Lapland Christmas Holidays

Our Santa holidays include the opportunity to meet Mr Claus in his cottage, cabin or workhouse – enough to make anyone believe in Father Christmas. Children can play with the elves, meet reindeer and maybe play a game or learn a song.

Rather than just walking in a winter wonderland, you can travel to meet Santa by reindeer sleigh ride with Rudolph’s friends or meet some huskies for a spot of sledding through the forest.

Our Finnish Lapland resorts have good transport connections to the Santa Park and Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi if you fancy a day trip, and you can also visit traditional Sami reindeer farms. Other Lappish activities include ice fishing, snowmobiling and tobogganing – as well as alpine and cross-country skiing.

Lapland’s daylight hours are at their lowest in December and the shortest day of the year usually falls around Christmastime. Instead of gloomy darkness, the region is usually covered in a shimmering twilight throughout the day, helped by the reflective snow, which creates a really special atmosphere. Even if there isn’t much natural light, plenty of floodlit pistes mean you can still have a great day’s skiing and you’ve also got a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights – a magical way to top off your festive break.

December is really cold here so put boots with good grip and layers of thermals at the top of your Christmas list; sometimes snowsuits can be supplied with your accommodation - check with us before you go as this could save money as well as packing space (all the more room for stocking fillers!).

If your perfect festive break doesn’t require you lifting a finger, our hotels are just the ticket. Book one on a half board or full board basis and most – if not all you’re your main meals are included with the cost of your stay. For a truly relaxing Christmas, spa hotels come with Finnish saunas, Jacuzzis and talented therapists. Some hotels have special events on Christmas eve – like gingerbread baking and a Lappish Christmas dinner. There might even be an appearance from Father Christmas…

Or if you like to bring your own yuletide traditions on holiday, book a cosy self-catered cabin or apartment and cook up your own Christmas feast, enjoying your own space with your usual Christmas morning routine and present-opening and games by the fireside.