Come with me on a magical journey to Finnish Lapland. This northern European region is a dream destination for many, especially during the enchanting Christmas season.
A magical stay in Lapland
Let me take you to Finnish Lapland for a truly magical experience. This northern European region is a dream destination for many, especially during the Christmas season. I spent 5 days and 4 nights there in December 2022, and I was captivated. Rovaniemi, also known as Santa Claus’s village, is nestled in Finnish Lapland. It’s a city surrounded by endless forests of pines and lakes.
In winter, daylight is fleeting, with the sun rising around 11 a.m. and setting by 2 p.m. In contrast, summer brings near-endless daylight, transforming the region into a lush green wonderland worth exploring.
Here, I’ll share my magical winter experience in Santa's homeland.
Rovaniemi, the White city
The city is accessible through an international airport, and I've found a few tips to make travel there more affordable, as Lapland can be pricey. From the moment you land, you’re immersed in a snowy wonderland. The cold keeps the snow pristine, blanketing everything—trees, buildings, poles, roads—in pure white. It’s breathtaking!
The downtown area is small but perfectly suited for a four-day stay, with plenty of bars and restaurants for evening outings. Staying in a centrally located hotel makes it easy to explore by night—just make sure to bundle up!
Unique local experiences with the Wildlife
During the day, try to make the most of local activities: dog sledding with beautiful huskies, and visiting reindeer farms where you can get up close to these gentle animals. A reassuring note—these animals are well cared for. Reindeer are incredibly gentle and beautiful creatures.
You can also visit Santa’s village, complete with souvenir shops, a chance to meet Santa himself, dine in an igloo, and explore an ice sculpture museum—it's a fairytale setting straight out of a Christmas movie.
Then, set out on a 4-hour nighttime snowmobile excursion to hunt for the northern lights. The tour usually includes a meal—grilled sausages by a campfire in a tipi, surrounded by pristine wilderness. To catch the aurora borealis, you need clear skies, so keep your eyes up; at any moment, a huge trail of green, blue, violet, or pink might light up the sky—or even all colors together. It's an unforgettable sight that everyone should experience at least once.
