By: John Glover (MBA)

Heading to Lapland over Christmas is a hugely exciting trip for many families. If, like many, you’re planning a snowy festive break as a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday while the children are small enough to embrace the magic without being too little to remember it, you’ll likely be putting a lot of thought into making this holiday everything you’d hoped for.

There is little like waking up on a December morning with crisp blankets of white snowfall outside, a crackling fire in the hearth, and the thrill of getting ready for ice skating, husky sledding, and reindeer safaris, but equally a lot of choice in terms of where to go and stay.

The Baltic Travel Company, a highly experienced team of travel consultants and specialists, has compiled this guide to showcase some of the premier things to see and do in Lapland, with some expert tips to assist with your planning.

Key Advice for Family Christmas Holidays to Lapland

Our first pointer is to think about your children’s ages when you plan to travel—especially if you’re putting together an itinerary for next Christmas since the types of activities and excursions kids will be interested in and able to participate in may change. 

Lapland is packed with delights, experiences, and tours that you’ll find nowhere else in the world, from watching the Northern Lights gleam in the dark sky to visiting traditional Sami camps and reindeer farms. However, some expeditions—like adrenaline-fuelled snowmobiling—are better suited to older guests. 

For most children, the memorable activities are those everyone can get involved with, from building snowmen and tobogganing down the snowy slips to meeting Father Christmas.

Many families opt for a white Christmas in Lapland when their children are five and upward. Toddlers are welcome, but they need extra care when packing proper thermal clothing since the temperature can dip as low as -30°C in some areas.

What to Consider When Booking a Lapland Festive Break 

We’ve shared below a few hints about aspects of your package to think about, primarily to ensure you’re not paying for unexpected extras while abroad, don’t miss out on any high-demand trips, and can relax and make the most of the occasion:

• Lapland isn’t one country but a region that stretches around the Arctic Circle. You can compare holidays in Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish Lapland or might prefer visits to Greenland, Iceland, or Svalbard. This more remote island destination is part of the Norwegian archipelago.
• Booking an inclusive package with flights, transfers, excursions, and snowsuits is highly advisable since every region within Lapland can get very busy over Christmas. If preferred, you can choose half-board options and ensure you have the time to explore some of the amazing cities and dining in this part of the world.
• Traveling over the winter often means snow, but you can select specific resorts, excursions, and trips famed for their winter outdoor activities or check the likelihood of seeing the Aurora during your travel dates if this is a priority.
• It’s wise to look for packages that include all the must-dos on your bucket list, whether you want the assurance that you’ll be able to visit Santa, participate in local festive customs, or enjoy a delicious traditional Christmas Eve or Christmas Day banquet.

Thermal clothing and ski suits are essential. While the majority of Lapland tours will include Arctic clothing hire, you may wish to ascertain this before you travel, check if there is an additional hire cost, or purchase your own clothing suitable for the weather conditions.

Premier Lapland Christmas Holidays for Families in Winter 2024 and 2025

To help showcase the various types of holidays and festive breaks available, we’ve summarised just two of our highest-demand, family-friendly Lapland holidays, with a summary of what’s included in each.

Spending Christmas in Finnish Lapland

Arctic Christmas is a six-day, five-night break to the Arctic wilderness. You’ll stay at Hotel Kalevala in Kajaani, Finland, which has a fantastic festive atmosphere and cuisines to try. Activities include snowshoeing, ice fishing, reindeer safaris, husky sledding, skiing, and more, alongside cozy indoor activities such as tasting fresh Christmas cookies and visiting with Father Christmas.

Children love the Christmas tree search and singing carols, while simple joys like making snow angels and feeding the two reindeer that live on the hotel grounds make every moment special.

 The evening saunas with indoor and outdoor jacuzzi facilities, the traditional hunt for the almond in the rice porridge on Christmas Eve, candle lighting, and buffets are incredible fun, with a horse-drawn sleigh ride and snowmobiling on Boxing Day followed by snacks served around an open fire.

Festive Breaks in Swedish Lapland

Another option is the Christmas in Swedish Lapland package, which lasts for five days and four nights and is designed for families and children. You can head into the snow-covered Lapland countryside and meet Santa, his reindeer and huskies, and, of course, the famous reindeer of all, Rudolph.

This holiday is filled with adventures, where you can try: 

Husky safaris, offer adults and older children the chance to learn how to handle the team and sled themselves.

• A visit to a local reindeer farm with insights into a herder’s life and lessons in lassoing reindeer and riding on a sled.
• Snowmobiling excursions, with a guided tour through the forest, followed by a trip to a campsite where you can watch the Northern Lights in a peaceful, unspoiled setting.

One of the highlights for children is the visit to Santa’s cabin, a special experience where each guest has a private slot in the grotto and will receive their very own present to take home.

Each of these holidays will surely be an unforgettable adventure for children, so make your Christmas celebrations special. 

Published by: Nelly Chavez