Lapland: a guide to visiting Santa’s home on a budget
Lapland is a dream destination for all ages — where the magic of Christmas comes to life in the most enchanting way. Picture yourself wrapped up against the cold, surrounded by the soft, powdery white snow of your childhood Christmas dreams, in a true winter wonderland. From meeting the real Father Christmas to sleigh rides through snow-covered forests, Lapland offers unforgettable experiences. While it’s often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime trip with a hefty price tag, we’re here to show you that Lapland can be magical without breaking the bank.
CONTENTS - WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ARTICLE:
- 📍Where is Lapland?
- 🎅🏻 Where is the official home of Santa?
- ✈️ How to get to Rovaniemi
- 📅 When to visit Lapland
- 📦 Should you book a package?
- 🏨 Where to stay in Lapland
- 🧳 What to pack for Lapland
- 🤑 Free things to do in Rovaniemi
- 🚎 Best tours and excursions in Lapland
- 🎅🏻 Talk to me about SantaPark
- 👀 What are the best places in Lapland outside Rovaniemi?
Most are unaware of this - and we were until we researched it - but Lapland is an area in Northern Europe covering 4 countries - Northern Finland, Northern Sweden, Northern Norway and parts of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. When people talk about visiting Lapland for Christmas, they’re usually referring to Finnish Lapland, and thats exactly what this article will be doing too!
Santa’s official home is in the Finnish Lapland capital town of Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is a medium sized town of around 60,000 inhabitants, and is largely geared towards winter tourism, though it also serves as the administrative centre for the entire northern region. Rovaniemi sits just a few kilometers below the artic circle and serves as a great gateway to exploring the northern Finland.
When looking at a map and trying to locate Rovaniemi, you maybe surprised by its remoteness! It’s a city of thousands of people, in the seeming remote, frozen wilderness! Despite this, there are multiple options for travelling to and around Northern Finland and Rovaniemi in particular; each offering a unique experience catering to different budgets and preferences:
Direct flights from the UK
Direct flights to Rovaniemi can be somewhat of a nightmare in terms of price. For those keen to secure their seat when flight schedules are announced - typically 7 to 10 months in advance (depending on the carrier), our advice would be to hold off and not book on release date. Last year, due to the popularity of the previous season and hype in the build up, Ryanair realised their flights at a whopping £300pp, and we saw Easyjet hitting near £500pp on release date. For some context, we booked in the summer (around july/august) - for travelling in the third week of November, flying direct from Liverpool, to Rovaniemi with Ryanair, for only £70pp. It’s also worth noting that our flight was also not full!
🌟 TIP: in almost all cases, we would recommend not to book on release day. Wait until the hype has faded, keep an eye on fares and grab a deal in the summer! 😎⛄️
The table below provides details we could find about the airports, airlines and schedules for direct flights between the UK and Rovaniemi.
| Airport | Airline(s) | Operating Period (approx) | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick (LGW) | EasyJet, Norwegian | Dec 1, 2024 – Mar 2, 2025 (EasyJet); Dec 2, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025 (Norwegian) | EasyJet: Wed & Sun; Norwegian: Mon, Wed & Fri |
| London Luton (LTN) | EasyJet | Dec 7, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025 | Tue & Sat |
| London Stansted (STN) | Ryanair | Oct 27, 2024 – Mar 28, 2025 | Multiple days per week |
| Manchester (MAN) | EasyJet | Dates vary; primarily winter season | Multiple days per week |
| Liverpool (LPL) | Ryanair | Oct 27, 2024 – Mar 28, 2025 | Fri & Sun |
| Birmingham (BHX) | EasyJet | Nov 24, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025 | Wed & Sun |
| Bristol (BRS) | EasyJet | Winter season | Multiple days per week |
| Edinburgh (EDI) | EasyJet | Winter season | Multiple days per week |
Options via Helsinki…
#1 …take the Santa Express - Sleeper train:
A popular option for many, especially those coming from farther afield, will be to arrive into Finland’s capital, Helsinki. This is a great option even for those coming only a short distance - from within mainland or northern Europe. While we are personally yet to visit Helsinki, it is high on our bucket list! Take a day or two to explore the capital before embarking on the train directly to Santa’s home town! The santa express is an overnight sleeper train and an excellent way to travel north, while building the sense of excitement, especially if travelling with children. This christmas themed train will certainly create one of those unforgettable childhood memories.
The journey takes approximately 12 hours, and the train offers seated and sleeper cabin options - ranging from €70-€250 (based on 2 adults and 2 kids), check out the official VR website for your dates and specific needs
#2 …fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
another option for those not wanting to spend 12 hours on an overnight sleeper train is to fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Be mindful that in almost all scenarios that we found, this will be a more expensive option vs taking the train - again, based on a family of 4, but if time is of the essence, it could be a good option. One way flights between Helskini and Rovaniemi can be booked in advance for around £60pp, and with Rovaniemi being on the winter schedule of many budget operators (especially out of the UK), flying out of Finland via Rovaniemi on a one way ticket (to the UK or elsewhere) could also be cost effective vs flying direct.
#3 …drive from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
it’s with a slight apprehension that we even recommend this, but for those with longer to spend in Finland, where Lapland may only be part of a longer trip, it is possible to drive from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, however its not for the faint hearted. The drive is near 900km (one way) and having explored some of the Finnish road network in the winter time, driving in snow and hazardous conditions is something you should be prepared for. Undoubtedly a bucket list road trip, but if Lapland is the main purpose of your visit, this is not the recommend approach.
We visited Lapland mid-november which was just perfect! As we arrived we were greeted with the first of the snowfall of the season - apparently a little later than usual.
To guarantee snow we would recommend booking mid/late November onwards, but there is definitely a sweet-spot in terms of the trade off of; snow, crowds and price. We considered booking closer to Christmas, but noticed the price and availability of everything (excursions, flights, accommodation and even the car rental) was heightened. Earlier in November was also considered, and looking at historic snowfall - we would have typically found ourselves in a winter wonderland but in 2024 at least, snowfall did not arrive until mid-late November. We believe the third week of November to the end of the first week in December is the best time to plan a visit.
🌟 Peak dates are the 3-4 week run up to christmas, planning your trip slightly ahead of this should ensure snow, fewer crowds and cheaper prices!
🌟 TLDR: it depends - for the budget conscious: No. For those wanting to max out on experiences and excursions, yes - it may make sense!
For those with budget in mind, we would recommend not to book a package. It is entirely possible to curate your own trip without doing so via a package, it may take a little more effort and require a little more planning and flexibility to get the best prices, but it also allows you to more flexibility in Lapland and gives the opportunity to create a trip specific to your needs. On the flip side - depending on the number of excursions and attractions - package deals can make sense. If you're planning to fit in lots of excursions — think husky sledding, Northern Lights tours, snowmobiling, reindeer farms, and Santa visits — then a package might actually offer better value overall. Many operators package or bundle these activities in a way that saves time and reduces the hassle of organising everything yourself.
📸 IF YOU NEED ANY HELP OR ADVICE ON YOUR TRIP, HIT US UP IN THE COMMENTS OR VIA INSTAGRAM DM 📸
Lapland offers a wide range of accommodation options and experiences suiting all budgets;
⛄️ Lets start with Rovaniemi
The city centre is a short drive from the airport and really is the most convenient option for those arriving into the area via the main airport. If you’re anything like us, you may have booked the late (cheaper) flight - in that case, you want to get to your accomodation in the least amount of time!
🏡 Our favourite Airbnb’s in Rovaniemi
#1 A beautiful city centre apartment
#3 Winter wonderland stay in Rovaniemi
🏨 Best Hotels in Rovaniemi
1. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
This hotel provides a unique blend of luxury comfort in the heart of Arctic nature, combining local Lappish traditions with modern Scandinavian design. Guests can enjoy the forest setting and Arctic skies, including the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, from the comfort of their beds. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
2. Santa Claus Holiday Village
Located near Santa Claus Village, this hotel is popular among visitors looking to stay close to festive attractions. It offers cozy accommodations suitable for families and those seeking a holiday atmosphere.
3. Apukka Resort
This resort offers a variety of unique accommodations, including suites, cozy igloo-style cabins, and a glass-roofed wagon equipped with a sauna on skis. This is a luxury choice for those looking to experience the Northern Lights in a private setting.
❄️ Accommodation outside Rovaniemi
1. Arctic Hilltop Boutique Hotel Iso-Syöte
Perched atop one of Finland's snowiest hills, this boutique hotel offers panoramic views of the surrounding national park. Guests can enjoy activities like snowmobiling and Northern Lights viewing.
2. Pyhä Igloos
Situated near Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Pyha offers modern igloos feature glass roofs, allowing guests to gaze at the starry sky and, with luck, the Northern Lights, all from the comfort of their bed.
📍Where we stayed
Our time in Lapland was split with a couple of days spent in Rovaniemi, followed by 3-4 days in this cabin in Iso-Syote.
🌟 TIP: Ski season starts around the last week of November, check the dates for each region but we were able to secure a cabin out of season - since the slopes were not open. We had all the benefits of staying in a national park, close to a ski resort in a beautiful cabin, for below the ‘in season’ price!
“Theres no bad weather, just bad clothes…”
It’s easy to overpack for adventures to colder climates, however — having been on several trips to colder destinations, we have a checklist of the things you may need when holidaying in sub-zero temperatures! When it comes to clothing, the trick is layering — but smart layering. You don’t need to wear loads of bulky layers; in fact, over-layering can actually make you colder by restricting movement and causing you to sweat, which then cools and chills your body.
Instead, you want to focus on three key layers:
Base layer – something thermal and moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from your skin. If you are going to spend a little extra on any item of clothing we’d recommend it be in your base layer - ideally choose something made from Merino wool. A set, consisting of long sleeve top and bottoms is essential.
Mid-layer – like a fleece or insulated jumper that traps body heat.
Outer layer – a windproof and waterproof shell to protect against snow, wind, and rain. Again, this should ideally be a shell jacket and waterproof hiking, or snow trousers.
Be sure to pair your layers with following as a minimum:
Hat - a good fitting hat covering your ears
Gloves - insulated
Socks - thermal
Scarf/Neck gaiter/snood
Balaclava - our 5 year old appreciated this especially in the wind
Boots - waterproof and insulated.
While an almost endless number of paid excursions are available you may find that you have a few hours here and there and need something to do in and around Rovaniemi. Here’s our top FREE things to do in Rovaniemi:
1. Visit Santa Claus Village & Cross the Arctic Circle
You cannot visit Rovaniemi and not visit the Santa Claus Village. Entry is free, and you can cross the Arctic Circle and see yourself on the live webcam! There are festive shops, a big dose of Christmas spirit and meeting Santa himself is also free!
⛔️ Note that taking your own pictures with Santa is not permitted at Santa Village!
2. Play at Angry Birds (or other city centre) Activity Park
Located near the city center by the river, the Angry Birds playground is themed after the popular game and provides various play equipment suitable for children of all ages. There are other parks in the city centre too which our kids found fun! We’d recommend taking extra care as surfaces can be very slippery in cold weather.
3. Go Sledging
During winter, many parks in Rovaniemi have small hills perfect for sledging. We found sledges laying around (which we assume is typical), but local stores also offer them cheaply. Our kids really enjoyed sliding down the slopes at a city centre park further down the river, and at the Angry Birds park.
4. Explore Ounasvaara Nature Trails
Just a short distance from the city centre, Ounasvaara offers well-marked trails suitable for hiking or snowshoeing. It's a great way for families to experience the natural beauty of Lapland.
5. Visit the Rovaniemi Library
Designed by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the Rovaniemi Library is not only an architectural gem but also a cozy place to relax. It's a peaceful spot to warm up and perhaps enjoy a storytime session with the kids.
6. Chase the Northern Lights
While sightings are never guaranteed, Rovaniemi offers several spots away from city lights where you can try your luck at spotting the aurora borealis. Areas like the riverside or Ounasvaara hill are popular choices.
7. Make Snow Angels and Snowmen
Embrace the snowy environment by creating snow angels or building snowmen. It's a simple yet delightful activity - just make sure to come prepared with gloves and correct outerwear for spending time in the snow.
TLDR: yes - probably!
As with everything we’ve covered in this article, this is group specific - our trip saw us spending time in multiple locations and without a car we would have struggled getting between them and doing as much as we did. In and around Rovaniemi, a car is not essential, there is frequent public transport to Santa Claus Village and the main city is very walkable, in fact, we stayed 15 minutes from downtown and never used the car in and around the city. Excursions are bookable with transfers too, but if you’re looking to visit other parts of northern Finland a car is essential.
SantaPark is located around 10 km from Rovaniemi, and is a truly magical, underground Christmas theme park nestled beneath the Arctic Circle. Designed to resemble Santa Claus's cavernous home, it offers a unique christmas experience for visitors of all ages. The attention to detail at SantaPark is what sets it apart. While we did see adults without children in SantaPark, we’d mainly recommend it for families with children aged 10 and under.
WHAT IS THERE AT SANTA PARK?
Meet Santa Claus: your opportunity to visit Santa in his office and capture memorable photos, visits are per group so only your family will visit Santa with you. Unlike at Santa Village, you can take as many of your own photos as you wish.
Elf School: enroll in a fun-filled session to learn the secrets of being an elf. This is a group activity and is run in hourly or so slots, its a case of turning up for the session at the specified time. We were in a group of probably 40 or so others but the session is engaging
Magic Train Ride: Embark on a whimsical journey through the park's underground wonders.
Mrs. Gingerbread’s Bakery: Decorate your own gingerbread cookies in a delightful workshop environment - note, this is an additional cost/add on to the standard ticket.
Cross the Arctic Circle: Experience the novelty of crossing this famed latitude line underground.
SantaPark Show: enjoy a captivating performance that bring Christmas tales to life.
The park's unique setting and range of activities make it a must-visit destination when visiting Lapland with younger children.
DO I NEED TO BOOK SANTA PARK IN ADVANCE?
Yes - we would recommend booking in advance. It appeared to us that capacity is deliberately limited to ensure visitors have a great experience, we read before visiting that dates do sell out so once you know yours, we’d recommend booking ahead.
We have three recommendations for the best spots outside Rovaniemi, each offer something totally different, while still offering the winter wonderland experience that makes Lapland so unforgettable.
🇫🇮 Syöte - we stayed in Syöte for 3-4 days and thoroughly enjoyed the peace, the views, the walks and the remoteness. Its around a 2 hour drive from Rovaniemi but if you're looking for a quieter, less touristy Lapland experience, Syöte is a hidden gem. If you’re into outdoor wintersports, its also one of the best in Finland.
🇫🇮 Kemi - was high on our list of potential places to spend some time, its a coastal town offering a different Lapland vibe. Kemi offers the snow castle and ice hotel sea experiences such as floating in a survival suit in freezing waters!
🇫🇮 Inari - was also a contender for places to spend a few days, we somewhat struggled to find accomodation for our dates, but Inari is the heart of Sami culture in Finland and offers one of the best places to see the northern lights, due to its remoteness.
