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The Ultimate Lapland Holiday

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• All airports
• Birmingham Int.
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• All durations
• 2 night trips
• 3 night trips
• All Santa’s Lapland experiences
• Santa's Magic
• Santa's Aurora
• Santa's Hotel Tunturi
• Santa's Hotel Holiday Club
• Santa's Hotel Riekonlinna
• Santa's Saariselka Inn
• Santa's Star Arctic Hotel
• Santa's Glass Cube Cabins
• Santa's Kuukkeli Log Cabins

C H O OSE Y O UR S A NTA'S LAP L AND EX PE RI E NCE

Both of our lapland holiday packages include a reindeer ride, sledging with huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities like snow hockey and mini skidoos, and a private visit with santa., on our santa’s aurora package, your activity centre is exclusive to our santa’s aurora families and you’ll have an additional wilderness dinner, a visit to santa's elves workshop, a longer husky ride and a snowmobile safari..

• SANTA s MAGIC Your choice of four hotels with everything you've dreamed of for a magical Lapland adventure. Explore Santa’s Magic

• Believe your eyes, this is an experience your family will cherish forever. From £1169 per adult See what's included
• SANTA S AURORA Enjoy the ultimate Christmas in Lapland with a little extra Aurora magic sprinkled on top. Explore Santa's Aurora

• The ultimate Lapland experience for your family, even the elves get jealous. From £1549 per adult See what’s included

H A LF PR IC E CHI LD P LA CES

Absolutely amazing! We loved every second of it. From the moment we got on the aeroplane to the moment we arrived back, it was magical. The staff were amazing, the place was stunning and the activities were incredible. SANTA'S STAR ARCTIC HOTEL - YVONNE DECEMBER 2023

It's 2 weeks since we returned from our magical holiday in Lapland, which certainly is a place like no other. We just cannot fault the location, hotel or the staff - who were amazing. SANTA'S RIEKONLINNA - GARY, JANINE & AARON DECEMBER 2023

Everything about it, from the experiences, the hotel, the staff. Every minute was full of excitement. I wouldn’t change a thing & it was worth every penny! We only wish we would have stayed for longer. But we have a lifetime of memories! SANTA'S STAR ARCTIC HOTEL - CHARLOTTE DECEMBER 2023

The holiday was amazing from start to finish. It was so magical. Everyone we came into contact with were so friendly and helpful. SANTA'S HOTEL TUNTURI - DANIELLE DECEMBER 2023

The most incredible experience from start to finish. Looked after brilliantly and every part made magical for the kids. (And adults) amazing experiences, all equipment provided was perfect, well liked after and fed. Never cold or hungry. Loved every part and hoping to come back soon. Thank you all what a great team! SANTA'S HOLIDAY CLUB - LUKE DECEMBER 2023

Loved every magical moment of this trip. Highly recommend. It's a once in a lifetime experience - well worth doing. Nothing compares to going to the REAL Lapland! Thanks to everyone at Santa's Lapland for making my trip so special. SANTA'S STAR ARCTIC HOTEL - VICKY DECEMBER 2023

This was the best holiday ever. I was a little concerned I'd over hyped it in my head before we went, but it exceeded expectations. The hotel was magnificent. The trips were well organised. The whole experience was perfect. SANTA'S STAR ARCTIC HOTEL - VICTORIA DECEMBER 2022

Best holiday for Christmas! So magical. We would love to return. Highly recommend. Fantastic location and service at the hotel. Great customer care throughout the holiday. SANTA'S STAR ARCTIC HOTEL - KATE DECEMBER 2022

L E T TH E MA GI C BE GIN

Santa and his elves can't wait for your arrival, but before your trip begins, get inspired! Unlock the magic of Lapland with our Santa's Chronicles, learn how to wrap up warm in Lapland or call our Christmas helpers to book your magical getaway.

N O ON E KN OWS H O W T O M A KE CHRI ST M A S M O R E MAGICAL

Flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, a fun-filled activity trip and snowsuits are all included.

A remote spot in the far north of Finland, 200km above the Arctic Circle among the snowy trees of Saariselkä.

If you are yet to book, and you find your Santa’s Lapland holiday cheaper elsewhere, we’ll price match it.

F A NCY M OR E SN O W F U N?

Keep the magic going with an extra day for adventure - the choice is yours. sledding on the toboggan run, the thrill of husky sledding, cruising through the snow by snowmobile or hunting for the northern lights..

• An extra day for family time in the snow. Husky and reindeer rides, thrilling snowmobiles, a spot of skiing, or a hunt for the Northern Lights. The choice is yours. Optional Adventures

• Explore a little more, make magical memories in this other-worldly wilderness. You're spoilt for choice. See for yourself

W A YS TO  BO OK  YO UR H O LIDAY T O L A PLAND

It's time to book your trip to Lapland and we can't wait for your arrival. Whether you're booking online or wanting to find out some more information, give our Christmas helpers a call on 01483 791 945. We're just as excited as you are for your magical journey to begin!

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• Experts in Lapland for over 15 years

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Lapland Tours & Trips

• Choose from 50+ Lapland tours
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10 best Lapland tour packages

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Melissa Lapland travel expert at TourRadar

Rovaniemi Winter Experience

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“We had a fantastic time as there was plenty of fun experiences as well as time to rest and relax.” Adrianna Czachorowska, traveled in March 2023

• Northern Lights
• Ski, Snowboard & Snow
• Christmas & New Year
• Drive a snowmobile across the Lappish wilderness
• Explore the Arktikum Museum and learn Sami culture
• Visit Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle

“The trip met the expectations completely.” Ray A, traveled in January 2019

• Search for the Northern Lights from a forest guesthouse
• Explore Helsinki's historical and culinary delights
• Experience the Santa Claus Express to Rovaniemi

• Dine with views of the Arctic at Arctic Eye
• Cross the Arctic Circle in Santa Claus Village
• Sleep under the Northern Lights in an igloo

“This tour had an amazing itinerary, with lots of fun and memorable activities. It was very well organized and the communication with the travelers was excellent.” Emilia Bosaia, traveled in December 2022

• Coach / Bus
• Visit magnificent Tromso
• Swim in the arctic ocean
• Meet Santa-Claus and take a picture with him

• Explore Helsinki on a panoramic bus tour
• Visit Santa Claus Village and ice sculptures
• Ride a snowmobile to a reindeer farm

“Perfectly crafted itinerary, breathtaking views and ultimate activities with the best guides and company ever to the end of the world.” Giacomo Citterio, traveled in January 2024

• Hunt for the northern lights after dinner
• Snowshoe hike in Lapland's white wilderness
• Experience dog sledding in classic Lapland

“The tours and hotel stay were excelent. All the tours and transfers were timed to perfection.” Gershon Rosenblum, traveled in February 2023

• Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the spectacular lights that dance in the sky
• Enjoy a cosy night in a glass igloo with uninterrupted views of the night sky above
• Embark on a reindeer ride through frozen forests and encounter hard working huskies

“I learned so much about Sweden, the Sami community and the challenges they face, the culture and cuisine.” Richard Goody, traveled in February 2022

• Sleep in a cozy Sami tented camp
• Explore Storforsen's mighty rapids
• Experience dog sledding in Swedish Lapland

• Go on a thrilling snowmobile safari
• Cruise on the Sampo Icebreaker in Kemi
• Experience reindeer sledding in Rovaniemi

“I had a wonderful time on my Lapland Winter Adventure, as arranged by Arif, out of Carisa Travel.” Judith Grant, traveled in January 2023

• Chase the Northern Lights on a night safari
• Break ice on a Polar Explorer cruise
• Explore Helsinki on a guided walking tour

More about Lapland

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The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

Last Updated on July 2, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out the perfect itinerary for Finnish Lapland can be a magical, if not overwhelming, experience when you consider all there is to see and do in this unique region of far northern Europe.

There are few more quintessential winter destinations and experiences than the northernmost region of Finland and Lapland the epitome of a winter fairytale.

From snow-covered boreal forests, dancing Northern Lights, energetic huskies and reindeer to the monumental moment of crossing into the Arctic circle, you’ll be hard-pressed not to have the experience of a lifetime.

Whether you’re interested in sipping hot chocolate during the winter polar night or forest hiking in the midnight sun, spending 2, 3 or 4 days exploring Lapland is perfect for any travel seeker.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Lapland?

Lapland is a unique destination, and this can make it a bit harder when planning the duration of your trip.

To begin with, Finnish Lapland is far from a budget-friendly destination and the prices in Finland , in general, are high. With the costs of just about everything being higher than elsewhere in Europe, keep this in mind when you plan a trip to this area.

Taking this into consideration, I’d say that the minimum recommended amount of time to spend in Lapland is 2 full days. With this amount of time, you’ll be able to briefly experience the magic of the Arctic and do a few activities without taking too big of a chunk out of your budget. 

The next best amount of time to spend in Lapland is 3 days, as you’ll experience everything you’d manage in 2 days but feel a lot less rushed, also with the opportunity to head to another part of the region.

In my opinion, if you’re able to spend 4 days in the region, you’re in for a real adventure. A trip of 4 days does the Finnish Lapland region justice as you’ll be able to visit multiple places and soak in what extraordinary Arctic life is like in the northernmost part of Finland.

Getting To & Around Lapland

The most popular, affordable, and convenient option for getting to Finnish Lapland is by taking a flight into the capital city of Rovaniemi. By passenger numbers, Rovaniemi Airport is the third-busiest airport in Finland and is the main airport to fly into for a Lapland trip and Itinerary.

While there are other options for airports in Lapland such as Ivalo Airport in Northern Lapland, this itinerary begins in Rovaniemi so will be the focal point to start your trip. 

Rovaniemi Airport serves direct routes from Helsinki year-round and seasonal winter routes from several European destinations, making it a pretty straightforward trip, especially for a winter getaway. 

Another popular option to reach Rovaniemi is to take a 12-hour overnight train from Helsinki, whisking you away from the busy city, through snow-dusted forests, Finnish towns and straight into the heart of Arctic Lapland.

There is a noticeable difference in price and journey, but it’s completely worth it if you can afford it and have the time to spare for a long train journey. 

Car rental is also another viable transportation option if you’re flying into Helsinki and would like to drive to Lapland. Summer is a great time to embark on a Finnish/Lapland road trip as you don’t need to worry about tough weather conditions and you will save money on transportation with a car rental in comparison to other methods.

If you’d like to rent a car to drive to Lapland in winter , make sure you feel confident in case of difficult weather and road conditions, and have the proper gear fitted to your car. You can browse car rental options here .

As for getting around Finnish Lapland, in my opinion, the best mode of transport is by car. Like any other rural and wild part of the world, renting a car gives you the most flexibility for your trip without having to worry about bus times and time crunches.

Lapland is vast and boundless with many different spots and sites being distant from each other, and although there is a great bus system within the region, you’ll have the utmost freedom this way.

For example, one of the prime goals for many people visiting Lapland is to get the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

While seeing the Northern Lights in most parts of Lapland is possible, your chances are higher the further away from light pollution and busy tourist areas.

You can take a tour that will take you Northern Light hunting, but they can be expensive and give you just one chance. With your own car, you can search extensively to experience the enchanting Northern Lights.

If for whatever reason, renting a car isn’t an option for you, it’s still possible to have a thrilling Lapland adventure. With public transportation, you can get around Finland and Finnish Lapland in particular quite easily.

You’ll find a few different bus companies such as ExpressBus and Matkahuolto , both with frequent routes connecting different parts of the Lapland region. Prices differ depending on departure and arrival destinations but are generally quite affordable.

Most destinations on this itinerary have bus transport options available, either by the local bus system or by private bus/shuttle companies. 

2, 3 or 4-Day Lapland Itinerary

This route will take you through Rovaniemi, the heart and capital of Lapland, through the magical timeless world of Santa Claus village, and to the Northern part of Lapland to further enjoy your fairytale – either by hitting the slopes or mingling with furry and friendly locals.

There are countless winter activities to enjoy on a trip to Finnish Lapland from husky safaris to ice fishing to warming up in a Finnish sauna and this is the perfect region to experience these things.

Day 1 – Lapland Capital, Rovaniemi

Explore the city of rovaniemi.

This itinerary for Lapland begins with 2 nights in the capital city of Rovaniemi. While Rovaniemi is a small city in comparison to other larger cities in Finland, there’s still much to do and discover.

Spending your first day exploring the city of Rovaniemi is the perfect way to ease into Lappish life as well as arctic Lappish temperatures. This is also the perfect opportunity to find appropriate Arctic clothing for the rest of your trip if you weren’t already prepared.

If you’re visiting outside of the winter months, regular winter or spring/autumn clothing is acceptable but in the winter months you’ll want warm thermal clothing and boots to protect you from the bitter Arctic air.

If you take part in activities through any of the companies in Rovaniemi, you’ll have winter outerwear included for the duration of your stay. Otherwise, you can rent the same clothing from these companies for a pretty decent price.

Arktikum 

If you’re looking to explore and learn more about Finland’s Arctic culture, science, and history, the Arktikum Museum is the perfect place to educate yourself on Lapland while also getting a break from the cold.

The museum is located on the northern end of Rovaniemi and is about a 15-minute walk from the center point of the city. Arktikum is open every day except Mondays (although it is open on Mondays during the months of December!) from 10 AM – 6 PM with an adult admission cost of €18 and reduced ticket options available.

Keep in mind that the museum is being renovated until December of 2024, so the ticket prices are reduced to €11 for adults.

Arctic Sunset & Eat a Traditional Lappish Meal

Whether you’re visiting during the winter or the summer, one of the most beautiful experiences of visiting Rovaniemi is to walk by the River Kemijoki during “sunset”. The colours that you’ll witness are truly remarkable, as if they were a painting, and are only just the beginning of a fairytale trip to Finland. 

Afterwards, I suggest heading to Nili Restaurant, in the heart of Rovaniemi city to experience delicious, traditional Lapland cuisine. If you want the full experience, I challenge you to try the reindeer, as it’s harder to try this Lapland classic food once you’ve met the adorable reindeer themselves. 

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Arctic Light Hotel – This boutique hotel makes for the perfect base in Rovaniemi. They have a number of lovely rooms available and countless amenities like free parking, an airport shuttle and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – If you want a unique accommodation option in Rovaniemi then these igloos can be an interesting choice. There are a number of different glass igloos to choose from (some including saunas!) and there are also plenty of other amenities for guests to enjoy.

Hostel Cafe Koti – Those trying to save a bit of cash while visiting Rovaniemi will love this hip hostel. There are both dorms and private rooms on offer along with a kitchen, a sauna and breakfast included for guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rovaniemi hotels!

Day 2 – Santa Claus Village or Exploring Rovaniemi Nature 

Day 2 of this Rovaniemi itinerary will either be spent wandering the famous Santa Claus Village or exploring the incredible nature of the region. If you’re visiting in the winter, I’d undoubtedly recommend heading to Santa Claus Village.

More than just Santa and Christmas activities for children, it’s truly a winter wonderland village with plenty of space, nature, log cabins and activities to explore with something for everyone.

In the summer months, it’s still quite fun and unique to visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle Line, and enjoy the area without the winter visitor numbers. Otherwise, there’s plenty to explore in Rovaniemi under the midnight sun.

Santa Claus Village

If you have a car to drive, Santa Claus Village is just a quick 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi city center. Otherwise, you can catch the Santa Express or local bus 8 from Rovaniemi city center with the journey being about 20 minutes.

It is also possible to take a guided tour that includes a visit to the village as well as a visit to a reindeer and husky farm.

Once you reach Santa Claus Village there’s so much to do and enjoy on a day trip here. There’s no cost to enter the village, with costs only for individual activities.

If you’re keen on doing a husky sled ride or reindeer sleigh ride, prices are less than half the cost of tour companies operating outside of Rovaniemi. The ride is a lot shorter, but it’s a special experience to wander through the snow-covered forests under a warm blanket while led by Lapland’s mascots; huskies and reindeer.

If you prefer to book tours in advance some options include this husky safari or this reindeer farm visit that includes a sleigh ride.

Visiting Santa’s Post Office and taking a picture with Santa is free, with the post office truly being like something out of a Christmas movie – a dream for both children and adults alike. 

The entirety of the Village is a large area consisting not just of the concrete buildings and “town” part of the village but also a wide expanse of forest. Even just getting lost in the snowy forest, making snow angels, and warming up at one of the village’s many fires throughout the area is truly a special experience. 

Once your appetite has opened and you’re ready for some warming food, there are plenty of options at the village; whether you’re looking for more cafeteria-style food or classic Lappish food in a traditional Arctic-style hut.

Rovaniemi Nature 

If you’re in Rovaniemi during the warmer months and prefer to skip Santa Claus Village, there’s still plenty to do and explore and I recommend taking advantage of the extraordinary nature. 

Rovaniemi is a dream world for nature lovers and my suggestion is to spend a day on the trails, hiking throughout the Arctic Circle while experiencing the ethereal midnight sun. If you don’t want to walk, you can organise a snowmobile adventure through the forest as an alternative.

A great place to start to plan your time in Rovaniemi nature is at the Finnish National Park Authority, where you’ll find ideal hiking trails and paths to take in Finnish Lapland.

There’s no better way to watch the midnight sun than in the lush Finnish forest, with a picnic and a cold drink either by yourself or with close friends/family.

Day 3 – Northern Lapland, Levi  & Samiland Exhibition

On your third day, you’ll head out of Rovaniemi and Southern Lapland to Northern Lapland. While Rovaniemi is all about Santa and Christmas joy, Levi , the main resort city in Northern Lapland is all about nature, the Northern Lights, and indigenous Sami culture.

If you’re driving during your Lapland itinerary, the drive from Rovaniemi to Levi is just over 2 hours and is an exquisitely stunning drive. Much of the drive is through Lapland nature and it’s hard to regret making the journey north.

If you don’t have a car, there are a few bus companies with direct transport from Rovaniemi to Levi. OmniBus is a great option as services are frequent, the buses are comfortable and can be pretty affordable for Finland prices. 

Levi is the ski resort in the area and is the biggest ski resort town in Finland. The village that Levi is located in is Sirkka , and there aren’t a lack of things to do, places to stay, things to see, or food to eat.

If you like to be in the center of the action on your travels, I suggest staying in the center of Sirkka. Otherwise, it’s worth spending a little more to stay outside of the town to sleep amongst the magical Lapland wilderness.

Samiland Exhibition 

If you want to learn more about Sami, the local indigenous culture then make sure to visit the Samiland Exhibition .

The Sami are the descendants of the nomadic people of Northern Scandinavia traced back thousands of years ago and Sami culture is rich in history, mythology, and folklore. The perfect place to learn more about this integral part of Lapland and Finnish culture is to head to the Samiland Exhibition in Levi.

The exhibition does a wonderful and interesting job educating on Sami culture, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits in both winter and summer seasons.

Samiland is open every day of the winter from 10 AM – 8 PM, most days of the summer (check hours in advance), and admission tickets for adults cost €13 with reduced ticket options available. 

Northern Light Safari

Other than slope seekers and ski aficionados, the main pull for visitors coming to Levi is easily the famous conquest for the Northern Lights. During the Aurora season, you’re almost guaranteed to see the Northern Lights if you’re visiting Levi.

If you have a car, you’ll have a lot more freedom to follow more remote and forecasted Aurora areas with less light pollution, although it is possible and common to see the dancing Northern Lights in the town itself. With your own transportation, you can come and go as you choose and watch from your car to stay warm! 

The best spots to seek the Northern Lights in/outside of Levi are at the top of Kätkä Fell, Tonttula (Elves Village), and quite honestly, anywhere further from town lights with large areas of open land.

If you don’t have a car, I suggest taking part in a Northern Light safari tour out of Levi. Costs for these are cheaper than in Rovaniemi, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the Aurora if you’re visiting during the Aurora season.

These tours typically pick you up from your hotel/accommodation and bring you to Aurora hot spots either by snowmobile or bus/car transportation. You’ll spend time learning about the area and Lapland with a local guide, while drinking hot chocolate or grilling sausages, and keeping warm by a hot, open fire.

Hopefully, before you know it, you’ll soon witness the out-of-this-world experience and natural phenomenon of the colorful, elegant Northern Lights dancing above your eyes. 

Where to Stay in Levi

Break Sokos Hotel Levi – This hotel is an excellent base for exploring Levi and the surrounding area. They have a range of bright, clean and comfortable rooms to choose from, they’re pet-friendly and there is even a restaurant and cafe/bar on site for guests to enjoy.

Northern Lights Village Levi – For those after a unique and unforgettable stay in Levi, this hotel is a great option. They have a number of rooms on offer – all with windows over the bed for some cosy Aurora viewings. Rooms are also equipped with fireplaces, breakfast is available and there is an on-site bar.

Levi Suites Levi Gold – If you want your own space while exploring Lapland, then these suites in Levi are a good option. They have a number of flats available, all fully furnished with everything you may need.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Levi hotels!

Day 4 – Skiing or Winter Activities

You’ll have two different options for enjoying the last day of your Finnish Lapland adventure; skiing the slopes of Levi or taking the time to enjoy more winter activities that you may not have already done in Rovaniemi. Some options include this husky sled ride or a snowmobile safari .

Skiing in Levi

Being the biggest ski resort in Finland, Levi is a great spot to either practice and enjoy as a novice skier or try your hand on the slopes for the first time – under the arctic sky.

Levi has mostly intermediate slopes, with 28 lifts and 48 slopes as well as just about 4 hours of sunshine during the winter. Luckily, the slopes are kept open late giving you enough time to enjoy either an old or newfound activity.

Skiing under the beautifully pink pastel polar night sky is something you’ll likely never experience out of Finnish Lapland, and it truly deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Apres-Ski/Dinner at Tuikku

There’s no better way to end your trip to Lapland and day on the slopes than at Tuikku, Levi’s oldest restaurant as well as where you’ll find the most extraordinary slope side and Lapland views. In the winter, there’s live music and DJ, offering the perfect closing to a magical trip.

Prices are pretty affordable, whether you’re interested in having a cocktail, hot chocolate, or a long day of skiing and adventuring that has left you hungry for their delicious buffet meals. 

It’s safe to say that Lapland is one of the most magical destinations in the world. Whether you’re an adult or a child, this enchanting Finnish region is undoubtedly going to touch your heart and sprinkle fairy-tale magic into your trip to make it one of the most unforgettable adventures of a lifetime.

Are you planning to visit Finnish Lapland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer)

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

A Guide to Visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Looking at taking our grandchildren for 3 night break.

Sounds like a memorable trip! Hope you have a lovely time 🙂

Is everything open during 24th to 31st December??

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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Lapland Holidays

Why Lapland

What better way to enjoy the magic of Christmas and make your child’s dreams come true than a trip to see  Santa on a Lapland holiday?  Think crisp white snow, reindeers, huskies and elves – it’s a place where childhood dreams can become reality. Father Christmas has put some time aside in his busy December schedule to welcome you into his hideaway Lapland home, with the elves on hand to join in the fun – all you need to do is wrap up warm and bring your Christmas list! Experience the thrill of Husky Sledding, Tobogganing or take a ride through the stunning landscape on a magical Reindeer Sleigh. And at the end of the day look out for nature’s very own light show, the Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights. We can offer Lapland Day Trips throughout the month of December - flying out early morning and returning late at night. Extend your stay on a 2, 3 or 4 night break staying in 3 or 4 star hotels in various resorts, including Saariselka and Rovaniemi, both a short transfer from the airport.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable last minute Lapland break or a luxury Lapland holiday , you’ll find your perfect snowy escape with Hays Travel. To book yours, chat to one of our travel experts today. Alternatively, take a look at some of our other winter holidays . 

Want to know more about our Lapland holidays? Browse our FAQs below to learn more about Santa’s magical home. 

You’ll find Lapland in the northernmost region of Finland, bordering Norway and Sweden. The Arctic Circle crosses into Lapland too, which is why Lapland holidays are known for their magical wintery settings. 

The flight time from the UK to Lapland is approximately 3 hours. Its short flight time is why Lapland day trips and mini breaks are so popular!

Yes! A chance to spot the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, is just one of the things that make Lapland holidays so special. 

A day trip to Lapland for a family of 3 usually costs around £1660. At Hays Travel, we offer low deposits and pay monthly options on all our Lapland holidays to help make your trip as affordable as possible. 

To book your Lapland holiday, chat to a member of Hays Travel now.

Lapland Holidays

What a lapland holiday looks like:, holidays in lapland.

What better way to enjoy the magic of Christmas than a trip to see Santa on a Lapland holiday? Think crisp white snow, reindeer, huskies, and elves – it’s a place where childhood dreams can become reality. Father Christmas has put some time aside in his busy December schedule to welcome you into his Lapland hideaway, with the elves on hand to join in the fun – all you need to do is wrap up warm and bring your Christmas list! Experience the thrill of husky sledging and tobogganing or take a ride through the stunning landscape on a magical reindeer sleigh. And at the end of the day look out for nature’s very own light show, the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights. Hays Travel offers Lapland Day Trips throughout December - flying out early morning and returning late at night. Extend your stay on a two-, three-, or four-night break staying in various resorts, including Saariselkä and Rovaniemi.

Travel Guide

The best time to visit Lapland is in December, when there’s snow on the ground setting the scene for a festive escape.

• Currency: Euro
• December temp: -5°C/23°F
• Average flight time: 3 Hours
• Time Difference: +2 hours

Latest Lapland Holiday Offers

• • Lapland

Santasport Hotel

£25pp deposit followed by 13 monthly payments of £80pp

£1,065 pp

Santa's Hotel Tunturi

Family of 3 from £4170

£1,390 pp

Yllas Log Cabin

Family of 3 from £3765

£1,255 pp

Winter Wonderland Lapland Day Trip

LAPLAND DAY TRIP

£599 pp

Things to see and do in Lapland

Rovaniemi leads to Santa Claus Village where you can post your Christmas list at the Main Post Office, see Mrs Claus bake gingerbread cookies at Christmas Cottage, and meet Santa Claus and his elves; and Arktikum Science Museum to learn about Lapland’s culture, natural history, meteorology, and geology.

Get up close to arctic wildlife at Rauna Wildlife Park, pet a reindeer at Elf’s Farm Yard, snap a selfie at Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge at nightfall, and try your hand at cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

In Saariselkä; embark on a Husky, Reindeer, or Snowmobile Safari through snowy landscapes, go snowboarding at Freestyle Park, try out  a snowmobile and learn about the indigenous Sami people at Sami Cultural Center.

Food and drink in Lapland

Lapland’s food menus comprise hearty roast duck, meatballs, stews, wild salmon and trout, and local specialities like Leipäjuusto, Rieska, Lapin Puikula, Rössypottu, Blodpalt, and Poronkäristys.

Christmas Eve is also a special day in Lapland when people eat gingerbread cookies and drink Glögg mulled wine.

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Our Charters fly Direct from Dublin from the end of November. We have 2 & 3 night all-inclusive packages available which include: Snow Mobiles, Husky & Reindeer Rides, Santa Visit, Tobogganing, Elf School, Flights, 20kg Bags, Transfers, Accommodation, Meals, Thermal Suits & Gear, Entertainment Elves & much more. Lapland is truly a family trip of a lifetime and one to treasure forever. Those who visit Lapland experience a scenery like no other.

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3 Night Trip: Winter Wonderland from €1899

Winter Wonderland

Levi is an enchanting village that offers the ultimate family Christmas experience

The Definitive Guide to Booking Lapland Holidays

Bringing the kids to see santa in lapland is a once in a life time opportunity, you only get one chance check out my definitive guide to booking lapland holidays, and make sure you get it right.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Lapland was one of the best family experiences we had. We went for two nights, three years ago and it is still the most talked about trip in our house. Every Christmas the photos come out, our video is watched over and over and the kids are constantly reminding their friends how they met the ‘REAL’ Santa. People often remark on the cost and yes, I know it is expensive, but when I say you will have lifetime memories, I really mean it.

It may cost the same as a week in the sun but ask yourself, which holiday will you remember more?  I am sure my children will pass on their memories to their own children, it’s not something that will be forgotten about in a few years time. Of course seeing Santa is the highlight and the reason you book it in the first place, but the winter wonderland experience is incredible too. Snowmobiling into snowy forests, husky and reindeer rides, all add to the experience. Check out my short video of our trip and you will see what I mean…

There are different Lapland holidays for different tastes. Some people may be short on annual leave and want to keep the cost down, while others may decide to blow the budget and stay for five days. I have teamed up with VisitSanta.ie, the Lapland specialists, who offer a wide selection of Lapland trips to suit all tastes and budgets. What’s great about VisitSanta.ie is that they will do all the research for you. Whether you like Sunway, Canterbury Travel or Falcon packages, VisitSanta will offer you independent advice and recommend the right package to suit your requirements. And the best part, they provide this service for free. In fact VisitSanta.ie sell so many Lapland packages, they may even be able to source a better price for you!

VisitSanta.ie offer two different day trips, Enchanting Lapland and Santa’s Secret Grotto, which are ideal if you are short of time and or have a limited budget. Enchanting Lapland offers a sleigh transfer from the airport and a visit to a snow igloo, while Santa’s Secret Grotto will bring you to Elf School in Santa Park. Both are action packed with a choice of snowmobile, husky and reindeer rides, with lunch and thermal clothing included.

Click here for more details:

2 day trip – santa’s sleepover.

Overnight in Santa’s hometown and experience snowmobile, husky and reindeer rides. You will also have time to enjoy time at Santa’s village in the Arctic Circle, where you can visit Santa’s official Post Office. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included as well as thermal clothing. This trip also gives you some free time in the evening to enjoy the winter wonderland.

3 Day Trip – Idyllic Lapland

This gives you the opportunity to really immerse yourself into the winter wonderland of Lapland. Although still action packed, each activity is allocated a longer duration. You will have a full 90 minute husky and reindeer experience, deep in the snowy forest as you ‘search’ for Santa. This really is a different experience to the shorter trips because the search for Santa feels real and you don’t actually find him until the third day. Can you imagine the excitement? There are also extra snowmobile rides with dedicated children’s snowmobiles. Enjoy tabogganing, meet the Elves at home and visit Santa’s post office. Thermal clothing and all meals are included, including a Festive Gala dinner.

4 Day Trip -Lapland Lullaby

This trip offers a similar experience to the 3 day Idyllic Lapland trip, but with a little more free time to enjoy your surroundings. Enjoy the 90 minute husky and reindeer experience as you search for Santa and meet the elves and visit Santa’s post office. On this trip you will have extra time to build a giant snowman, go tabogganing or even try skiing!

5 Day Trip –  Festive Frolicking

Experience magical Lapland with this four night adventure. Go deep into the arctic wilderness as you search for Santa and enjoy some husky and reindeer rides, tabogganing and a snowmobile safari, along the away. Visit Santa’s workshop and go to Elf school, where you can decorate your own gingerbread man to bring home. Help the elves in the toy factory and in the post office before having a private meeting with Santa. The following day you will visit the Snow Village which includes a Snow Hotel, an Ice Restaurant. Chapel and an Ice Bar. Unlike most Lapland trips, this gives you lots of free time to explore the surrounding area or try some skiing.

So there you have it, the definitive guide to booking Lapland holidays, the only question is which one to choose?  

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by VisitSanta.ie but all views, as always, are my own.

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8 of the best Lapland holidays, tours and all-inclusive packages for a magical winter break

Whether meeting santa, taking part in exhilarating snow sports or chasing the northern lights, there’s a lapland holiday for everyone, article bookmarked.

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Louise Thomas

As the summer holidays approach and temperatures rise, those who aren’t jet-setting for sandy toes and tan lines should look ahead to winter trips and the enchanting spell of the Northern Lights .

If a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Lapland is at the top of your Christmas list, now’s the time to book – the sell-out spot is at its most popular during the December festivities as children flock to meet Santa and grown-ups soak up midday sauna sessions.

From Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village to the warm aura of Kiruna, winter sunlight hours may be short during the polar night with temperatures often dipping below -9C, but Lapland days remain packed with unique activities and novel stays in ice palaces, glass igloos and tree houses.

With so many all-inclusive stays, snow sports tours and holiday options in the Santa-centric land, here’s  The Independent’s  pick of packages to transport you to the magic of the Arctic Circle this Christmas season.

Read more on Europe travel :

• How to have the perfect family holiday in Lapland
• Best kids club resorts in Europe 2023: Where to stay for family-friendly fun
• Sweden travel guide: Everything you need to know

Best for: Luxury breaks

Swedish lapland experience.

Lapland crosses the utmost northern borders of Finland , Norway and Sweden’s dense forests, but the rural Scandinavian landscape is not without its luxuries. Tailored tours, wood-fired hot tubs and private chefs bring home comforts to the wilderness for travellers willing to splash the cash stress-free on a Christmas fairytale holiday.

Off the Map Travel  provides a four-night Swedish Lapland Experience for a unique luxury stay in the heart of Arctic Sweden, including accommodation in the Icehotel and Treehotel, transfers, excursions and half-board meals. From £1,699pp guests can enjoy ice sculpting or husky sledging in Kiruna and Lulea, and spend the night in a cosy Aurora Hideaway – the perfect vantage point to see the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights while indulging in traditional Swedish dishes.

Best for: Northern Lights hunters

Arctic aurora activity holiday in finnish lapland.

Viewing the Northern Lights is one of the most popular adventures to top a travel bucket list – after all, the natural world puts on few more spectacular shows. Travellers can hunt the aurora in chilling temperatures from paths off the beaten track, in the sky on a hot air balloon ride or from the comfort of a glass igloo and a lucky few will witness the clear and colourful skies during their Arctic adventure.

Discover the romance of the aurora borealis with  Aurora Zone  on a four-night Arctic Activity Holiday in Inari, Finnish Lapland. Trip excursions such as a snowmobile safari, dog sledding and shoeshoeing fill days in the Sámi culture’s capital, with nights spent searching for the vibrant hues of the Northern Lights. The holiday package costs £2,025pp, including return flights from London , transfers, accommodation, meals, all activities and cold-weather clothing for the duration of your Lapland stay.

Best for: Christmas festivities

Santa’s magic.

Santa’s holiday home, Lapland, is where you’ll find the picture-perfect scenes of Christmas cards; reindeer, igloos and snow-dusted trees. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi even boasts Santa Claus’ Post Office, a husky park and boutiques ideal for last-minute present shopping right in the heart of the Arctic Circle.

Santa Claus Trips ’ Santa’s Magic holiday in the vibrant ski town of Saariselkä, priced from £1,239 per adult, includes return flights from the UK, half-board meals and accommodation in Tunturi Hotel for two nights. Festive highlights such as a private meeting with Santa, elves, igloos and reindeer sleigh rides dot the snowy break’s itinerary as the magic of Christmas takes hold of little and big ones alike.

Best for: Snowsports

Icehotel break.

What could be more exhilarating than taking to the ice by day and sleeping on it by night? Lapland’s snowsports offerings, from skiing to ice skating and (slightly tamer) sleigh riding behind reindeer or huskies, come in abundance so the winter fun doesn’t have to stop at Santa and accommodation doesn’t need to be boring.

Discover the World  offers a three-night stay at the  Icehotel  in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, from £733pp. Here, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and husky sledging excursions meet evenings spent eating and drinking in the Icebar, inside the hotel crafted each year using ice from the frozen River Torne. Return flights from London to Kiruna start from £204 in December.

Best for: Family fun

Santa breaks in yllas.

Santa trips, skiing holidays and nights spent seeking the bewitching Northern Lights are the perfect ingredients for a family winter holiday regardless of the Arctic temperatures. Kids of all ages will love the unique magic of the dynamic landscape and its snow-based activities, and visits to Father Christmas are bound to be a hit – even with the non-believers – so long as you wrap up warm and let imaginations run wild.

Inghams  provides a four-night holiday for two adults and two children from £1,059pp when travelling in November. The package includes return flights from Manchester and a half-board stay at the family-friendly Akäs (Snow Elf) Hotel & Alp Apartments. The hub of the Santa programme in Ylläs, all excursions depart from the hotel and the colourful village centre is just a five-minute walk away.

Best for: All-inclusive packages

New year lapland arctic adventure.

Over the Christmas holidays demand for Lapland holidays is high, and it gets the price tag to match. While it’s unlikely to find a truly budget break to the snowy scenery in winter, all-inclusive packages often slash the cost of high-paced activity days, and are well worth it to see the magic and charm of the secluded spot for yourself.

Canterbury Holidays  New Year Lapland Arctic Adventure is the ultimate seven-day activity holiday to Lapland. From £1,740pp, extend the magic of Christmas and experience the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland – return flights, excursions, B&B accommodation and a New Year’s Eve dinner and party are all included in the stay. Visits to Europe’s only amethyst mine and a “white hike” through the frozen forests and fells also fill days of post-Christmas bliss on this NYE adventure.

Best for: Off-grid explorers

Finnish lapland in winter.

Enjoying the solitude of nature while coping with extreme temperatures is all part of being a Finn. To live like the locals, going off-grid on a Lapland holiday on snowshoe walks to remote farms and fighting the cold with a glass of salmari gets you even closer to the heart of the Sami culture.

Intrepid Travel  offers a journey through Finnish Lapland in winter from £2,745pp, so strap on your hiking boots and crunch through snow-dusted woodlands as you travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi across the pristine landscape. Dog sledging, reindeer herding and the famous “Santa Claus Express” overnight train are all highlights. Breakfasts, transport, accommodation and activities are included in the cost of this eight-day holiday. 

Best for: Romantic retreats

Finnish lapland and the arctic circle.

There’s a romance to the campfire cabins and snow-topped saunas of Lapland. Think charming traditions, pastel-hued skies and authentic natural landscapes in secluded woodlands – best enjoyed while riding a snowmobile for two, or a sligh pulled by reindeer – as a backdrop to long weekends for lovebirds.

Untold Story Travel  offers six-night private tours of Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Circle. Accommodation options include wilderness cabins and Arctic treehouses, and the holiday is tailored to every couple’s requirements. Potential holiday highlights include a personal host to monitor Northern Lights activity, enchanting reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiling across a frozen lake before spending your final night in a private glass igloo.

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Discover the magic of a Lapland Holiday

An unforgettable adventure high above the Arctic Circle. On an Inghams Lapland holiday you'll experience a winter wonderland like never before.

Your flights, transfers and accommodation are all included as part of your package, plus the opportunity to add so much more. 

Take a ride in a reindeer or husky drawn sleigh , dash through enchanting snow-laden forests on a snowmobile and wonder at the Northern Lights dancing across a star-studded night sky - there's countless experiences to pick from.

And there’s magic for all the family on a 3 or 4 night Santa Break to meet the real Santa in his festive hideaway .

Meet Santa Save up to £200pp

December 2024 save up to £350pp, new lapland short breaks.

Whether you're a stargazer, a nature enthusiast or a skiing thrill-seeker - Lapland has the resort for you.

See whether a cosy cabin in Levi , private apartment in Yllas ,  friendly hotel in Saariselka or wilderness retreat in Muonio matches your Lapland holiday wishes.

Our 4 resorts across Finland  all ensure you will have the most magical Lapland experience. Stay above the arctic circle where you can soak in the sights of the wilderness, enjoy the full Finnish sauna experience, search for the Northern Lights or curl up by the fire. And if you’re looking for a little more adventure and adrenaline, head for ski the slopes , speed around on  snowmobiles  and even search for  Santa .

7 night destinations   Lapland Short Breaks   Santa Breaks destinations

Blanketed in snow, Levi offers a bit of everything from quality skiing, prime Northern Lights viewing to snowmobile excursions. 

Positioned in the Arctic Circle, Yllas has cosy log cabins and clear sky nights, any activity here is worth a million stars. 

A true glimpse at the untouched landscape of Lapland. Explore Saariselka by sleeping under the stars and getting to know the locals.

Muonio is the ideal resort if you are looking for a wilderness retreat in Lapland and the perfect place to meet Santa.

Make the most of your Lapland experience with optional extras available including snowmobile safaris, reindeer rides, husky sleigh rides and more. Fill your holiday with once in a life time experiences by booking our magical excursions . You can also enjoy all that Lapland has to offer in just a few days with our short breaks  which include excursions as part of the package, allowing you to enjoy a once-in-lifetime getaway that you will never forget.

Husky Excursion

Be a part of a long standing tradition of husky-sledding and immerse yourself in Lapland life. Our Husky Excursions are great fun for all the family.

Reindeer Excursion

Time with the reindeers is certainly special. A peaceful way to see Lapland is to take a sleigh-ride with these magical creatures.

Northern Lights

Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the glow of the northern lights with our overnight stays, including Glass Igloos.

Horse Excursion

Together, you and the horses can take a memorable ride around the local forests and breathe in the wonderfully fresh air.

No Christmas can compare to the sheer excitement of visiting Santa’s home and meeting the man himself.

We’ve got you covered from the moment you step out of your front door to your return. With our established travel team, you can trust that you'll receive the tips, experience, and protection you expect.

Be inspired for your next great out-door adventure in Lapland. We have insider knowledge on when to visit to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights and tips on what to wear to wear in the Arctic climate. 

Did you take holiday snaps of starry skies on an Inghams holiday? Would you like to win a £500 Inghams holiday voucher? Then share your photos with us !

Test your Lapland knowledge with your family and friends with this fun set of Trivia and boost your knowledge before embarking on a trip of a lifetime.

With an average of 200 days of fresh snowfall each year between November and May, Finland ski holidays have some of the best snow-sure resorts due to their location in the Arctic Circle.

Santa Breaks offers a special chance to show your children not only where Santa, his elves and the reindeer actually live, but to also hand-deliver those all-important letters and meet the man himself.

Lapland sits across the arctic circle, an area of Finland blanketed in snow most of the year round. Meaning you will have a snow-sure adventure as you head out to try the exciting sport of skiing (or perhaps snowboarding).

Selecting the right resort for you is easy - whether its lively Levi, cultural Saariselkä or family oriented Ylläs (though we do believe all 3 offer a bit of everything).

There is so much to learn from the native people of Finland - from their rich culture to way of life. We explore all there is to know about the Sami culture of Lapland.

There is nothing quite as spectacular as the Northern Lights. We can help you catch a glimpse of this infamous light show in the sky.

Find out about all of the native animals to Lapland and how they live in the Arctic Circle. 

Let us give you the answers to those arctic circle stories with our True or False guide to Lapland.

Lapland Holiday Extras

Get sorted ahead of your trip with these finishing touches that make your holiday.

Our guests receive the best value winter excursions in Lapland.

No Christmas can compare to a trip to see Santa himself.

So close to the arctic circle, it’s good to wrap up warm. Read our guide so you know what to pack for your Lapland adventure.

Easy ski equipment hire - pre-book with us and save.

A once in a lifetime adventure at the arctic circle awaits. 

It’s always important to travel safely and be prepared. Travel insurance is vital, find out more from our Insurance partner.

Whether you are looking for a night under stars in a glass igloo , a relaxing spa in a 5* hotel , a cosy cabin for 2 or a lively crowd in a centrally located apartment , each year we select some our best accommodation offers to share with you for a holiday you'll never forget, be it on our 7 night Lapland adventure holidays or our 3 or 4 night Santa Break holidays.

We have hand-picked some of our favourite accommodations options across all 3 resorts to help you decide the right place to rest your head after an enchanting day of adventure. 

Our 3 and 4-night short break packages are an easy way to experience the winter wonderland that is Saariselkä. With all your transportation, accommodation, and excursions included in the package, it really couldn't be any easier. Available on a full board basis, this package is perfect for couples, groups of friends, or families wanting a short and sweet taste of what Lapland has to offer. The Star Arctic Hotel is also available for 7 night stays . 

The charming Miilu Northern Light Cabins have breakfast included, plus an optional dinner upgrade. They're in a beautiful remote location in Finnish Lapland, giving you some of the best chances at spotting the Northern Lights - especially from the modern glass fronted cabins. These modern cabins are a perfect choice for families and friends travelling to Lapland this winter season, with cosy sleeping areas, a well equipped kitchenette and views of the Yllasjarvi lake.

Our 3 or 4 night Juutua Arctic Aurora Adventure Packages have everything included in the price, from accommodation to excursions, so no need to worry about planning your trip - it's all done for you! Depending on which duration of short break you choose, you'll have different arctic excursions included - think husky sleigh rides, aurora hunts and snowmobiling. Offered on a full board basis, you'll have breakfast, lunch and dinner included with your stay. 

Located right in the heart of Saariselkä, this popular hotel offers a high standard of accommodation and facilities. You'll enjoy breakfast and dinner included with the hotels half board basis. Please note that the spa is closed for the winter 2024-25 season and for the foreseeable future. This hotel can also be booked as part of our ' Muotka 2-Centre Adventure '.

Treat you and your loved ones to an extra special stay in Levi at the boutique Design Hotel Levi – the Levi Spa resort's brand new hotel offering. This hotel is offered on a bed and breakfast board basis with the option to upgrade and have dinner for 3 nights.

Our 3 and 4 night breaks are available during December at the Panorama Hotel & Apartments on half board. Ideally located on the Levi fell, you can enjoy panoramic views of the village and surrounding fells, convenient access to the village via the Levi Summit gondola. Also available for 7 night holidays between the end of December - February.

The Levi Spa has a peaceful yet convenient location, 300m from the ski lifts and village centre. A high standard of accommodation coupled with excellent spa and recreation facilities makes it a great choice for families and couples alike. This hotel is offered on a half board basis with breakfast and dinner included in your stay.

Levi Black Apartments are located just outside Levi. They are modern, comfortable choice for a Lapland holiday with excellent facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen, private sauna and public outdoor whirlpools. Available on a self catering or half board basis.

The Ylläsrinne Cabins are the perfect base for a family holiday to Lapland. These cabins are located in a stunning setting surrounded by snowy trees in the Arctic Circle. Stay in a cosy cabin, with breakfast and dinner included in the half board basis. 

The Harriniva Adventure Resort is a charming full board adventure resort set in a secluded winter wonderland. Its idyllic location guarantees minimal light pollution, giving you the best chance for seeing the Northern Lights simply by stepping outside. A range of arctic activities are included in your package with the expert guides, whizz around on a snowmobile or choose to take a scenic sleigh ride.

The Jeris Lakeside Resort is a charming full board adventure resort set in a secluded winter wonderland. Its idyllic location guarantees minimal light pollution, giving you the best chance for seeing the Northern Lights simply by stepping outside. A range of arctic activities are included in your package with the expert guides, whizz around on a snowmobile, take a scenic reindeer sleigh ride through the frozen forests or head on a husky driven sled tour through the snow covered fells.

Our journey into the great outdoors was sparked by the vision of one man - Walter Ingham.

Our Lapland holidays invite you to explore the snow-covered landscapes, take part in enchanting reindeer safaris and discover the Northern Lights.

As the pioneer who brought skiing to Britain, his love for the mountains and the beauty of nature inspired us to craft unforgettable experiences in Lapland. 

INGHAMS ARE THE Lapland Adventure HOLIDAY EXPERTS

A scenic winter wonderland blanketed in snow, we have over 20 years’ of experience in offering skiing holidays and snow holidays to this enchanting landscape, ideal for both families and adults.

Finland is ideal for those looking for more than just your average ski holiday. During your stay in winter wonderland you will see that reindeer far outnumber the people and the snow-laden trees form unique sculptures.

By day, there are exhilarating activities such as reindeer safaris , husky excursions and riding snowmobiles . You can also try your hand at more unusual winter holiday activities such as ice karting and horse-riding, as well as learning about the local Sami culture . By night, you have a good chance of seeing the mesmerising northern lights shimmering in a star-studded sky.

Inghams Lapland offers trips to Lapland, specifically the idealistic destinations of Levi , Yllas and Saariselka . Here you can enjoy a special Northern Lights break or a magical Lapland Santa Breaks holiday . Where better than to create the perfect family festive getaway then visiting Lapland at Christmas on one of Inghams Lapland package holidays.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland

From the northern lights to the legendary sauna culture, this arctic destination has it all. Here's what you won't want to miss.

Milamai / Getty Images

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is the place to go to check more than a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list — like seeing the northern lights and experiencing the midnight sun. The arctic destination has stunning nighttime skies, wide-open landscapes, and air so fresh it can make you happier. Here’s how to plan a trip to Finnish Lapland that you’ll never forget. 

When to Go to Finnish Lapland

Here’s the good news about Lapland: It’s always beautiful out — well, depending on how you define “beautiful.” The region's peak travel season falls between December and February thanks to a natural phenomenon we’ll get to in a moment. During this period, the region’s average temperature ranges from 3 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can get down to as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit with added wind chill. 

By contrast, temperatures in the summer can be much milder, usually ranging from 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a prime time to visit the area for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

How to See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

Many visitors travel to Finnish Lapland to take in a few breathtaking natural occurrences — including the aurora borealis, or northern lights. You can see this phenomenon any time between August and April, though it occurs more frequently around the equinoxes in late September and late March. Visit then and look to the sky on clear nights for a chance to witness this incredible celestial light show.

Those looking for a more curated experience can ask their hotel for recommendations, or they can book a guided trip like a  three-hour aurora borealis picnic  in Rovaniemi, which includes a short hike to an outpost with warm drinks and food. You can also take  a snowmobile tour or, the most adventurous of all, an aurora ice floating experience in Rovaniemi . It's just as it sounds — guests don dry suits and set out on a frozen lake to lie back and blissfully gaze up into the night sky.

How to See the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland 

Giles Clarke / Getty Images

If you’re not much of a night owl, that’s okay because Finnish Lapland offers another spectacular show: the midnight sun. From late May until early August, the tilt of the Earth means the sky never gets dark. Make the most of the near-constant daylight by taking a hike, going fishing, or even playing a round of golf when you'd normally be asleep. 

What Else to Do in Finnish Lapland

Andrey-Kobylko / Getty Images

Go for a hike.

Finnish Lapland is chock full of  stellar hiking trails  fit for all levels. The Arctic Circle and Inari hiking areas offer everything from one-hour hikes to all-day wilderness adventures, as well as restrooms and visitor centers. 

Hit the sauna.

Sauna culture has long been an integral part of Finnish life , and there’s no better spot to experience it than in  Tampere , the sauna capital of the world. Come for the public spas, but stay for the arts, culture, and attractions like the Tampere Market Hall, the largest indoor market in Scandinavia. 

Paddle your way through the region.

Explore Finnish Lapland from a different perspective by taking to its rivers for a canoeing adventure. During the warmer months, you can take in the amazing views as you meander along calming waterways. Try this six-hour canoe trip  down the River Kapsajoki, which includes a campfire lunch and opportunities for fishing. 

Visit Santa Claus.

Fun fact: Santa lives in Finland. And you can visit him any time of year at the  Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Kris Kringle and his elves open their famous home and workshop all 365 days of the year. Meet the man himself, cross the Arctic Circle (which passes through the theme park), embark on a snowmobile safari adventure in the Lapland wilderness, and dine in a restaurant made of snow while you're there.

Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland 

Lingxiao Xie / Getty Images

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

At the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, guests can enjoy a host of creature comforts in a nature-centric setting. Every room comes with fur throws and floor-to-ceiling windows, while some even have soaking tubs, fireplaces, and decks from which to take in the surrounding forest. Book the chic two-bedroom Arctic GlassHouse  to enjoy all the bells and whistles.

Seaside Glass Villas

Need more of a view? Spend a few nights at  Seaside Glass Villas , a collection of box-shaped bungalows in the waterfront town of Kemi. Each one has a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Bothnian Bay, as well as a glass roof through which you can enjoy incredible views of the northern lights while lying in bed.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

You might recognize Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort's gorgeous glass-domed igloos from your Instagram feed, but even the best photos can't capture the magic of actually staying in one. Book the kelo-glass igloo to combine the privacy of a log chalet with the wow factor of the northern lights dancing over your bed.

Those seeking to stay in the lap of luxury need look no further than  Octola , an exclusive five-star hideaway with just 12 rooms and two chalets. Guests can book a single room or buy out the entire space if they want to bring along family and friends. 

What to Pack 

Packing for a summer trip to Finnish Lapland is relatively easy. Just bring whatever you normally would for any other summer getaway — shorts, T-shirts, a bathing suit, pants, and a light jacket for cooler nights. 

If you plan to visit in winter, you'll need to bust out the big checked bag and pack it with cozy thermal underwear, insulated snow boots with a grip, an insulated jacket, waterproof or snowproof pants , a few wool sweaters, warm gloves and socks, a hat, a scarf, and some instant heat packs to throw in your gloves and boots. If your feet tend to get cold, then foot warmers are another option. Don’t forget your camera, and make sure to pack extra batteries — they will drain quickly in the cold weather. 

How to Get There 

Despite being located in Finland's far north, getting to Lapland isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think. First, fly into Helsinki, then, depending on your final destination, continue to either Kemi or Rovaniemi by regional flight. Finnair and Norwegian Air each offer a 90-minute nonstop to Rovaniemi, or you can board a one-stop Finnair flight to Kemi via Kokkola-Jakobstad Airport in Kronoby.

If you've got the time, a scenic seven-hour train ride will get you from Helsinki to Kemi (the ride to Rovaniemi takes 8.5 hours). You can also travel between Rovaniemi and Kemi by train for a 90-minute intra-Lapland adventure.

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Lapland on a budget

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A complete guide to planning a magical DIY trip

• The Travel Mum

Visiting Lapland on a budget may seem like an impossible dream. With some package lapland prices upwards of £10k, lots of families have been left feeling like a trip to Santas homeland will never become a reality for them. Lucky for us all, budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet have recently changed the game. The introduction of their direct budget flights to Rovaniemi, Finland (From the UK) mean your Christmas dreams can now become a reality. So how much is it to go to Lapland?!

Our mission…

We are strong believers that travel experiences should be available to everyone, regardless of their income. As soon as we heard about budget flights to Rovaniemi, we had to go and check it all out for ourselves. With a maximum budget of £3000 for a 7 nights trip, we had a strict budget. This was for all three of us, and had to cover EVERYTHING. From airport parking , flights, petrol, food, activities… not one penny more was going to leave our pockets (spoiler alert: we kept it below budget even with some more luxury additions!)

In this post I will cover everything you need to plan your trip to Lapland on a budget, as well as detail every penny we spent. It’s a long one, but you won’t need anything else to help you plan your perfect budget trip to Lapland.

To make this post easier to read for our majority UK audience, I have converted prices into GBP. Note exchange rates may vary slightly and prices can change. I have added red text when discussing specifics of what we spent. 

Where is Lapland?!

Lapland is a region located in the northernmost part of Europe and spans across multiple countries. The majority of Lapland lies within Finland, with smaller portions extending into Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Lapland is famous for being an enchanting winter wonderland and being the legendary home of Santa. Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is known as the official hometown of Father Christmas and where we will be flying to for this trip.  

Flying to Lapland.

First things first you need to research where you can fly to Rovaniemi from . I see a lot of people on our website trying to find trips from airports that don’t offer any direct flights to Rovaniemi. For this winter ( 2024 ) London Gatwick, Luton, London Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham are offering the best prices. Bristol and Liverpool are also offering direct routes. Also note what day the flights are scheduled, as they wont be daily. This means although you may want to go away for 3 nights, your closest airport may only offer flights on a Monday and Saturday.

As with all DIY trips, you should be considering flights before you book any accommodation. Flight prices can vary massively from day to day, whereas accommodation prices are much more stable in their nightly rates. If by the end of this article you still feel this is too much effort, we are happy to plan these trips for our premium members who pay £30 for the year . This comes with other benefits such as weekly cheap flights/hotel notifications. Note that we can only do personalised trip plans once the membership is paid, we can’t do this for people using the free trial due to the amount of time it takes.

Our flights were £75pp from London Gatwick travelling 4th – 11th December. We travelled with the free under seat allowance plus one carry on suitcase to share between the three of us. Flight total: £225 for a family of three. Prices are slightly higher this year (2024)

When to travel to Lapland?

November – March are the most popular months for a trip to Lapland, with December naturally peaking in price and popularity due to the Christmas period. That’s not to say Lapland isn’t a beautiful place to explore all year round, but for the purpose of this post we will assume you are looking for the winter wonderland experience.

November is an affordable and popular time to visit, but snow isn’t guaranteed. That being said, the snow came really early in 2023, near the start of November.

January will definitely have snow, and prices are excellent.

We visited in December to show it is possible to get some great prices in the peak Christmas month.

Whenever you decide to visit, Santa Claus village is open all year round. Remind the kids that Santa is a lot less busy after he has delivered all of the presents in December!

We visited on the 4th – 11th December, a peak time to visit but we were able to get decent prices on flights and accommodation booking DIY.

If you are limited to the school holidays you can save a lot by setting off a day or two before the holidays start. Alternatively return a day or two after the kids return to school. Most schools wont issue fines for a day or two missed, and you will likely save a lot of money on your flights. We took Leo out of school for the whole trip but he hadn’t reached his 5th birthday yet.

Find a trip in 30 seconds

Use our search feature to find great value flights and hotels in Rovaniemi. Enter Rovaniemi into the specific location on the “Where?” section.

So you’ve found your flights?

Don’t book them JUST yet, we need the whole puzzle to come together before we pay for anything. You may find cheap flights but then discover there are only really expensive accommodation options available on those particular dates. I know a lot of people who snapped up last minute December flights this month, only to then discover accommodation prices are currently extortionate due to the high demand. Use our search feature above to search for both flights and hotels simultaneously. Consider a flexible duration and use our specific dates search to input a range of dates you can travel within.

When to book?

Now is a great time to book for this winter. Flights were extortionate when first released but have fallen significantly since.

We booked in June and found a central apartment that was just over £100 per night, it slept up to 4 adults making it just £25 per person per night! This is the type of price you should be aiming for. This is the apartment we stayed in.  

You always need to take flight and accommodation prices into consideration together. It may be that it is worth paying £100 more for flights on a different date if this saves you £500 on accommodation and vice versa. We made our search feature to search for both at the same time to find the best possible dates.

Where should you stay?

The most popular area for families looking to book a trip to Lapland on a budget is Rovaniemi. It offers that traditional Christmas experience within a relatively small area that is easy to get around. The city is close to the airport, with easy access to Santa Claus village and Santa park via the Santa bus. We stayed here for three nights and felt that was just enough. On our first full day we visited Santa Claus village, on the next we went to Santa park, and on the morning before we drove north to Levi, we visited Snowman World. I’ll discuss attractions further down this post.

Our thoughts…

Our overall opinion of Rovaniemi was that it is perfect for families wanting a short and cheap trip with lots of magic for the little ones. It offers all the standard experiences (husky’s, reindeer, Santa, sledging) in a small convenient area. At Santa Claus Village you can queue and do activities on the day without pre booking, which is great for families like ours who lack organisation! Rovaniemi also gives you the chance of seeing the northern lights.

We did feel it was a little commercialised and although the big city is a convenient place to stay, it lacked that cozy Christmas atmosphere we were hoping for. That’s not to say it isn’t a wonderful place to stay, thousands of families return home saying their stay there was the best holiday they’ve ever had.

Levi was our second stop during this trip and we stayed there for two nights. It was just over a 2 hour drive north from where we stayed in Rovaniemi and the roads leading there were great. Kittilä airport is only a 19 minute drive to Levi and you may wish to consider flying here if you are staying solely in Levi. Bear in mind these flights are much more expensive.

Where we stayed in Levi.

We stayed at Levi Suites Levin Klubi which was great value. We paid £269 for two nights . Our two bedroom apartment was lovely and even had a sauna. The location was fine with a car, but would have been a little far out from the centre without. A more central option is at Levi Suites Levi Gold which is bang in the centre.

Levi is primarily a ski resort with a lot of the cozy Christmas charm we were looking for. A cute festive village in comparison to the large city we had just driven from. Whether you are a skiing pro or a complete beginner, this is a great option for anyone wanting a more active trip. The traditional Christmas experiences are more spread out than in Rovaniemi, but all are still available.

We didn’t ski but still really enjoyed our time here. ‘Kids Land’ is a great area with a small slope for sledging. There are lots of sledges to use for free and there is a small building with a log fire to pop into and get warm. We had a packed lunch which we ate in there and then toasted some marshmallows for desert.

I’ll list the activities we did whilst here below. Overall we preferred Levi to Rovaniemi, but Leo would tell you he preferred Rovaniemi to Levi! Levi is definitely better suited to older children and adults. We noticed tons of cozy cabins within the forest which we will definitely look into if we visit again.

After our stay in Levi we drove even further north to a small town called Inari. Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland and was the base for our two night stay here. The drive from Levi to Inari takes around 2.5 hours and the roads are beautiful and remote. We barely saw another car the whole time. Make sure you stock up on water and snacks as services along the route are limited. If you choose to drive to Inari from Rovaniemi (or drive straight back for your flight home) it will take around 3 hours 50 minutes.

Where we stayed in Inari.

I found some amazing cabins whilst researching the cheapest way to sleep under the northern lights. Inari Mobile Cabins are pulled out to the middle of the frozen lake at night to get the best views of the northern lights. I’d decided we had to stay there, even though it was pricey. Some experiences are so unique we just can’t miss them! As we had been so tight with our budget up to this point, we had the spare cash to book two nights here. The nightly rate was around £400, you get a 10% discount when booking directly with them (and not through booking.com). We justified this as a normal hotel was coming up at around £200 a night. With northern lights tours around £100 per person, we felt it would be better to stay in the cabins and keep an eye on the sky all night, instead of doing a tour.

The further north we drove, the less commercialised things became and the more authentic it felt. At the same time it also became less catered towards kids (and consequently better for adults travelling without kids). We are lucky that Leo has been travelling from birth, so he is pretty tolerant of long drives, uncomfortable weather and a lack of specific facilities just for him.

Inari is widely known as the capital of Finnish Sámi culture and houses the Sámi parliment of Finland. There is a Sámi museum as well as lots of other activities to enjoy. Whether you fancy husky sledging, reindeer experiences, ice fishing or cross country skiing – you won’t have time to get bored. The owner of Inari Mobile Cabins also helps arrange tours, so contact him through the website linked above if you need help planning your stay.

What to wear

A lot of people worry about how they will keep warm in the freezing temperatures. It was -22C whilst we were there, but we managed to stay toasty. Whether you buy your own items or rent will depend on how long you are visiting and what you already have at home. You can rent snow suits and boots for around £20 a day. Lapland Safaris is a good option and they operate in both Rovaniemi and Levi. If you are only staying for 2 or 3 days, this may be worth doing. If you plan to visit a cold climate again, or are visiting for a week like we did, it ends up being better value to buy your own things and have them to use again. My snow boots are so comfortable I have been wearing them back in the UK!

What we bought and prices

We bought our snow clothes from Aldi, Lidl, Decathlon and Vinted.  We already had some things like base layers, hats and my husband had boots. Essentially you need three layers of clothes. A warm base layer, wooly mid layer and a waterproof outer layer. As well as this you want a thin sock like bamboo plus a warm thick wooly sock on top. We had normal gloves with ski gloves over the top. We took hats, scarfs and balaclavas which we had already at home. I’ll list what we each bought and the cost below. The ski ranges at Aldi and Lidl were released in November last year.

Snow coat (Lidl) £25

Snow trousers (Aldi) £12

Snow boots (Aldi) £20

Ski gloves (Aldi) £6

Already had warm mid layers, base layers and socks.

Snow trousers (Aldi) £16

Gloves (Aldi) £6

Already had a coat, mid layers, base layers, socks and boots.

Snow suit (Vinted) £8

Snow boots (Decathlon) £25

3 x base layers (Decathlon) £36

3 x ski socks (Decathlon) £9

Ski mittens (Decathlon) £20

Total spent on clothes: £183 for the three of us

Getting around once in Lapland

For convenience we hired a car. We find with an impatient and unpredictable 4 year old, a car is always a good idea. It also meant we could easily go on our adventure into the north without worrying about public transport schedules. If we were only staying in Rovaniemi a car would have been completely unnecessary.

Our car hire was £254 for 7 nights and we booked with the controversial company Green Motion. They had the cheapest prices by far but have a lot of complaints about them overcharging for minor damage/scratches. For this reason a lot of car hire excess insurance companies won’t cover them. When you hire a car you are covered for the basics, but you will usually have to leave a deposit which will be used as the excess should you do major damage to the car. This is often around €2000 and is held on a credit card. Excess insurance means that if you write the car off, the car hire company will keep your deposit, but then you can claim the money back through your excess insurance provider. The excess cover offered by Green Motion starts at €10 per day and goes up to €50 a day if you want to be able to reclaim all of your deposit. This adds a hefty sum onto the base price. easyJet car hire offer green motion cars and use AXA as their excess insurance. Leisure guard is another company that will cover Green Motion. (Research done by one of our lovely followers).

As a family we are quite risk averse, possibly too laid back! We meticulously film the car before we set off and on dropping it back off so we have evidence of its condition. We are pretty confident that we won’t damage the car (but also appreciate we don’t have control of all situations). I’d like to think if a hire company tried to scam us, we would be well prepared with evidence! We didn’t cause any damage to the car and luckily we had no issues with returning it. I mention the controversial history of this company as I know many people would rather avoid them and use one of the many other companies operating out there.

Do a search here to find the best value car hire for your dates. Looking at December 2024 you can get lots of similar prices to what we paid.

Public transport

Buses run often in all of the places we visited. Rovaniemi has the Santa bus which is €4 one way or €7 return. It stops at the train station, airport, Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. If you are staying within the centre it is really easy to access a lot of the main attractions.

Lot’s of people choose to use taxis to get around. This will be more convenient than public transport, but will likely cost more (depending on how many people are splitting the fare of course).   Personally we found that with the intense cold and having a child with us, we didn’t want to be outside any longer than we had to. We had planned to use some buses for the experience and to get the content for you all, but in the end the convenience of the car being sat outside meant we could never bring ourselves to do it!

Eating and drinking in Lapland on a budget

Self catering.

Lapland is a place where you will definitely benefit from having an apartment with a kitchen. Eating out is pricey whereas supermarket food is quite reasonable. On arriving in Rovaniemi we went to a supermarket near our apartment (K-Supermarket) and spent £66 on food. This included breakfast, things to make packed lunches, snacks and some dinners. Joao bought a few beers to have in the evenings and Leo got a £5 giant kinder egg (just to show we weren’t being completely tight!) We weren’t cooking fancy evening meals, we were eating things like pasta, pizza, salad, chips and fruit. For breakfast we were having cereal and some fruit and coffee. Lunches were sandwiches with some crisps/fruit/protein bars. We were drinking tap water and had brought our own hot chocolate. We did a second £40 shop on arriving in Levi and that covered all of our ‘home cooked’ meals for the trip.

Leo is a very picky eater, so we always take a lot of super noodles away with us (he will only eat one flavour from one brand) just incase we are struggling to get him to eat. This covered a couple of his evening meals along with some fruit. We packed a lot of protein bars to take out and curb our hunger during the day. We also took a flask and some hot chocolate powder to have our own hot chocolate whilst out (this saved us £5 per cup).

Total £106 spent on supermarket food.

We always want to enjoy a few meals out, and the joy of being so budget conscious means you are left with spare money to splash out on a few nicer things.

We would rather provide our own sandwiches than buy expensive sandwiches in a cafe and by doing this a few times you are left with extra money to spend on a nice dinner. It’s not all about being as tight as possible, it’s about spending wisely. We could spend £10+ each on breakfast with a coffee, or we can eat before we go out and save that money. Preparing our own meals isn’t a sacrifice for us; rather, it’s a way to save money for the experiences that are more important to us.

At Snowman world we booked to have lunch in the ice restaurant and have a drink at the ice bar. It is a unique experience that we haven’t had before, so we didn’t want to miss out. You can have lunch or dinner there, lunch being the much cheaper option. It was a two course meal with a main and a desert. Joao and I had reindeer soup for our main and Leo had pasta bolognaise (prices detailed in the attractions section). All of the food was delicious, it was expensive for what it was but you are paying for the experience. We drank tap water so we didn’t spend extra on drinks and we ate a lot of bread! While it’s probably obvious for an ‘ice restaurant,’ it was quite chilly! To be honest, I don’t know what I was expecting, but dining with gloves on isn’t exactly ideal! After lunch we went to warm up in the cafe area overlooking Santa Claus Village. We got two glasses of Golgi (a traditional drink similar to mulled wine but without the alcohol) and this cost £5 for the two.

During our visit to Santa Park, we stuck to our normal routine of bringing our own packed lunch. However, Leo decided he wanted the buffet food. Given his selective eating habits, we never turn down the opportunity for him to enjoy a hearty meal. Consequently, we bought him a child’s buffet lunch priced at £12. This ended up being ideal as he sat and ate it in the central restaurant area just as the Elf show was starting. The adults buffet is £20 but the food didn’t look fantastic so we gave it a miss. Joao and I ate our packed lunches and had prime seats for the show. We also spent £2.60 on a gingerbread cookie for Leo to decorate in Mrs Gingerbreads Bakery.

Whilst in Levi we had heard about a restaurant called Niliporo . Owned by a local reindeer herder, it has a menu full of traditional reindeer dishes. It is located right in the centre so we decided we would have dinner there. The restaurant is cozy with some interesting items on the menu. Leo didn’t fancy anything except mash potato and a hot chocolate. I ordered a reindeer burger and Joao had reindeer meat balls and some local beer. We also had the reindeer tapas as a starter to share. All of the food was amazing, really delicious and although a little expensive, it was worth it to try some traditional dishes. The meal with drinks came to around £82.

Our accommodation in Inari offered free breakfast. They also prepared a traditional grill hut dinner in the evening for around £30pp. We booked to have dinner with our hosts on our last night and Leo ate for free. The food was delicious, we had gingerbread and Golgi for dessert. A lovely end to the trip.

Total spent on food and drink bought whilst out: £199.10

(Relatively) cheap activities when visiting Lapland on a budget.

Visiting Santa – Rovaniemi is a great place to see Santa with Santa Claus Village and Santa Park being the go to spots for most. The Santa at Santa Claus Village is free to visit, but then you have to spend a fortune on the photos. They won’t let you use your own camera to take your own.

Santa Park is a paid attraction currently costing £36.50 for adults and £31 for children (age 3 – 12).  Once in there you can see Santa and take your own videos and photos. Overall if you want a photo, this ends up being better value than seeing him for free at Santa Claus village. The park has a variety of other activities, mainly aimed at younger kids. You can ride a magic train, do some crafting, attend elf school, decorate gingerbread cookies, watch the elf show and much more. It is all located inside a cavern and is lovely and warm.

Santa Claus Village – There are lots of things to do here. This outdoor village is free to enter and have a mooch around. You will find sledges with SCHV written on them, these are free to use and provide some free fun for the kids. You can do a husky ride, reindeer sleigh ride, visit the elf farmyard and feed reindeer, visit Santa or Mrs Claus and much more. I will list the current prices for these activities below. You can turn up and queue for these activities without pre booking. The Husky park recommends you book in advance, especially if you want to ride whilst it is still light. Leo enjoyed visiting Santas post office and sending some post cards home. Post cards can be bought for €1 and Lapland stamps are €2.50.

Santa Clause village prices

Visit Mrs Claus – we did this and the session lasted around 10 minutes. We didn’t buy the photo as we felt it was extortionate. €5 per person to visit – €20 digital photo – €30 printed photo – €40 for both Digital and printed.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride – We didn’t do this, but the queue wasn’t too long. People hadn’t pre booked.

400m path – Adults €25 Children €20

1000m forest path – Adults €40 Children €30

3km winter adventure – Adults €99 Children €75

Elf farmyard – We went here and felt it was relatively good value. We really enjoyed seeing the reindeer up close and feeding them. There is a slope for sledging in the farmyard, a little playground and a fire for toasting marshmallows. As well as reindeer there are also alpacas and sheep. You can pay to

€15 per Adult

€10 per Child (age 3 – 15)

Additional €5 for a bag of reindeer food.

Visit plus 15 minute walk with reindeer €38 adults €25 children

Visit plus 1 hour walk with reindeer €70 per person

Husky park prices – We did the 2km ride. It lasts around 8 minutes and it a beautiful route through the forest. Sitting still and being pulled through the cold gets quite uncomfortable really quickly, so we felt this was the perfect duration. You can book your ride here .

Tour of park plus 2km ride: Adults €75 Child €45 (age 4 – 12)

2km ride only: Adults €45 Child €30

Elf hat academy – We were advised not to do this as it is a pricey experience for what it is. It is a 25 minutes session where you get to learn how to be an elf. Elf school is included with your Santa Park ticket.

€39 for a 25 minute session

Mini snow mobiles – suitable for ages 4-13. We didn’t feel Leo would be able to sensibly drive around the track so didn’t do this.

€22 for 10 minutes (so we would have tried to distract him from these even if he was capable!)

Snowman World – This was one of our favourite things to do with Leo. Tickets are £25/person for all day access. This includes the tube snow slides, a snow maze, ice skating, an ice slide plus you can pay extra to get a drink at the ice bar or a meal in the ice restaurant. We booked our tickets in advance which included lunch and we saved a little by doing this.   By booking in advance it was £41 per adult for entry plus lunch and £35.50 for Leo . We pre booked 2 non alcoholic drinks in ice glasses too for £9. To book lunch on the day it was £21 for adults (plus the £25 entry – £46 total) and £15 for children (plus £25 entry – £40 total). The ice drinks were £5.20 each to buy at the bar, so we saved a euro each pre booking them. There is a luggage storage room here so it could be a great thing to do on your last day if you fly later in the evening.

Angry birds park – Located in the city centre, this large park is free to enter and offers some great sledging opportunities. We saw a few sledges lying around here but we had bought our own in Santa Claus Village for €15. There is a big slope at the back of the park leading down to the river.

Toast marshmallows – You will find lots of open fires around Santa Claus Village where you can sit and toast marshmallows. We took our own marshmallows along with some hot chocolate, a lovely way to have a rest and warm up plus a novelty for the kids.

We only had two nights in Levi, so we were limited in time for what we could do. As we had already done the Santa / traditional Christmas activities, we were on a mission to fill our day with cheap but memorable experiences.

Drive up to the ‘Panorama hotel’ ( you can also take a gondola up there ) and find the ‘Levi summit’ cafe. This building houses a Sami museum, perfect if you want to learn a little about the culture and history. The museum was £11.20 per adult and came with a free hot drink at the cafe. Leo entered the museum for free.

From here you can then walk to the “Secret cafe” . I show how to get there on my instagram highlight for Lapland, but it is pretty straight forward and people will be able to point you in the right direction. The walk to get there is mainly flat and takes around 5/10 minutes. The cafe is essentially a small shed with an open fire and a great view! Hot drinks are £3. There is an open fire to toast sausages (£3.50), marshmallows (£1.70) or prepare a hot crepe (£5.20). You can also get a Jagermeister for £6.

Kids Land – This small area set aside from the main slopes is perfect for little ones. There are lots of sledges there to pick up and play with. A hut with a little fire to warm up in and eat a packed lunch. It is free to access.

Sledging at the bottom of the main slope is very popular and occupied Leo for a long time. In the evening when the slopes close, kids can use the bottom of the main slope for sledging.

Christmas market – There is a small Christmas market in Levi – worth having a look around.

Find Santas Secret cabin – We were excited about this one. Apparently it is best to book a guided tour but being the forever optimists, with a super tight budget, we decided to go and find it our selves. You need to take Gondola 2000 up to the top, and then head right towards the cabin which is apparently sign posted. Many people told us this was fairly easy, but they clearly hadn’t been up there during the snow storm we encountered! If someone told me it was -50C up there I would have believed them. Our hair froze, Leo’s eyelashes were frozen, Leo was being very dramatic and screaming ‘We need to get indoors!!’ – It was like something from an armageddon movie. So we pretty much called it a day and went back down. The gondola ride was beautiful, but it was not pleasant at the top! Please do let us know if you ever make it successfully!

I have shared A LOT of information above, but in summary.

• Find cheap flights and self catering accommodation.
• Plan what you will wear (buying vs renting)
• Work out how you will get around (Car / Buses / Taxi)
• Plan to do budget friendly activities.

Ways to keep costs down:

• Buy budget friendly snow clothes (Aldi/Lidl/Vinted)
• Pack light and don’t pay for check in luggage.
• Do lots of free/cheap activities.
• Take your own pics with Santa at Santa park.
• Do short experiences rather than long ones.
• Bring hot chocolate and marshmallows for toasting.
• Cook most of your own meals, but do treat yourself to some nice meals too.

What we spent on our 7 nights budget trip to Lapland:

Lapland prices:, flights and accommodation:.

Return flights: £224.87 (£75pp)

Airport Parking £59

3 nights Rovaniemi- £309

2 nights Levi: £269

2 nights inari: £800

TOTAL: £1661.87

Getting around

7 nights car hire – £254.88

£34 excess insurance

TOTAL: £348.88

Food and drink:

Food shopping – £106

Eating out – £199.10

TOTAL: £305.10

Snow clothes – £183

Attractions – £384 (Mrs Claus, 2km husky ride, elf farmyard, reindeer food, 2 x post cards and stamps, Santa park, Snowman World, Gondola 2000, Sami museum, sausage and crepe at secret cafe)

Sledge – £13

TOTAL: £580

So how much is it to go to Lapland?!

Lapland on a budget overall spend for the 7 night trip – £2895.85.

This could be MUCH cheaper by staying for less nights, not hiring a car, not staying in a £400 per night cabin in Inari and eating out less!

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post and that it can help you plan your budget trip to Lapland!

If you would like us to help plan your trip, sign up for our premium membership and get in touch!

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It’s so much more than just LEGOLAND! Billund in Denmark is the perfect destination for a family short break. The LEGO hotel is cheaper than the one in Windsor and honestly, the park is SO much better. We spent two days in LEGOLAND which was just enough, however you CAN NOT miss Lego House, WOW park and a trip to lalandia. Want to read our blog post on how we got there and details on the Billund LEGOLAND? Type “BLOG PLEASE” and I’ll send the link in a DM ❤️ We were invited to Legoland Billund as a PR trip and have already posted the required content - we will genuinely keep going on about this place as it is so fantastic for families 🤩 #billund #legoland #thetravelmum #familytravel #lalandia #wowpark @legolandbillund

It’s so much more than just LEGOLAND! Billund in Denmark is the perfect destination for a family short break. The LEGO hotel is cheaper than the one in Windsor and honestly, the park is SO much better. We spent two days in LEGOLAND which was just enough, however you CAN NOT miss Lego House, WOW park and a trip to lalandia. Want to read our blog post on how we got there and details on the Billund LEGOLAND? Type “BLOG PLEASE” and I’ll send the link in a DM ❤️ We were invited to Legoland Billund as a PR trip and have already posted the required content - we will genuinely keep going on about this place as it is so fantastic for families 🤩 #billund #legoland #thetravelmum #familytravel #lalandia #wowpark @legolandbillund ...

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Lapland for Grown-ups: Why Lapland Isn’t Just for Kids

You might have heard about Santa’s home in the North Pole. And yes, Lapland is indeed a fantastic place to go with the kids to meet the man in red. But did you know a Lapland holiday for adults offers you the perfect winter escape?

While Father Christmas has made Lapland famous, there are so many more reasons to visit this northern region in Finland and Sweden. In winter Lapland is an enchanting wonderland draped in snow, with thrilling activities to enjoy and cultural experiences to be had.

If you’re travelling as a couple, expect to be swept off your feet on a romantic Lapland tour . Or bond with friends and family while out on a husky ride or reindeer safari. The great thing about a Lapland holiday for adults is that you can make it as active or relaxed as you like!

Read on to learn why Lapland is such a wonderful winter destination for grown-ups.

• Explore Lapland holiday packages to start planning your trip

1. You can enjoy activities in the snow

Snowmobiling.

One of the most thrilling things you can do in Lapland is ride a snowmobile! Carve your way through secluded forests and open landscapes, admiring the sight of snow sparkling in the sunlight. A guide will accompany you but you’ll get to drive a snowmobile yourself for a truly exhilarating experience.

You’ll cover a lot of ground on a snowmobile safari, zipping through pristine national parks dotted with frozen lakes. And, if you like the idea of exploring this wintry scenery at night, you can even embark on an evening snowmobile tour to hunt for the northern lights.

• Discover Lapland’s magical winter scenery with these snowmobiling tour packages

Chasing the northern lights

Did you know that Lapland is one of the best places you can see the aurora borealis ? This natural phenomenon lights up the night sky with beautiful colours, which are more visible the further north you go. Since Lapland is located in the Arctic Circle, it is a prime location for witnessing the northern lights.

In fact, Swedish and Finnish Lapland are both within the “aurora zone” (or “northern lights belt”). This is a band encircling the Northern Hemisphere between 65 to 72 degrees north, where the aurora occur with frequency and intensity.

You could head out on a snowmobiling or snowshoeing adventure at night to chase the aurora borealis. Or visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland. Here you can enjoy a 4-course dinner followed by a guided excursion to hunt for the northern lights.

• See the aurora borealis in Lapland with these northern lights tours

Dog sledding

Dog sledding is a quintessential Lapland experience and one you’ll never forget. Imagine being pulled along by a group of energetic sled dogs, gliding through the snowy wilderness while cosied up under a blanket.

You’ll get to travel in the traditional way, as the locals have done for more than 1,000 years. The dog sled drivers, or “mushers”, manage teams of Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes that can run at an average speed of 32 kilometres (20 miles) an hour.

On your husky ride, you’ll learn how to drive the sled before taking the reins and setting off. Two people can share one sleigh, so if you’re travelling to Lapland as a couple , prepare for a wonderfully romantic ride through a winter wonderland!

• Go mushing in the far north with these Lapland dog sledding packages

Snowshoeing

Lapland is a haven for winter sports, its snowy plains dotted with ski resorts that beckon active travellers. It’s not just snowboarding and skiing you can try here though.

Immerse yourself in the unspoilt scenery on a snowshoeing excursion. This activity is the closest thing to hiking you can get in these snow-laden landscapes. And although you do need to have good physical health to take part, this isn’t a super strenuous activity so previous experience is not required.

You’ll be geared up with shoes and poles to help you walk through the snow, feeling the crunch beneath your feet and seeing immaculate landscapes. You might even spot some Arctic wildlife!

• Try snowshoeing and other winter sports on these active Lapland tours

2. You can soak up culture too

Sámi culture.

Although the snowy scenery is indeed pretty, that’s just the start of the story. On your Lapland holiday for adults, you can experience traditional Sámi culture too. The Sámi  are the native people of northern Scandinavia who have lived in this region for thousands of years.

Meet Lapland's local Sámi people and learn about their way of life. Buy some arts and crafts – “slöjd” – to take home for souvenirs. Sample typical cuisine like smoked fish, fried cheese and barley flatbread, as well as moreish desserts served with cloudberry jam.

You could also visit reindeer farms to find out why these animals are so important to the Sámi. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy sleigh rides and hear stories around the fire in a lavvu , a traditional Sámi tent.

• Soak up Lapland’s heritage on these Sámi culture tours

3. Celebrating Christmas and NYE here is hard to beat 

Spend Christmas or New Year in Lapland for the ultimate festive getaway. Lapland has everything you could dream of: snow-blanketed scenery, igloos and ice hotels, Nordic spas , winter activities – the list goes on!

You may be on a Lapland holiday for adults, but that doesn’t mean you can’t unleash your inner child. If you’ve always wanted to meet Father Christmas, you can do just that in the North Pole.

Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, to see Santa in person. You can also shop for souvenirs, explore the Christmas exhibition, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office.

For a New Year’s Eve to remember, Lapland has you covered. You could enjoy a festive dinner in an enchanting setting – a wooden hut tucked away in the forest. Mingle with locals and other visitors while experiencing Lappish traditions such as fortune-telling and Shaman rituals, rounded off with fireworks.

• Celebrate the festive season in Lapland with these Christmas tours or New Year’s packages
• Experience Christmas all year round with a trip to Santa Claus Village in Lapland

4. There are some really cool places to stay

One of the most special experiences you can have in Lapland is sleeping in a  Nordic ice hotel or glass igloo . Picture cosying up under thick blankets surrounded by snow sculptures carved by hand. Or imagine gazing through domed windows that frame the northern lights dancing above you.

Visit the ICEHOTEL outside Kiruna, Swedish Lapland, to sleep in an ice room surrounded by astonishing sculptures. Or you could stay at the SnowCastle in Kemi, Finnish Lapland, for a fairytale experience in a fortress hewn from snow and ice.

Another frozen hideaway in Finnish Lapland is the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos , tucked away in the countryside outside Rovaniemi. Choose between a room made of ice or a glass dome with uninterrupted views up to the sky. Finland also boasts an  Igloo Village , studded in the scenic Urho Kekkonen National Park.

It’s not just the extraordinary accommodation that’s impressive though. On your visit to these hotels, you could sip drinks at ice bars, step inside ice churches, and enjoy dinner in ice restaurants. There are even ice art exhibitions to discover!

• Stay in the coolest Nordic accommodation on these ice hotel and glass igloo packages

Good to know

Visit in winter.

Lapland holidays are ideal if you want a short break in winter, with plenty of fun to be had over a few days. We recommend visiting Finnish or Swedish Lapland between December and March, when you’ll experience snow-laden landscapes and festive activities.

Nordic Visitor’s Lapland tour packages include accommodation, daily breakfast, a selection of excursions and transfers. Our travel experts will take care of all the arrangements for you to ensure you have a seamless and unforgettable trip!

• Discover  tours to Lapland in January , February , March and  December
• Related: Best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway

Your payment is protected

While Nordic Visitor doesn't have ATOL protection, we do have insurance coverage that safeguards all our customers' payments. The reason ATOL protection does not apply to our tours is because we do not book your international flights.

Nordic Visitor complies with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. For more information about financial protection, read our booking information page.

• Take a short break with these 3-day or 4-day Lapland trips
• Or visit  Lapland in 5 days or 6 days

Lapland really is the ultimate winter destination for grown-ups! Whether you want a short 2-night break or a 6-day holiday, explore all our Lapland packages to find the right one for you. We can tailor your itinerary with extra nights and activities, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Get in touch with us to start planning your dream Lapland trip.

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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3-Day Tours in Lapland

Enjoy 3 days in Lapland on a magical winter trip planned by the regional travel experts at Nordic Visitor. Hunt for the northern lights, have fun in the snow, or meet Father Christmas on your 2-night break. Your package includes accommodation, excursions, and airport transfers.

VISIT LAPLAND ON A 3-DAY TRIP

Want to spend 3 days in Lapland? We can help!

Take a short break to Lapland in winter for an unforgettable trip to the Arctic Circle. With 3 days to explore, you’d have time to go dog sledding and stay in a hotel made of snow and ice. You could also chase the northern lights on a snowmobile excursion.

Choose between visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland for your 3-day tour. Read on to find out more about each region and see which one would suit you best.

When you book a trip to Lapland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, airport transfers, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits. You also enjoy personal service from your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our contact form, live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll gladly plan your Lapland getaway.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• All bookings protected by our package travel insurance
• Accommodation, activities, transfers & breakfasts included
• Professional service from Scandinavian-based travel experts
• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options

Experience Lapland in 3 Days

Enjoy an action-packed winter getaway with a 3-day Lapland tour. Accommodation, airport transfers and activities are included in your travel package.

Winter Getaway at the Arctic Snowhotel

Stay longer in lapland.

Extend your stay to experience more of Lapland in one trip. You’d get to try more activities and increase your chances of spotting the northern lights.

Lapland Adventure - Aurora Sky Station

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, classic lapland adventure & icehotel, best of rovaniemi - classic, santa claus village & dog sledding, express lapland adventure & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, best of lapland express - rovaniemi, best of lapland complete - rovaniemi, winter adventure at the arctic snowhotel, christmas adventure in swedish lapland, new years adventure in swedish lapland, kiruna cabin getaway & northern lights, lapland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Scandinavia region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Lapland. Choose from a variety of tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights, all handpicked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! For example, you might decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location. In that case, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Super organised

Everything was super organised and detailed, there is nothing to complain well done Nordic Visitor. We enjoyed all tours that were organised for us.

Amazing experience

Having not done a tour like this before, it was comforting to know that someone else had taken the reins and everything was double-checked. Liza was helpful with all my booking questions and all the team members we met on our trip were friendly and knowledgeable. We learnt so much about Swedish life and traditions on our stay, in addition to some amazing experiences.

Trip of a lifetime!

This was a trip of a lifetime and I would do the exact same trip over again! We had a blast and cannot wait to get back to Sweden. 

Thanks Nordic Visitor!

Nordic Visitor made booking what could be a potentially complex trip (finding the right accommodation and day trips, etc.) really easy. We booked very last-minute and our consultant Ruzena could not have been more helpful - booking and arranging the package we wanted for the exact dates we requested at short-notice. Thanks!

Unforgettable experience

It was the best decision to book with Nordic Visitor. Juliana, our travel agent, responded quickly and gave us great tips and service when we needed it. The excursion we took, snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights, was unforgettable, and the dog sledding was a wonderful experience. The stay at the seasonal ICEHOTEL - wow! Every detail was well planned and scheduled by Nordic Visitor. We are extremely grateful and it exceeded our expectations.

Exactly what we're looking for

This was my second tour with Nordic Visitor, and I will continue to use them as a first choice option when exploring trips in the Europe area. They offered exactly what my wife and I are looking for in planning guided and semi-guided experiences.

We were well looked after

We had a fantastic time. We were well looked after. Our activities were well laid out. Liza our Nordic Visitor agent was really good keeping us informed as well.

We absolutely loved our experience with Nordic Visitor! From our first inquiry to our last goodbye, we had exceptional service and attention. It quite literally was everything we asked for and more! Our travel consultant worked diligently to accommodate our every wish, was always in communication with us, and was simply amazing! This was a trip of a lifetime!

Outstanding experience!

The entire experience was perfection! The dog sledding was outstanding. There are no words to adequately describe how beautiful and peaceful it is out there with the dogs. The reindeer farm was so fun! Everything and everyone was truly outstanding! All of the drivers were prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Starting every day with such a beautiful and thoughtfully prepared breakfast spread was above and beyond. Every excursion/tour was amazing, from the guides to the food to the excursions themselves. We loved everything.

Nordic Visitor thought of everything

I can't say enough about Nordic Visitor. They really thought of everything and handled even real time unexpected issues promptly. We would have definitely not had such a good experience had I tried to plan this all on our own!

Thrilling trip!

We were very pleased with our trip to Lapland, Finland. Quite honestly, we didn't know what to expect, because we had never been there before. The activities we experienced (snowmobiling, dog sledding, reindeer sledding) meant we were thrilled with our trip. Nordic Visitor made the travel very smooth and enjoyable.

Excellent experience!

Cannot fault our experience. Everything was made very easy from start to finish. Thank you so much. Loads included but still had enough time to do other things and explore on our own. Excellent experience. No glitches so no negative memories of the experience. Loved equally by child and adults!

Getting to Lapland

Nordic Visitor tours of Lapland begin in either Kiruna, for Sweden itineraries, or Kemi or Rovaniemi for Finland trips. You can find some direct flights from airports across Europe.

Otherwise, you can reach Lapland with connecting flights from Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, or Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Another option is to fly to Copenhagen in Denmark and travel to Lapland from there.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden. From Stockholm, you can fly to Kiruna with SAS or Norwegian. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland’s main air travel hub. From here, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to either Kemi or Rovaniemi with Finnair or Norwegian. Both journeys take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in your arrival city if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Lapland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Lapland below.

ICE & SNOW HOTELS

Santa claus, snowmobile adventures, culture & history, reindeer & sami culture, winter tours, what to see and do on lapland 2-night breaks.

Imagine jetting off to a winter wonderland in Northern Europe, discovering pristine scenery laden with snow. You could find yourself in this enchanting landscape on a 3-day Lapland holiday.

Lapland is situated in the far north of Sweden and Finland, within the Arctic Circle. It is a region characterised by beautiful forests, lakes and rivers. Here the dark night skies of winter light up with the shimmering colours of the aurora borealis.

Spend your 3-day tour enjoying activities in the snow, soaking up the native Sami culture, and cosying up by the fireplace.

• Explore these Lapland winter trips
• Discover 7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND

Lapland offers opportunities for adventures and indulgent experiences in equal measure. This means that you can be as active or relaxed as you wish on your winter trip!

Here are the top things to do in Lapland :

• Go mushing through the snow on a dog sled
• Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
• Explore the countryside by snowmobile
• Search for Santa Claus in his homeland
• Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
• Try skiing, ice fishing or snowshoeing
• Experience local Sami customs and cuisine
• Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve
• See Arctic animals in their native habitat
• Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

When you book a Lapland tour with Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day trips to your itinerary. We recommend that you reserve any extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Speak to your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor about the excursions you’d like to incorporate into your Lapland itinerary. They will organise everything on your behalf, while you relax and look forward to your winter escape.

• Browse these classic Lapland holidays to start planning your trip
• If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Lapland travel experts

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAPLAND

Where you go in Lapland will largely depend on the activities and sights you want to enjoy. You can read Nordic Visitor’s Lapland travel guide to learn more about each area, which will help you decide where to visit.

Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland :

• Santa Claus Village
• Kemi  

These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland :

• Abisko National Park
• Aurora Sky Station

VISIT ONE OF LAPLAND’S ICE HOTELS OR GLASS IGLOOS

One of the “coolest” things you can do in Lapland is stay in an ice hotel. Marvel at the ice sculptures, imaginative themed rooms, and restaurants and bars crafted from frozen water. Since many of the hotels melt in the spring, artists start from scratch and rebuild them each winter.

Spending the night in an ice suite is an experience you’ll never forget. You are kept cosy thanks to thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides, with the chance to step into a hot sauna in the morning.

If you’d rather sleep in a warm room, you can take a guided tour of these ice hotels instead.

A great alternative is staying in a glass igloo in Lapland. Snuggle up in your heated dome, looking through the clear glass up to the night sky. You might even be treated to a northern lights show from your bed!

Here are the best ice hotels and glass igloos to visit in Lapland:

• ICEHOTEL (Kiruna)
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
• SnowCastle (Kemi)
• Choose from one of these Lapland ice and snow hotel packages
• Learn more about the best ice hotels in Finland and the ICEHOTEL in Sweden

VISIT SWEDISH OR FINNISH LAPLAND

For your 3-day trip to Lapland, take your pick from visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland. Both destinations offer similar experiences, such as the chance to hunt for the northern lights, go snowmobiling, and ride in a dog sled.

However, Swedish and Finnish Lapland each have particular highlights that you should know about before you decide where to go. Take a look at these itinerary recommendations for a taste of what to expect in Sweden and Finland, respectively.

• Check out the  best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway

3-DAY ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR SWEDISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and snowmobile safari After touching down at Kiruna Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some time at leisure, perhaps getting to know the town or simply relaxing before you head out later.

In the evening you’ll get to explore the countryside on a snowmobile excursion, searching for the northern lights. Follow your guide through the snow as they lead you to the best spots to look for the aurora. Feel the thrill of the ride as you go.

Then, sit beside the fireplace in a wooden hut and tuck into a rustic dinner of traditional local food. Afterwards, your guide will take you back to your accommodation.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2 - Dog sledding and night at the ICEHOTEL Today you can enjoy one of the most special activities and traditions in Lapland: dog sledding.

Meet the huskies at the kennel and learn how to drive your sled from an expert guide. Head out onto the trails and glide through the woods and snowy plains, soaking up the views as you go. Afterwards, fuel up with a hot cup of coffee and a light lunch by the campfire.

Next up, you’ll visit the famous ICEHOTEL, situated in the village of Jukkasjärvi just outside Kiruna. This was the original ice hotel that set a trend for the many others that now exist around the world.

Begin with a guided tour of this extraordinary hotel, learning how artists build it using ice from the Torne River nearby. Then comes the highlight: sleeping in a room made entirely from ice and snow!

Spend the night at the ICEHOTEL or ICEHOTEL 365.

Day 3 - Departure Start the day with a warming cup of lingonberry juice served in your ice room before heading to the restaurant for a delicious breakfast. You might like to follow that with a relaxing visit to the sauna.

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Explore these Kiruna tour packages to experience Swedish Lapland
• Find out the top 10 reasons to take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden

Or you could visit Finnish Lapland for your short break. We’d recommend adding an extra night, staying for 4 days.

4-DAY ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR FINNISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 – Arrival in Rovaniemi and snowmobile safari After touching down in Rovaniemi Airport a driver will meet you for your transfer to your centrally located accommodation. Unwind after your journey or explore the town a little before your first adventure in Lapland. 

Snowmobile safaris are one of the most thrilling ways to chase the northern lights! This evening, you can ride a snowmobile through the snowy countryside around Rovaniemi. Follow your guide as they lead you to their favourite places for spotting the aurora. 

Before returning to your hotel, warm yourself by the fire and enjoy a hot drink and snack with your guide. 

Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

Day 2 – Dog sledding and Finnish sauna

Wake this morning for a transfer to a local kennel and dog sledding excursion. Here you will meet the huskies and learn all about this traditional mode of transport in Lapland: mushing. 

After a lesson in driving your sled, you and your team of excited huskies are ready to follow your guide along the snowy trails. 

Return from the surrounding forests and plains to refuel with a warming beverage around a campfire, a cosy setting for sharing stories with your fellow mushers. 

Bring the day to a close by returning to the twinkling lights of Rovaniemi and indulging in Finnish sauna culture.  

Day 3 – Reindeer farm and Santa Claus Village 

Today, hop on a snowmobile and make your way to a traditional reindeer farm. Here you can learn about the culture of Lapland’s native people, the Sami, and enjoy a sleigh ride.

Next, prepare to meet the “man in red” with a visit to Santa Claus Village, just outside Rovaniemi.

Soak up the festive atmosphere of this Christmassy haven, which is open year-round. Enjoy a private meeting with Santa with the elves on hand, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office. Then why not browse for souvenirs at the craft shops?

Spend the night in Rovaniemi or upgrade to a warm glass igloo at the Arctic SnowHotel.

Day 4 - Departure Today you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Discover Finnish Lapland with one of these Rovaniemi tours or Kemi packages
• Read this guide to Finland in winter for more inspiration

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAPLAND

The best time to visit Lapland is between December and March, when you can enjoy the magical white scenery, northern lights, and excursions in the snow.

Certain activities are available in Lapland year round. For example, in summer you can meet Father Christmas, or even visit certain ice hotels that use solar power to keep some of their rooms frozen. However, we recommend travelling in winter for the quintessential Lapland experience.

• Learn more about visiting Lapland in December or January
• Check out Lapland tours in February or March

Thanks to snowfall from mid-October to mid-May, you’ll be surrounded by snow-blanketed scenery between December and March. What’s more, in winter you have the best chances of seeing the northern lights. The long, dark nights provide the ideal backdrop for watching the aurora borealis.

In summer, on the other hand, there are long daylight hours in Lapland – a phenomenon called the “midnight sun”. With light skies all night long, it is too bright to see the northern lights.

Find out how to increase your chances of spotting the aurora borealis with these guides:

• Best time and place to see the northern lights in Sweden • Best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland • What are the northern lights? Aurora borealis explained

• Explore these northern light tours in Lapland to hunt for the aurora
• Read about Lapland’s daylight hours and climate on the Nordic Visitor travel guide

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN LAPLAND

Perhaps you want to time your Lapland trip for December to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in this winter wonderland?

Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner for Christmas Eve, accompanied by Santa’s elves. Join in the fun and help to decorate the Christmas tree before you tuck into the big feast.

You could then have the ultimate Christmas Day in Santa’s homeland. Whizz through the snow on a reindeer sleigh, meet Santa in his workshop, and taste delicious Christmas food. Think freshly baked gingerbread biscuits and a warm glass of glögg (mulled wine).

Or visit Lapland at New Year for a celebration to remember. You could attend a New Year’s Eve party in a wooden hut in the middle of a Finnish forest, experiencing local customs and cuisine. And, of course, you’d get to watch a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Don’t forget, you can get into the festive spirit at any time of year when you visit Santa Claus Village in Finnish Lapland!

• Check out these Lapland Santa holidays
• Find out about spending 4 days , 5 days or 6 days in Lapland

— REGIONAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

Get the most out of your holiday.

• Explore places handpicked for you by regional experts
• Save time and effort with everything arranged for you
• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 during your trip

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor is a Lapland tour operator and has been creating incredible travel experiences for customers in the region since 2010. Our Scandinavian travel experts know Lapland inside out, and will use their knowledge to craft your perfect itinerary.

With your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local partners, which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

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Blog posts you might like

Lapland for grown-ups: why lapland isn’t just for kids, a few fun facts about swedish lapland, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, how to eat like a local in lapland.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

DIY Lapland Trip: 8 Top Tips To Book Lapland On A Budget

There is no doubt that Finnish Lapland is the ultimate place to see Santa . It is his official home after all! This experience can come at a cost though.

The price of Lapland package holidays can be extortionate and for many people, they are just too expensive. The good news, however, is that you can still visit Lapland by arranging a DIY Lapland trip which will be cheaper than a package deal.

For many people, a DIY Lapland holiday is the most affordable way to visit Lapland.

If you find the idea of booking your own Lapland holiday a little daunting, we hope that this detailed guide will help. It is PACKED with information on how to arrange a DIY Lapland trip that will work out cheaper than package holidays .

Our comprehensive DIY Lapland guide will explain how to book Lapland on a budget, covering the main areas where you can save money with answers to some Lapland FAQs at the end.

But before we get into the hows and whys of booking your own DIY Lapland trip – we need to point out some important information .

This post contains affiliate links. If you book something using one, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.

• This post is written from the point of how to research and book cheap Lapland holidays . It is a diary of the steps we took to book our own Lapland holiday. We have now been to Lapland and you’ll find advice on the best places to stay in Lapland or the best excursions to book in Lapland in our Finland family travel section. This is purely to help give you some guidance to book your own DIY Lapland holiday.
• You need to be aware that booking a DIY Lapland trip may be cheaper than booking a package holiday to  Lapland, but it does not come with the same protection that you will get with a package holiday . You need to make sure that you are fully aware of the cancellation policies for the flights and accommodation and make sure that you have insurance in place.
• Most importantly – have don’t forget to organise your Lapland Boarding Pass , Lapland Reveal ,  Lapland invite from Father Christmas or your personalised Lapland hoodie !

Why we booked a DIY Lapland trip vs a Lapland package holiday

We fully intended to book a package holiday for extra security in case of cancellations – but with holidays from 2020 being carried over to 2021, there just wasn’t much availability.

It also seemed that the prices had been increased greatly by the tour operators so we had no option but to book our own budget Lapland holidays.

We wanted to go before Christmas to be able to see Santa which is the most popular (= expensive) time to go. Note that you can see Santa year round in most places but we felt that it was better for the kids to see him before Christmas.

I couldn’t price up a comparable holiday because there was no availability on the dates we booked (close to Christmas).

What I found was a 3 night holiday to Saariselkä (with transfers and a few taster excursions and a Santa visit) was £6300 with Santa’s Lapland flying on 1st December. The difference is quite staggering,

8 Tips for booking a DIY Lapland trip

Here are 8 ways you can make savings when booking a DIY Lapland trip.

1. Choose which Lapland resort you want to visit

You may be wondering which is the best resort in Lapland? But what you should be asking is where is the best place to see Santa in Lapland? or which is the best ski resort in Lapland?

Choosing a resort in Lapland is an entirely personal choice and the resort you choose will depend on what you want to get out of your trip. You may also be swayed by the flight prices (see #2 on how to book cheap Lapland flights).

These are the main resorts in Lapland and each of them offer something slightly different:

• Rovaniemi – the capital of Lapland and a large, lively resort with lots of bars and restaurants. Home to Santa Claus Village .
• Levi – the best ski resort in Finland. See here for more information on the ski resorts in Finland. We also wrote a guide to skiing in Levi with kids and family-friendly restaurants in Levi .
• Saariselka – the northernmost Lapland resort with a better chance of snow. Good for beginner skiers.
• Yllas – a traditional Lappish village with good skiing and home to the Snow Village if you want to stay in a snow hotel.
• Luosto – a small traditional village next to the Pyhä-Luoston national park .
• Ruka – a small traditional village – see Santa at his cottage about 30 minutes away from Ruka

The resort you choose depends what you are looking to get out of your DIY Lapland holidays. We wanted to combine a visit to Santa with some skiing in Lapland and a decent sized town so we ended up choosing Levi.

As you are arranging everything yourself, you might want to consider the resort you choose based on proximity to the airport. We chose Levi also because it is only 15 minutes from Kittilä airport meaning a quick (and cheaper) transfer.

See #5 for links to the tourist offices for each resort where you will find more information on each resort.

2. How to book cheap Lapland flights

Now that you have chosen your Lapland resort, you can choose your flights. We have some really helpful information in our (bumper) guide to finding and booking cheap flights including which are the best days to book your flights.

The main airports in Lapland are:

Rovaniemi (for Rovaniemi, Luosto) – Rovaniemi airport is 8 minutes from Rovaniemi and 90 minutes from Luosto. Kittilä (for Levi and Yllas) – Kittilä airport is 15 minutes from Levi and less than 60 minutes from Yllas. Ivalo (for Saariselkä) – Ivalo airport is 25 minutes from Saariselkä. Kuusamo (for Ruka) – Kuusamo airport is 10 minutes from Ruka.

Direct flights to Lapland from the UK are the most convenient but can also be more expensive than indirect flights.

You can fly direct to Lapland from the UK with Easyjet flights and Ryanair (to Rovaniemi) or TUI (to Kittilä, Ivalo or Kuusamo).

The key to grabbing cheap flights to Lapland is to book as soon as the flights are released. Easyjet don’t have a set schedule of release dates now so the best thing is to sign up to Easyjet flights to get email alerts. You can grab flights to Lapland for under £100 per person.

**22/23 Easyjet Lapland flights are being released on 3rd March 2022**

There was absolutely no availability on TUI to fly direct to Kittilä (for Levi) on the days we wanted and we noticed that Easyjet flights to Rovaniemi were £3500 for a family of 4 so we decided to book indirect flights.

If you need to book indirect flights, the best way to do this is on Skyscanner . If you have any flexibility on dates, choose the WHOLE MONTH option which will pull up the fares for each day of the month and you can then pick the most suitable.

It is not straightforward to find the whole month option so here’s how to do it. First, put your flight details in and search for flights. On the results page, you will see ‘Show whole month’ in the top right (circled in pink below).

Choose the month in which you wish to travel and it will show you the cheapest days of the month (highlighted blue).

You can even book a multi-city flight and have a stopover in another European city. There is bound to be a beautiful European Christmas market to pop into.

Here is an example of the flights we booked but there are so many different options from London to Lapland with airlines like Lufthansa, Air France and KLM.

KLM were offering the best value flights and at good times so we booked through Skyscanner :

LONDON – AMSTERDAM – HELSINKI – AMSTERDAM – LONDON

We had one night in Amsterdam on the way out and on the way home we just had a quick connection in Amsterdam.

We separately booked Finnair flights from Helsinki to Lapland (Kittilä) on Skyscanner . Even the most basic (cheapest) class allows us to change our flights up to 72 hours before departure (although are non-refundable).

If you are finding that the internal flights to Rovaniemi are quite expensive, you can try looking at the overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (the Santa Claus Express night train or on VR Matkalla ).

3. Lapland accommodation

There is a large choice of accommodation in Lapland ranging from budget to blow-the-budget. We suggest booking your accommodation on Booking.com for two reasons.

We found this was quite a bit cheaper than booking directly with the hotel and often they have a better cancellation policy than the hotel.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite with sauna in the Levi Panorama because it is ideally placed for people who want to ski. We also stayed in an igloo in the Northern Lights Village . You can read our review of the Northern Lights Village in Levi here .

We splashed out because of the once in a lifetime experience argument, but there are some lovely self-catering options on Booking.com for a fraction of the price. This is really where you can make some big savings.

An example of the savings we made on a 2 bedroom suite with sauna at the Hotel Levi Panorama for 5 nights:

Direct booking with the hotel = €407 per night (£1750 for 5 nights with NO breakfast)

On Booking.com = £1455 for 5 nights including breakfast. You can read all about our stay at the Hotel Levi Panorama here .

4. Book self-catering accommodation

If you are really looking to do Lapland on a budget, we would suggest booking a self-catering apartment or log cabin and take some supplies with you.

This was one of our money saving tips we used in Iceland where it was very expensive to eat out.

You can book self-catering accommodation through Booking.com which is a great travel resource for cheap holidays to Lapland.

5. Book your excursions through the local tourist office

There is usually a big price difference between the tours offered by the tour companies and those offered by smaller independent tour operators.

Take a look on the tourist information sites for recommended tours and then look on Tripadvisor for reviews to confirm.

You can either contact the local tourist information office to help with booking or you can wait until you get there to book (unless you are going peak season).

The main Lapland tourist boards are:

Lapland Safaris also have a good reputation and cover activities in all resorts.

6. Choose your Lapland activities wisely

Our kids love fishing and I imagine they would LOVE ice fishing – but after doing some research, it seems that nobody ever in the history of Lapland has caught a fish while ice fishing. OK, they may still love the experience, but they would probably love a bit of free sledging just as much.

The top activities in Lapland with kids and the ones we have booked are:

• Husky safari (5km should be enough with young kids)
• Santa visit
• Northern Lights hunting

Knowing how happy our boys were with all the free things to do in Iceland including playing with snow and ice, we are pretty confident that we don’t need to book any other activities in advance.

Just a note on booking activities, remember that in December there are very few sunlight hours and in mid-December you may not even see the sun.

The days are like a permanent dusk with the lightest part of the day being around noon.

Here are some top rated Lapland activities you might want to take a look at. Most of these tours have flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Levi: Lapland Reindeer and Husky safari .

Rovaniemi: Snowmobile reindeer and husky safari .

Rovaniemi: Snowmobile tour to see reindeers, huskies and Santa Village .

Rovaniemi: 3 hour family snowmobile tour .

Rovaniemi: family friendly snowmobile tour and artic animal adventure .

Rovaniemi: Ice Breaker cruise with lunch and ice floating .

Levi: Snow Castle guided tour .

7. Do you need to see Santa before Christmas?

If you are not that bothered when or even if you see Santa, you can save a lot of money just by avoiding the pre-Christmas frenzy.

January and February are better times to visit Lapland because of slightly longer daylight hours and better snow and the prices for flights and accommodation will come down significantly.

8. Book a ski package

If you have the time and like to ski or are interested in learning to ski, why not book a ski trip? There is some great skiiing in Lapland for beginners and intermediates.

A package ski trip to Finland is often cheaper than a package Lapland holiday to see Santa. Have a look at Crystal Ski or Inghams . The Lapland ski holidays are often 7 days as opposed to 3 or 4 days for the Santa breaks.

You can then book local excursions separately (see #5) and it will still be cheaper than the packaged Santa break.

FAQs on your DIY Lapland trip

FAQs on your DIY Lapland trip that we thought you may find useful:

Where is Lapland?

Lapland is in the Arctic Circle but did you know that Lapland spans Finland and Sweden? When people talk about visiting Santa in Lapland, they are talking about Finnish Lapland. If you are looking for a Lapland experience without visiting Santa, then you can also look at Swedish Lapland .

Where is the best place to see Santa in Lapland?

If you are basing your DIY Lapland trip around seeing Santa, you want to choose the best place to visit Santa in Lapland but this choice is still quite subjective.

We hve only been to Levi and we have not tried all of these experiences so we cannot vouch for them. This is simply to pull the information together to save you time with your research on Santa Claus trips in Lapland.

Here are the main places to see Santa in the Lapland resorts:

Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and where you will find the famous Santa Claus Village (and Santa Park ).

Levi –  Northern Lights Village or Santa’s Secret Cabin.

Saariselka –   Northern Lights Village or Kakslauttanen Resort.

Luosto – the nearest place to see Santa is in Rovaniemi (see above).

Ruka – Santa Claus at Ruka Village or at Santa’s Cottage (about 30 minutes from Ruka).

Yllas – the Secret Cabin or you can arrange for Santa to visit you in your cabin .

What to wear in Lapland?

If you are wondering what to wear in Lapland in December, make sure to read our guide to what to pack for Lapland .  Temperatures can range from 0 to minus 20 Celsius (and more).

In terms of what to wear in Lapland – it is all about layers. Good base layers / thermals, fleeces and a good quality (warm and waterproof) gloves. Good quality socks like Smartwool also make a big difference and the right footwear is crucial.

If you are booking DIY Lapland holidays, you won’t have the snow suits provided by the travel company so you will either need to hire them yourself.

If you are doing some snow activities, you should be able to hire snow suits from the company operating the activity (included in the price of the activity) or you can hire snow suits for the duration of your stay if you prefer.

If you have skiwear already, you should bring that, especially if you are planning on skiing.

Here are the items we take:

Warm waterproof  jacket 

We took our ski jackets with us which worked well.

We use these jackets:

• Mountain Warehouse jacket for men .
• Columbia women’s insulated ski jacket (possibly the warmest jacket I have ever owned).
• Spyder boy’s ski jacket .

You can find cheaper alternatives at Decathlon or Mountain Warehouse . Mountain Warehouse does good jacket and ski trouser sets for kids.

Waterproof trousers

We use our ski trousers. You can get good, affordable trousers from Mountain Warehouse.

Thermal socks

They are pricey but we LOVE Smartwool socks as they actually work! For a decent, cheaper alternative, we also use Mountain Warehouse thermal socks.

• Kid’s merino wool socks.
• Men’s merino wool socks.
• Women’s merino wool socks.

Thermal layers (top and bottom)

We recommend merino wool thermal layers. You should not use anything with cotton because cotton will retain sweat and cool you down.

We use Mountain Warehouse Merino Wool thermals . What I love about the Mountain Warehouse thermals is that the kids age 13 will fit me (5’5″ – size 10). These dino print thermals are really cute.

We also love Decathlon for thermal layers (not merino). See here for tops and bottoms for kids.

See here for women’s merino wool thermal layers from Mountain Warehouse and men’s thermals .

For a cheaper alternative, you can try the Mountain Warehouse Isotherm thermals ( Men ) and ( Women ).

Fleece tops

It is great to layer and fleece tops are warm, lightweight and dry quickly if you need to wash them.

Good quality snowboots are essential, especially if you want to be out at night searching for the Northern Lights.

We use these snowboots:

• Sorel kid’s snowboots.
• Sorel women’s snowboots.
• Sorel men’s snowboots.

Hat and gloves

You will want waterproof gloves for the kids as they may insist on playing with the ice and snow! We use Decathlon waterproof gloves for the kids.

Winter clothing rental locations Levi and Winterent Rovaniemi and Winterent Saariselkä Luosto Ruka Ylläs and Winterent

You can also rent your clothing from  Lapland Safaris which is present in all of the main resorts except Ruka.

Where are the glass igloos in Lapland?

There is a great article on the different types of Lapland glass igloos and where to find them. There are even some budget glass igloo options.

Can you do a cheap day trip to Lapland?

All of the above information is assuming that you want to spend a few days in Lapland but what if you want to do a day trip to Lapland?

In 2019, I saw an advert on Facebook for incredibly cheap Lapland day trips. The catch was, they were departing the following day.

I don’t have experience in this but would hazard a guess that it is pretty hard to organise your own day trip and for it to be successful and cheaper than the package deal.

You would need direct flights. It wouldn’t be possible to taking a connecting flight. You would need to have everything organised in a military style to be able to get everything done and if it is your first time, this could just all be a bit too much.

Your best option would be to wait until close to your time of departure and see if any of the tour operators are offering last minute holidays to Lapland.

When does it snow in Lapland?

The temperature in Lapland in December varies. There have been reports of very little snow at the beginning of December. This is not ideal at all if you are looking to do all of the winter activities on offer. There is obviously no guarantee of snow, but the later you go in December, the better usually.

The best snow conditions in Lapland are from January to March.

Still not sure about booking DIY Lapland holidays?

If you are really not sure about booking a DIY Lapland trip, then our top tip for booking a Lapland holiday with a travel agent would be to book late. Last minute Lapland holidays can be so  much cheaper IF you are prepared to risk with availability and don’t mind where you stay.

Tour operators start releasing their deals for any unsold holidays around 8 weeks before your intended holiday date and there can be big savings. There are unlikely to be many deals in 2021 because everyone who had a holiday booked for 2020 has been moved to 2021 and there is very little availability.

Here are some of the main Lapland tour operators offering holidays to Lapland – some are dedicated Santa holidays and others are just Lapland holidays:

• Santa’s Lapland
• Canterbury Travel Lapland
• Crystal Ski

More information on Lapland

VisitLapland is a great source of information for booking your DIY Lapland trip and if you are looking to speak to people who have been for unbiased opinions, we would suggest joining Lapland Budget DIY Trips or the Lapland Holiday Chat groups on Facebook.

There is a lot of invaluable advice on there which may help you narrow down your choice of resort and anything you’re not sure about, you can ask.

Can’t wait to get to Lapland? Check out these Lapland webcams for Levi , Yllas and Rovaniemi .

Map of Lapland

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Some great tips here, thanks! We are planning our own trip to Lapland over Christmas 2021, we have opted for Rovaniemi. So far we have only booked accommodation, but plan on flying to Helsinki and getting a night train from there. It should be a lot cheaper than a direct flight and will be a bit of an adventure for the kids! We have an Airbnb booked about 40 minutes from Rovaniemi and will hire a car. We are hoping the Northern Lights will be visible from out cabin. Will check out the tourist info site to get some activities booked soon. Thanks again for the tips! Keith (bullsgoglobal.com)

Hi Keith – glad you found it useful. Fingers crossed we’re able to travel in 2021!

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Holidaymakers 'traumatised' after using travel agent

Holidaymakers have said they were left "stressed" and "traumatised" following chaotic holidays booked through the same travel agent.

More than 30 people in the Winchester area have formed a Facebook group making allegations about their experiences with a representative of InteleTravel.

The company said it had terminated the contract of one of its representatives, and Hampshire police confirmed a woman had been arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.

The BBC has been in contact with the woman, but she is yet to comment.

Customers have said they were left with unbooked flights, unpaid hotels, and ended up out of pocket.

Marisa Noyce booked a holiday to Morocco with her husband and daughter, but said shortly beforehand she realised the hotel had not been booked.

She said they agreed to take a break in Crete instead, but when they arrived the hotel there was not booked either.

Over the next few days they chased the representative for the money, but it was not paid in full until a day before they checked out.

"We had to agree on a totally different destination, different country, different everything," Ms Noyce said.

She said they had not had any explanation and the experience "ruined our holiday and my 40th".

Claire Marshall previously went on a holiday booked through the same person that went to plan, though it did involve chasing up paperwork.

However, the next holiday, which she went on with her daughter to Tenerife, began with the boarding passes only arriving the night before, and with incorrect names on them which cost money to change, she said.

When they landed she said they were told to go to a different hotel without explanation.

Ms Marshall said: "I had the embarrassment of having to pay extra money... sitting in the reception of a five-star hotel looking like an absolute idiot waiting for money to come through like I couldn’t afford to pay for it, when actually I’d already paid months earlier."

She had already booked a second holiday the following weekend with the same representative, and said it ended up having the wrong flights booked, and incorrect boarding pass details again.

"It's a relief to know I’m not on my own but it doesn’t take away from the fact that we have had a horrific experience and it has traumatised me," she said.

"I don’t want to ever book with anyone ever again and I want to do it all myself."

'Dodgy-looking passes'

The BBC heard from another woman who said her family's trip to Lapland had no flights or accommodation booked for it.

Another said for her trip to Lanzarote the boarding passes came through last minute and had mistakes on them, while the wrong hotel rooms were booked.

"We were sent very dodgy-looking boarding passes, again with spelling mistakes that would not match the passports, also only two of the three needed," she said.

In a statement InteleTravel said it was "aware of issues" regarding the representative and was "taking the matter very seriously".

It said it had "alerted all the relevant authorities, including industry organisations" and was working closely with them, but was "unable to provide any further information at this time due to the nature of the ongoing investigations".

The company said it had "robust anti-fraud measures and a commitment to working with industry peers to eradicate fraud".

ABTA, the association of travel agents and tour operators, said it had been contacted by Inteletravel about the case.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said it was investigating a number of reports in relation to allegations of fraud.

"It has been alleged that money was taken for holidays by a woman operating as a travel agent, which were then not booked.

"A 39-year-old woman from Winchester has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position. She has been released on police bail until 8 December."

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook , X (Twitter) , or Instagram .