The Finnish region of Lapland is a stunning destination known for its magical winter landscapes, wildlife, aurora borealis and the midnight sun. It is the size of Portugal and a treat to visit during the winter because of its enchanting snowy landscapes and festive atmosphere. Home to one of the last wildernesses in Europe, the place abounds with snow; special wintry celebrations like the Skábmagovat Film Festival; the wondrous world of the Santa Claus Village; stunning national parks; and amazing wildlife like lynxes, brown bears, the Siberian jay, otters, beavers, goshawks, white-tailed deer and wolverines, among others, during the colder months. (Reindeer are semi-wild animals.) A trip here is nothing short of dazzling and awe-inspiring, no matter the time of year.
Here’s your complete guide to celebrating Christmas in Finnish Lapland.
The Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi and is the official hometown of the iconic figure. The family-friendly destination allows visitors to meet him at the Santa Claus Office throughout the year but the winter ambience makes the occasion all the more special. There are plenty of things one can do here, including, but not limited to, reindeer safaris; husky safaris at the adjacent Arctic Circle Husky Park; ice karting in Santa’s Motor Park; tasting the unique flavours of Lapland such as cinnamon rolls, braised reindeer and salmon roasted over an open fire; shopping for handicraft items; staying at unique accommodations such as glass igloos, snow hotels and luxurious cottages; and receiving an official certificate when you cross the marked line of the Arctic Circle, which runs through Santa Claus Village.
Finland’s largest national park is home to the legendary Lemmenjoki River that leads into the homelands of Lapland's indigenous Sámi people. The breathtaking scenery of Lemmenjoki can be enjoyed from the park's various fells. When hiking among the ancient shield bark-covered pine trees in the primaeval forests, you will feel the majesty of nature and the calming wind in the trees. The old housing and hunting grounds of the Sámi within the park illustrate their customs and heritage. Not only can you learn about the history of gold-digging, you can also see modern-day gold-diggers at work near the Lemmenjoki Valley. Also check out the Sallivaara reindeer round-up site, one of the few well-preserved sites from the old days, the Ravadasköngäs Waterfall and the Joenkielinen Fell.
The Sámi Museum Siida is a national museum responsible for showcasing, promoting and supporting Sámi culture. They store the spiritual and material culture of the Finnish Sámi in their collections and display it in exhibitions and publications. The collection includes artefacts, photographs, art, the buildings of an open-air museum, and archival and reference material. The open-air museum’s trail is approximately 800 metres long and is in the shape of a reindeer herder’s lasso. Along the trail, visitors can view around 50 buildings and structures, which are grouped by their cultural area and their intended use. The displays highlight the cultural heritage, architectural heritage and livelihoods of Finland’s three Sámi cultures. Meanwhile, the Nature Centre Siida answer questions related to hiking, travel, permits and licences in Lapland’s municipalities of Inari and Utsjoki. Make sure to check out the Siida Shop on your way out, where you can purchase books on lively Arctic cultures, stunning Sámi artwork and indigenous jewellery.
The Snow Castle of Kemi is the biggest snow fort in the world. The structure used to be built every winter but since 2019, the experience has been open year-round, even under the warm midnight sun. Rising from the frosted seaside like a mirage made of diamonds, it combines impressive architecture and a myriad of snow sculptures and reliefs, including a “Snow Restaurant” that seats 200 people and a bevy of hotel rooms made of ice and snow. Its icicle-guilded halls are a must-visit during Christmas in Lapland.
A trek through this magnificent Arctic fell country on foot or on skis takes visitors through the remnants of Lapland’s great mountains. It is home to Mount Korvatunturi, best known as the home of the legendary character Father Christmas. According to Finnish folklore, this land is said to be the location of Father Christmas’ secret workshop, where toys, trinkets and gifts are said to be made and wrapped by elves. Known for their good-natured demeanour and their role as guardians of homes, these elves are also said to be responsible for analysing weather patterns for the yearly gift-giving trip around the world. Urho Kekkonen National Park extends eastwards from the resort of Saariselkä through the wilderness of Finnish Lapland all the way to the Russian border. The night sky is illuminated by the aurora borealis in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Follow the marked trails to see Pääsiäiskuru Gorge, old huts like the Rumakuru, the Sokosti Fell and the Nuortti Canyon, among many other sights.
Caused by storms sent from the sun itself, seeing the Northern Lights is a transformative experience. The silky dancing spectres of the aurora borealis in vivid hues of green, purple and magenta are a cosmic wonder that you will never forget. There are many ways one can experience this magnificent spectacle during Christmas in Lapland. Consider a reindeer journey to wilderness cabins deep in Lapland; mount a friendly Finnish horse and head into the snow-crowned pines of central Lapland; take to the mountains of northeastern Finland for an unblemished view of the night sky; and check into an “aurora suite” that has large windows for you to enjoy the views from the comfort of your room.
The Saariselkä Ski and Sport Resort allows guests to experience the magic of the polar night from December to February while tobogganing down the longest toboggan slope in all of Finland. The activity starts with a chair lift ride to the top of the Kaunispää fell, from where Saariselkä’s city lights sparkle and dazzle. The toboggan slope is illuminated with light art that guides customers back down to the valley. The experience is magical, fun and memorable.
The Santa Claus’ Main Post Office in the Santa Claus Village is part of the Finnish postal services and is open year-round. It receives millions of letters from all over the world every year and allows guests to send letters and postcards from here to their loved ones. Each letter, card and parcel mailed at Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is franked with a special postmark and stamp. This special Arctic Circle postmark is a popular collectable and souvenir.
The plethora of winter outdoor activities is one of the biggest attractions of Lapland. The world is covered in half a metre of snow and ice, so skis, snowshoes, toboggans, fat bikes and ice skates are de rigueur here. Those looking for more speed can hop on a snowmobile and drive across frozen rivers and expansive lakes, not to mention explorations of snow-capped forests and rising fells through hikes and cross-country skiing adventures. Combine a trip across the snow with a furry friend and take a husky sleigh ride or have reindeer take you on a gentle journey.
No wellness visit to Finland is complete without a trip to the sauna, which was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2020. There are plenty of options for you to choose from, whether it is the snow sauna at the Arctic SnowHotel, the Arctic Fox Igloos on the shores of Lake Ranuajärvi that are made of glass and not snow, the sauna raft of M/S Erkin Arkki that carries visitors across the scenic waters of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers to bathe in a wood-heated sauna, or the wood-heated sauna of the Luirojärvi open hut in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Check with your accommodation provider for recommendations.
There is a variety of accommodation spread across Lapland for stays ranging from top-end hotels to campervans. Consider the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, the Pyhä Igloos chain, the Santa Claus Holiday Village, the Arctic Fox Igloos chain, the Tankavaara Gold Village, the Naali Lodge and the Sallatunturin Tuvat, to name a few.
Take a direct flight from New Delhi to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). There are a number of daily flights from Helsinki to regional airports in Lapland such as Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Kuusamo, Kemi-Tornio, Kittilä and Enontekiö. Finland has well-maintained and extensive highways to get you smoothly from Helsinki to Lapland. The most direct road route (E75) from Helsinki to Lapland travels via Lahti, Jyväskylä and Oulu to reach Rovaniemi and the Arctic Ocean. Depending on the train connection, travelling from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes between eight to 12 hours.