Lapland Christmas Holidays: The Best Family Guide By A Local (2026)
Have you been dreaming of taking your family to Lapland for Christmas? You have come to the right place! A Lapland Christmas holiday is one of those trips that families talk about for years — and I am here to help you plan every detail of it.
I am from Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus. I lived about 20 years in Rovaniemi, and I remember that every December I saw families from all over the world arrive with wide-eyed children who couldn’t quite believe they were really in Santa’s home. It was a wonderful thing to witness.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Lapland Christmas holidays. What to do, when to go, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time here. Let’s get started!
Why Lapland Is Magical at Christmas
Snow, Santa and the Arctic Circle Atmosphere
There is something about Lapland in December that feels unlike anywhere else in the world. The landscape is completely covered in deep, fluffy snow. The trees sparkle with frost. It gets dark very early and when it does, the sky fills with stars, and if you are lucky, the Northern Lights dance overhead in shades of green and purple.
And right in the middle of all this beauty, Santa Claus lives. Not a shopping mall Santa, but the real one, in his own village, on the actual Arctic Circle. For children who believe in the magic of Christmas, arriving in Lapland feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale.
I have seen this reaction from children hundreds of times growing up here, and it never gets old.
What Lapland Looks Like in December
December in Lapland is dark. The sun barely rises above the horizon, and in late December it does not rise at all. This is called kaamos or the polar night. Some families worry about this before they arrive, but in practice it actually adds to the magic. The Christmas lights, candles, and lanterns glow beautifully against the dark sky, and the atmosphere is wonderfully cosy and festive.
Temperatures in December typically range from -5°C to -20°C, so warm clothing is essential. Most activity providers will lend you proper Arctic suits if you do not have your own, so do not let the cold put you off during your Lapland Christmas holidays!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lapland for Christmas?
This is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your Lapland Christmas holiday. Here is my honest advice:
Early December (1–10 December) is a wonderful time to visit. The snow is usually well established, all the Christmas activities are running, and the queues are significantly shorter than later in the month. Prices are also a bit lower. If your children’s school schedule allows it, early December is my top recommendation.
Mid to late December (20 December–1 January) is the most magical and festive time, but it is also the busiest and most expensive. Hotels fill up months in advance, Santa queues can be very long, and prices for everything go up significantly. That said, the atmosphere is absolutely wonderful — the village is at its most beautiful and the Christmas spirit is at its peak.
Early January is worth considering if you want snow and activities without the Christmas rush. Many families visit in the first week of January when prices drop but conditions are still excellent.
Whatever time you choose, I highly recommend booking as early as possible. Ideally 6 to 12 months in advance for a December trip. For more detailed advice on timing, take a look at my guide to the best time to visit Lapland.
Top Things to Do in Lapland at Christmas with Kids
Meet Santa Claus
The highlight of Lapland Christmas holidays for children is meeting Santa Claus. In Rovaniemi, Santa’s official home, you can visit Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle and meet him in a private meeting that feels personal and unhurried — nothing like a shopping centre experience.
For an even more immersive experience, SantaPark is a wonderful underground Christmas theme park where children can attend elf school, decorate gingerbread cookies, ride a magical train, and take part in all kinds of festive activities. It is really well done and children of all ages love it.
I strongly recommend booking your Santa meeting in advance, especially for December visits. The slots fill up quickly, and there is nothing worse than a disappointed child who missed out!
Husky Safaris and Reindeer Sleigh Rides
These are the two classic Lapland experiences that your family absolutely should not miss. A husky safari takes you through snowy forest on a sled pulled by a team of beautiful, energetic dogs. The experience is wonderful — you can hear nothing but the swoosh of the sled and the panting of the huskies. Even very young children can join in, riding comfortably in the sled.
A reindeer sleigh ride is a gentler, more traditional experience. You ride in a cosy sleigh pulled by a reindeer through a snowy landscape. In Lapland, reindeer are part of everyday life — I grew up seeing them wander through the streets of Rovaniemi and even in my own backyard! Getting close to the reindeer is something children always remember.
Both experiences are available in Rovaniemi and at other Lapland destinations. Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Northern Lights Hunting
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those experiences that takes your breath away no matter how many times you have seen them. Finnish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, with clear dark skies and minimal light pollution.
The Northern Lights are most active between September and March, so a December visit gives you excellent chances. The best way to see them is to join a guided evening excursion. Your guide will take you away from the lights of the town to a dark spot and help you spot the aurora. Some tours use heated sleds or snowmobiles, which makes the experience comfortable even for small children.
You can also simply look out of your window if you are staying in a glass igloo or a cabin with large windows. I have a full guide to the best glass igloos in Finland if you want to try this magical experience.
Snow Activities for Kids
Beyond the main experiences, there is so much to do in the snow with children. Tobogganing and sledging are huge fun and completely free if you find a good hill. Snowshoeing is surprisingly easy and works well even with young children. Ice fishing on a frozen lake is a wonderful, peaceful activity that older children especially enjoy.
Many resorts also offer mini snowmobile rides for younger children, snowball fight arenas, and guided snowshoe walks through the forest. You will never struggle to fill your days in Lapland!
Best Family Hotels for a Lapland Christmas
Choosing the right hotel can make a huge difference to your Lapland Christmas holiday. Here are my top recommendations for families:
Santa Claus Holiday Village — Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Holiday Village is located right on the Arctic Circle next to Santa’s official village, which makes it an incredibly special place to stay with children. The accommodation ranges from comfortable hotel rooms to charming cottage-style units, and the location puts you right in the heart of the Christmas magic.
The hotel offers free breakfast, and the whole property has a beautifully festive atmosphere in December. If your children dream of waking up at Santa’s house, this is the place.
Apukka Resort — Rovaniemi
Apukka Resort is one of my personal favorites. It sits on the shores of Lake Olkkajärvi, about 15 minutes from Rovaniemi city centre, and offers a wonderful mix of cosy accommodation and on-site activities. You can stay in a glass igloo and watch the Northern Lights from your bed, or choose a spacious family suite.
The resort has its own husky farm, reindeer, snowmobile tours, and a sauna — everything you need for a magical Lapland Christmas without having to travel far.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
If you want a more remote and wilderness-focused Christmas experience, Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä is a beautiful choice. Located 260 km above the Arctic Circle, it offers stunning glass-roofed cabins with exceptional Northern Lights viewing. The resort organises family packages including husky safaris, reindeer rides, and Christmas activities.
Saariselkä is quieter and less commercialised than Rovaniemi, which some families prefer — especially those with older children who want an authentic wilderness feel alongside the Christmas magic.
Design Hotel Levi — Levi
If skiing is part of your family’s Christmas plans, Design Hotel Levi is an excellent option. Located ski-to-door in the heart of Levi resort, it has indoor and outdoor pools that children love, and easy access to Finland’s largest ski resort with 43 slopes and excellent children’s ski school.
Practical Tips for a Lapland Christmas Holiday with Kids
What to Pack for Lapland in December
Dressing correctly is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The most important thing is layers. You will need a thermal base layer, a warm middle layer, and a proper winter outer layer. Waterproof boots, warm gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer are all essential.
Most activity providers in Lapland supply proper Arctic suits and boots for outdoor activities, so you do not need to buy specialist gear for your children just for one trip. Check with your hotel and tour operators in advance.
How to Get to Lapland
Rovaniemi has its own airport with direct flights from many European cities, especially during the winter season. You can also fly into Helsinki and take a connecting flight or the overnight train — it is a wonderful experience that children love. I have a full guide on how to get from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with all the options and prices.
If you are heading to Levi, fly into Kittilä Airport, which also has seasonal direct winter flights. For Saariselkä, the nearest airport is Ivalo.
How Much Does Lapland Christmas Holidays Cost?
A Lapland Christmas holiday is not cheap, especially during peak December weeks. Hotel prices during 20 December to 2 January can be roughly two to three times higher than other times of year. Activities like husky safaris and private Santa meetings are also priced at a premium.
A realistic budget for a family of four for 4–5 nights in December including flights, hotel, and activities would be somewhere between €3,000 and €8,000 depending on the accommodation type and activities chosen.
If budget is a concern, visiting in early December or early January can cut costs significantly while still giving you an excellent Lapland experience.
FAQ´s About Lapland Christmas Holidays
Is Lapland Worth It for Christmas?
Yes, absolutely — if you can stretch the budget, a Lapland Christmas holiday is one of the most magical family experiences you can have. Seeing your children’s faces when they meet Santa in his real home, watching them ride a husky sled through a snowy forest, or spotting the Northern Lights together as a family — these are memories that last a lifetime.
That said, it is worth going in with realistic expectations. Lapland in December is busy and expensive, and not every moment will be perfectly magical. Plan well, book in advance, and focus on two or three key experiences rather than trying to do everything.
What Age Is Best for a Lapland Christmas Trip?
Lapland is wonderful for children of almost any age, but the absolute sweet spot is roughly 3 to 8 years old — old enough to understand the magic of meeting Santa and remember the experience, but still fully in the world of believing.
Babies and toddlers can also enjoy Lapland — the reindeer, the snow, the cosy atmosphere — even if they will not remember it later. Older children and teenagers often love the outdoor adventure side: skiing, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights hunting.
How Many Days Do You Need in Lapland for Christmas?
I recommend a minimum of 4 nights to really enjoy a Lapland Christmas holiday. This gives you enough time to do the key experiences without feeling rushed — a Santa visit, a husky safari, a reindeer ride, and some free time to explore.
If your budget allows, 5 to 7 nights is even better. The extra days let you slow down, enjoy some quieter moments, and have a backup night for the Northern Lights in case the first few evenings are cloudy.
Is Lapland at Christmas Suitable for Babies and Toddlers?
Yes, Lapland can work very well even for very young children, with some preparation. The cold is manageable as long as you dress them in proper layers — most resorts and activity providers are well set up for families with small children. Reindeer sleigh rides are gentle enough for babies, and many hotels have family rooms and child-friendly facilities.
The one thing to note is that very young children will not remember the experience — so if budget is tight, it is worth considering whether to wait until your children are a little older. But if you are going for the experience as a family (rather than just for the children), there is no reason to wait!
Final Thoughts
A Lapland Christmas holiday is truly something special. The snow, the Northern Lights, the huskies, the reindeer — and of course, Santa Claus himself in his real home. It is the kind of trip that your family will talk about for years to come.
I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect Christmas adventure in Lapland! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below — I am always happy to help fellow families plan their Lapland trips.
Ready to start planning? Browse the best family hotels in Lapland for Christmas on Booking.com and start dreaming!
I am Henriikka, born and raised in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. I write about travel in Lapland and Finland with a focus on families and couples. You might also enjoy my guides on things to do in Rovaniemi and the best places to stay in Rovaniemi with kids.
