy some arts and crafts – “slöjd” – to take home for souvenirs. Sample typical cuisine like smoked fish, fried cheese and barley flatbread, as well as moreish desserts served with cloudberry jam.

You could also visit reindeer farms to find out why these animals are so important to the Sámi. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy sleigh rides and hear stories around the fire in a lavvu , a traditional Sámi tent.

Soak up Lapland’s heritage on these Sámi culture tours

Santa and reindeer in Rovaniemi ©Visit Rovaniemi

3. Celebrating Christmas and NYE here is hard to beat

Spend Christmas or New Year in Lapland for the ultimate festive getaway. Lapland has everything you could dream of: snow-blanketed scenery, igloos and ice hotels, Nordic spas , winter activities – the list goes on!

You may be on a Lapland holiday for adults, but that doesn’t mean you can’t unleash your inner child. If you’ve always wanted to meet Father Christmas, you can do just that in the North Pole.

Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, to see Santa in person. You can also shop for souvenirs, explore the Christmas exhibition, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office.

For a New Year’s Eve to remember, Lapland has you covered. You could enjoy a festive dinner in an enchanting setting – a wooden hut tucked away in the forest. Mingle with locals and other visitors while experiencing Lappish traditions such as fortune-telling and Shaman rituals, rounded off with fireworks.

Celebrate the festive season in Lapland with these Christmas tours or New Year’s packages
Experience Christmas all year round with a trip to Santa Claus Village in Lapland

4. There are some really cool places to stay

One of the most special experiences you can have in Lapland is sleeping in a Nordic ice hotel or glass igloo . Picture cosying up under thick blankets surrounded by snow sculptures carved by hand. Or imagine gazing through domed windows that frame the northern lights dancing above you.

Visit the ICEHOTEL outside Kiruna, Swedish Lapland, to sleep in an ice room surrounded by astonishing sculptures. Or you could stay at the SnowCastle in Kemi, Finnish Lapland, for a fairytale experience in a fortress hewn from snow and ice.

Inside an igloo ©Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Another frozen hideaway in Finnish Lapland is the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos , tucked away in the countryside outside Rovaniemi. Choose between a room made of ice or a glass dome with uninterrupted views up to the sky. Finland also boasts an Igloo Village , studded in the scenic Urho Kekkonen National Park.

It’s not just the extraordinary accommodation that’s impressive though. On your visit to these hotels, you could sip drinks at ice bars, step inside ice churches, and enjoy dinner in ice restaurants. There are even ice art exhibitions to discover!

Stay in the coolest Nordic accommodation on these ice hotel and glass igloo packages

Good to know

Visit in winter.

Lapland holidays are ideal if you want a short break in winter, with plenty of fun to be had over a few days. We recommend visiting Finnish or Swedish Lapland between December and March, when you’ll experience snow-laden landscapes and festive activities.

Nordic Visitor’s Lapland tour packages include accommodation, daily breakfast, a selection of excursions and transfers. Our travel experts will take care of all the arrangements for you to ensure you have a seamless and unforgettable trip!

Discover tours to Lapland in January , February , March and December
Related: Best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway

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While Nordic Visitor doesn't have ATOL protection, we do have insurance coverage that safeguards all our customers' payments. The reason ATOL protection does not apply to our tours is because we do not book your international flights.

Nordic Visitor complies with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. For more information about financial protection, read our booking information page.

Take a short break with these 3-day or 4-day Lapland trips
Or visit Lapland in 5 days or 6 days

Lapland really is the ultimate winter destination for grown-ups! Whether you want a short 2-night break or a 6-day holiday, explore all our Lapland packages to find the right one for you. We can tailor your itinerary with extra nights and activities, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Get in touch with us to start planning your dream Lapland trip.

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

LAPLAND ADVENTURE - AURORA SKY STATION

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BEST OF LAPLAND CLASSIC - ROVANIEMI

Related posts, ice hotels: the complete nordic guide.

Blogs , Nordic , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Finland , Guides , Romance , Things to Do

Sweden in Winter: What to Do & Where to Go

7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, in focus: 7 things to do in lavish lapland.

7 of the best places to visit in Finland in 2024

F inland may not appear as regularly on the tourism wish-list as European heavyweights such as Spain or Italy , but it’s ability to cater to vastly different types of tourism means that it will inevitably start popping up on the radar.

Few countries on the continent can cater to beach holidays , Northern Lights excursions, island hopping and trips to the Arctic wilderness – but Finland is one of them.

Whether you want to ski in Lapland , explore some of its thousands of lakes in the Lake District, visit Santa Claus near the Arctic Circle or live like the world’s happiest locals in Helsinki, Finland caters to both the well-trodden and the unfamiliar in terms of potential holidays.

From the cool capital and historic cities to lakeside towns and national parks that provide a vast expanse of wilderness, Finland offers an abundance of the unexpected to the uninitiated. Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best places to discover in this part of the Nordics.

The capital of the world’s happiest country is always going to be an intriguing place. Helsinki contains some of the country’s most famous landmarks and attractions, from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ateneum (a space for Finnish art) to the Suomenlinna fortress and the National Museum of Finland.

What makes Helsinki particularly appealing, though, is the effortless fusion of nature and city life. Helsinki sits on the Baltic Sea, part of an archipelago of 330 islands, and is home to fantastic beaches and dense forests that make shoreside relaxation and hiking equally as accessible as dining out or shopping. Within the city, the verdant Esplanadi park and beaches such as Hietaniemi are the highlights, while a range of public saunas – Löyly is the most well-known – cater to outdoor swimming and easy relaxation.

Saariselka and the Urho Kekkonen National Park

Saariselka is a popular choice for package holidays to Lapland, and during the winter months this is one of the country’s premiere tourists resorts. Though it is still picturesque in summer, the region – located high above the Arctic Cirlce – is a veritable winter wonderland when the snow is falling and the Northern Lights are visible (usually from September through to March).

This a destination for being at one with nature, from stays in glass-roofed aurora cabins and ventures around modest ski resorts to husky sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing and snowmobile excursions. The town is also the gateway to the Urho Kekkonen National Park, an even more remote part of Finnish Lapland, and is also less than an hour away from Inari, the centre of Finland’s indigenous Sami culture.

If you’re visiting in summer, swap Lapland for Lakeland. Savonlinna is the place to come if you want to delve deeper into the reasoning behind Finland’s nickname as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’. It spans two islands between the lakes of Haapavesi and Pihlavesi, and the serene waters and surrounding woodland offer some of the most beautiful summer scenery anywhere in the country.

Savonlinna is among the best summer choices for nature lovers and adventurers, with cycling, hiking, day cruises and various water sports all within easy reach. You’re right on the edge of the two national parks of Linnansaari and Kolovesi too, though do make sure to take some time to visit the 15th-century Olavnlinna castle. If you’d like to combine the arts and adventure during your stay, visit in July for the town’s annual opera festival.

A country with over 50,000 islands and thousands of miles of coastline offers as many beautiful beaches other countries in Europe. Hanko, a small town with a population of just 8,000 people, has 130km of pristine coastline – this is a lovely option for a day trip from Helsinki when the sun is shining on beaches like Hangö Plagen, Tulluddsstranden and Centrums Badstrand.

The fact that this is the sunniest area of Finland means that many do visit for beach days, but as well as lying on the sand and trying your hand at water sports, visitors can trek along the trails of the Tulliniemi Nature Path, explore castles in nearby Raasepori, and see the tallest lighthouse in the Nordics, Bengtskär.

Yllas is Finland’s largest ski resort, and one of two main resorts – along with Levi, around an hour away – that is an option for package ski holidays from the UK . Yllas is the more traditional village of the two, with 53km of pistes across 63 runs (the majority of which cater to beginner and intermediate skiers). For cross-country skiers, there are over 500km of trails in Yllas and the nearby Pallas-Yllästunturi national park.

Skiiing in Yllas often offers uncrowded slops, runs dotted with rime-frosted trees and even the Northern Lights dancing above you, as well as reliable, good-quality snow cover. It may not have the reputation of Alpine resorts, but for an altogether more laid-back, low-key ski trip, Yllas is an ideal option.

The village of Ylläsjärvi itself provides a hearty mix of Nordic and Finnish architecture and cuisine, as well as an ice spa and swimming pool (complete with a unique sauna gondola) and opportunities to try winter activities, from snowshoeing to ice fishing.

Read more on the best places to see the Northern Lights around the world – and when to visit

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IMAGES

Reasons to Visit Lapland at Christmas
Jet off on magical adventure to see Father Christmas in Lapland
Spending Christmas In Lapland Finland: Everything You Need To Know
Christmas in Finnish Lapland
Here's How Christmas Is Celebrated In Rovaniemi, The Official Santa
Visiting Santa's Village in Lapland: Everything You Need to Know

COMMENTS

Lapland Holidays 2024 & 2025
We offer the ultimate Lapland trip perfect for a family Christmas, with 2 & 3 magical nights in Santa's Lappish homeland. Everything includes flights, transfers, half-board accommodation and cosy thermal suits. Travelling is part of the adventure, with magic at every step. Sleigh rides, huskies, reindeers, elves, magical igloos & winter ...
Christmas Holiday Packages in Lapland
Celebrate Christmas in Lapland's winter wonderland, surrounded by festive fun that'll enchant kids and adults alike. Think chasing the northern lights, meeting Santa Claus and exploring snowy landscapes. These Lapland Christmas holiday packages include your accommodation, guided activities, local transport and more. view packages.
Lapland Santa Holidays & Trips 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor
To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services. ... Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner on Christmas Eve, accompanied by Santa's elves. Join in the fun and help to decorate the Christmas tree before ...
Christmas in Lapland
Where to go to experience Christmas in Lapland. You can choose from a few main towns in Lapland for the best yuletide celebration. But you'll certainly be in for a treat if you visit Rovaniemi, in Finland, or Kiruna, in Sweden.. On a Rovaniemi trip, you'll savour the endless festive cheer because it's the official home of Santa Claus.Meet the "man in red" and venture out on a ...
Welcome to Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus has made Lapland in Northern Finland his home for centuries, and the Arctic Circle is close to his heart because many Christmas secrets are rooted in this magical place. Santa Claus Village is a family destination with plenty to see and do ...
Santa Claus Village Lapland Packages 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor
Meet Father Christmas in his homeland on a package holiday to Santa Claus Village. These Lapland tours include accommodation, activities & 24/7 helpline. Travel Update . ... When you book a tour with us, you'll have a personal Lapland travel expert to plan it all for you. They've explored the region extensively and will use their first-hand ...
Santa & Snowmen
A trip to Lapland at Christmas has all the fairy tale magic of the year's best holiday amidst true Arctic wilderness. Traveling to Finnish Lapland at Christmas tops a lot of bucket lists. And for good reason. The holiday spirit in Santa's hometown reaches a fever pitch. The long dark nights in the north are perfect for adventures by ...
Santa's Aurora
Hotels. Day 1 Your first glimpse of Lapland You'll fly into the heart of Lapland, then it's a short coach ride to Saariselkä. It's 200km above the Arctic Circle so it'll feel like you're on another planet. Day 2 The search for Santa It's time. Follow the elves and travel the same way they do - by husky and reindeer.
Visit Santa Claus Village in Lapland
Trips to see Santa in Lapland. Located in the city of Rovaniemi, Finland, the official Santa Claus Residence is open all year round and annually welcomes hundreds of guests who travel to Lapland to see Santa. Of course, Christmas Santa trips at the end of December are the most popular time of the year to go there with the highest demand.
The Ultimate Guide To Christmas in Lapland In 2024
In Finland you need a KP index of 3. 2. Dine at a Snow Hotel. Speaking of Snow Hotels in Rovaniemi, even if you don't want to stay there, you can still experience what it's like to eat in a Snow Hotel which is pretty awesome! This is one of those bucket list experiences and unique things to do at Christmas in Lapland. 3.
Christmas in Lapland: How to Plan the Best Trip
So the first thing to know when it comes to planning your Christmas Lapland trip is that you need to get organised. To start with, it pays to know that Lapland - the region - actually spans 4 different countries, namely Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. However the part that's most famous for those wishing to experience Christmas in ...
Christmas Lapland Holidays
Find out why Lapland is the ultimate Christmas holiday destination. All Santa's Lapland holidays include a private meeting with Santa and so much more. Book ... Travel by reindeer sleigh, following Santa's glow trail for your private meeting with Santa and his Aurora Elf. from £1869 per adult. Check availability Find out more.
Lapland Holidays 2024
3 Night / 4 Day Trip. This festive short break to Lapland will tick all the boxes on your wish list for Christmas. Whether you are thinking of a pre-Christmas or over the holidays stay in Lapland this trip is a maker of memories. Santa Claus Trips EXCLUSIVE OFFER: £100 per adult discount on selected 2024 departures! Book today for only £150pp ...
Christmas in Lapland
What better way to spend a white Christmas than in wonderful Lapland! Spend Christmas itself at Rovaniemi, Santa's Home Town, plus visit Saariselka, enjoy an overnight in a Glass Igloo, a reindeer farm visit with sled ride, Snowshoe Walk, Husky Safari, a visit to delightful Santa Claus Village, a trip to Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park and more.
Visit Santa in Lapland
Meeting Father Christmas in Lapland. A family holiday to the Arctic Circle wouldn't be complete without coming face-to-face with Father Christmas himself. In the winter months, with the landscapes sprinkled in snow and dotted with herds of reindeer, the festive feel is inescapable. You hear the pitter patter of excited feet as your sleigh ...
Christmas Tours to Lapland 2024
White Christmas tours in Lapland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. 50 Degrees North specialises in providing magical tailor-made itineraries - come Christmas - that span everything from reindeer farms and playing with huskies to snowmobile safaris, baking cookies and visiting Santa.
Christmas Adventure in Finnish Lapland
Experience the magic of an arctic Christmas during an excursion to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. The first stop will be at the famous Santa Claus Village. There you'll get to meet Santa himself at his workshop and do a bit of souvenir shopping if you wish. After, you'll travel back to Kemi to visit a reindeer farm and learn about ...
Lapland Holidays 2024 / 2025
Map of Lapland. open map. -13°C - 20°C. Found in the Arctic Circle, Lapland is covered in snow for half the year. If you're heading here around Christmas time, you should expect heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures - warm waterproof clothing is essential! While winters here are icy and cold, the summers are actually surprisingly mild.
Lapland Holidays 2024 / 2025
The four-night trip departing on the 22nd of December lets you experience Christmas Day in Lapland. Winter sports, activities and entertainment. Santa and his elves are just half the story. Lapland's snowy countryside was made for exploring and, wherever you stay, winter sports like snowmobiling are as easy to come by as Christmassy activities.
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Lapland Arctic Adventure. First rate company 2nd time we've been to Lapland with Canterbury Travel. We had a wonderful time meeting Father Christmas and the elves 2019 we just had to go back to experience the Arctic Adventure 2023 fabulous time again, wondering how we will ever top that!... Mrs Cooper / January 2024
Lapland Holidays 2024/2025, Family Holidays
Lapland Holidays. Make next Christmas a magical one and book a trip to Lapland!. Don't forget to take a look at our tour descriptions to help you plan for your magical Day/Stay trip to Lapland this Christmas. Lapland trips top the listing of wonderful encounters for family members with youthful kids. After all, a trip to true home of Santa is ...
Visit Santa in Lapland
Sunway currently operates Ireland's largest Lapland Program. We have been putting together packages to Lapland for 20 years now. We have unrivalled knowledge and we make sure everything is taken care of for you. Our Charters fly Direct from Dublin from the end of November. We have 2 & 3 night all-inclusive packages available which include: Snow ...
Lapland Holidays for Adults : Grown-up Escapes : Nordic Visitor
Celebrate the festive season in Lapland with these Christmas tours or New Year's packages; Experience Christmas all year round with a trip to Santa Claus Village in Lapland; Snowhotel in Rovaniemi ©Visit Finland. 4. There are some really cool places to stay.
7 of the best places to visit in Finland in 2024
Whether you want to ski in Lapland, ... and the centre of the winter wonderland around Christmas time. ... take a trip to the Arktikum, which showcases Arctic history, or the Pilke House, a local ...

Welcome to Santa Claus Village & the Arctic Circle!

Experience the magic of Christmas every day of the year!

Meet Santa Claus

Cross the magical Arctic Circle

Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights

Be enchanted by Lapland’s nature

Outstanding flavours of the North

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi

Café of Mrs. Claus

Restaurant Kota in Apukka Resort

Atmospheric accommodation

Arctic Aurora HideAway

Arctic Holiday Services

Santa’s Cottage

Delightful souvenirs

Santa Claus Office Webshop

Pokka Reindeer Hides

Iittala & co Napapiiri / Arctic Circle

Watch the Santa Claus Village livestream!

Looking for more?

Plan your stay

Santa Claus Village on social media

Santa & Snowmen - Your Lapland Christmas Bucket List

1. Santa Knocking On Your Door

2. Grab the Reins (of Excitement)

3. A Steamy Finnish Tradition

4. Stamped & Delivered

5. Meet the Elves of Lapland

6. Journey to Santa’s Magic Mountain

7. An Enchanting Dinner

8. Sip Cocoa Among the Trees

9. A Christmas Gift Like No Other

Here are some other great reasons to visit Lapland in the winter!

8 Ways to Experience The Northern Lights in Lapland

Related posts

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Visit Santa Claus in Lapland

Trips to see Santa in Lapland

Related tours

What are you looking for?

When does Christmas start in Lapland?

Where is the best place to stay for Christmas in Lapland?

The Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi

Northern Lights Ranch, near Levi

Pyhan Astelli Igloos in Pyhä

Snow Hotel and Glass Igloos outside Rovaniemi

Where are the best places to visit to experience Christmas in Lapland?

What are the most Christmassy things to do in Lapland?

1. Hunt for the Northern lights

2. Dine at a Snow Hotel

3. Take a Husky Ride

4. Head out on a snowmobile

5. Visit Santa Park and Santa Claus Village

6. Visit a Reindeer Farm and experience a sleigh ride

7. Dig for your own Amethyst at the Amethyst Mine

8. Visit the Arctic Animals at Ranua Wildlife Park

Where is the best place to see Santa in Lapland?

How do I get to Lapland?

How long should I spend for Christmas in Lapland?

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#5 Research How to Get There

#6 Travel Insurance

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Christmas in Lapland

A Christmas To Remember

The Build up Is Real, and So Is the Excitement

Sign, Sealed & Delivered with Magic

Meet Santa’s Elves

Choose from two itineraries: Option 1 starts on 21 December. Option 2 starts on 20 December SOLD OUT.

Option 2 - start date 20 December 2024 SOLD OUT