FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LAPLAND SANTA HOLIDAYS
Live out your childhood dream by visiting Santa in Lapland, his North Pole residence. Not only will you meet the “man in red” and his cheerful elves, but you’ll also soak up Lapland’s beautiful, snow-blanketed scenery.
Whether you’re coming with the family, your other half, or friends, Father Christmas won’t be the only highlight of your trip. Spend your Lapland holiday enjoying activities in the snow, learning about the native Sámi culture, and cosying up by the fireplace.
Read on to find the answers to frequently asked questions about Lapland Santa breaks and start planning your trip.
WHERE IS SANTA’S LAPLAND?
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.
If you’re looking for Santa’s hometown, you’ll find it in Rovaniemi, Finland. Head to Santa Claus Village, just outside town, to meet Father Christmas, send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office, and learn about Finnish Christmas traditions.
ARE THERE ANY SWEDISH LAPLAND SANTA HOLIDAYS?
Yes, you can see Father Christmas in Swedish Lapland. Although Santa Claus Village is located in Finland, that doesn’t mean that the “man in red” never visits Sweden!
On a winter break to Kiruna, you could have a Christmas-themed day to experience local festive customs. Bake delicious cookies, decorate the tree, and savour a traditional “Julbord” – a special Christmas buffet. The highlight, of course, will be visiting Santa Claus at his secret cabin in the forest.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT SANTA IN LAPLAND?
Take your pick from visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland for your Santa short break. If you want to explore his official hometown, head to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Santa Claus Village is a Christmas-themed hub with plenty of fun activities to try, hearty festive food to tuck into, and elves to hang out with. Of course, it’s also where you’ll find Santa’s workshop. This is a great place to visit with kids, as you can all enjoy a private family meeting with Father Christmas.
Alternatively, travel to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland if you’d like to meet him in a peaceful setting. As part of a Christmas-themed experience, you’d be whisked off to a secret cabin in the woods. Here you’d get to chat with Santa Claus and spend the day enjoying Swedish Christmas traditions.
IS SANTA IN LAPLAND ALL YEAR ROUND?
You can meet Father Christmas at any time of year in Lapland! But if you come between December and March, you’ll get to soak up the enchanting festive atmosphere.
During this period the whole region is covered in glistening snow, so you can enjoy exciting outdoor activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Winter is also the best time to hunt for the northern lights in Lapland.
CAN I CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS OR NEW YEAR IN LAPLAND?
Absolutely! Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner on 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 in 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.
WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND?
Aside from visiting Santa’s workshop, there’s so much more fun to be had in Lapland. The region offers opportunities for adventure and indulgence 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 on Lapland holidays:
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Meet Santa Claus in his homeland
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Go mushing through the snow on a dog sled
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Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
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Explore the countryside by snowmobile
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Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
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Enjoy reindeer sleigh rides in the snow
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Experience local Sámi customs and cuisine
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Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve
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See Arctic animals in their native habitat
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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.
WHERE ARE THE 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:
These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland:
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A FINNISH LAPLAND SANTA ITINERARY?
Day 1 - Arrival in Rovaniemi & snowmobile safari
Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at Rovaniemi Airport for your transfer to your accommodation. You could rest after your journey or head into town to explore a little before your first Lapland adventure.
Come evening, it’s time to embark on a snowmobile safari and hunt for the northern lights. Enjoy an exhilarating ride through the snow, looking for the aurora borealis, as an expert guide leads you along the trails.
Round off your excursion with a hot drink and snack beside the campfire, then return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Spend the night in Rovaniemi.
Day 2 - Dog sledding and Finnish sauna
Head into the snow-draped scenery outside Rovaniemi today with a guided dog sled excursion. Learn about this traditional mode of transport in Lapland, starting with a brief lesson at the kennel. Then mush through the woods with your own sled.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Rovaniemi. You could indulge in a sauna session, the typical way to relax and unwind here in Finland.
Spend the night in Rovaniemi.
Day 3 - Reindeer farm and Santa Claus Village
This morning, 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 go on a sleigh ride.
Next, prepare to meet the “man in red” with a visit to Santa Claus Village, just outside Rovaniemi.
Revel in 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.
Day 4 - Day at leisure and visit to the Arctic SnowHotel
Learn more about the local history, nature and culture in Rovaniemi this morning by paying a visit to the Arktikum Museum. Here you can explore the intriguing exhibits about Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region.
Come evening, head to the Arctic SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi, just outside Rovaniemi. Take a guided tour of this fascinating frozen hotel, which is created anew each year. Check out the rooms, restaurant and bar, all sculpted from ice and snow.
After your tour sit down for a delicious 3-course meal at Restaurant Kota, inspired by traditional Sami architecture. Then, you’ll either return to your accommodation in Rovaniemi, or overnight in the Arctic SnowHotel for an unforgettable stay. Choose from sleeping in an ice room or a glass igloo.
Spend the night in Rovaniemi or the Arctic SnowHotel.
Day 5 - Departure
Today you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A SWEDISH LAPLAND SANTA ITINERARY?
Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and dog sledding
After touching down at Kiruna Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to yourself, perhaps getting to know the town or simply relaxing before you head out later.
At dusk you’ll get to enjoy one of the most special activities and traditions in Lapland: husky sledding.
Head out onto the trails on a dog sled driven by an expert guide. Glide through the woods and across snowy plains, looking for the northern lights as you go. Afterwards, fuel up with a hot drink and a snack by the campfire.
Spend the night in Kiruna.
Day 2 - Experience a traditional Swedish Christmas
Today is the day to enjoy some Santa magic, with a Christmas-themed experience to get you in the festive mood.
You’ll be whisked off to a secret cabin in the woods, where you’ll meet Santa. Here, children will receive little gifts from the “man in red” – if they’ve been good!.
Enjoy Swedish customs in this enchanting setting. Bake gingerbread biscuits, decorate the Christmas tree, and sample delicious Swedish specialities during a traditional Christmas lunch (“Julbord”).
The rest of your afternoon and evening can be spent at leisure.
Spend the night in Kiruna.
Day 3 - Visit the ICEHOTEL
This morning, discover 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. You’ll also get to explore the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round structure that stays cold in the summer thanks to solar energy.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You could opt to enjoy more activities, including snowmobile safaris and visits to a Sámi reindeer farm.
Spend the night in Kiruna.
Day 4 - Departure
Today you’ll take a transfer to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.
WHAT TO PACK FOR LAPLAND TRIPS IN WINTER?
You’ll need to prepare for Lapland’s winter weather by packing plenty of warm clothing. We advise that you wear thermal layers and protective boots with good grip.
Outerwear is provided on outdoor excursions, but do bring an extra coat just in case you want another layer.
Check this recommended packing list for your Lapland trip:
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Thick woollen socks
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Thermal base layers
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Warm woollen jumpers
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Waterproof trousers
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Snowproof jacket or coat
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Thin wool or fleece gloves (ideal as a base layer under snowmobile gloves)
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Thick gloves, scarf and hat
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Camera
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Small rucksack
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Heat pads for hands and feet
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Power adaptors with two round prongs (Europlug Type C and F)
