Sleigh Your Way to Christmas Cheer: A Family Guide to Planning a Magical Trip to Lapland

Where's the best place to experience Christmas magic and meet Father Christmas himself? Look no further than Lapland - the true home of Santa Claus.

Just a short 3.5-hour direct flight from the UK lies the little village of Rovaniemi. Here you'll find the Santa Claus Village - a magical place open 365 days a year. Little ones can learn the skills of an elf at the Elf Academy, take a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy woods, and explore the beautiful ice sculptures at Santa Park.

Beyond Rovaniemi, other great spots include Levi and Ylläs for skiing adventure families, or Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park for a more remote Sami cultural experience. You could also cross into Arctic Sweden for trips to Kiruna. No matter where you go, the magic of Christmas in Lapland is unforgettable.

When visiting Lapland to see Santa, you have a couple of options for planning your trip. While it's certainly possible to independently book your flights, accommodation, and activities, an organized tour package handles everything for you.

For destinations like Rovaniemi, close to the Santa Claus Village, independent travel is very doable. But elsewhere in the region, packages are often the best bet. Tours include all transportation, lodging, meals, gear like snowsuits, and Santa experiences. Daily activities are also covered, like husky safaris, snowmobiling, or reindeer encounters. Just check the fine print on what's included versus optional add-ons.

To ensure a truly magical Christmas visit to Santa's village in Lapland, advanced booking is key. The most popular package trips and dates around December 25th can fill up a year or more in advance. Booking early also means snagging cheaper flights. Most Lapland tour operators only run Christmas-themed packages throughout December. 

Allow a minimum of 3-4 nights to fully experience all the winter wonderland has to offer. Seeing Santa is just the beginning - you'll want time for snowy activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and Aurora hunting too. Without further ado, here are our 3 favorite destinations to enjoy the magical Lapland!

Experience Magical Winter Wonders in Levi, Finland

Nestled in snowy fells and forests, the town of Levi makes the perfect Christmas getaway. Spend three nights exploring this winter wonderland with a package from Inghams. You'll kick off your trip with a special visit to Santa's village. Meet the big man himself, then visit an elf workshop to learn their secrets. Craft your own gingerbread house to take home too. Wake each day to frost-dusted pine trees surrounding your cozy accommodations. Upgrade for an even more memorable stay in a traditional log cabin or lodge.

Fill your days with enchanting activities like dogsledding through snowy trails, taking a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride, or zooming over frozen lakes on a snowmobile.

Prices start at just £693 per person including flights and self-catered lodging. Experience real Finnish Christmas magic and make memories to last a lifetime in beautiful Levi. Book your trip today!

Explore the Magic of Överkalix, Sweden

Escape to the winter wonderland of Överkalix, Sweden for a truly unforgettable Scandinavian Christmas experience. Spend three magical nights in this picturesque town tucked deep in snowy forests. A private transfer will whisk you from Luleå Airport directly to your start in fairy tale land. Knock on Santa's secret forest cabin door for a one-on-one visit with the big guy himself. Go dog sledding for an unbeatable view of glittering trees under the Aurora lights. Listen to ancient Sami folktales by a crackling fire.

Fill your days with festive activities - make gingerbread men, string popcorn garlands or decorate the village Christmas tree. Then snuggle up each night in a traditional lavvu hut. Prices with Discover the World start from just £1,059 per person including all meals, guided activities, and transfers. Book this enchanting Swedish Christmas escape today!

Magical Christmas in Kiruna, Sweden

Immerse yourself fully in the Swedish Yuletide spirit with this 5-night Christmas package to Kiruna. Staying at the cozy Camp Ripan, you'll be swept up in festive traditions from the moment you arrive on December 22nd. Kick things off with a snowmobile adventure through sparkling forests to select the perfect pine to decorate the lodge. Then get into the spirit further with a visit from Santa himself!

Christmas Eve marks a true Scandinavian feast, with a smörgåsbord of seasonal delicacies like herring, salmon, smoked reindeer, and hearty meatballs. Rise early on the 25th to join a torchlit procession to Kiruna's church for early morning mass.

Prices from £1,965 include return flights, half-board chalet accommodation, spa access, and all Christmas celebrations. With the Baltic Travel Company, you'll create magical memories to last a lifetime in snowy Kiruna this festive season. Book today!