A Magical Christmas Holiday in Lapland

Meet Santa in his fairytale hometown

For many, the highlight of a Lapland Christmas is the chance to meet Santa Claus himself. In Rovaniemi, the official hometown of the main character, you can visit the world-famous Santa Claus Village. The village is open every day of the year, but the atmosphere is exceptional during the holiday season.

The village has plenty of highlights. You can, of course meet Santa, but also cross the Arctic Circle, try delicious Christmas treats in the restaurants, or send letters stamped with the official Santa postmark from the Santa Claus Post Office. During the Christmas season, the village is a hub of festive activities from reindeer sleigh rides to Christmas craft workshops.

Another place to meet Santa is Santa Park, Santa’s secret cavern. Santa Park offers an enchanting underground world of festive fun, creating a unique contrast to the outdoor charm of the village. The park offers a variety of Christmas-themed activities and entertainment, one of the highlights being a Magic train. There is also an Elf school where your kids can earn an Elf diploma.

Remember: if you take your children to both places, be sure to have an explanation for why there are two real Santas!

Outdoor adventures in the arctic wonderland

Coming to Lapland, you want to make the most of the incredible snowy surroundings. Lapland is home to some of Finland’s best ski resorts, including Levi and Ylläs in Kittilä and Ruka near Kuusamo. Whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner, all of these offer a variety of slopes. You can also find many hotels, ski schools, rented cabins, shopping, and restaurants surrounding the ski resorts.

Of course, no winter trip to Lapland would be complete without trying to catch the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon, with its dazzling display of greens, purples, and pinks, lights up the Arctic sky on clear nights. You can witness this magical spectacle in multiple locations across Lapland. Ivalo and Saariselkä in the north are popular spots for catching the aurora. For the ultimate viewing experience, book a stay in a glass igloo!

If you would like to admire your snowy surroundings but do not feel sporty, hop on a snowmobile or embark on a reindeer or husky safari! All are great ways to get some fresh air, see the beautiful landscape and enjoy the thrill of a ride. You can find plenty of providers in all the Lapland resort areas.

You can also find more outdoorsy ideas and inspiration on our Blue Wings stories about Lapland during the fall season and nature experiences in Lapland.

Festive spirit on your plate, mug and shopping bag

To get into the spirit of Christmas, you also need to slow down, relax and enjoy great food and creature comforts.

For a truly magical dining experience, book a wilderness dinner in a traditional Kota hut, where you’ll enjoy a meal cooked over an open fire while surrounded by snow-covered trees. If you prefer indoor dining, try Aanaar in Inari, where you can savour modern dishes inspired by Sami traditions. The panoramic windows overlook the frozen rapids of River Juutua. In Rovaniemi, you will find another great choice, Arctic Restaurant, focusing on pure Nordic ingredients. 

If you’re visiting the ski resort Levi, you should visit the traditional Christmas market there. The cute wooden cabins sell edible treats, such as pastries and hot drinks, but also high-quality crafts, including hand-knitted items. You can also find smaller market events and cabins selling seasonal food and gift items around the other ski resorts.

Of course, you can’t celebrate Christmas without some sweet treats. In Rovaniemi, you should visit Choco Deli, the world’s northernmost cake and chocolate shop. Or you could head to Café Bar 21, offering plenty of seasonal specialties such as gingerbread gelato and mulled wine cocktails.

Practical tips

• The best time to visit Lapland for snow and winter activities is between November and February but extending well into March. Early winter, particularly November and December, is ideal for experiencing Lapland Christmas activities, while January is perfect for Northern Lights chasers.
• Remember to book your Finnair flights to our Lapland destinations Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Kittilä and Kuusamo early! Lapland is very popular during the Christmas season.
• Wondering what clothes to wear in Lapland? The key is to dress in layers. Thermals, insulated outerwear, and warm accessories like hats, gloves, and boots are essential for staying warm in sub-zero temperatures, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.