Dreaming of snowy forests and the Northern Lights this Christmas? Christmas in Lapland offers the classic winter story. It is absolutely worth it for families and couples who want real festive magic. For first-timers, Rovaniemi is perfect, thanks to its Santa Claus Village and easy logistics from the airport. Ski lovers often base themselves in Levi, while Saariselkä suits those seeking quiet nature. December is a great time to visit to experience a white Christmas, with deep snow and long nights. Are you ready to experience the festivities in Lapland? Read along to plan your magical Christmas in Lapland!
Key Takeaways
- Christmas in Lapland is worth it for festive experiences, Arctic nature, and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
- Rovaniemi is best for Santa villages. Levi is the top for skiing. Saariselkä offers quiet fells and big skies.
- December brings cold, limited daylight, and great winter conditions, so pack proper layers and warm boots.
- Budget for higher holiday pricing, especially for igloos and signature stays in Christmas week.
- Book activities like husky rides, reindeer sleighs, and ice fishing well ahead of time.
Weather in Lapland during Christmas
Expect real winter! In December, typical daytime temperatures around Rovaniemi sit roughly between −20 and −10°C, with only about two and a half hours of daylight. If you are staying over New Year’s, note that January can be even colder. Pack thermal base layers, insulated jacket and trousers, warm boots, and accessories that cover the head and hands. Don’t forget fuzzy socks, as your feet can freeze quickly outdoors! Despite the short daylight, wearing sunglasses still helps on bright snow. In short, you might want to add checked luggage for your winter gear when visiting Lapland during Christmas.
Where to Experience Christmas in Lapland
All packed and ready to explore? Let’s discover different areas that set the tone for a magical Christmas in Lapland.
Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus. In Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, post letters, and book classic activities from huskies to reindeer rides. Festive events run throughout the Christmas season, and the village is open all year. It is the most convenient choice for families with kids or couples who love Christmas.
Levi: Ski Village
Levi has Finland’s most popular ski resort, with a lively centre, slopes, and plenty of guided Christmas week excursions. You can meet Santa, try snowshoeing, and join dog sled safaris straight from the resort. There’s even a Christmas market in the village center, and a declaration of Christmas Peace will be held on Christmas Eve. Check out their Christmas events schedule for more details. Levi suits mixed groups who want skiing by day and festive fun by night.
Saariselkä: Urho Kekkonen National Park
Farther north, Saariselkä offers a national park, quiet trails, and luxury cabins designed for aurora viewing. The Finns believe that Father Christmas has a home in the fell of Korvatunturi, located in the famous Urho Kekkonen National Park. Its wilderness invites hikers and skiers every season. Saariselkä is ideal for peaceful Christmas stays in the deep fells with strong chances of dark skies and glowy auroras.
Ylläs: Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
Ylläs blends two local villages with access to a national park. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park spans over 1,000 square kilometers, protecting a long chain of fells. The scenic fells provide a great skiing slope for advanced skiers. It is also the most visited national park in Finland. You can find husky, reindeer, snowmobile, and northern lights tours alongside family activities at a nearby resort. Choose Ylläs for a traditional Finnish winter with many snowy adventures and an adventurous holiday feel.
The Best Winter Activities during Christmas
Have you got an area in mind? Then, next comes the fun. Here are the top winter activities to experience during Christmas in Lapland.
- Husky Sleigh Rides: Learn to mush or ride as a passenger through a snowy forest. Kennels near Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village run short taster rides and longer trails.
- Reindeer Tours: Glide through silent woods in a wooden sleigh and meet local herders. Options range from gentle loops in Santa Claus Village to longer night safaris that seek the aurora.
- Northern Lights Hunting: Long nights make December a strong month for auroras. Join guided tours by minibus, snowmobile, or on foot. To plan your viewing, read our aurora guides for Scandinavia here and here.
- Ice Fishing: Drill a hole in a frozen lake, learn local techniques, and warm up by a fire. Many trips combine ice fishing with snowshoeing or snowmobiling.
- Ski and Spa: Add snowshoeing, cross-country ski loops, downhill skiing, and saunas. Most resorts offer plenty of gentle options for beginners and families.
Where to Stay for Christmas in Lapland
Excited to join the winter activities in Lapland? Let’s look at accommodations that organize those activities. These are our hotel recommendations, with quick notes on what each offers. Standard rooms often start around €300 per night in December. Glass igloos and luxury cabin stays can reach €600 to €900 and higher around Christmas week. December is also peak season, so make sure to book early! For more inspiration, browse our guides for Lapland hotels and igloo hotels.
Rovaniemi
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: Stylish suites on a forested slope with big windows, on-site dining, and easy access to Santa Claus Village.
- Santa Claus Holiday Village: Private cabins by the Arctic Circle with kitchenettes and restaurants on the property. Perfect for families.
- Apukka Resort: Lakeside glass cabins and a full activity programme, from aurora hunts to ice fishing, all close to town.
- Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos: Sleep in a snow room or stay at glass igloos with aurora alarms, and memorable dining. Great for couples wanting privacy.
Levi
- Levin Iglut Golden Crown: Hilltop glass igloos with valley backdrops and an in-house restaurant. Relax at the sauna and the jacuzzi while enjoying the snowy views.
- Hotel Levi Panorama: Modern rooms, gondola access to slopes, and sweeping fell views. Offers a wedding venue, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
- Northern Lights Ranch: Designer cabins with sky windows in a quiet forest. Suitable for aurora watching and fine gastronomic experiences.
Saariselkä
- Northern Lights Village Saariselkä: Glass roof cabins, Santa experiences, and guided aurora hunts. Expect luxurious rooms and fine dining at the in-house restaurant.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: The original glass igloo pioneer with log cabins, saunas, and easy access to the fells. Offers various types of cabins and chalets, with a fun visit to Santa’s Home.
- Star Arctic Hotel: Boutique hilltop hotel with views over the village and quick access to trails. Experience panoramic views of Saariselkä village in cozy suites and traditional Finnish saunas.
Swedish Lapland
- Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi: Founded in 1989 as a frozen icon. Known for their art suites carved from ice, warm rooms, festive dining, and winter activities on site.
Conclusion
Christmas in Lapland blends festive joy with Arctic adventure. Choose a base like Rovaniemi for Santa magic, Levi for skiing, or Saariselkä for wild fells. When you are ready, join an Amitylux private tour in Finland. We will customise your Christmas village visits, luxury igloo stays, and magical winter experiences so you enjoy the best possible Christmas holiday in Lapland. Let us craft an unforgettable Christmas magic for you this winter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lapland at Christmas worth it?
Yes! You get classic winter scenery, festive experiences, and stunning Northern Lights during the darkest weeks.
Which part of Lapland is best for Christmas?
For Christmas vibes, visit Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village. Choose Levi for skiing and an active base. For quiet fells and glass cabins, choose Saariselkä.
How expensive is Lapland?
December is the peak season. Standard hotel rooms start around €300 per night. Glass igloos can cost €600 to €900 or more around Christmas week. Book early to secure better options.
Is December a good time to go to Lapland?
Yes. It is cold with limited daylight, which is perfect for winter activities and aurora viewing. Expect typical December temperatures below −10°C in many areas. Pack proper layers and warm boots.
