Disneyland Paris® or Lapland – which Christmas break is right for you?

You want to go to Disney but want some snowy fun? 

Christmas day is made for memories so where will you spend this one? 

Check out our tips to help you choose which it will be this year 

One thing’s for sure both will make for a splendid Christmas full of cheer! 

So… you’re hoping for an enchanted getaway this Christmas for the whole family, but overwhelmed by choice and trying to keep everyone happy? You might of narrowed it down to the two most magical places on Earth – Disneyland® Paris and Lapland, but where do you go from there?

We recommend these holidays for any family wanting to experience a very merry Christmas together, but this handy guide will compare every aspect to help you determine which one is just right for your family.

Disneyland® Paris is a fun-filled world of imagination where anything is possible. A visit here is all about experiencing the magic of Disney® who don’t hold back when it comes to festive celebrations! The Parks and hotels are transformed with amazing decorations and a giant Christmas tree takes pride of place at the foot of Main Street USA. Don’t miss the Christmas parade, full of festive cheer.

As soon as your feet hit the snow, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland with a ‘Christmassy’ feel like no other! Festive family activities include sledging, building snowmen, toasting marshmallows, snuggling by a warm fire and of course meeting the Father Christmas himself in his home.

At Christmas time there’s endless entertainment at Disneyland® Paris and something to see or do around every corner (even more than usual!). Explore the attractions from favourite Disney® rides to meeting your favourite characters or enjoying a live show. Whoop and wave for Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade! Admire the majestic 78ft Christmas tree that illuminates Town Square and don’t miss the evening extravaganza, ending your day with a dazzling finale full of music, illuminations and fireworks against the backdrop of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. 

Check out our full list of Disneyland® Paris Christmas activities!

The activities at Lapland are much more adventurous and daring! You’ll can venture out into the snowy wilderness and enjoy a traditional reindeer-drawn sleigh, a trip on a dogsled pulled by real huskies, a thrilling snowmobile experience, and not to mention making the most of the snow with toboggan rides, snowman building, and snowball fights! If you’re lucky enough to get a clear night, you may even be able to see the legendary Northern Lights. 

Don’t forget to bring Christmas wish lists and letters as the highlight of course is getting to meet the real Father Christmas! 

Check out our guide to a Lapland Christmas break for a full list of activities. 

Disneyland® Paris has something for all ages to enjoy together, whether you’re a lifelong Disney® fan or just being introduced to this new world! There is no shortage of attractions for all ages and a huge variety of pits stops where you can take a break from busy days, even the tiniest of babies will be mesmerised by the lights and sounds around the parks and baby changing facilities are plentiful.  Getting around the parks will involve a lot of walking so keep this in mind when thinking about those with younger (and older!) legs. Taking or hiring a pushchair can be very helpful if visiting with younger children as it will also double up as a place to store coats, souvenirs and snacks! Paris can get chilly in the winter months, especially during the evening so pack hats and gloves! 

Lapland welcomes visitors of all ages to experience its beautiful wintery festivities, however we recommend this trip is best for children aged 3yrs + due to very cold weather conditions and physical activities. Given the snowy and often fairly isolated terrain pushchairs can be a bit tricky to take out and about with you. 

Our Disneyland® Paris Christmas offers can include travel by ferry (if you are self-driving), train or plane. Once you arrive at your hotel, most provide a free shuttle to and from the parks and many are within a short walking distance of the park gates.  

Whether you choose to embark on a magical day trip to Lapland, or take a little longer with our short break offers, rest assured your travel will be smooth sailing and stress free. Santa’s helpers will be there to guide you as soon as you land. Especially charted flights to Lapland depart from airports across the UK and return flights and transfers to Santa’s Village are all included!  

Paris can get cold during the winter months so hats, gloves and scarves will definitely be needed. However, it’s usually not quite cold enough for snow which is why Disneyland® Paris have their very own artificial snow which falls multiple times a day on Main Street to keep it feeling as festive as possible! Temperatures usually sit at around 3°c – 8°c in December meaning outdoor attractions will be chilly so make sure to wrap up warm, however there are plenty of indoor attractions to explore too. We find the combination of being indoors regularly, along with the excitement of Disney and the walking involved means we often shed our coats whatever the weather! 

One thing they don’t tell you about Lapland is the extremely cold climate! In the winter, temperatures can reach as low as -30°c, and rarely break 0°c. This means taking extra precautions to ensure you stay safe in the cold. Make sure you have winter boots, hats, scarves, and gloves for everyone. Warm thermal clothing will be provided upon arrival, or you can take your own if you prefer- think ski suits!  

Disneyland® Paris hotels have immersive themes that will transport you to a magical world during your stay. We have a great selection of offers at different hotels so you can choose your accommodation to suit your party preferences. Whichever hotel you choose to stay at, it will be beautifully decorated with the best Christmas decorations around, so you’ll feel incredibly festive day and night!  

A day or a stay in the home of Father Christmas is just as magical as it sounds. With our wonderful offers your family can enjoy a choice of rooms in family friendly hotels which provide a cosy and warm sanctuary during your stay. Our choices of hotel are a short walk from a stunning snowy forest for a festive family walk, and the wintry décor will immerse you in seasonal bliss. Day trips are all-inclusive, and overnight trips are half-board so rest assured that plenty of warming festive feasts and hot drinks will be provided! 

What kind of break are you dreaming of? What is best for you and your family? Whichever you choose, a Christmas spent in either Disneyland Paris® or Lapland will be one to remember for years to come!