So you like snow, weather reaching well below negative 10 degrees Celcius and only a few hours of sunlight per day if you are lucky. No? Well, you might want to reconsider and be willing to weather these conditions – even if it is just for a few days.

Let us rephrase that; there is a cosy fire in the corner, and snow is gently falling outside. You are enjoying a cup of hot chocolate under a blanket and the night sky is lit up with the northern lights’ green, red and blue hues. Can you picture it? We certainly can.

While we might not be able to put up our Christmas trees or lights just yet. It’s not too early to plan your Christmas getaway; Lapland might just be your destination. 

Lapland is a region of northern Europe and is largely situated above the Arctic circle stretching across northern Finland, Sweden, Norway and into the Kola Peninsula in Russia. This sparsely populated region is the capital of Christmas spirit and a literal winter wonderland. 

But, you don’t have to take our word for it. Here are some of the reasons you should visit Lapland come Christmas time.

1. SANTAS VILLAGE

Did you ever wish growing up you could deliver your Christmas wish list directly to Santa to avoid it getting lost in the mail? Well, in Rovaniemi, Finland you can. Known as the hometown of Santa Clause you can visit Santas Village and deliver your letter directly to Santa’s post office. You can even meet Santa in person and take a photo with him (after confirming he received your letter and knows exactly what you want, of course).

Aside from meeting Santa and delivering your letter, you can cross the Arctic Circle, explore the village and dine at Santa’s restaurant which offers a traditional Finnish buffet. 

We don’t think there is a more magical way to start your Christmas season! 

2. SNOW SAFARI

We have heard of African safaris, but did someone say reindeer sleigh ride? Count us in. Snow safaris are available throughout Lapland with a variety of options to choose from or even combine including reindeer sleigh rides, husky sled rides and snowmobile safaris. 

Oh, to spend a day just dashing through the snow, followed by a hot drink and a cosy fireplace…

If your accommodation does not offer snow safaris, they will surely be able to assist in booking an excursion or provide information about where you can enjoy the experience.

3. THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

If the whole Santa’s village / Christmas experience isn’t your thing, don’t worry Lapland still has amazing sights to offer and travelling all the way north to only view the extraordinary event known as the northern lights is reason enough to visit Lapland. 

The farther you travel north the better your chances of seeing the lights on a clear, starry night between September and March. So, if you are set on avoiding the Christmas season i.e., November-December, you have a few months to spare and still be able to see the lights.

4. ACCOMMODATION

Whether you travel to Lapland for the Christmas spirit, as a northern lights seeker or both, where you rest your head at night will play a big part in your experience. Enjoy the best of what Lapland has to offer in one of these beautiful hotels.

FOR THE SANTA SEEKER

Rovaniemi – Arctic Light Hotel

If you travel to seek out Santa and his elves and plan on staying in Rovaniemi for the majority of your trip, consider booking a stay at the Arctic Light Hotel. 

This 4.5-star award-winning, boutique-style hotel is in the heart of Rovaniemi and can cater to not only your needs but your pet’s needs as the hotel is pet friendly.

After a cold day of meeting Santa and exploring his village, you can warm up at the sauna and enjoy a Lappish meal at the hotel’s “Arctic restaurant”. With a heart full of joy, you can end the day ready to unwind and relax in one of the hotel’s 57 bespoke guest rooms.

FOR THE LIGHT HUNTER

Ivalo - Aurora Village 

If you only wave at Santa as you travel north in your quest to view the magnificent northern lights and you find yourself in Ivalo, you are in the right place. 

At this 4-star resort, you can view the northern lights from the comfort of your bed at night in the glass roof rooms and enjoy a wide variety of activities by day. Along with the on-site restaurant and saunas, Aurora Village offers an activity for everyone including husky safaris, snowmobile activities, reindeer experiences, northern lights tours, ice fishing, skiing, and the list goes on. If there is anything you would like to do in Lapland during wintertime, this is the place for you. 

Are your bags packed yet? A white Christmas doesn’t have to remain a dream – go make it a reality!