Memorable Christmas holiday in Lapland North Destinations
Christmas in Lapland is always white, with an abundance of winter activities and the joy of the holiday season. The scenic, snowy, wintery landscape give this venue a real, worry-free, Christmas feel. Christmas feasts and various holiday programmes allow you to make the most of the holidays.
The Saariselkä chapel and other churches in the region provide a peaceful respite for visitors with busy lifestyles. Here the winter is snowy and welcomes you to experience the magic of the winter wonderland.
Lapland North Destinations
In Finnish Lapland the arctic travel region of Lapland North Destinations can be discovered. Welcome to enjoy the winter wonderland offered by Finland’s two largest national parks, vibrant local culture, and numerous wintry outdoor activities amid the majestic fells.
Lapland North is a unique, family-friendly destination with pristine, unspoiled Arctic living wilderness and high-quality services.
More about the areaMeet Santa Claus
Did you know that Santa – the one and only – comes from Finland? Santa’s home fell is called Korvatunturi, which is actually located in the outskirts of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Santa’s postal office is in Rovaniemi, Lapland, where he receives hundreds of thousands of letters every year.
Kind, fair and loving Santa Claus is probably the best known Finn in the world. Here you have a chance to meet him in person!
Rudolph and his reindeer friends
Santa and his reindeer, lead by Rudolph, are an inseparable team. In northernmost Lapland you can visit a reindeer farm and get close to these furry animals – be sure to keep an eye open for the one with a red nose.
Reindeer safari allows you to experience the wilderness of Lapland and the magical tranquility of the fells. Wrap yourself in the warm blankets and forget about your every day worries. The silent reindeer ride amidst the arctic fells is an unforgettable experience.
Reindeer rides
White Christmas and winter
Lapland North gets the first snowflakes generally around October when temperatures start to drop. Permanent snow cover usually comes around November and it marks the beginning of a snow-guaranteed winter season, lasting until April-May.
The mystical Polar Night period from December to January is when the sun remains below the horizon, painting the landscape in various shades of blue, pink and purple. In March and April the spring sun provides warmth, days are long and the snow cover is at its thickest at almost a metre deep.
To winter wonderland
Snowy winter activities
In Lapland North, the winter lasts well over half a year, so there are plenty of opportunities for snowy winter activities. Try out cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. You can hop on a sleigh pulled by adorable huskies or reindeer and experience the thrill of speed on a snowmobile safari. In the evening you can join an aurora hunting excursion and admire the northern lights.
Lapland North is full of activities for everyone!
Winter activities
Admire northern lights on your Christmas holiday
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most wonderful phenomena. The explosion of Northern Lights across the sky delights visitors from early autumn until late winter. Christmastime is ideal for seeing the aurora, because of the darkness provided by the polar night.
Northern Lapland is among the best places on earth to witness the Aurora. Maximize your opportunities of seeing the greatest show on Earth, and join a northern light excursion!
Experience northern lights
Local art and handicrafts
The Sámi culture and its handicraft traditions are evident in the local artworks, jewelry and other handicraft products, which can be purchased in small boutiques and souvenir shops across Lapland North Destinations. A product related to local culture and Northern nature, made by an artisan or a designer from the Sámi homeland, is the most memorable Christmas present you can give.
Fall in love with the designs and stories of the local artists, shop for Finnish design and unique handicrafts. Get the best memories from the Far North!
Souvenir shopping
Accommodation for everyone
Whether you prefer to sleep under a duvet or a starry sky, there is a wide range of accommodation options available. From a high-class villa to an aurora cabin, or an all-inclusive hotel to cosy holiday apartment – you can find it all in Lapland North.
Aurora accommodation under the starry sky, watching the Northern Lights dancing above your bed is an experience to remember!
Accommodation options
Where to eat
In Lappish cuisine, the meat often comes from the area’s reindeer herders. Fish originates from the clear waters of the Inari region and the nearby Arctic Ocean. Try out different Christmas specialties during your holiday!
Whether you are in a fine-dining restaurant or on an outdoor lunch during your ice-fishing trip, you can taste the pure northern flavors in every mouthful.
Restaurants of the areaWinter activities in Lapland North Destinations
Christmas in Lapland is always filled with the magic of the polar night and snowy winter activities. Put on snowshoes or skies, jump on a sleigh ride or enjoy the arctic atmosphere by an open fire, sipping a cup of berry juice. Book your activities conveniently online.
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How to get here
You can quickly reach Finland’s northernmost airport Ivalo from Helsinki aboard Finnair and during the winter months, there are also connections from European cities. Buses, rental cars and taxis are at your service at Ivalo airport.
The train will take you to Rovaniemi, where you will find various bus connections to Northern Lapland. The bus routes take you through some of the most magnificent scenery, as far as the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
How to get here?
Inari-Saariselkä is far away in the North, yet just a few hours from Southern Finland. You can get to Lapland with multiple ways, and often the trip is an experience in itself.
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How to get around?
When travelling through the arctic hills, you must remember that distances are quite often long. Be sure to enjoy the views while making your way from a destination to another.
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Arctic destinations of northernmost Lapland
Lapland North Destinations is a vast area in northernmost Finnish Lapland, with many exciting destinations and sights within. In the villages of Lapland North, you will find the authentic Finnish Lapland.
