lapland trip from uk

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

• Travel Update
• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Ice & Snow Hotels i
• Santa Claus i
• Glass Igloos i
• Northern Lights i
• Christmas i
• Family Travel i
• Honeymoon & Romance i
• Rovaniemi i
• Best Sellers
• All Lapland Tours
• All Types & Themes
• Why book with us i
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Lapland at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Lapland Attractions i
• Lapland Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Lapland Tours from the UK

Escape to Lapland for a magical experience in this winter wonderland, where you have the chance to go dog sledding and visit Santa. Choose from these tours to Lapland from the UK and a dedicated regional travel consultant will organise your accommodation, excursions, and airport transfers.

Lapland Holidays from the UK

Thinking about trips to Lapland from the UK? Look no further!

Conveniently, this stunning region is only a few hours away by plane. In no time at all, you could be enjoying the sparkling white scenery, northern lights, and snowy activities on a short winter break to Lapland . Perhaps you’d like to go dog sledding, meet Father Christmas, or stay in a hotel made of snow and ice.

Choose between visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland for your holiday. Read on to find out more about each region and see which one would suit you best.

When you book a trip to Lapland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, airport transfers, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits. You also enjoy personal service from your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our contact form, live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll gladly plan your Lapland getaway.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• All bookings protected by our package travel insurance
• Accommodation, activities, transfers & breakfasts included
• Professional service from Scandinavian-based travel experts
• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options

DISCOVER SWEDISH LAPLAND FROM THE UK

Experience the winter charms of Kiruna with one of these Swedish Lapland short breaks. These packages include accommodation, activities, airport transfers, and daily breakfast.

Express Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station, visit finnish lapland from the uk.

Head to Rovaniemi or Kemi on a trip to Finnish Lapland, home to Santa Claus Village. These tours include accommodation, activities, airport transfers, and daily breakfast.

Best of Lapland Express - Rovaniemi

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, best of rovaniemi - classic, santa claus village & dog sledding, lapland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Scandinavia region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Lapland. Choose from a variety of tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights, all handpicked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! For example, you might decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location. In that case, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Camilla Thom, Spain

Icehotel winter adventure, january 2017, i will never forget this experience.

The tour guides were excellent. Especially Emile and Maurice. This was a huge adventure for us both, starting with the dog sled picking us up , going to the Ice Hotel and then the fabulous evening on the snowmobile. Even though we weren't lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, it was still wonderful. What good cooks all the guides were too! I will never forget this experience.

George, United States

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, march 2017, experience of a lifetime.

Everything was wonderful. It was the experience of a lifetime. My daughter and I had a blast!

Nilima, India

Lapland - land of the midnight sun, june 2015, lapland is beautiful.

Day tours were excellent, guide and service was excellent

Lapland is beautiful.  We were able to see the midnight sun because of nordic visitor they have planned our tour very well and the local guides were very co operative.

Vandana, United States

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, february 2015, everything went smoothly.

Cicci Erikson customized our trip exactly the way we wanted, every thing went smoothly, the employees at Kiruna tours were very friendly and cordial, I would recommend Nordic Visitor to my friends and will use them in the future.

Arkadiusz, Singapore

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, december 2014, worked perfectly well without any glitches.

My Travel Consultant, Cecilia, was extremely helpful and professional in all aspects of dealing with the customer. Her invaluable assistance allowed me to choose, modify, and combine the existing tours to fulfill all my needs. The hotel locations were excellent and the arrangements made by Cecilia ensured that everything worked perfectly well without any glitches. I would strongly recommend such excellent services to anyone who would like to have an unforgettably pleasant holiday.

Christy, United States

Icehotel winter adventure, january 2015, overall a great experience.

Overall a great experience. Cecilia was very helpful and responsive.

Mariana, Hong Kong, SAR

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, january 2017, excellent time in kiruna.

My daughter and I had an excellent time in Kiruna during the Chinese New Year. I would like to thank Sofia Sundkvist who assisted us throughout the trip. She is very responsive and accomodating. We slightly changed our plans and she always quickly responded to me by email and helped us with what we needed.  Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to meet her in person, but all the people (from Nordic Visitor) whom we met throughout this trip are excellent people. They always carry a smile, happy with what they are doing, experienced and knowledgeable.  

Carla, United States

Lapland - land of the midnight sun, june 2017, outstanding in every way.

Your company is outstanding in every way. The booking agents were responsive when we had questions. The information provided was excellent. The tour guides and the company's you contracted with are without exception outstanding. I would recommend your company to anyone who is planning a Scandinavian trip

Olga, Israel

Husky tour in the wilderness of lapland, march 2015, beyond my expectations.

Thank you so much for being there and helping people to discover those incredible places around the Scandinavia. I've met so many great people and had such a splendid time, that I will never forget. My main purpose was to see the Northen Lights, but I've got so much more and everything was just beyond my expectations!  I would like to thank our Nordic Visitor agent Jennie Elofsson for a great assistance, she's been very helpful and super quick giving us all the answers we need.  Also I would like to thank our amazing guides, who made our tour so very special and intimate: Emil and Jenny.

Lapland Adventure - Aurora Sky Station, February 2015

Made every experience unforgettable.

Genuinely - one of the best trips we have ever undertaken. We received a great welcome in Kiruna, our guides were excellent - and made every experience unforgettable! The Aurora... was glorious!

Sue, Australia

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, january 2014, suggestions were all great for limited time.

Jennie, our agent, was fantastic. She sorted everything out in the limited time we had in Kiruna and her suggestions to fit in as much as we did in three days were all great.

Hwee Hwee, Singapore

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, january 2017, enjoyable beyond our expectations.

Our experience with Nordic Visitor is absolutely delightful! We are very impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the seamless organisation of the tour. Our holiday was enjoyable beyond our expectations! 

Gianguido and Romana

Service was impeccable under all aspects.

A long sought after vacation resulted in a fascinating experience, and this result must also be credited to the careful preparation and to the friendly professional assistance of your consultants. On site, the service was impeccable under all aspects. 

Cold, silence and nature conjure in suggesting me to summarize what we have lived through with words from Sweden’s national anthem. "TYSTA, GLÄDJERIKA, SKÖNA".

Annette, Australia

Custom booking, march 2015, i am very glad to have chosen nordic visitor.

Everything went very smoothly and with great ease! Being greeted by the chauffer and shiny black Mercedes in Copenhagen and driven to the Scandic Palace Hotel right in the city centre was a real treat. Thank you. I am very glad to have chosen Nordic Visitor because you are based in these wonderful Nordic Countries and I wanted to experience local culture. Many thanks to Cecilia for helping us to achieve this.

Icehotel Winter Adventure, February 2015

One of the most amazing trips I've ever done and one of the best in regards of organization.

Geoff and Maria, Australia

Icehotel winter adventure, december 2013, a must for something completely different.

The Ice Hotel was AMAZING, what a concept. The dogsled from the airport was a fun experience. The Scandic Ferrum for the rest of the stay was fantastic. The staff at both places were exceptional. The snowmobile tour, although eventful, was just a hoot. The most fun we have had in ages. All the meals in all locations were just great and good value. Kiruna is a lovely town and the people are terrific. There aren't enough adjectives to describe it all. Just a load of fun. A must for something completely different. Everything was organised beyond expectation. Just do it!!!

Icehotel Winter Adventure, December 2016

Exceeded our expectations.

The overall experience exceeded our expectations and was a truly wonderful experience. The husky sled transfer from the airport was amazing. Every trip we did had helpful, happy and informative staff. 

Irene and Sarah

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, january 2013, a more beautiful place would be hard to find.

We have just got back home after probably the best holiday we have ever had! Everything was superbly planned and the guys at Kiruna Guidetur were fantastic. In fact everyone we met was friendly and so helpful. The hotels were excellent and the food really great - especially at the Abisko Tourist Station and when we went up to the Aurora Sky Station the girl who did the dinner there was world class, especially when she had to prepare the meal in such cramped conditions,

The activities were wonderful - the snowmobiles, the husky sleds, the horse and sleigh ride, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The Ice Hotel was fantastic too. It is such a magical place - the snow, the clear air - all absolutely wonderful. A more beautiful place would be hard to find. Thank you so much for organising the holiday for us. I have been on the phone this morning urging all my friends to go there!

Adam, Italy

Would definitely recommend nordic visitor.

Everything was great. The tour guides and employees were extremely friendly and professional. They accommodated us as best they could whenever we needed something. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor and this package to anyone. Dress warm! 

Once in a lifetime experience! Thank you! It couldn't have gone better.

Paddy, New Zealand

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, january 2015, inside the artic circle at kiruna.

We booked through Nordic Visitor and they organised the activities with Kiruna Tourism and we had an amazing trip, meet at the airport -23 C, deck out in clothing which we kept for the 4 days, transported around, good hotel and had great guides who were welcoming, knowledgeable and communicative. Couldn't ask for anything more, Went snow walking, dog sledding, visited Abisko viewing station, Ice hotel and Sami Village.

C S, Australia

Icehotel winter adventure, february 2013, friendly efficient and very helpful.

We would like to say that our consultant Cecilia was fantastic, we travel widely and she is the best consultant we have dealt with, friendly efficient and very helpful.

HOW TO GET TO LAPLAND FROM THE UK

You can find some direct flights to Lapland from UK cities, including London . For example, you can fly direct from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, with easyJet or TUI Airways. The journey takes between 3 hours 20 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes.

TUI Airways also operates direct flights to Rovaniemi from other cities in the UK, including Bristol , Manchester and Newcastle. Journey times range from 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes.

If you cannot find direct flights, you can reach Lapland with connecting flights from Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, or Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Another option is to fly to Copenhagen in Denmark and travel to Lapland from there.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden. From Stockholm, you can fly to Kiruna with SAS or Norwegian. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland’s main air travel hub. From here, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to either Kemi or Rovaniemi with Finnair or Norwegian. Both journeys take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in your arrival city if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Lapland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Lapland below.

ICE & SNOW HOTELS

Santa claus, snowmobile adventures, culture & history, reindeer & sami culture, winter tours, what to see and do on lapland tours from the uk.

Take a trip to Lapland from the UK and prepare for a magical experience in this winter wonderland. Located in the far north of Sweden and Finland, this region will enchant you with its snow-laden landscapes and fun-filled activities. It’s all just a short flight away.

Read on to get top tips on visiting Lapland from the UK, including where to go and what to do.

• Explore these Lapland winter trips
• Discover 7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT FROM THE UK TO LAPLAND?

Direct flights from the UK to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland take between 3 hours and 3 hours 45 minutes. There are also connecting flights to Kemi and Kiruna, which vary in duration depending on where you’re passing through.

Read more about how to get to Lapland from the UK .

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND

Lapland offers opportunities for adventures and indulgent experiences in equal measure. This means that you can be as active or relaxed as you wish on your winter trip!

Here are the top things to do in Lapland :

• Go mushing through the snow on a dog sled
• Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
• Explore the countryside by riding snowmobiles
• Soak up Santa magic and meet Father Christmas himself
• Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
• Try cross-country skiing, ice fishing or snowshoeing
• Experience local Sámi customs and cuisine
• Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve
• Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

When you book Lapland packages from the UK with Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day trips to your itinerary. We recommend that you reserve any extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Speak to your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor about the excursions you’d like to incorporate into your Lapland itinerary. They will organise everything on your behalf, while you relax and look forward to your winter escape.

• Browse these classic Lapland holidays to start planning your trip
• If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Lapland travel experts

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAPLAND

Where you go in Lapland will largely depend on the activities and sights you want to enjoy. You can read Nordic Visitor’s Lapland travel Guide to learn more about each area, which will help you decide where to visit.

Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland :

• Santa Claus Village
• Kemi  

These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland :

• Abisko National Park
• Aurora Sky Station

VISIT ONE OF LAPLAND’S ICE HOTELS OR GLASS IGLOOS

One of the “coolest” things you can do in Lapland is stay in an ice hotel. Marvel at the ice sculptures, imaginative themed rooms, and restaurants and bars crafted from frozen water. Since many of the hotels melt in the spring, artists start from scratch and rebuild them each winter.

Spending the night in an ice suite is on many travellers’ bucket lists. You are kept cosy thanks to thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides, with the chance to step into a hot sauna in the morning.

If you’d rather sleep in a warm room, you can take a guided tour of these ice hotels instead.

A great alternative is staying in a glass igloo in Lapland. Snuggle up in your heated dome, looking through the clear glass up to the night sky. You might even be treated to a northern lights show from your bed!

Here are the best ice hotels and glass igloos to visit in Lapland:

• ICEHOTEL (Kiruna)
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
• SnowCastle (Kemi)
• Choose from one of these Lapland ice and snow hotel packages
• Learn more about the best ice hotels in Finland and the ICEHOTEL in Sweden

VISIT FINNISH OR SWEDISH LAPLAND?

For your trip to Lapland, take your pick from visiting Finnish or Swedish Lapland. Both destinations offer similar experiences, such as aurora hunting excursions, snowmobile adventures, and reindeer sleigh rides.

However, Finnish and Swedish Lapland each have particular highlights that you should know about before you decide where to go. Take a look at these itinerary recommendations for a taste of what to expect in Sweden and Finland, respectively.

• Find out about spending 5 days or 6 days in Lapland
• Check out these 3-day and 4-day Lapland tours

ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR SWEDISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and snowmobile safari After touching down at Kiruna Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to yourself, perhaps getting to know the town or simply relaxing before you head out later.

In the evening you’ll get to explore the countryside on a snowmobile excursion, searching for the northern lights. Follow your guide through the snow as they lead you to the best spots to look for the aurora. Feel the thrill of the ride as you go.

Then, sit beside the fireplace in a wooden hut and tuck into a rustic dinner of traditional local food. Afterwards, your guide will take you back to your accommodation.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2 - Dog sledding Today you can enjoy one of the most special activities and traditions in Lapland: husky sledding.

Meet the huskies at the kennel and learn how to drive your sled from an expert guide. Head out onto the trails, gliding through the woods and across snowy plains, soaking up the views as you go. Afterwards, fuel up with a hot cup of coffee and a light lunch by the campfire.

In the evening, you could chase the northern lights again on a snowshoe excursion.

Day 3 - Visit the ICEHOTEL and a Sami reindeer farm This morning, discover the famous ICEHOTEL, situated in the village of Jukkasjärvi just outside Kiruna. This was the original ice hotel that set a trend for the many others that now exist around the world.

Begin with a guided tour of this extraordinary hotel, learning how artists build it using ice from the Torne River nearby. You’ll also get to explore the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round structure that stays cold in the summer thanks to solar energy.

Once you’ve seen the stunning ice rooms, sculptures, church and bar, you’ll be collected from the ICEHOTEL for your next excursion. Get to know the Sami way of life by visiting a traditional reindeer farm. Drive a reindeer sled then enjoy some snacks in a lavvu, a typical Sami tent.

Then comes the highlight: sleeping in a room made entirely from ice and snow!

Spend the night in Kiruna or the ICEHOTEL.

Day 4 - Departure Today you’ll take a transfer to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Explore these Kiruna tour packages to experience Swedish Lapland
• Find out the top 10 reasons to take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden

ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR FINNISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Rovaniemi & snowmobile safari Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at Rovaniemi Airport for your transfer to your accommodation. You could rest after your journey or head into town to explore a little before your first Lapland adventure.

Come evening, it’s time to embark on a snowmobile safari and hunt for the northern lights. Enjoy an exhilarating ride through the snow, looking for the aurora borealis, as an expert guide leads you along the trails.

Round off your excursion with a hot drink and snack beside the campfire, then return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

Day 2 - Dog sledding and Finnish sauna Head into the snow-draped scenery outside Rovaniemi today with a guided dog sled excursion. Learn about this traditional mode of transport in Lapland, starting with a brief lesson at the kennel. Then mush through the woods with your own sled.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Rovaniemi. You could indulge in a sauna session, the typical way to relax and unwind here in Finland.

Day 3 - Reindeer farm and Santa Claus Village This morning, hop on a snowmobile and make your way to a traditional reindeer farm. Here you can learn about the culture of Lapland’s native people, the Sami, and go on a sleigh ride.

Next, prepare to meet the “man in red” with a visit to Santa Claus Village, just outside Rovaniemi.

Soak up the festive atmosphere of this Christmassy haven, which is open year-round. Enjoy a private meeting with Santa with the elves on hand, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office. Then why not browse for souvenirs at the craft shops?

Day 4 - Day at leisure and visit to the Arctic SnowHotel Learn more about the local history, nature and culture in Rovaniemi this morning by paying a visit to the Arktikum Museum. Here you can explore the intriguing exhibits about Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region.

Come evening, head to the Arctic SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi, just outside Rovaniemi. Take a guided tour of this fascinating frozen hotel, which is created anew each year. Check out the rooms, restaurant and bar, all sculpted from ice and snow.

After your tour sit down for a delicious 3-course meal at Restaurant Kota, inspired by traditional Sami architecture. Then, you’ll either return to your accommodation in Rovaniemi, or overnight in the Arctic SnowHotel for an unforgettable stay. Choose from sleeping in an ice room or a glass igloo.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi or the Arctic SnowHotel.

Day 5 - Departure Today you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Discover Finnish Lapland with one of these Rovaniemi tours or Kemi packages
• Read this guide to Finland in winter for more inspiration

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAPLAND

The best time to visit Lapland is between December and March, when you can enjoy the magical white scenery, northern lights, and excursions in the snow.

Certain activities are available in Lapland year round. For example, in summer you can meet Father Christmas, or even visit certain ice hotels that use solar power to keep some of their rooms frozen. However, we recommend travelling in winter for the quintessential Lapland experience.

• Learn more about visiting Lapland in December or January
• Check out Lapland tours in February or March

Thanks to snowfall from mid-October to mid-May, you’ll be surrounded by snow-blanketed scenery between December and March. These are the perfect conditions for winter activities, including dog sledding, and skiing holidays.

What’s more, in winter you have the best chances of seeing the northern lights. The long, dark nights provide the ideal backdrop for watching the aurora borealis.

In summer, on the other hand, there are long daylight hours in Lapland – a phenomenon called the “midnight sun”. With light skies all night long, it is too bright to see the aurora borealis.

Find out how to increase your chances of spotting the aurora borealis with these guides:

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Sweden

Best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland

What are the northern lights? Aurora borealis explained

• Explore these northern light tours in Lapland to hunt for the aurora
• Read about Lapland’s daylight hours and climate on the Nordic Visitor travel guide  

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN LAPLAND

Perhaps you want to time your Lapland trip for December to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in this winter wonderland?

Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner for Christmas Eve, accompanied by Santa’s elves. Join in the fun and help to decorate the Christmas tree before you tuck into the big feast.

Then have the ultimate Christmas Day in Santa’s Lapland. Whizz through the snow on a reindeer sleigh, meet Santa in his workshop, and taste delicious Christmas food. Think freshly baked gingerbread biscuits and a warm glass of glögg (mulled wine).

Or visit Lapland at New Year for a celebration to remember. Attend a New Year’s Eve party in a wooden hut in the middle of a Finnish forest, experiencing local customs and cuisine. And, of course, you’d get to watch a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Don’t forget, you can get into the festive spirit at any time of year with  Santa breaks in Finnish Lapland !

• Check out these Santa holidays to Lapland
• Learn about visiting Lapland from Bristol , Manchester or London

— REGIONAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

Get the most out of your holiday.

• Explore places handpicked for you by regional experts
• Save time and effort with everything arranged for you
• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 during your trip

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor is a Lapland tour operator and has been creating incredible travel experiences for customers in the region since 2010. Our Scandinavian travel experts know Lapland inside out, and will use their knowledge to craft your perfect itinerary.

With your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local partners, which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

Get social with us

Follow our adventures in the North and share your own with us.

Sign up for our newsletter

We’re here to help, so get in touch with our friendly team to book your package or add extra nights and activities to an existing booking.

Our Swedish phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

Lapland for grown-ups: why lapland isn’t just for kids, a few fun facts about swedish lapland, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, how to eat like a local in lapland.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Lapland Holidays 2024/2025

Tucked far away in northernmost Finland lies the magical place that Santa Claus calls home. This is a region deep inside the Arctic Circle; a land of wonder and enchantment that really comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. You never know just who you might see...

Whether you're looking to explore pretty snow-clad pine forests in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, search for Santa and his elves, or indulge in adrenaline-charged activities like snowmobile safaris, we can offer something that will tick most boxes. Lapland is a winter wonderland with a difference.

Book a break to Lapland next winter from under £1,000pp. Say hello to Santa, get cosy in a log cabin and spot the famous Northern Lights.

New lapland day trip for 2024.

Lapland Santa Experience

privately chartered planes, flying from a regional airport near you, will touch down just beyond the Arctic Circle at A completely exclusive spot in Swedish Lapland.  

From here, you’ll set off to Santa’s village, where you’ll have the place completely to yourself, to kick-start the fun. Journey on husky rides, snowmobiles and reindeer-drawn sleighs through the forest or surrounding fields illuminated by red lanterns.  

Then pause for a hearty lunch and sip on steaming berry juice beneath the trees before following the secret path to Santa’s cabin for a private meeting with the jolly man himself – the perfect end to your authentic and intimate Lappish experience.  

VIEW DAY TRIP

Hidden in the snowy forest, are two enchanted igloos offering a  magical experience  for your  trip to Santa's Lapland . Admire the twinkling lights and ice sculptures, join in the fun and games with Santa's Elves and even enjoy a drink and snack in our ice bar.

Imagine the excitement of riding through the snowy forest by a snowmobile sleigh and watching your children's faces light up when they meet Santa. Plus, with lots of fun snow activities to enjoy too - there's no better place to celebrate the festive season than Santa's Lapland.

On a Santa's Lapland holiday you'll stay in the real winter wonderland, 200km above the Arctic Circle. With snow-sprinkled forests and lots of fun snow activities, including meeting Santa in his wooden cabin, Saariselkä is the perfect magical home for a three or four day festive break.

Mountains of snow to toboggan down, mini-skidoos for the kids to enjoy and as much cloud-berry juice and pancakes as you like… and there’s plenty more fun to have! Stay in hotels, hand-picked by Santa’s elves and enjoy a half-board stay, with lunch and refreshments on your Search for Santa day.

TAILORMADE ENQUIRIES

Please fill out the form below and an independent ABTA registered agent will source the best deals and contact you.

This is a no obligation form, however any bookings made as a result of submitting this form will be bound by our operators terms and conditions.

Featured Lapland Hotels

Santa's Holiday Club

A family favourite. An indoor pool with waterslides and chutes to keep the children entertained, whilst parents can watch from the pool bar.

Santa's Hotel Tunturi

An excellent choice of rooms and suites suitable for the whole family. Opposite a charming wooded area close-by to the village centre.

Iisakki Glass Village

Staying at the Iisakki Glass Village is like camping under the stars in Lapland’s snowy, pine-cloaked countryside.

Crazy Reindeer Hotel

The Crazy & White Reindeer Complex is close to the slopes and full of pampering options, so it offers relaxation and get-up-and-go in equal measure.

Snowy Wilderness Lodge

The name says it all at the Snowy Wilderness Lodge. The property is surrounded by a winter wonderland of forest and fields.

Winter Wonderland Hotel and Log Cabins

The Winter Wonderland Hotel and Cabins are surrounded by wilderness scenery. The deluxe cabins come with luxury touches like hot tubs, too.

Lapland Day Trips

Search For Santa

This trip is packed with outdoor adventures from start to finish. Your venue for the day is Kittila’s Snow Village, which is home to an ice hotel, an ice bar and an ice chapel. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the igloo-like hotel rooms and admire the impressive sculptures that have been carved from frozen water.

In December, take the kids on the trip of a lifetime, and watch their faces light up when they see Santa in a true Winter Wonderland.

Lapland Short Breaks

Classic Lapland

If this Lapland holiday doesn’t get you into the festive spirit, nothing will. It includes loads of great activities, from husky sledging to gingerbread decorating. What’s more, you’ll be based in Rovaniemi – the hub of all things Christmassy.

Lapland Explorer

Looking for traditional holidays in Lapland? This trip goes off the beaten track in Levi, Pallas and Yllas – all packed with authentic Lappish atmosphere. Stay in and snuggle up by the fire, or try out activities like ice-fishing or snowmobiling.

Santa's Wonderland

These Lapland holidays take you to our northernmost resort – Saariselka. It’s set amongst a snow-covered wilderness and is home to Santa Resort – where you’ll get to meet the big man himself. You might even be lucky enough to spot the mysterious Northern Lights.

Lapland Discovery

Traditional log cabins, snow-dusted landscapes and forest-coated fells are all on the cards on holidays to Luosto.

Lapland Adventure

Holidays to Hetta conjure up a taste of true Lapland – expect empty snowscapes, cute wooden villages and thrilling winter sports.

TUI Lapland Explorer

Kilometre-long frozen lakes, acres of snow-topped trees, and first-class ski slopes with the nightlife to match are all staples of holidays to Ruka. Holidays to Kuusamo serve up some stellar, snow-blanketed scenery – this peaceful town’s a great spot to see the best of Finland’s natural beauty.

Lapland Tour

Scandinavia's magical Northern Lights occupy a very lofty spot on many people's travel goals, and with good reason. This stunning natural phenomenon is caused by collisions between electrically charged particles entering the earth's atmosphere from the sun, creating a captivating natural light show best seen within the Arctic Circle.

On this remarkable adventure, explore Norway and Swedish Lapland, journeying to the far north to seek out the magical Aurora while travelling on some of world's most scenic railways.

10 Days from £2,395

More Information

New Lapland Destination

We are taking you to  Kuusamo , which is known for its snow-blanketed scenery, ski slopes and hiking trails. This peaceful town also offers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, such as spending an afternoon visiting a reindeer farm where you'll get the chance to feed them and learn all about anta's sleigh-pullers. 

Lapland Holiday Hotels

Holiday Club Kuusamo

Surrounded by lakes and pine trees, this place is on the outskirts of Kuusamo – a winter sports hub. Skiing, fishing and kayaking all take place right outside. And it’s a 10-minute drive into the centre of town.

Lapland Hotel Hetta

This hotel is in a picturesque part of town, snuggled up to the shores of Lake Ounasjärvi. It’s right in the heart of Lapland’s snow-dusted wilderness, so it’s a popular base for hikers and skiers.

Santa's Aurora

All of the rooms in the hotel's main building come with their own sauna as standard – or you can opt to stay in glass-walled igloos that sit just outside. Meanwhile, in the restaurant cosy settings are paired up with top-class cuisine.

Luosto Hotel

The Luosto Hotel is nestled in the log cabin village of Luosto and cloaked in forested parkland. A neighbouring ski resort finishes the scene off with a flourish.

The Snow Elf Hotel & Apartments

This resort-style complex has a real fairytale setting – it’s bordered on all sides by snow-dusted pine forests. It’s a family-friendly spot, with an indoor pool and lots of activities on offer.

Scandic Rukahovi

The Scandic Rukahovi's a winner when it comes to scenery. It sits at the bottom of Ruka's ski slopes, and the back of the property brushes shoulders with a pine forest. There's lots to do nearby, from hiking to reindeer safaris.

Lapland Hotel Sirkantähti

Ski slopes, snowshoe trails and ice-fishing lakes are right on your doorstep when you stay at the Lapland Hotel Sirkantähti – it’s in the heart of Levi village.

Lapland Hotel Saaga

You’ll find it hard to beat the mountain scenery that surrounds the Lapland Hotel Saaga – drift-drenched slopes, frozen lakes and pine forests all put in appearances.

Hotel Snowflake and Apartments

This place puts you within walking distance of the action. Stroll for a few minutes past the frost-covered trees on the hotel’s frozen forecourt, and you’ll reach a toboggan hill.

Levi Panorama

If you haven’t already guessed by the name, cinematic views are what this place majors in. Everything from the restaurants to the seventh-floor saunas look out over the snow-dusted landscape.

Hotel Snow Princess

This place looks out over a pine-cloaked fell, so wintery views are a permanent fixture. It’s in a handy location, too, with slopes nearby, and ski tracks leading from the doorstep to Äkäslompolo village, 5 minutes away.

Aurora Pyramids

The pyramids have got lots of write-home-about features. Like mechanised beds that move up and down at the touch of a button – perfect for looking up at the night sky. And underfloor heating, a sofa and a shower.

Levi Suites Levi Gold

Balanced between the Chapel of St Mary and Levi Square, Levi Suites Levi Gold Apartments couldn’t get much more central. They neighbour the slopes, and are close to a selection of restaurants and bars.

Holiday Club Saariselka

This hotel is in the heart of Saariselka, with shops, restaurants and a big toboggan run nearby. Its convenient setting makes it great for families. Plus, it’s got an impressive swimming pool.

Santasport Hotel

Set in the heart of Ounasvaara, on the edge of Rovaniemi, the Santasport specialises in active holidays and wellbeing breaks. There’s something for all ages and fitness levels, so it’s a great choice for families.

Lapland Holidays

Make next Christmas a magical one and book a trip to Lapland!. Don't forget to take a look at our tour descriptions to help you plan for your magical Day/Stay trip to Lapland this Christmas.

Lapland trips top the listing of wonderful encounters for family members with youthful kids. After all, a trip to true home of Santa is the ideal method to keep the Christmas magic alive. The wonder on little faces as they take in reindeer, husky canines and, of course, a visit to the big guy himself is worth the trip alone!

While Christmas is a big component of Lapland's attraction, that's not to say that holidays to Lapland are just for children. This wintertime wonderland has activities for grownups to take pleasure in as well, including wonderful chances to ski, as well as a wide range of various other winter season tasks, adventures and also sports.

Visualize taking a snow safari via an icy forest, or snowboarding with a fairy-lit village at your feet? Whatever you decide to do in Lapland, it will have a wonderful touch.

In  Rovaniemi , Lapland’s cosmopolitan capital, you’ve got international-name shops and restaurants, as well as an after-dark scene that rivals any European city.  Levi, Pallas ,  Yllas  and  Kuusamo,  meanwhile, are experts when it comes to snow activities. Then there’s  Saariselka , a real winter wonderland, and  Luosto  and  Hetta , secluded spots, which are real Northern Lights territory. If you're looking for a hotel that’s goes the extra mile for families, keep your eyes peeled for our SnowClub tag. Hotels with a SnowClub put on lots of activities and entertainment especially for little ones.

Levi is one of the very best ski places in Lapland, with great conditions from November to May. Beginner skiers will certainly be in paradise in Levi, thanks to the uncrowded slopes, broad runs and excellent tuition centers. Those which are a little more experienced on their skis will certainly wish to explore off-piste as well as tackle the World Cup gondola pitch. Snowboarders will certainly also discover plenty to keep them occupied and also off-piste tasks include husky, reindeer as well as snowmobile safaris, sledging, tobogganing, snow shoeing, ice angling and far more!

For those whose Lapland visit is about the big jully guy in his red suit, Rovaniemi is the destination to select. In the heart of the magical Arctic Circle, the highlight of Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus Village. And also the Santa Claus Office and also the Main Post Office, you could also venture underground right into the ice cavern attraction, Santa Park, take a snowmobile or husky trip, or visit Dasher as well as Dancer at the reindeer ranch.

Lapland vacations are the excellent winter months treat for adventurers of any ages. Those with children won't find anywhere in the world as wonderful, while snow-loving adults could experience wonderful ski possibilities in one of the most charming of locations.

Santa Trips

If you're looking for Lapland holidays, look no further! Lapland is where Christmas dreams come true. It's not just a magical winter wonderland deep inside the Arctic Circle. It's also where you'll find Santa Claus and his trusty team of elves, whose mission is to spread happiness and fun. If you come on one of our Christmas trips you'll have a chance to drop in on Santa for a private meeting and he has a present for all the children.

Christmas is the most enchanting time of the year, and the excitement never truly fades, no matter your age. With our fantastic getaways, you can embrace the spirit of Christmas on an adventure like you’ve never experienced before. Which Lapland holiday is perfect for you? Whether you’d like to meet Santa and his furry woodland friends, go exploring on a sled or discover a secret village, there’s something for everyone. Maybe you’ll discover the natural wonder of the Northern Lights on Santa’s Sleigh-Bell Sleepover, after spending an afternoon playing in the snow with the family. Couples are invited too, on an adventure packed with exhilarating excursions and cosy meals by a roaring fire. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a perfect holiday for you to create the most magical Christmas yet.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Lapland Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Lapland. We've got 69 trips going to Lapland, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 9 days. The most popular month to go is December, which has the most tour departures.

Filters applied

69 lapland tour packages with 130 reviews.

• Northern Lights

Midnight Sun – 7 Days in Lapland

Our experience with Nordic Unique was great. As a little older group some tours did not appeal to us and they were great about rearranging the itinerary. There could have been a little more communication prior to the trip. I would also suggest some kayaks at the lake. Our guide Matthias (Niales) was awesome!! He was patient, kind, knowledgeable and a great cook.

• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway

This tour had an amazing itinerary, with lots of fun and memorable activities. It was very well organized and the communication with the travelers was excellent. The tour guide traveling with us, Centti, did everything to make our trip a wonderful experience. He was very informative, passionate about his country, and always willing to help throughout the trip. Centti made sure every bus ride was fun and enjoyable, and always did all the thinking for us. The longer bus rides to the villages were definitely worth the time. I definitely recommend adding all the extra activities, as all of them are very unique and incredible. A 10/10 trip and recommend it to everyone wanting to feel the northern magic.

Finnish Lapland in Winter

Excellent trip in the wonderful outdoors!

Tailor-Made Finland Adventure to Lapland

Tolle und eindrückliche Reise

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Rovaniemi (Apukka area): The northern lights - 7 days

Aurora Borealis in Inari, Lapland in Finland - 4 days

Swedish Lapland: The Northern Lights

Wonderful experience! The organization made us do a lot of different activities, making the trip perfect in every aspect: the activities were various, the price was the best you can find and they are ready to help in every situation. Even in difficult moments they are able to find the best solution keep the travel amazing as they promised. The guides are also super friendly!! Super suggested experience

Lapland Winter Adventure

Awesome, everything was on scheduled and on time.

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

Finnish Lapland Winter Family Holiday

Tailor-Made Finland Northern Lights Private Tour

Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days

Going to Lapland in winter was always a dream. This did not disappoint. Right from the start of organising this, the team were a great help. They did everything possible to try find availability and make it all work so that we could do this trip. Loved the day trips we did and the accommodation was amazing. Didn’t have to think about anything as it was all organised. 100% would recommend this trip.

Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days

I have no complaint except for one incident, which was taken care of. The reason I'm sharing it is so it doesn't happen to the next customer. We were scheduled for a 2h husky safari from 14:00-16:30. From your office we we're scheduled for a transfer at 16:45 to Arctic Snow Hotel. Their wasn't enough time between so we were without a transfer to our hotel. We called ahead but they didn't wait. Our sweet tour guide drove us to the hotel and helped us arrange a new dinner reservations for a later time. Other then that everything was great.

• In-depth Cultural

Christmas Magic in Santa's Hometown

• Winter Walks

Finland Escape (6 destinations)

Aurora Borealis and Arctic Bath

What people love about lapland tours.

This trip was wonderful and empowering. The scenery was magical. The activities were fun and memorable. Elo and our drivers were excellent. I met some wonderful people. Christmas in Lapland was truly an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.

Lapland Tours starting in:

• Rovaniemi (8)
• Helsinki (7)
• Family (39)
• Explorer (37)
• Fully Guided (32)
• Active (27)
• Partially Guided (25)
• Northern Lights (22)
• Personalized (18)
• Private (11)
• Self-Guided (7)
• Hiking & Trekking (6)
• Small Group (23)
• 7 Day Tours (31)
• 10 Day Tours (8)
• Spring 2024 (4)
• Summer 2024 (7)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (10)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (31)
• Spring 2025 (24)
• Summer 2025 (4)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (4)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (11)
• April 2024 (4)
• May 2024 (3)
• June 2024 (4)
• July 2024 (4)
• August 2024 (7)
• September 2024 (4)
• October 2024 (4)
• November 2024 (13)
• December 2024 (25)
• January 2025 (25)
• February 2025 (23)
• March 2025 (24)
• April 2025 (9)
• May 2025 (4)
• June 2025 (4)
• July 2025 (4)
• August 2025 (4)
• September 2025 (4)
• October 2025 (4)
• November 2025 (5)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (31)
• For Couples (13)
• Seniors (18)

Travel beyond the ordinary

Any airport

Lapland holidays as you always wished they could be

Your experience starts here.

When you travel to Lapland with Transun, you couldn’t be in more experienced hands. During our 40-year history, we’ve been designing and delivering exceptional holidays and day trips that have made memories to last for a lifetime. 

A longstanding specialist in Lapland holidays, we’re excited to journey deep inside the Arctic Circle and share some captivating breaks along the celebrated Northern Lights Route. From snowmobiling across the frozen tundra to mushing huskies through snow-capped forests; from gazing into the night skies at the Northern Lights, to visiting Father Christmas in his homeland, we have a Lapland holiday that will captivate you as much as it will inspire you.

But not any old Lapland holiday will do: we only operate in ‘True Lapland’, an area of unspoiled beauty and intrigue, far from the touristy, mass-market resorts. 

For us, travelling beyond the ordinary is a lifestyle. We’ve traversed unknown destinations, trialled the holidays that we offer and have stayed in the hotels that feature in our tours, creating a wealth of experiences, stories and knowledge that we use to craft the perfect winter getaway. Our team of experienced and passionate travel professionals are here to help on every step of the journey, and our team in resort are ready and waiting to welcome you on your next adventure.

We’re proud of the range of holidays that we offer and are pleased to have received many accolades over the years, and none more so than the British Travel Awards, which are voted for by those who have travelled with us.

We're bonded with ABTA and licensed with ATOL, so you can book your next adventure in complete confidence.

Travel With Confidence

Information on Travelling to Lapland

Snowmobile Voyager

New for 2024! Our refreshed Snowmobile Voyager holiday takes you over the borders of Finland, Sweden and Norway in just 30 seconds!

Information about Transun, our holidays, and ATOL protection.

Favourite Tours

Discover europe's last unspoiled wilderness, northern lights, finnish lapland - swedish lapland.

Search for the spectacular Northern Lights in Lapland and enjoy a host of winter activities

3 or 4 nights from £949 per adult

Aurora Hunter

Search for the fabled Aurora Borealis on this week-long break deep inside the Arctic Circle

7 nights from £1439 per adult

Winter Wonderland

Finnish lapland.

Experience all the magic of Lapland in a single day and return home in time for supper!

Daybreak from £599 per adult

Festive Lights

Swedish lapland.

Combine nature’s most extraordinary Northern Lights show with the jollity of the festive period

3 or 4 nights from £1059 per adult

A short break in the very far north of Finnish Lapland for those who love snowmobiling. Journey...

3 or 4 nights from £1239 per adult

Snow is Falling

Visit Santa in his secret log cabin in the forest on this pre-Christmas short holiday

2, 3 or 4 nights from £1099 per adult

Dashing Through the Snow

A Lapland holiday in Kilpisjarvi, including snowmobiling, husky sledding, and a meeting with Santa...

3 or 4 nights from £1299 per adult

Santa's On His Way

Search for Santa in his magical homeland on our Lapland short break

3 or 4 nights from £1199 per adult

Out of this world experiences

Discover a land of myth & legend.

• The Reindeer of Lapland

There’s more to Lapland than riding snowmobiles and hunting the Northern Lights. Reindeer are the undisputed icon of Lapland. From Father Christmas’ companions to the Sámi people’s livelihood, they are woven into the culture and way of life...

• See the Northern Lights

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Northern Lights are a stunning display of swirling, other-worldly lights. It’s no surprise seeing this spectacle features high on many travellers’ wish-lists: the incredible hues of blues and greens dancing...

• Visit Santa in Lapland

Make your children’s winter wonderland dreams a reality: enjoy a private family meeting with Father Christmas on your Lapland holiday. World-famous for being home to the festive icon and his gaggle of mischievous elves, Lapland will offer a festive holiday unlike...

• Ski and Snowshoe

When visitors think of a holiday in Lapland, images of Father Christmas, husky-sledding and Northern Lights spring to mind. This region was made for cross-county skiing and snowshoeing too, however. The snow is pristine, you’ll find fewer crowds than mainland...

• Glass Cabins

What a view! Lie back in the comfortable bed of your glass cabin and gaze up into the stars of infinite space. Maybe the evening skies will be blessed by the appearance of the fabled Aurora Borealis? This experience combines two of Lapland’s most iconic highlights:...

• Real Snow Igloos

Ditch the modern ice hotels and glass-roofed igloos for a more traditional way to sleep in the snow. Cosy, snug and unforgettable, spending the night in an igloo is a must for your Lapland holiday. Quite literally one of Lapland’s coolest places to stay, these...

• Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is an unmissable experience when visiting the Lappish wilderness on holiday, Europe’s last wilderness. This intensely beautiful landscape of frozen lakes and snow-bound forests feels like it was made for exploring by snowmobile. Developed in the 1930s,...

• Husky Sledding

Before snowmobiles, huskies provided a fast, reliable way to travel vast distances and transport goods. They delivered an important line of communication and essential supply chain during the First World War. Today, dogsledding is a huge attraction for visitors and...

Why Transun?

With over forty years' experience - you're in good hands, regional flights.

Transun are proud to offer the widest selection of departure airports from the UK to Lapland - more than any other tour operator.

Hand-picked locations

We will transport you deep within the Arctic Circle, further north than over-crowded and commercialised resorts to the magic of True Lapland.

Knowledgeable team

Our dedicated team is on hand to use their first-hand experience to help you select an Arctic holiday to suit your needs and requirements.

40 years' experience

As pioneers for travel to Lapland with more than three decades of experience behind your Arctic adventure, we offer a truly memorable experience.

• View collection
• Request this brochure
• Northern Lights 3 or 4 nights from £949
• Festive Lights 3 or 4 nights from £1059
• Aurora Hunter 7 nights from £1439
• Snowmobile Voyager 3 or 4 nights from £1239
• Santa's On His Way 3 or 4 nights from £1199
• Winter Wonderland Daybreak from £599
• Sleigh Bells Ringing 3 or 4 nights from £1399
• Snow is Falling 2, 3 or 4 nights from £1099
• Dashing Through the Snow 3 or 4 nights from £1299
• View all experiences

My Booking Log In

Login to view your booking details

Agent log-in

Log in with your ABTA details here to record your transactions

If you've forgotten your password or are having trouble logging in, please email [email protected].

Not an existing user? Sign up

Agent Sign-up

Sign up to become one of our agents

Thank you for signing up. We will contact you shortly.

Existing user?

Accessibility Links

9 of the best Lapland tours

Get the inside scoop on the best lapland holidays, from snowy trips to see santa to full-on adventures into the high arctic wilderness.

L apland is often billed as “once in a lifetime”, but once the Arctic bug bites, you’ll be back. The pull of the north is strongest in the dark, Narnia-like depths of winter, when the snow falls thick and fast on the remote fells and forests of Finland , Norway and Lapland . And boy is it cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -30C (making the Alps feel positively tropical by comparison).

You might have come all this way to whisper your Christmas wish list in Santa’s attentive ear, but the festive sparkle of big-hitting resorts such as Rovaniemi really is just the tip of the iceberg. Stray away from the crowds on snowshoes or cross-country skis through the silent white night as northern lights flash overhead, embrace the spirit of Sami reindeer herders with legends told around a hissing fire in a lavvu tent, or feel weightless as huskies pull you on a sleigh ride across the frozen tundra.

Read on for our pick of the holiday companies that wing you straight to the heart of Lapland’s winter action.

Main photo: People on a reindeer sleigh in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland (Getty Images)

1. Finnish Lapland in winter, Intrepid

Best for active couples Diving straight in at the Arctic deep end in Finnish Lapland, this winter classic gives you a whole gleeful week to play in the snow. You’ll kick off with a couple of culture-packed days in the capital Helsinki, before boarding the overnight Santa Claus Express to Rovaniemi, HQ of Father Christmas and his grotto-dwelling elves, in the Arctic Circle. From here, things take a dramatic turn for the wilder, as you’re whisked to a family-run guesthouse snuggled deep in remote forest — your base for the next few nights.

Advertisement

The outdoor action centres around the 718m fell of Yllas, a wondrous place to ski on uncrowded slopes, with pristine and abundant powder. There are 1,001 ways to go full-on winter wonderland here and you’ll be trying out several: husky rides, northern lights gazing and hanging out with Sami reindeer herders at a 19th-century farm. There’s a free day in the mix, where you can perhaps slip on snowshoes, go ice fishing or sizzle in the sauna. The seven-night trip includes accommodation (twin share), breakfast, transport and most activities. Dates run from December to March.

Group size 1-12 Price ££

2. Lapland for adults, Untold Story

Best for luxe-loving grown-ups Who says Lapland holidays are only for kids? Upping the luxury ante, this bespoke tour of the Arctic is strictly for grown-ups, revealing a side to Finnish Lapland beyond the Santa hype. Breathing in the crystal-clear air as you make virgin tracks through ice-sculpted forests, standing in quiet wonder as the northern lights put on a private show and listening to the stories of Sami reindeer herders while huddled around an open fire in the middle of nowhere are moments you will be raving about long after you return.

Each day brings fresh adventures: reindeer and husky sleigh rides into the great white wilderness, say, or bombing across a frozen lake on a snowmobile. The final night is pure magic, as you trek into the frozen hush of the forest with Icelandic horses, dine at the Aurora Sky Restaurant and spend the night in a glass igloo on the slopes of a fell. A six-night sample itinerary includes accommodation, breakfast, private guide, activities and transport. Travel between November and March to see the region at its winter-wonderland best.

Group size private tour Price £££

untoldstorytravel.com

3. Cross-country skiing in Lapland, Exodus

Best for off-the-radar adventure Scientists have proven that the world’s cleanest air is found in the fells, high tundra and old-growth taiga forests of Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, which unfurls in all its wild, peaceful glory close to the Norwegian border in western Finnish Lapland. In summer, Sami reindeer graze these wild lands, while in the blue-pink light of winter, the landscape is a readymade Christmas card, with trees bent heavy with snow and the northern lights blazing in night skies.

On this week-long Lapland trip, you can glide and skate along tracks at your own pace, with 190 miles of signposted trails to explore (25 miles of which are floodlit). You’ll often find yourself alone with nature, with little sign of civilisation, bar the odd kota hut where you can refuel over pulla (sticky cardamom bread) and hot blueberry juice before carving an onward path through the glistening snow. Slip on snowshoes to pad through forest and over fell and frozen lake in quiet exhilaration, returning to the village of Akaslompolo as the aurora lights up the horizon. Fancy a change? Visit the nearby Snow Village, sculpted afresh each winter, or take a cable car to float to the top of Yllas for arresting views and dinner at Finland’s highest restaurant. The eight-day tour including accommodation, use of cross-country ski trails, transfers and all breakfasts and evening meals; ski hire and tuition are available for an extra fee.

Group size 2-30 Price £

4. Lapland wilderness week, Exodus

Best for solitude seekers Shining a light on a spectacularly unsung, thrillingly forgotten corner of Swedish Lapland, this week-long escapade delivers the big wilderness it promises. At about 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle, you might expect biting cold, waist-deep snow, phenomenal displays of northern lights and off-the-charts scenery. And you’d be right. But what really grabs you is the silence. The kind of silence that only comes in a village such as Rajamaa (population: seven), plonked on a remote island in the Muonio River and gazing wistfully across the white beauty of Sweden and Finland. Hole up in a wooden cabin and let your hosts, the Malmstrom family, organise the rest.

This trip wholly embraces nature and Sami culture, with days spent dogsledding, snowshoeing, forest skiing, learning about reindeer-herding traditions, and slipping into dark nights warmed by saunas, campfires and stirring views of the aurora dancing high above. The holiday ends on an Arctic high, with a two-day forest skiing expedition over pine-stippled hill and frozen lake, and a night in a back-of-beyond logger’s cabin. As you ski back to Rajamaa, keeping an eye out for reindeer, moose and the tracks of wolverine and lynx, you might just want to press the pause button so the moment never ends. The six-night trip including accommodation with shared facilities, all meals, transport, tour leaders and equipment.

Group size 6-16 Price ££

5. A polar night, Off the Map

Best for would-be Arctic explorers Turning up the Arctic adventure several notches, this expedition-style trip to the great white wilderness of Svalbard is one you’ll never forget. At 78 degrees north, midway between Norway and the North Pole, this archipelago is a place of bone-chilling cold and soul-reviving beauty, with its dramatic icescapes, pearl-white mountains and wildlife (cue reindeer, snow-white Arctic foxes, walruses lolling on icebergs, whales and, of course, polar bears).

This trip has all the thrill of a mighty expedition, albeit with minimal effort. Kicking off with a night in Oslo, you’ll fly to Spitsbergen and spend a night at Funken Lodge on Longyearbyen, where you can jump on a snowcat for the first flickers of the aurora. A dog sled will then whisk you over the frozen tundra to the new Juva Lodge. With front-row views of ice and rock, this slickly Scandi cabin adds a blast of luxury to the Arctic experience, with comfortable beds, a fireplace and barrel sauna. It’s so remote and dark that the northern lights don’t dance here, they rave. Visit during the polar night in January, when the sun never rises, and you double your chances of seeing them. Spot wild reindeer as you fly across the snow on a husky-drawn sled back to Longyearbyen for a gourmet dinner — and perhaps another light show — before flying home. Departures are from January to May. Tours are generally four nights, including accommodation, private transfers, all activities and meals.

offthemap.travel

6. Senja — island auroras, Aurora Zone

Best for aurora hunters Everyone raves about the Lofoten Islands, but the dramatically mountainous, fjord-woven, surf-smashed island of Senja, just north, is just as ravishing yet far less busy. This trip is a rare and special one. You’ll stay in a tiny, lighthouse-topped hamlet right by the water’s edge, with optimum conditions for seeing the northern lights cascade in dark night skies. By day, a wildlife boat safari will take you out to spot seals, sea eagles and perhaps even a whale. And you’ll have plentiful chances to glimpse the northern lights — whether snowshoeing through the white wilderness or bubbling in a hot tub. Prices include four nights’ accommodation, meals, transfers, guided activities and cold-weather gear.

Group size private tour Price ££

theaurorazone.com

7. See the northern lights in Finland, Aurora Zone

Best for bucket-list Lapland The northern lights hold you in their thrall on this eight-night trip to Finnish Lapland. But a well-aimed snowball throw from Sweden, Harriniva, high above the Arctic Circle, is your woody base for the first four days. The family-run hotel is brilliantly placed for snow fun. Civilisation seems far away as you dogsled and snowmobile into the wilderness, or crunch through a frozen forest on snowshoes into Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Stop for a lakeside sauna and — if you dare — a heart-stopping Finnish-style dip in an avanto (ice hole) in subzero temperatures. As darkness falls, all the focus is on the heavens and the northern lights.

The lights also shimmer on thenext leg of your trip at the northern lights Village in Levi. And as you’ll be staying in a glass-roofed Aurora Cabin open to the skies, you don’t even have to get out of bed to see them. By day you can hit the village’s ski and cross-country slopes, dash through snowy woods on a reindeer sleigh and discover more about Sami culture, while by night it’s back out into the darkness in search of the aurora’s wizard-wand flashes. Prices include flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, cold-weather clothing and guides.

8. Christmas sparkle, Canterbury Travel

Best for families There’s nothing like a massive dump of snow, reindeer and a visit to see Santa in his twinkly, elf-filled grotto to put you in the festive spirit — and Canterbury Travel’s Lapland trips are a kid’s Christmas dream . This three-day break packs in a heck of a lot: reindeer sleigh rides, dogsledding and the chance to sit on Santa’s knee (gift included) in a private family session with the jolly red-robed dude. Children are in heaven at Elf School and visiting Santa’s magic post office (manned by more elves).

The backdrop of frozen fells and forests is pure winter wonderland stuff, and you’ll be staying in a log cabin or lodge in the rustic ski resort of Suomu or Ruka Valley near the Arctic Circle. But what sets this Lapland trip apart is ease of access, with regional departures from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin. The price is for two nights including flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities and cold-weather clothing.

Group size private tour Price £

canterburytravel.com

9. Icehotel break, Discover the World

Best for ice magic Nothing says Lapland like snuggling under a reindeer hide on a bed of ice in a chamber of ethereal blue, with the northern lights dancing in the chill night skies outside. The Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi in Swedish Lapland was the first of its kind when it opened in 1989 and it hasn’t lost a jot of its frosty magic. Every year, some of the world’s top ice artists are enlisted to build it from scratch using ice hauled from the Torne River, unleashing their creativity in a fantasy of glittering ice sculptures and chandeliers.

The Icehotel is your bewitching base on this three-night Arctic adventure, where you’ll get to spend a night on ice (as well as two others in warmer digs). Hot lingonberry juice and a pre-breakfast sauna fire you up for a flurry of optional activities, from ice sculpting to husky rides, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. By night the aurora will shine if you’re lucky. Departures are from November to March and it’s well worth booking your activities in advance. The standard tour is for three nights, including accommodation, breakfast, morning sauna and cold-weather clothing.

discover-the-world.com

• Staying at the Icehotel: everything you need to know

Take me there

Inspired to visit Lapland but yet to book your trip? Here are the best options with Tui and Expedia . Alternatively, try a tour with one of our preferred partners, here .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 5:30pm Sun: Closed

The Ultimate Lapland Holiday

• Price Match Promise
• Snow Guarantee
• ABTA/ATOL Protected
• All airports
• London Gatwick
• Birmingham Int.
• Bournemouth
• London Stansted
• London Southend
• Manchester Int.
• London Luton
• Leeds Bradford
• Glasgow Int.
• Belfast Int.
• East Midlands
• All durations
• 2 night trips
• 3 night trips
• All Santa’s Lapland experiences
• Santa's Magic
• Santa's Aurora
• Santa's Hotel Tunturi
• Santa's Hotel Holiday Club
• Santa's Hotel Riekonlinna
• Santa's Saariselka Inn
• Santa's Star Arctic Hotel
• Santa's Glass Cube Cabins

Choose your Santa’s Lapland experience

Both of our lapland holiday packages include a reindeer ride, sledging with huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities like snow hockey and mini skidoos, and a private visit with santa., on our santa’s aurora package, your activity centre is exclusive to our santa’s aurora families and you’ll have an additional wilderness dinner, a visit to santa's elves workshop, a longer husky ride and a snowmobile safari..

• SANTA s MAGIC Your choice of four hotels with everything you've dreamed of for a magical Lapland adventure. Explore Santa’s Magic

• Believe your eyes, this is an experience your family will cherish forever. From £1169 per adult See what's included
• SANTA S AURORA Enjoy the ultimate Christmas in Lapland with a little extra Aurora magic sprinkled on top. Explore Santa's Aurora

• The ultimate Lapland experience for your family, even the elves get jealous. From £1549 per adult See what’s included

Get Inspired

Santa and his elves can't wait for your arrival, but before your trip begins, get inspired! Unlock the magic of Lapland with our Santa's Chronicles, learn how to wrap up warm in Lapland or call our Christmas helpers to book your magical getaway.

Don't Miss Out On This Limited-Time Magic

Tick-tock. The magic's on the clock. We're giving the gift of incredible savings with HALF PRICE child places on our  Santa’s Magic package for selected dates in November and December 2024 & 2025.

No one knows how to make Christmas more magical

Flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, a fun-filled activity trip and snowsuits are all included.

A remote spot in the far north of Finland, 200km above the Arctic Circle among the snowy trees of Saariselkä.

If you are yet to book, and you find your Santa’s Lapland holiday cheaper elsewhere, we’ll price match it.

Everything about the holiday was magical. Amazing staff, hotel, organisation of the search for Santa day, the support of the company in the lead up to the trip. Can't recommend this trip and company enough. SANTA'S HOTEL TUNTURI - CHRISTOPHER December 2022

Amazing holiday. Reps were amazing. Programme was well thought through. I loved it as much as the kids. STAR ARCTIC HOTEL - REBECCA January 2022

A once in lifetime trip, magical and full of fun for children and adults. Accomodation practical with everything you needed, staff attentive and organised and the food suited everyone's needs. The adventures were unforgettable and breathtaking! SANTA'S HOTEL TUNTURI - MARY December 2022

We had a truly magical experience enhanced by the enthusiasm of the staff. Our boys 6 and 7 were taken aback by the whole experience and Santa was the icing on the cake. A family trip and memories that we will treasure forever! SANTA'S HOLIDAY CLUB - ALISON December 2021

Fancy more snow fun?

Keep the magic going with an extra day for adventure - the choice is yours. sledding on the toboggan run, the thrill of husky sledding, cruising through the snow by snowmobile or hunting for the northern lights..

• An extra day for family time in the snow. Husky and reindeer rides, thrilling snowmobiles, a spot of skiing, or a hunt for the Northern Lights. The choice is yours. Optional Adventures

• Explore a little more, make magical memories in this other-worldly wilderness. You're spoilt for choice. See for yourself

WAYS TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY TO LAPLAND

It's time to book your trip to Lapland and we can't wait for your arrival. Whether you're booking online or giving our Christmas helpers a call on 01483 791 945 , we're just as excited as you are for your magical journey to begin!

• Snow guarantee
• ABTA/ATOL protected
• Experts in Lapland for over 15 years

We are currently open, give us a call on:

• Winter Tours
• Trip Planner
• Tours to Lapland
• Tours to Iceland
• Tours to Finland
• Tours to Norway
• Tours to Sweden
• Tours to Russia

Set off to wonderful Finland and hunt the spectacular Aurora

Take your family on an exciting winter adventure in Lapland

Visit two stunning winter destinations on a single trip

Step into a snowy fairy tale and witness the greatest wonders

Chase the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights in Lapland

Choose from a list or contact us for a custom-made winter adventure

Lapland Awaits

It's time to discover Lapland! Just let us know how you'd like to travel

• Lapland Advice
• Destinations

Do you know which countries does the Lapland Region include?

Check out the list of top activities to enjoy on your trip to Lapland

Read expert advice on traveling in Lapland Region

Find out how to visit Santa Claus in Lapland

Find out the best time to visit Northern Lights in winter Scandinavia

Enhance your upcoming trip with unforgettable accommodation options

Adventure Awaits

It's time to discover winter Scandinavia! Just let us know how you'd like to travel

Discover why we are a great match for your travel plans

We have been organizing tours for over a decade. Nice to meet you

Read the latest customer reviews on their trips with us

Learn more about your dream destinations from travel experts

Get in touch today and start planning your winter getaway

• My itineraries
• Trip survey
• For Suppliers

+1 (800) 884-1721

• Oceania and Australia : +61261888118

Award-winning tour packages to Lapland.

• Authentic winter activities
• Award-winning quality
• Unique accommodation

START PLANNING

Most Popular Lapland Tours

Ready to explore lapland.

Look no further than Scandinavia & Lapland for your dream winter vacation.

Don't risk the quality of your tour and choose a leading operator for Lapland.

The vast plethora of authentic winter activities will leave everlasting memories.

We are happy to design a tour of your dreams from scratch, get in touch today!

When you are ready - call us.

Organizing trips of a lifetime is what our team of experienced travel specialists do daily. They listen to your travel preferences and then put in hours of work to design the perfect itinerary. Your travel specialist finds the best accommodation, connections, and activities for you and makes sure everything runs like clockwork so that you can truly enjoy your time in Lapland. Are you ready for a winter experience of your dreams? Leave the tiring planning aspect to experts and get ready to dive headfirst into the winter wonderland in Northern Europe. Travel to see Northern Lights , stay in a snow hotel, sleigh with reindeers or try snowshoeing, experience meeting a Sami family , and make many more incredible memories on your vacation with Tours to Lapland.

What Clients Say

I was very happy with the trip and will use your tour service again, everything was perfect.

There aren’t enough accolades to describe this trip. Everything was perfect. When you said a private tour this was it. A trip of a lifetime. When I booked this trip I had no idea how great it would be. You are the best. Thank you so much.

Amazing experience

Amazing experience, the tour had a great balance between free time and activities. The guides and transportation crew were all incredibly helpful and welcoming. Big Thank you to the support during the trip with changes, questions, etc... responsive, assertive, etc. Definitely a tour company we will recommend to friends and family. Thanks for your support and talk to you for our next vacation :)

Enjoyable experience

We had high expectations for this trip and they were all exceeded. We will be recommending the company to our friends and family, everything went so smoothly, it made the whole experience so easy and enjoyable, no fuss, no stress.

Enjoyed my holidays very much

The overall arrangement was perfect. I am very satisfied with the trip schedule, and I enjoyed my holidays very much. Thank you for your team effort to arrange everything for me and to give me some warm reminders.

Everything was great!

Everything was great! The only minor complaint is the hotel in Stavanger Norway wasn’t quite as nice as the rest of the booked hotels. This is just a small detail in what was otherwise an awesome well-planned trip.

It was well planned and well-executed

The perfect vacation.

I want to thank you for assisting us with the perfect vacation!!! You made everything so easy and convenient for us. All the drivers were great and very friendly. Always on time and never an issue. Our tour guide Olof was excellent. The hotels chosen were great as well. Klaus K was in the best location and was very clean and nice. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and family. Thank you again for all of your help and expertise!

We were very pleased

We were very pleased with all the arrangements ( visa services, hotels, guides, drivers ). Impressed with extensive knowledge of guides over so many sites, including the city in general and the history of the country.

The trip was absolutely wonderful

The trip was absolutely wonderful. The guides were amazing, the places were beautiful. Everything was great.

Thank you very much for organizing the tours for us!

Will use it again.

This is the first time I have used a travel agency and was a little skeptical of how well it would go. Alexandria went over and beyond my expectations! Our Northern Lights trip to Sweden was fantastic. She scheduled private tours, transfers, train and plane tickets, and excursions. Nothing was missed and it was a fantastic trip that we will talk for years to come! Will use it again.

Great guides, wonderful sights

Great guides, made all necessary changes when the weather required this. Very knowledgeable. Wonderful sights.

We very much enjoyed tripping

We very much enjoyed tripping. Our tour guides did a wonderful job explaining the history of the cities we visited. There were two guides who specifically made a great positive impact on our trip. Our guides in Tobolsk and Ekaterinburg were absolutely amazing.

We had a wonderful trip

We had a wonderful trip. Our guide Natalia was great and all drivers superb. Loved our hotel the Marriott Courtyard Valisky Island. Highly recommend the services of this company.

You all did a fantastic job planning this trip for us.

The last guide in moscow was excellent.

The last guide in Moscow was excellent. The one I at Petersburg was also great Love the attentiveness and dedication of your drivers and staff.

It was a great trip overall! My wife and I were very impressed with every part of it

Itinerary very well planned and implemented, we enjoyed our trip thoroughly and our travel agent - eugene was exceptionally, the trip was great.

Overall the trip was great. The dog sledding on the last day was the best and I loved the igloos we stayed in. The food was great at the Klaus hotel. People were very friendly everywhere we went.

Thank you for making our honeymoon special

Alexandra V. was great planning our itinerary and taking into consideration what we were looking for. Yanina Z. was very accommodating with helping us alter our trip, mid-trip. Thank you for making our honeymoon special and one of a kind.

Great communication

Well planned and delivered the company is a known agency and respected in the areas we visited Great communications with Monica and the logistics people Have already recommended it to a friend and will not hesitate in making this recommendation.

• Call us now
• Request a call
• Chat on WhatsApp
• Start Live chat
• Contact via email

Tours to Lapland is working with Firebird Tours - leading tour operator for the best private & small-group tours to Europe, including tours to Spain and tours to Italy, cruises in Russia and tours to Norway . It also maintains platforms for booking Russian train tickets , European train tickets online and shares travel advice on Triptile Blog .

Tours to Lapland Tours to Iceland Tours to Sweden Tours to Norway Tours to Finland Tours to Russia

Finnish Lapland & Northern Lights Finland Northern Lights Adventure Finnish Lapland for Families Finnish Arctic Adventure Tromso Northern Lights Winter Iceland

Lapland Travel Tips Winter Destination Comparison Scandinavian Winter Destinations Visit Santa Claus in Lapland Northern Lights in Lapland Best Activities in Lapland

Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39939 All Rights Reserved © 2024 Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Complete List of 2024 Trips

Add some future Christmas excitement in 2024 by visiting Santa Claus in his homeland! 

On your magical Lapland trip you'll step into a winter adventure filled with husky sleds, reindeer sleighs and snowmobiles! Plus, you'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable family meeting with Santa!

Choose from cosy rooms and cabins at Davvi Arctic Lodge; a charming hotel set on a quiet secluded hillside in the border village of Karesuando. 

Call us today for a personalised quote on 0330 880 5001

Thank you for your enquiry.

Your enquiry has been sent to one of our agents to deal with.

In the meantime look around the website some more. Have a great day!

Cahkal Hotel

Please note that Lapland Holidays are not recommended for children under the age of 3. Prices are per person. Prices are subject to availability and possible change.

Davvi Arctic Lodge - Aurora House

Davvi arctic lodge - cabin, davvi arctic lodge - hotel and fell house, davvi arctic star hotel, hotel rakka, hotelli jussantupa, majatalo hotel, tundrea - apartment, tundrea - cabin, tundrea - penthouse, tundrea - house.

Stay in touch, subscribe today!

Are you ready to explore Finnish Lapland?

Welcome to the official travel website for Finnish Lapland, the home of Santa Claus , the last wilderness in Europe, and part of the Sámi homeland. Lapland is a destination above ordinary, full of contrasts and unique natural phenomena: Midnight Sun , Polar Nights, autumn colors, Northern Lights , and Arctic cites nestled among Ice Age fells.

Virtual Lapland is your gateway to an Arctic experience unlike any other. Explore Finnish Lapland anywhere, anytime, watch a dazzling Northern Lights show, explore how the seasons and wilderness intertwine and meet the wildlife of the North!

If you’re looking for the frosty bite of a reindeer sleigh ride or the soft heat of a traditional sauna, you might be ready. If you want to explore the wilderness during a white summer night and meet Santa any time of year, you might be ready.

If you’re done with the ordinary, you might just be ready for Finnish Lapland.

Find out more below, or follow the stories on our  Facebook and Instagram .

Simply magnificent

If you're ready to discover a broad spectrum of life above ordinary, you're ready for Finnish Lapland.

About Lapland

Mythical and magical – pristine nature and breath-taking phenomena make Lapland something else.

Things to do

How to make the most of your time in Lapland – meet locals and find out what northern life is all about.

Plan Your Stay

How to get to Lapland, where to go once here and more useful travel information.

Travel Responsibly

Find out below how we have become one of the most sustainable tourism destinations, and how you can have a positive impact on the environment, economy and culture of Lapland and the whole world.

Sound of Lapland

There are no blaring car alarms, buzzing metro lines or wheezing air vents here.

Do the social

• @onlyinlapland
• OnlyInLapland

Subscribe to Visit Lapland Newsletter

I have read and understood the rules and terms *

Thank you! Form has been successfully submitted.

Mudpie Fridays >> Christmas Days Out >> 21 Lapland UK tips to make the most of your visit

21 Lapland UK tips to make the most of your visit

At the weekend we visited Lapland UK for the fourth time. Only this time we visited with an almost teenager. Looking at the experience through fresh eyes, since last year we finally made it to Finnish Lapland . I did wonder if we would somehow find it less magical. That is one of the problems of  visiting Santa in Lapland  after all – will anything else back here in the UK measure up? I will be writing a  comparison between UK Lapland and the real Lapland  shortly. But in the meantime, if you are visiting Lapland UK then these Lapland UK tips will help you make the most of your visit. We also visited Lapland UK with a teenager! You can also read one of our previous Lapland UK reviews .

Table of Contents

Tips for visiting Lapland UK

Here are our top tip s for visiting Lapland UK. We visited at the beginning of the season in 2023. We had one who truly believed and loved everything to do with our Lapland UK experience. And one who no longer believes and is not far off becoming a teenager. Yet he still had a very good time during our visit to the magical land of UK Lapland. Please let me know in the comments below if we have missed any tips that you think are important or if you have had experiences taking a teenager to Lapland UK.

Buy your elf jingles in advance

Harry loves anything coin-related so I knew I wanted to buy some elf jingles so that he could buy a souvenir. You can add magical extras to your booking and would I suggest buying them in advance. The only other place we found them to purchase in the elven village was the Elf Emporium. Of course, they do take magical cards as well. There are three different coins available 1J, 2J and 5J in varying designs. One jingle is the equivalent of £1. In the gift shop at the end, you can buy a presentation folder with the money just like something you would get from the Royal Mint. Only beware it has the equivalent to £18 of jingles in it… but it costs £30. I am grateful we saved one of each coin for Harry. 

I did pre-purchase the elf hats which were sent before our visit and cost £15 each. Made from plush velvet they are a better size than the old Conker hats we had used in previous years. You can also buy them at the shop at the entrance. They have an elasticated band at the back and kept the boys toasty during our visit. In both the toy factory and Mother Christmas’ kitchen the golden bells were referred to tying in the story of the boys receiving their golden bells at Santa Claus’s log cabin. 

Make sure you update your personal details

Once you have made your booking you can update certain personal details for each child. The number of characters is limited to ensure that the information is easily digestible. The questions are about their favourite people/things and also an achievement. Even Charlie was surprised by the level of information Santa knew about him. It really does add to the magic. Even when visiting Lapland UK with a teenager. 

Build the excitement with podcasts

Something that has changed since our last visit is that Father Christmas has embraced technology and sent two podcasts to the booking email. They are ideal for playing in the car on the way to the enchanted forest and add to the whole experience. 

Hats and gloves

I guess it is because it is located at the North Pole but I always find it to be particularly cold at UK Lapland. It does seem to be a good few degrees cooler which could be because of its location in the pine forest. Gloves are also handy for ice skating. If you are planning on visiting once it is dark or it will get dark during your visit then hats and gloves are a must. 

The car park is huge and split into different areas each named after a woodland animal. You will get directions to where to park when you arrive. In the excitement, it is definitely worth noting which car park you are in as it is easy to forget when you come out around four hours later.  One of our Lapland UK tips which we learnt the hard way.

Arrive early

In your confirmation, it will suggest that you arrive thirty minutes before your time slot. This is definitely worth doing as before you go in there is a little mini elf village. With a few photo opportunities, the chance to pick up a newspaper, for the big folk to get a hot drink and also browse a small gift shop. Half an hour is enough time to enjoy this waiting area. But it is a new addition and something not to be missed. When it is your time you will then go into the check-in area. This is where the immersive theatrical experience begins. 

Checking in

Here you give your name and pick up any magical extras and the elf passport. On the back of the passport, there is a time which is when you leave the elven village to to Santa’s grotto. As you enter if turn to the left then you will be in the Husky team to the right the Reindeer team. This is so that one group will visit the toy workshop first while the other goes to Mrs Christmas each doing different activities. In the toy workshop we made a soft toy and in Mother Christmas’s kitchen decorated gingerbread men and listened to a story. 

Each group is moved through a fantastic experience by a corresponding husky herder or reindeer herder. This is to ensure your group stays on track – not that you would know it. We stood on number 11 on the Husky side and were one of the first families through to the woodland area. To hear about the story of the pine cone and go through the magical portal. This meant we could choose where to sit.

Activities 

Although the activities are pretty rigid in time it doesn’t feel like there is another group waiting to come along behind you. It is all pretty seamless. I also noticed that there were toilets which were much easier to get to than when we visited the first time and much better with younger children.

Time in the Elf Village

We arrived in the elf village about an hour and a half before the end of our time slot to leave for our Santa visit. I noticed that people would start queuing as soon as their slot opened. This could be because they had young children. We did the opposite not leaving until we had run out of time. Although saying that an hour and a half is plenty of time to get everything done. This is partly because we spent ages on the ice rink because of visiting Lapland UK with a teenager. But there is lots to do including visiting the post office, various shops and of course getting something to eat. 

More tips for visiting Lapland UK

Head to the ice skating first.

Once through into the elven village for our free time before meeting the big man we headed straight to the ice skating. The ice rink has been upgraded since our last visit and is now completely undercover. Including the viewing area. The area where you change your skates is also been expanded with plenty of space and plenty of skates. Plus penguins for the little ones. Visiting Lapland UK with an almost teenager meant that this was the thing he was really looking forward to doing. We spent over forty-five minutes on the ice which is quite a long time. And did mean that everything else was a bit of a rush.

Skates for the small folk 

You will be pleased to know if you are not a fan of ice skating then depending on the age of your children you may avoid having to get on the ice. Of course, you will miss out since with the large brightly coloured Christmas tree and twinkling fairy lights it is really special. And how can you avoid this? Well up to the UK2 size the younger ones can have skates that go over their shoes. (So think about footwear in advance.) These have a double blade making them easier to stay upright. So much so that Harry who is a little like Bambi on the ice ditched the Penguin and happily went round and round. Skate hire is included in the ticket price.  This was Charlie’s favourite activity when visiting Lapland UK as a teenager.

Post Office

This is a popular activity. As groups move through the Elf Village in half-hour time slots you should be able to find a time when it is not too busy. It is worth waiting for this since there is a lot to see inside with lots of detail and photo opportunities. You need to queue up to get some paper and stickers to be able to write your letter. There is a postbox outside so that the children can post their letters. 

Shopping opportunities

Unsurprisingly there are plenty of opportunities to part with money or elf jingles in the Elven Village. There is the Elf Emporium which is the main gift shop that sells a selection of toys, souvenirs and books. As well as plenty of ‘wish’ jars after one of the elves. There was nothing of interest for the teenager, who is a bit old for most of the things. However Harry at seven was in his element. 15 jingles meant he could pick something up in the gift shop and the sweet shop. Which sells a variety of pre-packaged pick and mix, chocolate lollies and gingerbread. There is also another small shop selling only Christmas decorations. 

At the exit, there is a toy shop where you can pick up your official photos (more on that below). As well as clothing for your husky dogs and various other toys such as a wooden teddy bear or soft snow leopard. I did recognise some of the other toys we have made in the workshop on previous visits.

Food in the Elf Village

Because of the timing of our visit, we decided we wanted to eat in the Elven Village. We opted for hot dogs which were traditional Bratwurst. They also had a vegan option and chips. Two large hot dogs with pulled pork, cheese and onions, a normal hot dog and a portion of chips came to £36. There is also a restaurant with outside and inside seating selling pizzas. Plus two places to buy hot chocolate.

The village is surrounded by trees covered in fake snow with twinkly lights. Several elf characters stop the little folk to speak to them in the magical forest. Make sure you leave a little bit of time for this as it really adds to the overall experience. 

Visiting Santa

Once you leave the Elf Village you walk along a snowy path up to the forge to meet the reindeer. Here you can make reindeer food for 5 jingles and collect the final stamp in your Lapland passport. You can also pose for a photo in front of Santa’s sleigh.

The next stop is the compass area to wait for your elf to collect you to take you to see Santa. You effectively check in again and are given (quietly) vouchers that you exchange at the end for a gift on Christmas morning. 

Santa experience

Several different cabins are operating at any one time and although we saw other visitors it was all very well done. The kids didn’t pick up on it. Santa himself was very engaging with the children, and even the teenager enjoyed the experience. There was a slight wobble when he announced the good list though! During the experience, there were several photos taken. We also took a couple with our mobiles. 

So this was my one disappointment. Each year the children are given a husky dog. There are six different ones. Having visited several times we had the husky which the boys received on this visit. You are told in advance which one you will receive for that year. In previous years we had seen families with different coloured huskies but this year we were told that nothing could be done and that they would receive the same named husky. They could not make an exception. I understand the logistical nightmare. However, when they make so much effort with little touches throughout the experience to keep the magic of Christmas alive I am surprised some forethought had not been made as to those families that return year after year. 

Santa suggested we could swap our husky in the shop on the way out. Although I had already spoken to their customer service who had sent us two of a different character to give them the next morning. 

Cost of photos

One printed photo is included in the ticket price. You can access all the photos that are taken online and get the watermarks removed for £20. Alternatively, photo packages range from £15 to £35. I am not sure if the quality of the photos in comparison with previous years but you can see below the photo from our first visit with that from our visit at the weekend. When you pick up your photo you are also given a toy for each child that is the same that they made in the toy workshop. It is intended to be left under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning with a note from Santa saying thank you for helping to save Christmas Day. 

When is the best time to visit Lapland UK?

Over the years we have visited at various times in the season. Our last visit we went on Christmas Eve which was probably my favourite. Although this could be because at that time they both believed. Although magical it is not very practical. Visiting early in the season meant that we could start our festivities early and it seemed a little quieter. Early dates mean that the ticket prices are slightly cheaper and we could find out what the boys wanted for Christmas without any last-minute surprises.

Time wise we opted for 3.30 pm. This meant we started our visit in the light and finished it in the dark. We enjoyed the elf village in the twilight before visiting the big man. I much prefer this to visiting in the morning which we have also done. This works better for photos but in my opinion, you lose some of the magic. As the whole experience takes between four and four and a half hours and so you still leave in the light. 

Taking a Teenager to Lapland UK

I almost entitled this ‘taking a non-beliver to Lapland UK’ rather than visiting Lapland UK with a teenager. Because alas that is now where we are with Charlie. Part of the issue with a four-year age gap between the boys meant that we would always find ourselves in the position where one believed and one did not unless we were really lucky. Still, we decided to visit UK Lapland as we knew that there was a good chance that he would still really enjoy the experience. After all, it is hard not to feel festive with all the twinkly lights and snowy walkways. The parts he really enjoyed were:

• Going ice skating
• Meeting the reindeer 
• The Bratwurst sausages
• The sweet shop

Although I would not take a teenager on their own to Lapland if they didn’t believe. If you are in a situation similar to ours then there is probably enough to keep them engaged. Especially if they are close to their younger siblings.  That excitement is infectious. 

Related blog posts – Lapland UK Tips

If you are thinking of visiting Lapland UK then you may also be interested in some of the other blog posts we have written about our previous visits.

• Lapland UK – is it worth the money? – This is a Lapland UK review post from some years ago and our first experience.
• 17 Hotels near Lapland UK
• The real Lapland versus UK Lapland
• Lapland UK in a 5-year-olds words – This was our second visit and includes a YouTube video and our second Lapland UK review

Have you visited Lapland UK? Perhaps you have your own Lapland UK tips? Let me know if the comments below or if you have any questions then please ask away and I will do my best to answer them.

If you’ve liked this post please follow me on my social media channels:

Mudpie Fridays:  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |LinkedIn

PIN – 21 Lapland UK tips to make the most of your visit – Lapland UK Review – Lapland UK with a Teenager

• Christmas Days Out , Lapland UK

Leeds Castle Christmas Lights 2023 – Everything you need to know

Bedgebury at Christmas 2023 – Everything you need to know

Longleat Festival of Lights – Roald Dahl Light Trail

Winchester Christmas Market 2023 – What you need to know

11 Christmas Tree Farms in Kent 2023

11 Christmas Tree Farms in Surrey 2023

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Welcome to Mudpie Fridays where I share our travels. Both here in the UK but also across Europe and further afield. My name is Clare and I am married with two mischievous boys, Charlie aged 11 and Harry who is 7. Read along as we find hidden gems, pack as much holiday time in as possible, while working a 9-5 and find amazing and unusual experiences. Proving travel can be fun, educational and hugely rewarding with kids. Grab a coffee and come and join us on our latest adventures.

Looking For Something?

No.8 top parenting blogs 2023.

Search UK Days Out & Travel

Search our Worldwide Adventures

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

Mudpie Fridays is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to https://www.amazon.co.uk

Today's Most Popular Posts

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

8 of the best Lapland holidays, tours and all-inclusive packages for a magical winter break

Whether meeting santa, taking part in exhilarating snow sports or chasing the northern lights, there’s a lapland holiday for everyone, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

As the summer holidays approach and temperatures rise, those who aren’t jet-setting for sandy toes and tan lines should look ahead to winter trips and the enchanting spell of the Northern Lights .

If a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Lapland is at the top of your Christmas list, now’s the time to book – the sell-out spot is at its most popular during the December festivities as children flock to meet Santa and grown-ups soak up midday sauna sessions.

From Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village to the warm aura of Kiruna, winter sunlight hours may be short during the polar night with temperatures often dipping below -9C, but Lapland days remain packed with unique activities and novel stays in ice palaces, glass igloos and tree houses.

With so many all-inclusive stays, snow sports tours and holiday options in the Santa-centric land, here’s  The Independent’s  pick of packages to transport you to the magic of the Arctic Circle this Christmas season.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Beauty advent calendars 2021: Our guide to this year’s top treats
• 13 best tech gifts to spoil a gadget geek this Christmas
• 10 best luxury Christmas crackers for dressing up your dining table
• How to have the perfect family holiday in Lapland
• Best kids club resorts in Europe 2023: Where to stay for family-friendly fun
• Sweden travel guide: Everything you need to know

Best for: Luxury breaks

Swedish lapland experience.

Lapland crosses the utmost northern borders of Finland , Norway and Sweden’s dense forests, but the rural Scandinavian landscape is not without its luxuries. Tailored tours, wood-fired hot tubs and private chefs bring home comforts to the wilderness for travellers willing to splash the cash stress-free on a Christmas fairytale holiday.

Off the Map Travel  provides a four-night Swedish Lapland Experience for a unique luxury stay in the heart of Arctic Sweden, including accommodation in the Icehotel and Treehotel, transfers, excursions and half-board meals. From £1,699pp guests can enjoy ice sculpting or husky sledging in Kiruna and Lulea, and spend the night in a cosy Aurora Hideaway – the perfect vantage point to see the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights while indulging in traditional Swedish dishes.

Best for: Northern Lights hunters

Arctic aurora activity holiday in finnish lapland.

Viewing the Northern Lights is one of the most popular adventures to top a travel bucket list – after all, the natural world puts on few more spectacular shows. Travellers can hunt the aurora in chilling temperatures from paths off the beaten track, in the sky on a hot air balloon ride or from the comfort of a glass igloo and a lucky few will witness the clear and colourful skies during their Arctic adventure.

Discover the romance of the aurora borealis with  Aurora Zone  on a four-night Arctic Activity Holiday in Inari, Finnish Lapland. Trip excursions such as a snowmobile safari, dog sledding and shoeshoeing fill days in the Sámi culture’s capital, with nights spent searching for the vibrant hues of the Northern Lights. The holiday package costs £2,025pp, including return flights from London , transfers, accommodation, meals, all activities and cold-weather clothing for the duration of your Lapland stay.

Best for: Christmas festivities

Santa’s magic.

Santa’s holiday home, Lapland, is where you’ll find the picture-perfect scenes of Christmas cards; reindeer, igloos and snow-dusted trees. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi even boasts Santa Claus’ Post Office, a husky park and boutiques ideal for last-minute present shopping right in the heart of the Arctic Circle.

Santa Claus Trips ’ Santa’s Magic holiday in the vibrant ski town of Saariselkä, priced from £1,239 per adult, includes return flights from the UK, half-board meals and accommodation in Tunturi Hotel for two nights. Festive highlights such as a private meeting with Santa, elves, igloos and reindeer sleigh rides dot the snowy break’s itinerary as the magic of Christmas takes hold of little and big ones alike.

Best for: Snowsports

Icehotel break.

What could be more exhilarating than taking to the ice by day and sleeping on it by night? Lapland’s snowsports offerings, from skiing to ice skating and (slightly tamer) sleigh riding behind reindeer or huskies, come in abundance so the winter fun doesn’t have to stop at Santa and accommodation doesn’t need to be boring.

Discover the World  offers a three-night stay at the  Icehotel  in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, from £733pp. Here, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and husky sledging excursions meet evenings spent eating and drinking in the Icebar, inside the hotel crafted each year using ice from the frozen River Torne. Return flights from London to Kiruna start from £204 in December.

Best for: Family fun

Santa breaks in yllas.

Santa trips, skiing holidays and nights spent seeking the bewitching Northern Lights are the perfect ingredients for a family winter holiday regardless of the Arctic temperatures. Kids of all ages will love the unique magic of the dynamic landscape and its snow-based activities, and visits to Father Christmas are bound to be a hit – even with the non-believers – so long as you wrap up warm and let imaginations run wild.

Inghams  provides a four-night holiday for two adults and two children from £1,059pp when travelling in November. The package includes return flights from Manchester and a half-board stay at the family-friendly Akäs (Snow Elf) Hotel & Alp Apartments. The hub of the Santa programme in Ylläs, all excursions depart from the hotel and the colourful village centre is just a five-minute walk away.

Best for: All-inclusive packages

New year lapland arctic adventure.

Over the Christmas holidays demand for Lapland holidays is high, and it gets the price tag to match. While it’s unlikely to find a truly budget break to the snowy scenery in winter, all-inclusive packages often slash the cost of high-paced activity days, and are well worth it to see the magic and charm of the secluded spot for yourself.

Canterbury Holidays  New Year Lapland Arctic Adventure is the ultimate seven-day activity holiday to Lapland. From £1,740pp, extend the magic of Christmas and experience the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland – return flights, excursions, B&B accommodation and a New Year’s Eve dinner and party are all included in the stay. Visits to Europe’s only amethyst mine and a “white hike” through the frozen forests and fells also fill days of post-Christmas bliss on this NYE adventure.

Best for: Off-grid explorers

Finnish lapland in winter.

Enjoying the solitude of nature while coping with extreme temperatures is all part of being a Finn. To live like the locals, going off-grid on a Lapland holiday on snowshoe walks to remote farms and fighting the cold with a glass of salmari gets you even closer to the heart of the Sami culture.

Intrepid Travel  offers a journey through Finnish Lapland in winter from £2,745pp, so strap on your hiking boots and crunch through snow-dusted woodlands as you travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi across the pristine landscape. Dog sledging, reindeer herding and the famous “Santa Claus Express” overnight train are all highlights. Breakfasts, transport, accommodation and activities are included in the cost of this eight-day holiday. 

Best for: Romantic retreats

Finnish lapland and the arctic circle.

There’s a romance to the campfire cabins and snow-topped saunas of Lapland. Think charming traditions, pastel-hued skies and authentic natural landscapes in secluded woodlands – best enjoyed while riding a snowmobile for two, or a sligh pulled by reindeer – as a backdrop to long weekends for lovebirds.

Untold Story Travel  offers six-night private tours of Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Circle. Accommodation options include wilderness cabins and Arctic treehouses, and the holiday is tailored to every couple’s requirements. Potential holiday highlights include a personal host to monitor Northern Lights activity, enchanting reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiling across a frozen lake before spending your final night in a private glass igloo.

Read more on the best hotels in Stockholm

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

LAPLANDUK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.30 mi) The Royal Foresters
• (2.37 mi) Stirrups Hotel
• (1.68 mi) Lyndricks House
• (3.59 mi) Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa
• (5.42 mi) The Old Farmhouse
• (1.37 mi) The Crown Wood
• (1.85 mi) Las Iguanas Bracknell
• (1.78 mi) Fuego
• (2.42 mi) Rajbhoog

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

The Experience The Experience

Pre + post visit.

• The Invitation
• The Magic Continues…
• The Magical Portal
• Woodland Check In
• Toy Factory
• Mother Christmas’ Kitchen
• The Elven Village
• The Reindeer Pen
• Ambolt’s Forge
• Compass’ Lobby
• Visiting Father Christmas

Plan Your Experience Plan Your Experience

Before you visit.

• Pre-departure Information
• Getting Here
• Food & Drinks
• Accessibility

Behind the Magic Behind the Magic

More about us.

• Producing LaplandUK

Ticket Updates

LaplandUK Ticket Release

Join our mailing list

Ticket announcement

Ticket release

Confirmation email

Ticket Details

Description, ticket prices, what’s included.

• Entry to LaplandUK at your chosen date and time, with over 4.5 hours of performances and activities for your Small Folk; including helping the Toy Factory Elves make a toy for Father Christmas’ Sleigh, decorating gingerbread with Mother Christmas, ice-skating, and a personalised visit with Father Christmas!
• 1 Invitation parcel per booking delivered ahead of your visit, including your Small Folk's Invitation from Father Christmas.
• 1 beautiful husky soft toy for every Small Folk when you visit Father Christmas
• 1 toy factory toy for Christmas Day (discreetly handed to Big Folk before you travel back to the Human World) complete with a thank you card for every Small Folk
• 1 complimentary souvenir photo per booking
• Free parking

Golden Experience

Become a Golden Explorer for the day! Enhance the magic with our Golden Experience. Enjoy everything from our Lapland tickets, plus: all food and beverage throughout your day, £25 Jingles for every Small Folk in your party, a keepsake Lapland limited edition Christmas bauble, family photo package, priority parking plus a signed Lapland foundation story book – ‘The Untold Story of Father Christmas’.

Superstar Day

Superstar Day is a specifically adapted show, tailored for those with additional needs. We are proud to be the first company in the UK to designate a specific adapted day to allow greater flexibility and support for those with additional needs. Superstar Day differs from a standard day; the day is subsidised by LaplandUK, and all tours operate at a significantly reduced capacity. Tours are, therefore, quieter with improved accessibility and offer the additional support of medics and BSL signers, if required.

Tickets & Bookings FAQs

Where can i book tickets to laplanduk.

Please note: Tickets for 2024 are now sold out!

All bookings for LaplandUK must be made online via our website. B ookings for LaplandUK must include at least one Small Folk and one Big Folk. The maximum number of Human Folk per booking is 8.

When will LaplandUK tickets be on sale?

Ticket release for Lapland 2024 took place on midday on Monday 18th March, 2024. To keep up to date on future ticket news and information, please sign up to our mailing list, here .

What ages are suitable for a child ticket?

Child tickets are for Small Folk between the ages of 1 to 16 years old.

Infants and babes in arms under 12 months old are welcome to visit Lapland on a complimentary infant ticket. Note that infants will count towards your maximum capacity of 8 people per booking.

If you would like your infant to experience LaplandUK as a paying child would, you are welcome to book a child’s ticket for them.

Children attending on an infant ticket will not receive an invitation to help the elves, take part in any of the activities or receive Lumi (a Husky Hero) or 2024’s Toy Factory toy. They will, however, receive an Elflet Card and a small gift from Father Christmas.

We’ve booked two families together, can we see Father Christmas separately?

Due to the capacity limits for each tour, we cannot accommodate separate visits to Father Christmas for different families booked together as one group. Please be mindful that the number of people in your booking represents those who will visit Father Christmas together.

Why can I only book in a group of 8?

Lapland is an immersive theatrical experience. Like any theatre experience, each tour has a strict limit on the number of Big Folk and Small Folk, and this cannot be exceeded. This is because each family requires their own seating, and each Small Folk requires a dedicated workbench to take part in the activities in both the Toy Factory and Mother Christmas’ Kitchen.

How can I make a payment for my booking?

All varieties of Visa and Mastercard, as well as Maestro, are accepted. Please note, we do not currently accept American Express.

Can I pay for my booking in installments?

Unfortunately, we do not support installment payments. All bookings must be paid in full at the time of purchase.

Do you offer payment plans for bookings?

No, we do not currently offer payment plans for our bookings.

What is your refund policy?

Tickets are sold subject to license and are non-refundable, except as specifically set out in these Ticketing Terms. This is also subject to any rights you may have under TicketPlan Protection purchased when you bought the tickets.

You have a legal right to change your mind and receive a refund within 14 days of when we send you your Booking Confirmation Email. You do not have a right to change your mind once you have used the tickets for the Experience, even if the 14 days ‘cooling off’ period is still running. You are not entitled to a refund of your initial payment if you cancel more than 14 days after your purchase.

Full information about our Terms and Conditions can be found by clicking here. We strongly recommend you review these terms and conditions before you make a booking.

Please note all tickets to LaplandUK are also non-transferable to another family or season.

What is Superstar Day?

Our greatest wish is for all Small Folk to be able to enjoy a magical Christmas.

Our Superstar Day is specifically adapted and tailored for Human Folk with additional needs. The aim is to make the Lapland experience easier for those who might require extra time to fully enjoy the interactive parts of the day, and those who may find a large group of people challenging.

You are welcome to book for your whole family on our Superstar Day, and we are proud to be the first company in the UK to designate a specific adapted day, allowing greater flexibility and support for those with additional needs. With a subsidised tickets our Superstar Day operates at a lower capacity and longer tours.

The logistics and management of running our Superstar Day is different from our standard tours and requires a full day to organise; only one tour departs each hour rather than half hourly to give our Superstar visitors twice the time of a standard tour to complete each part of the day trip with additional support of medics and BSL signers available.

Please note: Although our Superstar Day is our only reduced capacity day, you will find that our 8am and 8:30am tours are more suitable for booking groups that require a quieter tour time with reduced capacity.

As the first tours of the day, your tour group are the first to reach the Elven Village, meaning that these 90 minutes spent here, will be quieter than if you attended at a later tour time. Your tour group will also be the first to visit Father Christmas’ woodland home, meaning less families will be in Compass’ lobby, prior to your visit to Father Christmas!

How can I book a Golden Experience for my family?

I’d like to book a golden experience directly. do i need to make a booking during ticket release.

If you plan on directly booking a Golden Experience package, there is no need to make a standard booking during Ticket Release. Instead, sign up to our mailing list – we will be in touch later this year to share all the exciting details with you, including information on pricing and how to book.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

LaplandUK - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.30 mi) The Royal Foresters
• (2.37 mi) Stirrups Hotel
• (1.68 mi) Lyndricks House
• (3.59 mi) Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa
• (5.42 mi) The Old Farmhouse
• (1.37 mi) The Crown Wood
• (1.85 mi) Las Iguanas Bracknell
• (1.78 mi) Fuego
• (2.42 mi) Rajbhoog

Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland

A re you heading to Finland and wondering what the best way to travel from Helsinki to Lapland? Did you know that for most visitors to Finland, these are the two most visited areas? It makes sense as most visitors fly into Helsinki, spend a day or two and then head off into the vast wilderness of Finnish Lapland.

In this guide I will help you in your travel research by providing up to date information on how to travel to/from these regions of Finland, whether its by plane, train or even car. 

One of the biggest factors in your decision about how to get from Helsinki to Lapland will be the amount of time you have and your budget. Below I go through the practical details on the three main transport options, providing the positives and negatives for each so you can make the most informed decision. Let get into it!

What are the airports in Lapland?

As I mentioned there are currently 5 airports in Lapland. Below are the airports with the main locations serviced from them.

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Rovaniemi is the third busiest airport in Finland and is the most popular of the ones in Lapland. Located in the south of Lapland, just near the Arctic Circle, this airport is seen as the gateway to Santa Claus Village. Given the towns popularity, there are several flights a day between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. This is one of the few that also is international airport accepting flights from several major European cities. 

In general, Rovaniemi can feel a quite commercial and crowded, especially during the peak winter season. This airport also serves as the hub for Pyhä  and  Salla which are popular for their natural beauty and skiing, both downhill and cross country. 

Ivalo Airport (IVL)

Two popular destinations with skiers and snowboarders include Inari and Saariselka , which are both serviced by the Ivalo airport. The airport is within 30 minutes of both destinations and is the northernmost airport in Finland.

Kittilä Airport (KTT)

Kittila is one of the main airports in the northernmost region of Finland, and the only other accepting international flights. This airport services the popular ski area of Levi. Levi is a popular spot for families during the festive season, but is smaller and quieter than Rovaniemi. Additionally, the popular Snow Village can be found here.

Our favorite destination serviced by this airport is Muonio which is a laid back destination offering all the popular touristy activities found in Rovaniemi but without the crowds and is excellent for spotting the Northern Lights. 

Kemi Airport (KEM)

Kemi-Tornio Airport is located on the coast of the Bay of Bothnia, serving travelers heading to Southern Lapland. Kemi has slowly become more popular in the tourist circuits for their magnificent Snow Castle that is built there every winter and for the famous Sampo icebreaker cruise. 

Kuusamo Airport (KAO)

Lastly, the Kuusamo Airport serves one of Finland’s major holiday destinations Kuusamo, attracting almost a million tourists annually. Many of these arrive for skiing at nearby ski resorts, especially Ruka Ski Resort , one of the largest in Finland.

RELATED READING

Top Things to Do in Lapland Finland

A Finnish Lapland Winter Escape

Flying from Helsinki to Lapland

Domestic flights from the capital Helsinki to Lapland airports are operated by Finnair. While the flights can be reasonably priced if booked well in advance, domestic flights on Finnair do impose an extra fee for checked luggage. Additionally, the new Finnair carry on limits are quite strict with a maximum of 8 kg for all carry on items combined. This means, that for most travelers,  it makes most sense to upgrade to the main fare price which includes both carry on and checked baggage. Once you upgrade your flight, a round-trip flight will cost a minimum of €200.  Note, if you are looking for cheap flights, sign up for Finnair’s email blast and keep an eye out for flash sales.

That said, this is still the quickest way to travel between Helsinki and Lapland. It can be cost effective if you are a solo traveler and/or traveling with extremely light luggage. However, it can be get expensive if you need to check a bag or are traveling in high season with several people

Traveling by Train from Helsinki to Lapland

Next we will move on to traveling by train from Helsinki to Lapland , which is the second most popular option.

I personally find travelling by train in Finland to be a wonderful experience and the most convenient way to get around the country. The trains are clean and reasonably reliable depending on weather conditions of course. Additionally, it is better for the environment and saves you money on accommodation if you can take an overnight train to travel while you sleep. All long-distance trains in Finland are operated by VR Train. 

Day vs. Night Trains

The most popular train that visitors take to Lapland from Helsinki is the Santa Claus Express train which ends in Rovaniemi. It leaves close to midnight and arrives around 11 a.m. the next morning. If you are traveling with children, this train is great as the sleeper cabins are essentially sold as a two person cabin. Prices for an upstairs private compartment sleeper cabin which includes a private toilet run around 300 Euro one way. The train also has a restaurant car for snacks and meals while on the train. Note, Rovaniemi train tickets for the sleeper cars can sell out quickly, so book well in advance to ensure you have a cabin.

Another popular route is to Kolari, which is the northernmost railway station in Finland. Travel here from Helsinki takes approximately 14 hours. Boarding is around 7:45 p.m. in Helsinki with a 10 a.m. arrival.  Even though it sounds like a long trip, it goes by quite quickly once you get settled in your sleeper cabin, grab some food from the restaurant car and then hit the sack. 

If you are unable to secure a sleeper cabin, you can consider a day train. With free Wifi, power sockets and the ability to walk around, an 8 hour train would actually go quite quickly if you can keep yourself occupied! These tickets run around €75 per ticket during high season. 

Take Your Car on the Train

For readers who live in Europe or have a rental car already booked, they can consider putting the vehicle on the train as well! These trains depart from Pasila Station and can be extremely handy if you have brought your car over from mainland Europe, but don’t want to drive all the way to Lapland. This is not cheap, but is a dobale option to ensure you have more access to explore around Lapland.

Train Stations in Lapland

There are many train stations in Lapland that I can’t list them all, but the main ending/starting point for the major lines include Kolari as the furthest north, Rovaniemi and Kemijarvi in the east. 

Kolari is in the far north of Finland, northeast of Rovaniemi, and very close to the Swedish border. This station is perfect for those traveling to Levi or Muonio. You can reserve a shared taxi or bus from the station to both locations. 

Kemijärvi is located east of Rovaniemi and from here you can easily access Salla and Pyhä.

Overall, I personally feel that if you are traveling with others or even on your own that taking an overnight train to or from Lapland is a great option. Train travel is scenic, cost effective if you have a family or a lot of luggage and you also have the option of taking a vehicle. The negatives are that it does take a long time and there are times that the trains leave late at night making it awkward for families with smaller children. 

Driving from Helsinki to Lapland by Car

For many travelers further afield, this would mean renting a car and needing to return it either in Lapland or back to Helsinki which can be quite an expense.

I am not sure I would recommend this option for many, but if you have your car and you are confident on driving on the right hand side of the road, in snow or inclimate weather, you will most likely be fine.

But you must be aware that this journey is at least 800 kilometers and can take around 10 hours. That said, the journey up to Rovaniemi is along one main road and the views will be stunning for much of the way.

In general, I’d only advise driving to Lapland from Helsinki if you’re touring elsewhere in Finland, have your own vehicle and have at least a couple of weeks here to make it worthwhile and cost-effective.

Important Information for Your Finland Trip

When is the best time to visit finland.

In reality, you can visit Finland at any time of the year as there are a multitude of activities to suit any weather condition. That said, in my opinion, the best time to visit Finland is definitely during the winter months between December and February. This is when you will see the most beautiful winter wonderland landscapes and you have a great chance to see the aurora borealis. Note, it is also the coldest time of the year, so you will need to prepare for that!

What is the best way to get to Finland?

Finnair offers direct flights to Helsinki Airport from all over the world, including from here in Los Angeles. The international flights are on newer Airbus A350 planes which have ample legroom, flight cameras and more. Subscribe to their newsletter for deals and special offers if this is a trip you are looking to plan far in advance. 

If you are in mainland Europe, you can also make your way overland to Tallinn and take the Viking Express over to Helsinki for a very affordable rate. Note, this is also a great day trip idea from Helsinki.

Where do you recommend to stay in Helsinki?

There are so many amazing options to stay in Helsinki. I think where you stay is dependent on what you want out of your visit. During my stay in the city I was leaving on an early morning ferry and arriving late at night from the airport so I chose the Noli Studio Apartments which were cheap, clean and convenient to everywhere I wanted to go. There are several of them located throughout the city, so pay attention to the neighborhood that you wish to be in! 

If you want a little more luxury and don’t mind being a little further out, consider the Clarion Hotel which is a favorite for repeat visitors to the city. 

What are the best things to do in Finland?

There are so many amazing things to do in Finland that I can’t list them all here. But a start would be to check out our top experiences in Lapland that you can find all over the region. Winter activities are some of the best on offer here in Finland.

What do I need to pack for Finland?

Layers is the short answer. The longer answer will depend on what time of year you are visiting. Assuming you visit during the high season of winter, you will need to pack a lot of warm breathable layers such as merino wool . Overall, I would say to focus on layers, good boots that have room for several pairs of socks, good gloves or mittens and a warm hat.

If You Enjoyed This Post, Sign Up To Receive Posts By Email or…

• Join us on  Facebook  for regular updates and related articles
• Check us out on  Instagram  to see what we are up to in photos
• Follow us on  Twitter  for links to great travel articles curated just for you
• Or share this post with others by pinning on Pinterest!

I took the new MINI Countryman John Cooper Works on a road trip - here's my honest thoughts

There's nothing like a trip to the seaside to bring you back to yourself

I don't know about you, but I much prefer Easter to Christmas. The premise of a four-day weekend, with no expectations, no pressure, and no stressful build-up (honestly, weeks months of hype for one single day is not my vibe), genuinely fills me with all of the joys of spring.

Plus, 99% of the time, Easter has nicer weather than the depths of December, but hey, it's the UK so that's never a given.

Thankfully, the Easter Bank Holiday just gone did bring with it some glorious sunshine - it was the perfect conditions for a road trip. And, as I had just been offered the chance to borrow a new 2024 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works, which only came on the market in February this year, I had the means to do it.

Inviting two friends to join me, we decided on a Good Friday drive out to the Norfolk coast, making time for a nice pub lunch and a wander around the glam village of Burnham Market before heading home to London.

Here's how we got on...

The MINI Countryman is really economical

In total, we must have driven over 250 miles on our day trip, but barely used over half a tank of fuel. I was really impressed, but I shouldn't have been surprised. The MINI Countryman (which is available in three models, C, S ALL4 and JCW ALL4) runs 34-36.2 mpg.

There are also two EV models of the MINI Countryman, and they have a decent range of 287 miles.

It's much bigger than you expect

When you think MINI, you do tend to think 'mini', and I did have some preconceptions. Prior to this road trip, I had only ever driven a MINI Hatch and I had found it rather claustrophobic at times.

Thankfully, there was no chance of feeling as if the walls and ceilings were closing in on me with the MINI Countryman JCW. It's a chunky SUV, and the biggest vehicle that the brand has produced to date. Inside, I found the cabin to be spacious and airy. And not only was there was plenty of room in the front, my passenger in the back was comfortable, too. For families, there would definitely be plenty of room for kids, pets, and luggage.

The boot is also enormous, and if you need more room then the seats easily fold down flat, creating a whopping 1,390 litres of cargo space. Note to self: perfect for trips to IKEA.

The good weather also meant we could open the panoramic sun roof - what a treat. It really felt like we were on holiday!

Being stuck in traffic meant I had a chance to fiddle with the interior controls at leisure. The centrepiece of the dashboard is a round, touchscreen display (an industry first), where you can access GPS, radio/music options, and interact with cute animated dog, Spike, who is MINI's 'intelligent personal assistant' to help you navigate the car's full functionality.

It's a car for getting out and enjoying life

The team at MINI suggested that I use the car to explore some wild swimming spots, which sounded great. After months of being cooped up indoors and dealing with all the heartache and misery that comes with a horrendous break-up , I loved the idea of being rebirthed in the surf .

I got as far as the coast, but after dipping a finger in the water, I decided I prefer immersing myself in tropical oceans rather than the North Sea, so my DIY emotional baptism will have to wait for a bit.

Even though I didn't go in the sea, I still found the change of scenery, and getting a hefty dose of fresh, salty air in my lungs very therapeutic. I also realised how healing it can be to simply look out over an expansive horizon - a luxury when you live in a sprawling, built up city - and ponder future possibilities. It helped me see that my future is a blank slate with exciting opportunities waiting to be embraced, rather than a bleak wasteland to be feared.

Brancaster Beach is heaven on Earth

After our wander around Burnham Market, and lunch at The White Horse pub, we headed to Brancaster Beach for a stroll. I have not really explored Norfolk, and I was really blown away by how beautiful and serene this part of England is, and already I'm plotting how I can go back (and live there!).

I loved seeing miles of unspoilt sand - apart from tracks and dips where happy dogs had been living their best lives sprinting, digging and rolling around.

Unable to get to the seaside when you need a dose of tranquility? The MINI Countryman has a 'Balance Mode' setting which turns the car into a mini wellness experience, with soothing sounds, soft interior lighting and, if your car has it as an extra feature, you can enjoy an in-seat massage.

Final thoughts

With great handling, plenty of room, and an impressive mpg (not to mention, kind of being able to moonlight as a dog owner thanks to Spike), I was sad when the time came to return the MINI Countryman.

But, with prices starting from £29,290 OTR, it's an aspirational car with an achievable price tag... unlike some of the Burnham Market properties saved to my favourites on Right Move.

More travel stories....

• 'I visited Glasgow's newest 5* spa and the facilities are incredible'
• This is what happened when I walked the 100-mile South Downs Way for charity'
• Is this the best family hotel ever?

A DIY spa retreat with friends

A soul-soothing city break in Rome

'I walked 19,650 steps a day in Venice'

4 sleep retreats to re-set your nocturnal habits

I visited a futuristic biohacking clinic in London

Turn an all-inclusive trip into a wellbeing break

Why go to Swedish Lapland? 

Dynamic pilates in St Tropez

I went on a wellbeing retreat at Down Hall

This mountain playground is waiting for you…

"I went on a 48-hour mate-cation in Dorset"