Lapland

What better way to enjoy the magic of Christmas than a trip to see Santa on a Lapland holiday? Think crisp white snow, reindeer, huskies, and elves – it’s a place where childhood dreams can become reality.

Father Christmas has put some time aside in his busy December schedule to welcome you into his Lapland hideaway, with the elves on hand to join in the fun – all you need to do is wrap up warm and bring your Christmas list!

Experience the thrill of husky sledging and tobogganing or take a ride through the stunning landscape on a magical reindeer sleigh. And at the end of the day look out for nature’s very own light show, the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights.

Hays Travel offers Lapland Day Trips throughout December - flying out early morning and returning late at night. Extend your stay on a two-, three-, or four-night break staying in various resorts, including Saariselkä and Rovaniemi.

Rovaniemi leads to Santa Claus Village where you can post your Christmas list at the Main Post Office, see Mrs Claus bake gingerbread cookies at Christmas Cottage, and meet Santa Claus and his elves; and Arktikum Science Museum to learn about Lapland’s culture, natural history, meteorology, and geology.

Get up close to arctic wildlife at Rauna Wildlife Park, pet a reindeer at Elf’s Farm Yard, snap a selfie at Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge at nightfall, and try your hand at cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

In Saariselkä; embark on a Husky, Reindeer, or Snowmobile Safari through snowy landscapes, go snowboarding at Freestyle Park, try out  a snowmobile and learn about the indigenous Sami people at Sami Cultural Center.

Lapland’s food menus comprise hearty roast duck, meatballs, stews, wild salmon and trout, and local specialities like Leipäjuusto, Rieska, Lapin Puikula, Rössypottu, Blodpalt, and Poronkäristys.

Christmas Eve is also a special day in Lapland when people eat gingerbread cookies and drink Glögg mulled wine.