Everything you need to know about visiting Lapland

Marie Rowe on 01 December 2022
When it comes to visiting Lapland, there are lots of different options including different destinations and arctic villages with different styles of accommodation and each tour has different activities included. Some are fully inclusive and others have unforeseen hidden costs, so it pays to do your research and make sure you're booking an experience with a trusted tour operator.

Personally, I only sell the BEST award-winning tours to my clients with amazing, authentic experiences that ensure families make memories that will last a lifetime. All my trips include flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and transfers. They are facilitated by expert tour agencies in the most magical locations and include amazing experiences with authentic Santa, Elves and activities.

In this blog I will share everything you need to know about booking a once in a lifetime trip to Lapland next December.

WHERE IS LAPLAND?

Finnish Lapland is the part of Finland north of the Arctic Circle. It is a magical realm of forests and fells, Northern Lights and midnight sun, unique wildlife and traditional culture. It is also the home of a jolly old man known locally as Joulupukki – Santa Claus!

Every December, families from across the world travel to Lapland to experience the magic of Santa’s frozen forest home. It's a fairy tale come true, with reindeer and huskies dashing through the snow, enchanting elves around every corner, crackling fires and cosy log cabins and the best Christmas present ever, that magical meeting with Santa Claus himself.

This winter wonderland serves up a host of action-packed Arctic activities for kids and parents alike, from snowmobiling, skiing, sledging and snowshoeing, to the yelp and yowl of husky mushing, and the gentler pace of a traditional reindeer sleigh ride.

Lapland is Europe’s last great wilderness, a land of outstanding natural beauty, where reindeer roam freely and far outnumber their human counterparts. For hundreds of years the indigenous Sami people have lived in harmony with Mother Nature and the land, hunting, fishing and reindeer farming. Little has changed, and it’s a privilege to be welcomed to this wonderful landscape and its rich culture.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?

December is always the busiest time of year for booking trips to Lapland for the following Christmas period. This is because it's almost always too late to book a last-minute trip to go sooner and also because the best trips get booked up so far in advance, so it pays to be organised and book a year in advance to get the best price, the best trips, and your first choice of dates and accommodation.

Tours go on sale more than a year in advance and can be booked with a deposit of around £200pp.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The short answer is, roughly about £500-700pp per day. The slightly longer answer is… it depends on where you go, when you go, who you go with, how long you go for, what type of accommodation you stay in and what activities are included.

Ultimately, you get what you pay for.

WHICH TRIPS ARE THE MOST POPULAR?

I have put together a short list of award-winning Lapland Holidays, Day Trips & Short Breaks which are the most sought after based on the quality of the experience.

ENCHANTING LAPLAND DAY TRIP

Meet Santa Claus in Lapland next Christmas and enjoy an action packed day trip to Enontekio with husky and reindeer sleigh rides galore.

Enjoy an exciting sleigh transfer from the airport to a beautiful location in the Lappish countryside before visiting a snow igloo and participating in a variety of traditional Arctic activities.

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE - 3 NIGHT BREAK

This Lapland Santa holiday is based in the peaceful village of Suomu or the picturesque Ruka Valley, on the edge of the Valtavaara National Park.

The resorts are two of Santa’s favourite Lapland locations and in Suomu and Ruka Valley you can meet some of the traditional elves who work tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly for Santa on Christmas Eve.

MAGICAL INTERLUDE - 3 NIGHT TRIP

Join the Search for Santa on this 3 night/4 day Lapland Santa holiday

Escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world & be transported to a land full of mystery and magic in Search of Santa. Prepare to be spellbound by the beauty of Luosto, as you feel at one with nature, set amidst the Lappish wilderness. Meet Wendy Wood, the toymaker & a host of special friends as you Search for Santa. Feel the power of the paw, as the huskies whisk you away through ancient snow covered forests in our quest to find the great man.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Depending on which tour you book, the activities will vary on the duration of your stay. The Magical Interlude 3 night trip includes:

- Reindeer Experience Feed the reindeer, learn traditional Sami culture and enjoy a magical reindeer sleigh ride.

- Adult & Junior Snowmobiling A mini-drive for adults and children across a prepared track.

- Santa's Special Elves Meet Santa’s most trusted helpers and prepare for mayhem, magic and giggles galore!

- Sleigh Ride to Santa’s House The excitement builds as you swish deep into the forest by snowmobile sleigh.

- A Gift from Santa

- Celebration Dinner

- Accommodation Hotel, log cabin & villa options available.

- Return Flights

- Snow Suits & Boots Cosy thermal suits and boots supplied free of charge.

- 100% ATOL Protected for Your Peace of Mind

- Husky Experience Learn all about Arctic huskies and try your hand at dog sledding.

- Snow Fun & Games Tobogganing, snowballing, snow angels & more.

- Santa’s Magical Post Office See how the elves sort those very special letters!

- Private Family Meeting with Santa Your family’s private time with Father Christmas.

- We Found Santa Party Put on your dancing shoes and join the Special Elves for special celebration!

- Fully Inclusive Itinerary All the listed activities are included as standard. There are no hidden extras, and no unexpected “upsells”.

- All Meals Included Buffet breakfast, lunch & dinner included. À la carte dinner upgrade available.

- Resort Transfers Airport and activity coach transfers are included.

- Souvenir Certificate & CD

Get in touch to plan and book your next magical Lapland experience with a personal service.