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Vacation Time: Finnish Lapland!

The homeland of Christmas


REPORTING BY Inka Viirret


Woman in leopard print top and red skirt, smiling outdoors. Wearing a backpack, background blurred with bokeh lights, creating a lively feel.

WITH ABUNDANT SNOW, ICY TEMPERATURES and welcoming people, Finnish Lapland, in the country’s far north, is a magical place to spend Christmas. Stay in the capital, scenic Rovaniemi, the ‘official’ hometown of Santa Claus. It’s a picturesque and action-packed winter wonderland for kids of all ages: look forward to crisp days and peaceful polar nights.


Snowy winter scene with cozy wooden cabins, snow-covered trees, and warm lights. Festive atmosphere with a decorated Christmas tree.

YOUR VISIT STARTS AT SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE right on top of the Arctic Circle marker in Rovaniemi. Snowman World, at the heart of the village, is where the fun is at with snow and ice rides, ice skating, snowmobiling and an on-ice disco. Accommodation includes wood cabins, glass-sided apartments and an ice hotel complete with restaurant and bar.


Child in a knit hat and Santa in a red suit share a close, warm exchange. The background is a brick wall, creating a cozy atmosphere.

NEXT UP IS SANTAPARK, an action-packed indoor theme park, often referred to as the world’s top Christmas destination. It lies inside a mountain cavern, a couple of kilometres west of Santa Claus Village, and you get to meet elves, as well as Santa himself. Attractions include an ice sculpture gallery, carousel, magic sleigh ride, ice bar and theatre.


Polar bear standing on a rocky ledge against a textured stone background, appearing calm and alert. The setting is rugged and natural.

RANUA WILDLIFE PARK, an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, is another must-see. Around 200 animals, including wolves, lynx, musk oxen and Finland’s only two polar bears, are homed in natural-like enclosures. You can explore the park via a scenic 2.5km trail, and guides provide insights into the animals’ behaviours and habitats.


Huskies pull sled in snowy forest. Two people in red jackets guide the team. Dogs appear energetic amid snow-laden trees.

A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR SNOW SPORTS, Finnish Lapland offers a wide range of activities for all skill levels with guaranteed snow cover by December. Head to Rovaniemi’s family-friendly winter parks or the high-quality slopes of Levi for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even dog sledding.


Aurora borealis with green and purple hues lights up a starry night sky, framed by silhouetted trees from below. Peaceful and awe-inspiring.

THE BREATHTAKING NORTHERN LIGHTS (Aurora Borealis) are easy to spot against Lapland’s clear dark skies. Light pollution is minimal and here in the ‘aurora belt’, the lights shine with maximum vibrancy. Remote locations like Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä and Inari offer excellent opportunities for viewing.


Reindeer with antlers near a tree, adorned in a red harness. Snowy background with a red-roofed cabin and Christmas lights. Cozy setting.

THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 200,000 REINDEER (that’s more reindeer than residents) in Finnish Lapland. So be sure to head to one of the many reindeer farms to feed, pet and walk with the reindeer. Tours are available year-round at the farms in and around Rovaniemi and you can take a leisurely reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through the surrounding forests.

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