A Magical Christmas Holiday in Lapland

Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi

For many, the highlight of a Lapland Christmas is the chance to meet Santa Claus himself. In Rovaniemi, Santa's official hometown, you can visit Santa Claus Village. The village is open every day of the year, but the atmosphere is exceptional during the holiday season.

The village has plenty of highlights. You can, of course, meet Santa, but also cross the Arctic Circle, try delicious Christmas treats in the restaurants, or send letters stamped with the official Santa postmark from the Santa Claus Post Office. During the Christmas season, the village is a hub of festive activities from reindeer sleigh rides to Christmas craft workshops.

Another place to meet Santa is SantaPark, Santa’s secret cavern. SantaPark is an underground Christmas theme park built into the bedrock at the Arctic Circle, a very different setting from the outdoor village. The park opens for the 2026 season on 31 October. The park offers a variety of Christmas-themed activities and entertainment, one of the highlights being the Magic Train ride. There is also an Elf School where your kids can earn an Elf diploma.

Remember: if you take your children to both places, be sure to have an explanation for why there are two real Santas!

Skiing, safaris and Northern Lights in Lapland

Coming to Lapland, you want to make the most of the snowy surroundings. Lapland is home to Finland’s largest ski resorts, including Levi and Ylläs in Kittilä and Ruka near Kuusamo. Whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner, all of these offer a variety of slopes. You can also find many hotels, ski schools, rented cabins, shopping, and restaurants surrounding the ski resorts.

Of course, no winter trip to Lapland would be complete without trying to catch the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon, with its dazzling display of greens, purples, and pinks, lights up the Arctic sky on clear nights. You can see the aurora in many places across Lapland. Ivalo and Saariselkä in the north are popular spots for catching the aurora. You can also book a night in a glass igloo and watch for the lights from your bed.

If you would like to admire your snowy surroundings but do not feel sporty, hop on a snowmobile or join a reindeer or husky safari. All are great ways to get some fresh air, see the beautiful landscape and enjoy the thrill of a ride. You can find plenty of providers in all the Lapland resort areas.

You can also find more outdoorsy ideas and inspiration on our Blue Wings stories about Lapland during the fall season and nature experiences in Lapland.

Christmas food and markets in Lapland

To get into the spirit of Christmas, you also need to slow down, relax and enjoy great food and creature comforts.

For a memorable dinner, book a wilderness dinner in a traditional kota hut, where you’ll enjoy a meal cooked over an open fire while surrounded by snow-covered trees. If you prefer indoor dining, try Aanaar in Inari, where you can savour modern dishes inspired by Sami traditions. The panoramic windows overlook the frozen rapids of River Juutua. In Rovaniemi, you will find another good choice, Arctic Restaurant, focusing on pure Nordic ingredients. 

If you’re visiting Levi, head for the Christmas market by the front slopes. Levi Christmas Market is open daily from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The wooden stalls sell edible treats, such as pastries and hot drinks, but also high-quality crafts, including hand-knitted items. You can also find smaller market events and cabins selling seasonal food and gift items around the other ski resorts.

Of course, you can’t celebrate Christmas without some sweet treats. In Rovaniemi, you should visit Choco Deli, which describes itself as the world’s northernmost cake and chocolate shop. Or you could head to Café Bar 21, offering plenty of seasonal specialties such as gingerbread gelato and mulled wine cocktails.

When to visit Lapland and what to pack

• The best time to visit Lapland for snow and winter activities is from November to February, and the snow season often extends well into March. Early winter, particularly November and December, is ideal for experiencing Lapland Christmas activities, while January suits Northern Lights chasers.
• Remember to book your Finnair flights to our Lapland destinations Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Kittilä and Kuusamo early. Christmas is the busiest season in Lapland.
• Wondering what clothes to wear in Lapland? The key is to dress in layers. Thermals, insulated outerwear, and warm accessories like hats, gloves, and boots are essential for staying warm in sub-zero temperatures, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.