Lapland in December: A 2025 Guide for Families

Planning a magical family trip to Lapland? There’s no place quite like it for a festive winter adventure. With its snowy landscapes, Northern Lights, and Santa Claus himself, Lapland offers a holiday that feels straight out of a storybook. Package deals can be expensive, so if you want to plan your own trip, here’s everything you need to know for an amazing DIY Lapland Christmas.

Yes, Lapland is a real place; it’s a region that stretches into multiple countries. But the heart of Lapland is in Rovaniemi, Finland, often referred to as the "official" hometown of Santa Claus. From Santa’s Village to reindeer rides, there’s no shortage of festive fun.

If your family wants to explore more of Lapland’s beautiful scenery, you might also want to check out towns like:

• Ylläs and Levi: Great for skiing and snowmobiling.
• Saariselkä: Another fantastic ski area that’s less crowded.
• Pyhä-Luosto: Known for its beautiful hiking trails, ski slopes, Northern Lights, and peaceful atmosphere.

Travel Tip: Rovaniemi is easy to get around without a car, but for other places, it’s best to rent one especially if you want to visit several spots.

There are a few ways to get to Lapland, and each one has its perks. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

The quickest way is to fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. During peak season, some airlines offer direct flights to Rovaniemi from other European cities. Be aware that prices can be expensive during the holiday period, so book early for the best deals.

If you would like the The Polar Express experience, take a train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. You can choose between day and night trains, with the night trains offering sleeper cabins (some even come with private showers). It’s a great way to turn the journey into part of the adventure, especially if the kids are excited about sleeping on a train.

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If you’re up for a road trip, driving from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes about 10-12 hours. The route is beautiful, but winter conditions can be dangerous. Studded winter tires are a must, and if you’re not used to driving in snow, it's safer to take the train instead.

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A visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a must, even if it’s a bit of a tourist hotspot. You’ll find everything from reindeer sleigh rides and dog sledding to ice sculptures and, of course, a chance to meet Santa himself. While it’s easy to spend an entire day here, a few hours is usually enough to take in the main attractions. Keep in mind that many activities, such as reindeer rides, can be pricey. If you’re on a budget, you might find better options elsewhere in Lapland.

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Great alternatives to Santa Claus Village:

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Located about an hour south of Rovaniemi, it’s home to polar bears, arctic foxes, and other Nordic animals. Ranua Resort is a great choice for children who are obsessed with animals.

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Joulukka is a bit more off-the-beaten-path than Santa Claus Village. It's a Christmas-themed forest park where you can join a more intimate and exclusive meeting with Santa and his elves.

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Lapland is a skier’s paradise, and there are plenty of family-friendly slopes to choose from:

Levi is the largest and most popular ski resort in Finland, offering a wide range of slopes for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. It’s known for its great ski slopes, modern facilities, and fun after-ski scene.

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Ylläs has the longest ski runs in Finland, making it perfect if you love long, challenging slopes. Plus, it’s not as crowded as Levi.

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Although not as far north as some of the other resorts, Ruka is a great spot for skiing early or late in the season. It’s great for families and beginners.

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Saariselkä is a bit smaller than the other resorts but offers a unique mix of skiing and Lapland wilderness experiences. The resort’s gentle slopes are also great for beginners and families.

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Pyhä is a gem for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Lapland. It’s known for its quiet atmosphere and pristine slopes.

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Snowmobiling is one of the most thrilling ways to explore Lapland, giving you a real rush as you speed across frozen lakes, through snowy forests, and along mountain ridges.

The region has extensive snowmobile trails that cater to all levels, making it a popular winter activity for families and adventure seekers alike. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your snowmobiling experience:

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Try renting a snowmobile in areas like Ylläs, Levi, or Saariselkä. These locations have dedicated trails that allow you to venture off the beaten path and explore at your own pace. Renting on your own lets you explore beautiful, quiet spots and untouched places that you wouldn’t see on a regular tour.

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If you’re not familiar with snowmobiling or prefer a structured route, guided tours are a great alternative. Most tours include safety instructions, equipment, and experienced guides who lead you to some of the most beautiful spots.

Tours can range from short, two-hour excursions to full-day adventures that include other activities, such as ice fishing or a visit to a reindeer farm. You may even get to chase the Northern Lights on a night-time snowmobile tour!

Make sure to follow safety protocols. Helmets are mandatory, and wearing warm, windproof clothing is essential due to the extreme cold and wind exposure. If you want to try snowmobiling with children, most providers offer sleds that attach to the back of the snowmobile, allowing younger kids to join safely. Children who are old enough to hold on and follow instructions can usually ride as passengers.

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Snowshoeing lets you walk on deep snow without sinking. Many national parks, like Pyhä-Luosto, rent snowshoes and have clear, easy-to-follow trails. It’s a fun activity for all fitness levels and makes exploring feel a bit more adventurous. Plus, this activity is sure to tire out the kids!

Unlike busy ski resorts, the trails in Pyhä-Luosto and places like Urho are peaceful, with fewer people around and a better chance to see wildlife like reindeers.

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Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. While they’re never guaranteed, visiting between September and March gives you the best chance. There are guided tours from Rovaniemi and other towns, but you can also drive away from the city lights and try your luck on a clear night.

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Temperatures typically range from around -20°C to -10°C (-4°F to 14°F), but they can occasionally drop to -30°C (-22°F) or even colder, especially with wind chill. The air is often dry, which can make the cold feel slightly less harsh than in wetter climates, but it's still important to wear multiple layers. 

Start with thermal underwear, followed by warm layers like fleece, and top it off with a high-quality, windproof outer layer. Good gloves, a hat, and warm, waterproof boots are essential. Many package tours and accommodations provide or rent snow suits for tourists, so don’t worry if you don’t have specialised winter gear.

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Daylight hours are very limited due to Rovaniemi's location just below the Arctic Circle. Around the winter solstice (December 21), the city sees only about 2-3 hours of daylight per day, with sunrise around 11:00 AM and sunset by 1:30 PM.

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If you’re staying in Rovaniemi, public transport, taxis, and walking can get you to most attractions. But, if your itinerary includes more remote locations or you’re renting a cabin, you’ll need a car. Winter driving can be challenging, so if you’re not confident with snow or left-hand driving, stick to more accessible areas or rely on local transportation.

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Glass Igloos in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Accommodation in Lapland varies widely, from cosy cabins to luxurious igloo hotels where you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed. Here are some options to consider:

• Cabins: Great for families who want a more secluded experience. Websites like Nettimökki offer cabin rentals, often at a better rate for weekly stays.
• Igloo Hotels: For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, stay in a glass igloo at resorts like Levi Igloos or Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

‍Travel tip: Rovaniemi has a housing crisis and strict Airbnb regulation, so it’s better to stay in hotels or official tourist rentals.

It's so handy having access to mobile data while travelling. And yes, eSIMs do work in Finnish Lapland. Cell coverage in Lapland is generally good, but it varies depending on the location and mobile network provider. The three main network providers are Elisa, Telia, and DNA. They cover most of Finland with their 4G networks, and 5G is gradually expanding, especially around major towns and popular tourist destinations like Rovaniemi.

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In more busy areas and tourist hotspots, such as Rovaniemi and Levi, you can expect reliable 4G coverage, and even some 5G in certain spots. But, as you move into more remote or wilderness areas, coverage may become spottier.

With Sim Local, you can pick an eSIM plan that’s just data or one that includes data, calls and texts, and choose how long you need it, from 7 to 31 days.

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Travel Tip: Make sure to download offline maps and any necessary apps before your trip, as some remote areas might have limited connectivity.

For families, Rovaniemi is the best part of Lapland. It’s easy to get around, has lots of family-friendly activities like Santa Claus Village, husky rides, and snowman building, and plenty of hotels and restaurants.

Lapland is best for kids aged 4 and up. At this age, they can enjoy activities like meeting Santa, husky rides, snowshoeing, and short sleigh rides safely. Teenagers can join more adventurous activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and exploring the wilderness.

Try to spend 4 to 7 days in Lapland.