Lapland at Christmas

There’s nothing that can beat a trip to Santa’s Grotto,

Seeing his elves and walking in the snow,

You’ll have a chance to sleigh with a reindeer and husky,

Have lots of snowball fights and play until dusk.

As Christmas approaches, the snowy surroundings of Lapland await their special visitors, those who are travelling to the Arctic Circle to catch a glimpse of the beloved Father Christmas. Hidden within this magical location are festive activities that will create magical memories for the whole family. If you’re ready for a trip with the little ones, read on to learn more about visiting Lapland for the journey of your lifetime.

It’s in Sweden… no, it’s Finland… I thought it was in Russia? To clear the common misconception, Lapland is part of the Arctic Circle, which crosses many countries, including Sweden, Norway, Russia and Finland.

Lapland’s climate is one-of-a-kind, with long, snowy winters and mild summers. The snowy landscapes in winter are magical, while the almost 24-hour daylight in summer makes it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. Lapland is friendly and welcoming to visitors, with many tour operators keen to introduce newcomers to the joys of Lapland.

Lapland is dazzling and beautiful, but it is also very, very cold! It can reach as low as -40◦ in this snowy destination. Usually, hosting companies provide boots and thermal suits when you book a trip. However, you must bring your own gloves, hat, scarf and spare socks. Many providers will give you an itinerary of what to bring. Make sure you read it so that you stay warm!

Visiting Santa Claus in Lapland is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling like a child again. The cabin is in a secret location, where you will have a trip on a snowmobile through the forest to the remote cabin. Here within the cosy cabin you will meet Father Christmas and can chat with him about your Christmas wishes. Visiting Santa in Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will fill your family with joy and wonder.

Sleigh rides are an enchanting way to take in the stunning Lapland scenery. Imagine gliding through a winter wonderland wrapped in blankets, with only the sound of reindeer hooves on the snow. Perhaps you’d like a faster sleigh trip and would prefer the quick and agile huskies to guide you through the awe-inspiring scenes. Many tour operators offer sleigh rides through forests and across frozen lakes, combined with a visit to a Kota (traditional teepee) where you can warm up by a crackling fire and enjoy hot drinks and snacks. Sleigh rides are a unique and unforgettable way to experience Lapland’s natural beauty and get into the festive spirit.

Is there anything more thrilling than dashing through the snow – on a snowmobile? This fun activity will have children and adults darting across the landscapes on one of the fastest ways to travel in Lapland. Initially, you’ll be taught how to ride these fantastic snowmobiles, then once you’re comfortable you’ll take a guided tour through the snowy landscape.

Hurtle down the snowy hill on a toboggan! Perfect for unleashing the inner child in everyone! This great activity doesn’t require any special skills or even experience! All you need to do is sit atop the toboggan, and away you go! This is a favourite activity for tour operators to offer, which we think is a perfect way to spend the day.

Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights and many tour operators offer aurora excursions. These dancing lights in the sky might only be electrical particles, but this doesn’t stop them from being a much sought-after magical show. Trips to see them often involve travelling to remote locations away from light pollution, when they show up the whole sky will swirl and burst with colours, making it a spectacle of a lifetime.

A visit to Lapland could not be complete without visiting the oldest culture in Northern Europe – the Sami people. Some tours are available which introduce newcomers to the Sami way of life. You can try their traditional reindeer handling and have an exceptional experience with these remarkable creatures. Other traditional Sami activities include ice fishing, hiking and snowshoeing. When you visit, there are plenty of handicrafts to indulge in and bring back as souvenirs of your trip, from traditional clothing, jewellery and woodwork.