Which Christmas in Lapland tour suits you?
A practical guide for families, couples and first-timers
5 days| Independent tour | Dec | Rovaniemi
The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel sits in the forest on the SantaPark site at Rovaniemi. With views over the treetops, the TreeHouse suites combine local tradition, Lappish heritage and modern Nordic design. The lounge is a comfortable place to spend Christmas with the people you are travelling with, and the panoramic restaurant serves continental and local dishes overlooking the forest.
This is a Christmas built around a few good things: time outdoors, plenty of snow, and a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve. Over the days you meet the reindeer, drive a husky team and head into the wilderness by snowmobile, with time in between simply to enjoy the setting.
We also have the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel Stay if you'd like a date other than Christmas.
Highlights include
- Stay four nights in a TreeHouse suite, with views over the forest
- Take a reindeer sledge ride and hear about herding life from a reindeer herder
- Spend Christmas Eve around the tree, with a visit from Santa and a gift for every guest
- Drive your own husky team through snowy forest on Boxing Day
- Head into the wilderness on an electric snowmobile on Christmas Day
- Watch for the Northern Lights on clear nights, with a 50 Degrees North Representative on hand to assist with transfers and activities
- Day 1
- 23 Dec: Arrive Rovaniemi and transfer to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
- Day 2
- 24 Dec: Reindeer Experience, then a special Christmas Eve
- Day 3
- 25 Dec: Snowmobiling through the forest
- Day 4
- 26 Dec: Husky Safari
- Day 5
- 27 Dec: Say goodbye to the Magical Christmas Finland
- Start/End Place
- Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
- Country Visited
- Finland
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Start Date
- Scheduled
- Travel Style
- Independent
- Suitability
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- Code
- 50DN0175
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this itinerary using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
Through our Climate Action Plan, we measure our carbon emissions each year and set goals to reduce them. But our responsibility does not end when the journey does. A share of our annual profits goes to our Impact Fund, supporting conservation, restoration and the communities we work in.
Details
Transportation
Transfers from Rovaniemi to the TreeHouse Hotel (10 - 15 minutes from central Rovaniemi) and luggage transfer to your room.
Included
Included 23-27 Dec 2026
- 4 nights in a TreeHouse suite
- Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 4 dinners (including a Christmas Eve dinner) (Drinks paid locally)
- Return transfer between Rovaniemi airport and TreeHouse Hotel, as well as luggage transfer to your room
- Winter gear during activities (Optional extra: Winter clothing from Day 1 until Day 5)
- Snowmobile Safari
- Husky Safari
- Reindeer Safari
- Christmas Eve visit with Santa and Christmas dinner
- Free use of toboggans for your stay. Cross-country skis & snowshoes can be hired at an additional cost
- 50 Degrees North Representative on hand to assist with transfers and activities
Included 23-27 Dec 2027
- 4 nights in a TreeHouse suite
- Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 4 dinners (including a Christmas Eve dinner) (Drinks paid locally)
- Return transfer between Rovaniemi airport and TreeHouse Hotel, as well as luggage transfer to your room
- Winter gear during activities (Optional extra: Winter clothing from Day 1 until Day 5)
- Snowmobile Safari
- Husky Safari
- Reindeer Safari
- Christmas Eve visit with Santa and Christmas dinner
- Free use of toboggans for your stay. Cross-country skis & snowshoes can be hired at an additional cost
Not Included
International flights to/from Helsinki, domestic flights, meals other than specified, drinks including alcoholic beverages, juice, soft drinks and hot beverages and items of personal nature.
Itinerary
Day 1 - 23 Dec: Arrive Rovaniemi and transfer to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Arrive in Rovaniemi airport and transfer to Arctic Treehouse Hotel.
Check into your room, then head out and explore the nearby winter wonderland. Meet your 50 Degrees North Representative this afternoon and enjoy dinner at Rakas this evening.
For 2027, a 50 Degrees North representative will not be available on-site.
Meals
1 DinnerAccommodation
Day 2 - 24 Dec: Reindeer Experience, then a special Christmas Eve
After breakfast, it's time to meet the reindeers.Immerse yourself in Arctic traditions while hearing captivating stories about reindeer and local culture.
Your adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel into the Arctic wilderness, where you’ll meet these iconic semi-wild animals and learn about their importance to local herders. Enjoy a peaceful ride on a traditional reindeer sledge through the snowy landscape.
Afterwards, warm up inside a traditional Kota tepee by the open fire, enjoy a hot drink, and listen to stories from a reindeer herder. You’ll also have the chance to feed the reindeer and take photos, leaving with a deeper understanding of life in Finnish Lapland.
Lunch will be served on your return to the hotel and the early afternoon is yours.
This evening, enjoy Christmas around the Christmas tree. You will have a Christmas Eve buffet and share this local experience. Santa and his reindeers will arrive during the evening with a special Christmas gift for each guest.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 3 - 25 Dec: Snowmobiling through the forest
After breakfast, enjoy a adventurous tour in pure Lappish nature with the pleasant silence of electric snowmobiles. E-snowmobile is a sustainable way to experience the Arctic without disturbing the peace of wintry nature. You will start the journey by car to a secret location deep in the wilderness.
While enjoying the smooth ride of the amazing e-snowmobile, you have a chance to admire Arctic Nature at its best. Following the variable track by the frozen lake, snowy forest, and vast marshlands, stop to gather around the bonfire for a little break. Sipping warm drinks and just relaxing for a while at the amazing wintry scenery.
After lunch, enjoy some free time and play in the snow. Tobogganing slope, ice-carting, ice hockey, snow-sculpting or building snowmen, depending on weather and snow conditions.
This evening, dinner at your hotel.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 4 - 26 Dec: Husky Safari
After breakfast, embark on the perfect introduction to dog sledding in the Arctic with a 5 km husky experience. This hands-on adventure invites you to take the reins and drive your own sled through scenic winter landscapes, guided and supported by experienced mushers.
The journey begins with meeting the friendly Alaskan Huskies, followed by a short lesson on sled safety and the basics of mushing. As you glide through snowy forests and gentle trails, you’ll feel the excitement of leading your own husky team while enjoying the peaceful Arctic surroundings.
Lunch will be served on your return to the hotel and the early afternoon is yours.
Dinner at the restaurant and afterwards, if the skies are clear, look out for the magical Northern Lights.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 5 - 27 Dec: Say goodbye to the Magical Christmas Finland
After breakfast, transfer to Rovaniemi airport.
Meals
1 BreakfastDates & Prices
From price per person double share.
Family triple is 2 adults sharing with 1 child age 4-12 in a suite.
The children sleep in a 'nest' within the suite, not a pull-out or extra bed.
Dates
Start Date
End Date
From Price
Status
Accommodation
23 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
23 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
CAD 8,666
Closed
Standard
23 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
23 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
CAD 6,123
Closed
Extra for Single
23 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
23 Dec 2026
27 Dec 2026
CAD 20,823
Available
Family Triple Total
23 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
23 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
CAD 8,755
Available
Standard
23 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
23 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
CAD 6,894
Available
Extra for Single
23 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
23 Dec 2027
27 Dec 2027
CAD 21,213
Available
Family Triple Total
Important Information
The suites (27 m²) have a kitchenette and they can be connected to the adjacent rooms to form a larger family suite. The extra bed for the children is a 'nest' - a comfortable, cubby house type room with windows and adored by children.
Tours can change depending on the snow and weather conditions.
Each person driving a snowmobile must be 18 years of age and must hold a valid driving license.
Please note that the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is 10 - 15 minutes drive from central Rovaniemi and close to main road.
Activities detailed in this itinerary suit children above the age of 4.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Gallery
Interactive Tour Map
Inspiration
How to pack for a winter holiday in Lapland
Packing for Lapland is less about bringing more and more about bringing the right things. This guide shares practical advice on winter travel, luggage and cold-weather comfort, alongside links to detailed snow clothing checklists.
Lapland Holidays in the Autumn Months
Experience the quiet magic of ruska season in Lapland - glowing autumn forests, crisp Arctic air, and the chance to see the Northern Lights — through a curated selection of immersive wilderness, culture and aurora-focused journeys across Finland and Norway.
Enquire
Travel Safe
Travel Insurance and Safety
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.
Practical Information for travelling and packing for Scandinavian Winter
Recommended Scandinavian Winter Tour Packing List
This is a general packing checklist for Scandinavian winter travel. You don’t need everything every day, but these items cover most winter conditions across the region.
If you’re new to winter travel, start with our guide to travelling in Scandinavia during winter to understand what conditions are really like. For practical advice on managing luggage and day-to-day winter travel, see our Lapland winter packing advice, and for detailed guidance on what to wear and how to layer, read our Snow Clothing Essentials guide.
Outer layers
- Warm windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers, large enough for thick layers underneath
- Rain trousers in waterproof, breathable material
Base and mid layers
- Two pairs of long woollen underwear (merino wool in different thicknesses works well)
- One to two warm woollen jumpers, or a jumper and a fleece
- Woollen or fleece trousers
Accessories for warmth
- Warm windproof hat
- Warm gloves or mittens (mittens are often warmer than gloves)
- Waterproof outer gloves or mittens to wear over warm gloves
- Warm scarf
- Hand warmers
Footwear
- Warm, sturdy winter footwear with good grip
- Two to three pairs of warm woollen socks
- Optional: Nordic Grip anti-slip soles for walking on ice (buy in destination if needed)
- Slippers or Uggboots for indoors (note: it's generally frowned upon to wear shoes indoors)
Everyday and practical items
- Backpack for day trips (around 30 litres)
- Clothes for indoors, such as shirts, T-shirts and jeans or cotton trousers
- Thermo water bottle or insulated cover
Health, documents and electronics
- Personal medication
- Travel documents (including insurance)
- Photo ID
- Camera, memory cards and charger
- Chargers for other gadgets
- Extra camera batteries (cold conditions drain batteries quickly)
- Adapters
- Notebook and pencil
Sun and eye protection
- Sunscreen and lip salve
- Sunglasses
Travelling with young children
Holidaying in the Scandinavia with Younger Children
Here are some suggestions and tips from our staff who have kids themselves, for travelling in Scandinavia with younger children. We hope that you will find this advice helpful and be sure to ask us for more information before travelling as our staff have all grown up in Scandinavia.
In general, Scandinavia and Finland are very child-friendly destinations and if you have any special requests or questions while here, please contact the staff at your hotel immediately. Almost all restaurants can be considered child-friendly with baby chairs and sometimes also drawing utensils, books or toys, and when using public transport, Scandinavia offers some great support for families with younger children. Baby changing tables in public toilets, play equipment and play rooms at airport terminals and family wagons in trains with playing area for the little ones are common place.
Arriving and Jetlag
When possible, we suggest arriving to Scandinavia or Finland a day or two earlier before your holiday program begins so that your younger children can adjust to the time zone. Young children arriving from the Southern Hemisphere generally wake up at around 4 - 5am for the first few mornings before they get accustomed to the new time zone. Be sure to have breakfast provisions ready for this, as it is unusual for anything to be provided from the hotel at this early hour. We suggest bringing packages of the child's favourite breakfast cereal from home plus tea bags etc. to help in those first few days. Likewise, quiet entertainment for those early hours might be a good idea as well.
Bedding and Room Arrangements
Hotel rooms in Scandinavia more likely than not, only have twin beds pushed together to make a double if required. The spare children's beds are often foldout beds. Generally, it is easy to arrange at reception for the cots but be sure to ask for help if something doesn't seem right. We were provided a cot without a mattress once - very uncomfortable indeed if we hadn't chased that up!
Also, in Scandinavia it is not common practise to have tea or coffee provided in the room, and even if there is a kettle, there might be nothing else. We suggest travelling with a small supply of your own tea bags/coffee, and asking directly at reception for a kettle on arrival.
Meal times
Feeding your children adequately is probably the hardest thing to do on an arranged holiday - kids are out of wack with jetlag, fussy and hungry for their own comfort food. When hotels and packages provide set times for meals and buffets, it is important to come prepared.
It is handy to take a small cooler bag already from home filled with snacks, utensils and fresh food. From the breakfast buffets it is usually acceptable to take a small amount of fresh food such as boiled eggs, rolls and fruit for morning and afternoon tea for the little ones.
We would also suggest that you give your kids a taste of what’s to come before their holiday on some foods that they are likely to get in Scandinavia. Meatballs, European flavoured sausages, soups & then treats like cinnamon buns and waffles are typical children's menu items. Cinnamon is a very common flavour used in Scandinavia and Finland.
If you are part of an arranged program, be sure to ask at reception if you need anything in particular. The hotel staff will be more than happy to warm up baby food and organise more snacks or fruit.
Choosing your optional activities
We recommend seeking all available information from the reception or activity provider when considering what optional activities will suit your younger children. These activities can be cold and involve a transfer a certain distance from the hotel. If you are uncertain why the activity is being run at a particular time, please ask for clarification as there is often a reason that you might be unfamiliar with. We all know as parents that children generally perform better earlier in the day than later, however, the activity providers might have a safety, logistic or climate reason for picking a certain time.
In Scandinavia, it is often left up to the parents to make decisions about age limits and suitability (unlike other regions where everything is stipulated) so be sure to ask reception or other guests who have done the activity for further advice.
We usually don't recommend winter activities, such as longer husky safaris, snowmobile safaris and late evening Aurora Hunts to children under the age 4-5. This of course depends very much on a child as every child is different, but for younger children we recommend shorter excursions as it can get very cold sitting still in a sled. Some operators also do not take children under the age of 5 on their tours, so please ask us specifically before travelling about these limitations.
Protection against the cold
This is going to make or break your holiday in Scandinavia in the winter. Be sure to refer to our comprehensive packing list provided in your pre-departure information and be on the look out for the best protection for your children in the cold. Winter is great time for kids to play outside and snow-based activities will keep the young ones entertained for hours as long as they have appropriate clothing.
Extra (non-cotton) layers that can be added or taken away when needed, heat warmers and slip on crampons for the older children are recommended. Mittens where all fingers except the thumb are together are often warmer than gloves, and extra pair of mittens will come in handy after building a snowman or two. A balaclava type of hat that covers both the neck and ears and which can also protect part of child’s face if needed, is also great under a warm and windproof beanie.
The base-layer next to skin should be either wool or synthetic blend, never cotton. With perspiration cotton turns quickly damp and then cold, no matter what other warmer clothing items are layered on top of it.
Many of the hotels and activity providers also do offer warm outer clothing for hire, but if traveling with small kids, please do check beforehand that correct sizes are available.
Packing extras
- Heat warmer pads for inside gloves and boots. Please note that these should not be used directly against the skin, hence for hands, you will need to use the pads in between the two pairs of gloves/mittens recommended in our packing list
- Good boots and warm woolly socks for your little ones
- Bags & suitcases that can easily be carried by one parent if the other is carrying children. Many of us use Trunkies for our travels so that our kids can sit on them, or sometimes the kids can pull the cases themselves. If your child is small enough to be carried, we highly recommend a baby or toddler carrier that leaves your hands free for handling the luggage.
- Provisions for the first day or two whether it is snacks, nappies or fruit drinks.
- Books, drawing pencils or other tranquil inside activity and your child’s favourite teddy!
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, is one of the best-known places in the world to meet Santa Claus. Located on the Arctic Circle, the village welcomes visitors throughout the year, with festive attractions, Santa's Main Post Office and opportunities to enjoy the snowy landscapes of northern Finland in winter.
Whether you are planning a family Christmas holiday or visiting Lapland at another time of year, Santa Claus Village offers a chance to meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle and experience the Christmas traditions associated with Finland's northernmost region.
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the main gateway to the region. Although the village is especially popular in December, Santa is there every day of the year.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
What can you do at Santa Claus Village?
There is more to Santa Claus Village than meeting Santa. You can explore its festive attractions, visit the post office, cross the Arctic Circle and find activities and excursions that introduce you to Lapland's winter landscapes.
Meet Santa Claus
Meeting Santa is the highlight for many visitors. You can visit him at Santa Claus Village throughout the year, making it possible to include a Santa experience in a winter holiday, a summer trip or a visit outside the traditional Christmas season.
December is the busiest time to visit, when families from around the world travel to Rovaniemi for a Christmas experience. If you are travelling with young children, allow time for queues and plan your visit around the other activities you want to enjoy.
For opening information and current visitor arrangements, check the official Santa Claus Village website before you travel.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
Cross the Arctic Circle
Santa Claus Village sits on the Arctic Circle, one of the geographical highlights of a visit to Rovaniemi. You can cross the marked line and take photographs to remember the occasion.
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line of latitude around the Earth, marking the southern boundary of the region where the sun can remain above the horizon for 24 hours at midsummer or below it for 24 hours at midwinter. The exact daylight experience depends on the season.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
Send a postcard from Santa's Main Post Office
Santa's Main Post Office is a popular stop for families. You can send postcards and letters from the village, including mail that carries a special Arctic Circle postmark. It is a simple way to share your visit with family and friends at home.
Photo: ©Visit Rovaniemi
Discover Lapland activities
Santa Claus Village and the surrounding Rovaniemi area offer a range of seasonal experiences. Depending on the time of year and the operator, these may include reindeer encounters, husky excursions, snowmobile safaris and other guided activities in the surrounding forests.
Winter brings snow-covered scenery and a distinctly festive atmosphere, while summer offers long daylight hours and a different perspective on the Arctic landscape. Check seasonal availability when planning your visit, particularly if you have specific activities in mind.
When is the best time to visit Santa Claus Village?
The best time to visit depends on the experience you want.
- November and December: The village takes on its most festive atmosphere as Christmas approaches. This is also the busiest period, so book accommodation and popular activities well in advance.
- January to March: Winter conditions can provide opportunities to combine a Santa visit with snowy landscapes and Arctic activities. Santa Claus Village remains open beyond Christmas, although individual activities operate according to their own schedules.
- Spring, summer and autumn: You can still meet Santa and cross the Arctic Circle without travelling during the peak Christmas period. The landscape and daylight hours are very different from winter, and snow-based activities may not be available.
If seeing Santa is the main reason for your trip, you do not have to travel in December. A visit at another time of year can make it easier to combine Santa Claus Village with a broader exploration of Finland.
How do you get to Santa Claus Village?
Santa Claus Village is just outside Rovaniemi, approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the city centre and close to Rovaniemi Airport. The short transfer makes it straightforward to include the village in a stay in Rovaniemi or as part of a longer Lapland itinerary.
Rovaniemi can be reached by air from selected destinations, as well as by train and road from elsewhere in Finland. Services and flight schedules vary by season, so check your travel dates before making arrangements.
You can visit Santa Claus Village independently or include it in a planned Lapland holiday. If you are travelling in December, arrange accommodation, transfers and any special excursions ahead of time, as demand is high around Christmas.
What is SantaPark in Rovaniemi?
For another kind of Christmas experience, visit SantaPark, an underground Christmas-themed attraction built inside a cavern beneath the forests near Rovaniemi. It offers a different experience from Santa Claus Village, with indoor activities and festive encounters designed for families.
SantaPark is a good option for families looking to spend several hours immersed in a Christmas setting, particularly when the weather is cold. Depending on the season and current programme, experiences may include meeting Santa, visiting the elves and taking part in Christmas-themed activities.
SantaPark and Santa Claus Village are separate attractions, so check their opening dates, admission arrangements and activity schedules before planning your visit. If you have time in Rovaniemi, you may wish to include both in your itinerary: Santa Claus Village for the Arctic Circle, Santa's Main Post Office and its wider outdoor setting, and SantaPark for its indoor Christmas experience.
Photo: SantaPark
Should you visit Santa Claus Village or meet Santa elsewhere in Lapland?
Santa Claus Village is the most recognisable place to meet Santa in Rovaniemi, but it is not the only option in Finnish Lapland.
The village is a busy visitor attraction, particularly in December. If you want to combine Santa with shops, restaurants, the Arctic Circle and a range of activities in one location, it is a convenient choice.
For families who prefer a quieter experience, other parts of Lapland offer private Santa visits in forest cabins and smaller settings. These experiences can include a sleigh ride through the forest, time with Santa away from the crowds and activities arranged especially for your family.
Read our guide to meeting Santa in Finnish Lapland, away from the crowds to explore the alternatives.
Santa waiting for families during our Lapland Winter Magic small group tour in Äkäslompolo.
Plan your Santa Claus holiday in Finland
Santa Claus Village can be a day trip from Rovaniemi or one part of a longer winter holiday. Staying in the region also gives you time to discover Lapland's forests, meet reindeer, try seasonal outdoor activities and experience the distinctive atmosphere of the Arctic.
For families interested in a more personal encounter with Santa, explore our independent Christmas holidays and small group Christmas tours.
For help choosing the right itinerary, contact our Nordic destination specialists.
Further reading
Lapland Christmas Holidays
A Christmas holiday in Finnish Lapland combines the chance to meet Santa with snowy forests, reindeer, husky rides and time together in a winter landscape. Families can choose from escorted holidays with a host, independent stays in cabins or glass igloos, and all-inclusive programmes built around Christmas activities.
The right holiday depends on your family, the kind of Santa experience you want and whether you prefer a busy festive village or a quieter stay in the wilderness. You can travel before Christmas, spend the festive days in Lapland itself, or visit after Christmas for a New Year break.
Explore our Christmas and New Year holidays, or read on to compare the experiences and travel styles available.
What can you experience on a Lapland Christmas holiday?
Meet Santa in Lapland
For many families, meeting Santa is the highlight of a Christmas trip. Some holidays include a private visit in a forest cabin, sometimes reached by sleigh, while others include a visit to Santa as part of a stay at a resort.
The experience varies by holiday, so check whether your chosen trip includes a private family meeting, a group visit or another type of Santa program.
Read our guide to meeting Santa in Lapland for more information about where Santa lives, how visits work and when to go. If you prefer a quieter encounter away from the busiest attractions, see how to meet Santa away from the crowds.
Santa waiting for families during ourLapland winter Magic tour just before Christmas week.
Go husky sledding and meet reindeer
Husky sledding and reindeer experiences are popular winter activities in Finnish Lapland. Depending on your holiday, you may visit a husky camp, learn about the dogs and head out on a guided sled ride, or visit a reindeer farm and experience a traditional reindeer sleigh ride.
The activities included, their duration and any minimum-age requirements vary by program. Check the itinerary carefully when choosing a holiday for younger children or teenagers.
Stay in a log cabin or glass igloo
Accommodation is an important part of the Lapland Christmas experience. A private log cabin gives families space to relax together after a day outdoors, while a glass-roofed cabin or igloo offers views of the surrounding landscape and, when conditions allow, the night sky.
Some holidays include private kitchen facilities, saunas or all meals, while others are based at a hotel or resort. Think about how much independence you want, the sleeping arrangements for your family and whether you prefer included activities or the freedom to organise your own days.
Enjoy the snowy landscape and winter activities
Christmas in Lapland is about more than Santa. Depending on your destination and travel dates, you may be able to try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snowmobiling or other guided winter activities.
The Northern Lights are another possible highlight, particularly in areas away from artificial light. Sightings depend on solar activity, darkness, cloud cover and weather, so they cannot be guaranteed.
When should you travel to Lapland for Christmas?
The best dates depend on whether Christmas itself is essential to your trip, how busy you want your holiday to feel and which activities matter most.
Before Christmas
Travelling in the weeks before Christmas can be a good choice for families who want a festive atmosphere and a Santa visit without necessarily spending Christmas Day away from home. Some programs offer private Santa experiences and winter activities earlier in December.
See our pre-Christmas holidays for options before the main festive period.
Over Christmas
Spending Christmas in Lapland means celebrating in a snowy setting, with seasonal meals, winter activities and a Santa experience depending on the program. Many holidays include a planned Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebration, so check exactly what is included rather than assuming every property follows the same arrangements.
Christmas week is a popular time to travel. Accommodation and family-sized rooms can book out well in advance, so it is worth planning early.
Explore our escorted Christmas tours for a hosted holiday with an organised program, or our independent Christmas holidays if you prefer more independence and flexibility.
After Christmas and over New Year
A post-Christmas stay offers another way to experience the Arctic winter. You can enjoy outdoor activities, spend time in a cabin or resort and celebrate New Year's Eve in Lapland. Some of the New Year programs include gala dinners or organised festivities, while others suit families who prefer a quieter stay.
Explore our post-Christmas and New Year holidays.
Note that travelling before or after Christmas week can offer a different pace and more choice of dates. Read our guide to when to travel to the Nordics for Christmas to compare the options.
Photo: Levi Igloos
Which type of Lapland Christmas holiday suits your family?
Escorted Christmas holidays
Escorted holidays are a good option if you value having a host or tour leader, an organised program and activities arranged in advance. Many of our Christmas programs are hosted by 50 Degrees North staff or experienced local hosts, depending on the travel package.
These holidays can be particularly helpful for families who want the main logistics organised, with a program that brings together accommodation, winter activities and a Santa experience.
Explore our escorted Christmas tours to see the available options.
Examples from our existing program include:
- Santa in Lapland, based in Levi, Finland, and hosted by 50 Degrees North.
- Lapland Christmas Magic, with a hosted program by 50 Degrees North and a private Santa experience.
Check current departures and inclusions to see which programs are available for your preferred dates.
Independent Christmas holidays
An independent holiday gives you more flexibility over how you spend your time. You may stay in a cabin, glass igloo or resort, with selected meals and activities included. The amount of support and independence varies by package.
Explore our independent Christmas holidays to compare options for your family.
Examples from the existing program include:
- Christmas at Sunday Morning Resort, a lakeside wilderness stay near Pyhä-Luosto National Park.
- Christmas at Aurora Village, near Ivalo, with glass-roofed accommodation and a family Christmas program.
- Polar Bears & Santa in Lapland, combining a stay in private cabins with visits to Ranua and Rovaniemi.
- Lapland Arctic Christmas, based at Wilderness Hotel Inari.
- Christmas in Levi Glass Igloos, combining a glass-roofed stay with winter activities and a Christmas program.
These are examples from the existing page. Confirm current availability and program details before relying on them as a list of bookable options.
Photo: Ranua Resort
Which Christmas holiday works best for older children?
Lapland can appeal to teenagers as well as younger children, particularly when the itinerary balances Santa with outdoor activities, independence and time to relax. Look for programs that offer activities suited to your children's ages rather than choosing solely on the basis of a Santa visit.
Our guide to Christmas in Lapland with older children offers more ideas.
For help comparing the options, read which Christmas in Lapland tour suits you.
Photo: Sunday Morning Resort
What should you know before booking a Lapland Christmas holiday?
Book early. Christmas departures are popular, especially those with private cabins, family rooms and special Santa programs.
Check what is included. Compare accommodation, meals, transfers, winter clothing, activities and Santa visits. A lower headline price may not include the same experiences as an all-inclusive package.
Choose accommodation for your family size. Check the actual bed configuration, room capacity and privacy arrangements, particularly if you are travelling with older children or a larger family.
Plan for winter conditions. Temperatures can fall well below freezing. Check what thermal clothing is provided and what you need to bring. Our winter clothing guide can help you prepare.
Allow time for the experience. Travel days, changing into winter clothing and preparing for activities all take time. Choose a program that gives your family enough space to enjoy the trip rather than trying to fit too much into each day.
Plan your Lapland Christmas holiday
Whether you picture a private Santa visit, a family cabin surrounded by snow or a glass-roofed stay beneath the Arctic sky, there are several ways to experience Christmas in Finnish Lapland.
Explore our Christmas and New Year holidays, compare escorted Christmas tours with independent Christmas holidays, or contact our Nordic travel specialists for help finding the right option for your family.