Where Christmas Is Real
If there’s one place on Earth where Christmas never ends, it’s Lapland.
Far in the north of Finland, above the Arctic Circle, lies a land of deep snow, frozen forests, and skies that shimmer with northern lights. It’s quiet, bright, and completely magical.
Winter in Lapland feels like entering a storybook — cabins with smoke rising from chimneys, husky sleds racing through the snow, and Santa’s village glowing with golden light.
It’s not just a destination. It’s a feeling — calm, pure, and full of wonder.
Rovaniemi: The Home of Santa Claus
Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and it’s the perfect base for your Arctic adventure.
At Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle line, and send postcards stamped from his official post office. The village sparkles with fairy lights, snow sculptures, and the laughter of children from all over the world.
Stay for a sleigh ride with reindeer, sip hot berry juice by the fire, or visit the Snowman World Ice Bar for cocktails served in frozen glasses.
Even adults rediscover the magic of childhood here.
Adventures in the Arctic
Lapland is built for winter adventures — the kind that make you forget your phone and just feel the world around you.
- Reindeer Safaris: Glide through silent forests as reindeer pull your sleigh under the stars.
- Husky Rides: Fast, fun, and unforgettable — the dogs love the snow as much as you will.
- Snowmobiles: Explore the wild landscapes or frozen lakes with guided tours.
- Ice Fishing: Try a local tradition — patience, peace, and a hole in the ice.
- Aurora Hunting: Drive or snowshoe into the wilderness and watch the sky come alive in green and pink lights.
Every experience here feels intimate, quiet, and deeply connected to nature.
Warm Cabins, Glass Igloos, and Arctic Comfort
Lapland proves that even in freezing temperatures, you can be cozy.
Stay in:
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – warm design, panoramic glass windows, forest views.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – famous glass igloos for watching the northern lights from your bed.
- Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – elegant cabins with heated floors and snowy silence.
- Apukka Resort – rustic chic, outdoor saunas, and frozen-lake views.
There’s something almost spiritual about falling asleep under the aurora or waking up to a pink sunrise over endless snow.
What to Eat
Finnish cuisine is simple, fresh, and made for cold weather.
Try:
- Reindeer stew (poronkäristys) with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
- Salmon soup (lohikeitto) — creamy, hearty, and delicious.
- Cinnamon buns and berry pies in wooden cafés.
- Hot glögi — spiced wine or juice with almonds and raisins.
For fine dining, visit Rakas Restaurant, where Nordic flavors meet modern presentation, or Nili, known for its warm atmosphere and local ingredients.
And yes, there’s even a Christmas Dinner Menu in Santa’s Village every night of December.
The Northern Lights
Between late August and April, the aurora borealis regularly paints the Arctic sky. In winter, the nights are long and dark — perfect for viewing.
You can join guided tours by snowmobile or snowshoe, or simply step outside your cabin on a clear night. Seeing those green waves of light move across the sky is a moment you’ll never forget.
Locals say the aurora is “the dance of foxes’ tails sweeping the snow.” Once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Life at –20°C: How to Enjoy It
Yes, it’s cold. But it’s a beautiful kind of cold — crisp, clean, and dry. With proper clothes (thermal layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a good hat), you’ll stay perfectly comfortable.
Finns are masters of warmth — every hotel, bus, and cabin is heated, and you’ll find saunas almost everywhere. Jumping from a sauna into the snow might sound crazy, but it’s a local ritual — and you’ll feel incredible afterward.
Local Culture and Traditions
Lapland isn’t just about snow — it’s also home to the Sámi people, the only Indigenous culture of the EU. You can visit Sámi villages, learn about their reindeer-herding traditions, and listen to joik, their ancient singing style.
Respecting this culture is an important part of visiting — buy handmade crafts directly from Sámi artisans and always ask before photographing people or animals.
Sustainability in the Arctic
Lapland’s ecosystem is fragile. Locals take environmental protection seriously — nearly all electricity comes from renewable energy, and most resorts use local food and eco-heating systems.
Avoid riding reindeer or husky tours that seem over-commercialized — choose certified, ethical operators that care for their animals.
And remember: leave nothing but footprints in the snow.
The Feeling of a Lapland Christmas
Imagine snow falling so softly it muffles every sound. A warm cabin, a fire, and the faint glow of the northern lights outside. You sip glögi, write postcards, and realize — this is what peace feels like.
Lapland teaches you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple beauty of winter. It’s not a loud celebration — it’s a calm one. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Plan Your Arctic Christmas with AITINERY
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Because magic feels even more magical when it’s planned beautifully.
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