Christmas wonderland: a family trip to Lapland
Is it possible to believe in Christmas? As seen in the most beautiful pre-Christmas films, with the same fabulous atmosphere, kind Santa Claus, smiling elves, cute reindeer and other trappings of winter happiness? The fenix.info team travelled to Lapland and is ready to tell you about all the local wonders. And also about prices and personal stuff. In general, it will be interesting!
In this article we share 8 useful tips for those wishing to travel to Lapland:
1. The best time to visit Lapland is during the Christmas season
There are many reasons why you should go there in winter, including:
Reindeer Safari
Snowmobile Safari
Snow village
Snow Igloo
2. When Is It Better to Go Celebrate Christmas in Lapland
Officially, there is no country called Lapland. It is the name of a cultural region that today spreads across four countries: Finland, Norway, Sweden and even a little bit of Russia (on the Kola Peninsula). It was once a wilderness area inhabited by the Lapps. Today Lapland is known as a place of residence of the most famous person in the world, who every year gives thousands of children that very feeling of a holiday, beauty, cosiness and kindness.
Officially, Santa Claus is domiciled here in Lapland. To be more precise, in its capital, Rovaniemi, Finland. All tourists in Lapland travel here without exception. Right away, almost from the plane. So did we.
There are many reasons to visit Lapland around Christmastime. The most obvious one is that this is the best season to see Santa Claus and his helpers, who are dressed in their traditional costumes and will perform songs, dances and parades for you.
The second reason is that it’s a great time of year to enjoy snow activities such as husky sledding on the snow-covered forest trails or reindeer safari in your own sleigh over frozen lakes with magnificent views around you.
The third reason why you should go there during cold winter months is that this period transforms Lapland into a winter wonderland – making it look like something out of a fairytale book!
3. Celebrate Christmas in Lapland in winter 2023 - 2024
Lapland is a great place to celebrate Christmas. The best time to go is between November and January, because this is when the Northern Lights are most visible. The most eventful period falls on December, especially from December 1-14th when Santa Claus himself visits Lapland!
In addition to experiencing the magic of Christmas in its true form, you will also have an opportunity to explore some of the world’s most fascinating natural phenomena. You can enjoy a snowmobile ride on the open plains, visit Santa Claus’s home at Rovaniemi, see reindeer herds and ice caves.
You can also go dog sledding through the mountains or just sit in front of your fireplace drinking hot cocoa while listening to Christmas carols!
If you are planning a trip to Lapland, then you should keep in mind that it’s not just about experiencing the magic of Christmas. It's also an introduction to some of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena, the Aurora. You can enjoy snowmobile rides across the open plains, visit Father Christmas' house in Levi and Rovaniemi, see herds of reindeer, snow igloos and ice caves.
4. Trip with children to Lapland
The beautiful snow-covered landscape, the cosy log cabins, and the husky dogs will make everyone feel warm and cozy.
Luckily, there are many ways to make sure that your trip with children is as pleasant as possible. Here are some tips on how to plan a trip to Lapland with kids:
Contact Scandinavian Travel Group and ask them for advice on what to see in Lapland, which places are suitable for children, etc. You'll be surprised how helpful they can be!
Book accommodation and activities well in advance for Christmas: most hotels have limited availability at Christmastime because of all the tourists who want to visit this magical place at this time of year. If you don't book your room or tour well in advance, there is a chance that there won't be availability for the dates you want.
The best time to book tours and hotels in Lapland (Finland) is early October!
5. What itineraries are available to visit Santa at Christmas time?
Any self-respecting family should consider a trip to Lapland for Christmas. But what can a child do in Lapland? What should he/she see? Where can you stay with a child?
1) The first stop on our itinerary might be Levi, Finland
Levi is Finland's largest ski resort, and is situated in the village of Sirkka in northern Lapland. Well-developed infrastructure, compact architecture, convenient transport links and no queues complete the peaceful family-friendly spaces for recreation and winter fun. The ski resort of Levi is the only place in Finland with the Levi Gondola 2000 gondola lift.
There are more than 140 family hotels in Levi, including:
Northern Lights Village Levi Resort Hotel with a garden is located in Sirkka.
The Northern Lights Huts resort hotel is located on an old reindeer farm that has been owned by members of the same family for more than 170 years.
Hotel Golden Crown: Levi Iglut is situated on the Utsuvaara hills in the Finnish province of Lapland and is perfect for a quiet holiday.
Featuring garden views, Raanakka House: Premium Villa at Levi offers accommodation with a terrace and a kettle, around 3 km from Spa Water World, Levi.
Numerous cosy apartments close to the ski slopes and the lifts are at your disposal for a comfortable stay with children. The apartments offer a private sauna, a balcony and other facilities.
Levi has everything you need for a great Christmas holiday with the kids:
Several shops that sell all sorts of Christmas-related gifts
Restaurants, including local ones serving Lappish specialities.
Local Santa Claus in his secret hideaway!
The highlight for a child might be meeting Santa himself in Levi! He is very kind and generous, and will give your child the best time of his life! Be sure to visit Santa on your trip to Levi! Your child will be able to talk to Santa, see his reindeer and elves and ask him for something special...
And after a hospitable evening, Santa Claus will give your child a gift from his bag of fairy dust! :) Believe us, it will be an unforgettable Christmas for him!
2) The second stop on your family itinerary could be Father Christmas Village, located near Rovaniemi
This place is like an indoor theme park, but it's only open in summer. In winter, it turns into a hotel and conference centre with large queues...
You can take a trip to Santa Claus Village and Santa Park on your own or use the Scandinavian Travel Group service. In this programme, they offer to visit Santa Claus and organise a transfer from Levi to Rovaniemi.
The advantage of the latter option is the ability to avoid large queues, if any, as the company has its own arrangements. It's also convenient if you're holidaying in Levi, a popular ski resort in Finland, for example.
6. What can a child do in Lapland?
In addition to meeting Father Christmas himself, there are plenty of activities for the child in Lapland, including:
But let's take it one step at a time....
1) Husky safari
One of the unique aspects of Lapland is the husky safari. Your guide will take you out into nature with a pack of sled dogs, who will do all the work while you ride along in comfort.
These programs provide an unforgettable experience and allow guests to see the huskies in their natural habitat as well as learn about them through the stories of local experts.
If your children are interested in participating in this activity, Scandinavian Travel Group offers several packages that make it easy for them to enjoy this adventure as well!
2) Reindeer safari
Reindeer safaris are one of the most popular activities in Lapland. These tours allow the whole family and children to take a trip to the fabulous forests of Lapland. Here you can see beautiful scenery and authentic reindeer farms. You can also go reindeer riding, which is a great way to spend time with family or friends.
There are many other winter activities you can do in Lapland. There are guided snowmobile rides, husky sledding and more! Scandinavian Travel Group offers programs for children that include these exciting experiences too!
3) Snowmobiling: riding a snowmobile with your child!
If you want to explore the Lapland nature, a snowmobile is the best way to do it. The Scandinavian Travel Group offers snowmobiling programs for children as well as adults.
When riding a snowmobile, you can see both animals and plants that live in this area of Finland. Furthermore, the nature will be beautiful around you!
The best time for snowmobiling is from November to March. It is also easier to drive on your own than when it's warmer outside (May-September).
4) Snowshoeing trip
The snowshoeing trip we took was excellent. It’s a good alternative to skiing, being suitable for all ages and abilities, but you need to be fit. You should wear warm clothes and boots and have a good sense of direction!
The Scandinavian Travel Group offers exceptional winter Snowshoeing programs that include everything you need – snowshoes, poles and even hot drinks at the end of your walk! Discover one of the amazing programs on snowshoes.
If your child is at least 8 years old, this tour will be perfect for them!
5) Building a snow igloo
Do you want to delight your child with a unique experience by creating the perfect winter refuge in Lapland?
Snow Igloos are real shelters built by native Arctic people of Greenland, Russia, and Canada. In this program we will teach you how to make one yourself! You will be working in a team of 2 or 3 participants, under supervision of our professional guide.
Ideal for active adults and children who want to learn something new and gain new skills while having fun outdoors in winter in Lapland.
The snow igloo is able to provide shelter during blizzards! And you can enjoy a cosy interior warmth that will surprise you! If your child is at least 10 years old, this tour will be perfect for them!
7. A family trip to Lapland for Christmas
While you're on the plane to Lapland, all excited, you're still a grown-up and fairly serious person. But as soon as you see... no, not even Santa Claus himself, but his elf helpers at Santa's Village in Rovaniemi (that's where we arrived), you become a child again with your eyes wide open, hunger for presents under the tree, desire to behave well at least until New Year and a strange naive smile.
In general, you believe 100%, even when you realise with your head that elves work as, for example, acting students. It's hard to see how, but the Finns make the fairy tale come true. Fact!
If you are looking for the best time to go to Lapland, it's better to fly in the winter.
The airport is located in Rovaniemi, which is a popular place for tourists to visit. This city has unique attractions and events such as Santa Claus Village and Santa Claus's Post Office.
The best time to go to Santa's village is from November to January, with the most eventful period falling on December. If you are planning a winter programme with a visit to Santa's Village, book your trip in October!
The best time to book a Christmas tour to Lapland is early October, because that's when the best winter programmes are open and there are plenty of options to choose from. You can also check the rates online to see how much a per person or family Christmas tours to Lapland costs at Scandinavian Travel Group.
If you're looking for the best time to go to Lapland, it's better to fly in the winter. The airport is located in Rovaniemi, which is a popular place for tourists to visit. This city has unique attractions and events such as Santa Claus Village and Santa Claus's Post Office.
8. Enjoy perfect Northern Lights and festive Christmas in Lapland
If you are looking for the best time to enjoy perfect Northern Lights and festive Christmas in Lapland, then December is the right time for you. If you are interested in spending your holiday away from the city lights and jolly atmosphere, then consider visiting Levi (Finland) during Christmas!
As we all know that Lapland has been known as Santa Claus' homeland since ages. This means that if you want your kids to experience something special this holiday season, then Levi is what they need!
Lapland is the perfect destination for a family trip to celebrate Christmas. You can enjoy the winter wonderland with your loved ones, get ready for Santa's arrival, and make memories together.
Find out more:
Snow Igloo
Reindeer Safari
Snowmobile Safari
This article contains photos used with permission from ©Visit Rovaniemi & Scandinavian Travel Group.
