Dream destinations for Christmas: Explore Lapland

Santa‘s House

Lapland is Santa Claus’ official home, and there’s no better time to meet him than during the festive season.

In Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, you’ll find Santa’s village, an attraction that’s open all year round to welcome visitors. However, this village takes on a particularly special aura during the Christmas season. At that moment, it’s transformed into a magical winter wonderland.

Streets and buildings are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, string lights and festive ornaments. The village is enveloped in a magical atmosphere that perfectly evokes the Christmas spirit. You’ll find decorated trees, snowmen, stuffed reindeer and all sorts of Christmas decorations.

One of the most memorable experiences is a visit to Santa’s house itself. There, you can meet Santa in person, chat with him, give him your wish list and take photos to immortalize this precious moment. Visitors from all over the world flock to share this unique moment with Santa Claus.

The northern lights

As well as the magic of Christmas, Lapland is also famous for its Northern Lights. In December, polar nights offer ideal conditions for observing these luminous spectacles in the sky. Imagine yourself under a warm blanket, watching the aurora dance above you, creating a breathtaking tableau of shimmering colors. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Winter activities

Lapland is a paradise for winter enthusiasts. The options are as varied as they are exciting, suitable for all ages and skill levels. You can experience the excitement of a dog sled ride through snowy forests, where you’ll be taken into a fairytale winter landscape by enthusiastic dogs. Riding on a reindeer-drawn sleigh is an authentic experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Lapp culture while exploring the beauty of snow-covered nature.

If you prefer board sports, Lapland offers exceptional opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowboarding, with trails for all levels. And for those in search of adrenalin, nothing beats a snowmobile adventure through the pristine Lapland landscape, offering a thrilling experience you won’t soon forget.

For fishing enthusiasts, Lapland also offers a unique ice-fishing experience. Drilling a hole in the ice and trying your luck at catching fish in the cold, crystal-clear waters of frozen lakes is an experience in its own right, allowing you to connect with nature and savor the tranquility of a Lapland winter.

Husky Safari

An unforgettable experience in Lapland is a dogsled safari with a pack of enthusiastic huskies. You’ll cross breathtaking landscapes and discover the complicity between mushers (sled drivers) and their dogs. It’s an adventure that will appeal to animal and nature lovers.

Dream accommodations

Lapland offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. For a truly unique experience, you can choose to stay in an ice hotel, where each room is sculpted from ice and snow, offering a fairytale atmosphere and surprising comfort. Traditional log cabins are another popular option, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Lapland with their rustic charm and welcoming warmth.

If you’re looking for a more comfortable place to stay, many inns and chalets offer a warm refuge after a day of winter adventures. Finally, for a truly unique experience, opt for a glass igloo, where you can snuggle up in a comfortable bed while enjoying a breathtaking view of the starry sky and northern lights.

Lappish cuisine

Lapland cuisine is a true celebration of authentic Nordic flavors. Smoked salmon is an unmissable delicacy, prepared with a touch of smoke that gives it a rich, delicate flavor. Roast reindeer, a tender and tasty meat, is an emblematic dish of Lapland, often accompanied by delicious sauces made with local berries that add a sweet and tangy note.

Wild berries abound in the region and are used to create a variety of jams, desserts and sauces to accompany main courses. Finnish rye bread, meanwhile, is a specialty that perfectly complements a Lappish meal, offering a dense texture and deliciously rustic flavor.