Luxury Family Holidays in Lapland
Snow-covered forests, magical Christmas experiences and unforgettable family adventures.
Lapland is one of those places that really does feel magical. I visited Levi with my own children when they were 5 and 8, and it remains one of our most memorable family holidays.
From the beautiful snowy forests and unusual Arctic light to the excitement of meeting Father Christmas, everything felt wonderfully different. We were even lucky enough to see the Northern Lights right outside our hotel!
But what my boys loved most was simply playing in the snow. Sledging, throwing snowballs and enjoying a proper winter wonderland.
There are several ways to experience Lapland, from organised Santa packages to beautiful wilderness lodges and more personalised Arctic adventures. Having experienced it myself and helped many families plan their own trips, I can guide you towards the holiday that is right for your family.
Lapland at a glance
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Best for:
Families, Christmas magic and winter adventures
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Best time to go:
Mid-November to Christmas for Santa, January to March for winter adventures
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Flight time:
Around 3.5 to 4 hours direct from London.
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Time difference:
GMT +2
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Ideal stay:
3 to 4 nights, or longer for skiing and winter activities
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Our favourite thing:
The magical atmosphere and simple joy of playing in the snow
why LAPLAND?
There is something truly magical about Lapland. Snow-covered forests, cosy cabins, reindeer and huskies, and the beautiful Arctic light make it feel like nowhere else.
For younger children, meeting Father Christmas is exciting, but the magic goes far beyond Santa himself. Some of our favourite memories were decorating Christmas ornaments, baking cookies and walking through snowy forests.
And Lapland is just as wonderful for older children, with skiing, husky safaris, snowmobiling and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Sometimes, it is the simplest moments that make the most special memories.
Where to Stay
Lapland is a vast region, and choosing the right location can make a real difference to your holiday. Some destinations have lively resort centres with restaurants and shops, while others offer a more peaceful wilderness experience.
Levi
Levi is where I stayed with my family, and I think it offers a lovely balance. It is a proper little ski resort, with shops, cafés and restaurants, but it never feels overwhelmingly big. You can enjoy all the traditional Lapland experiences while also having the option to ski or explore the village.
Rovaniemi
Known as the official hometown of Father Christmas, Rovaniemi is home to the famous Santa Claus Village. It is a larger, more commercial destination, with a wider choice of flights and accommodation, including city hotels that can offer better value. There are also lovely properties outside the centre for a more secluded stay.
Muonio
For families looking to escape into the wilderness, Muonio is a wonderful option. There are some beautiful resorts surrounded by snowy forests, with a peaceful atmosphere and excellent opportunities to search for the Northern Lights, weather permitting.
When should you book your Lapland holiday?
Lapland is incredibly popular, particularly in the weeks leading up to Christmas and during the school holidays.
If you have specific dates in mind, especially just before Christmas, I would recommend starting to plan your trip in January or February, almost a year in advance. This gives you the best choice of flights, accommodation and experiences, particularly if you have your heart set on a specific resort or package.
But do not worry if you have left it a little later!
If you have some flexibility with your dates or destination, it is always worth getting in touch. Last-minute availability does sometimes appear, and new flights, accommodation or packages can become available throughout the year.
My advice? Book early if you have something specific in mind, but never assume you have missed your chance.
Two ways to experience Lapland
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Organised Santa packages
For a magical family Christmas experience
Organised Lapland packages are a wonderful way to experience the magic of Christmas, with direct charter flights, accommodation, transfers and festive activities usually included.The magic often begins on the plane, with a festive atmosphere that builds the excitement before you even arrive!
These packages are ideal for families whose priority is meeting Father Christmas. Activities such as husky sledding and reindeer rides are usually shorter taster experiences, while accommodation tends to be cosy and comfortable rather than luxurious.
They are generally the more affordable option and a fantastic introduction to Lapland.
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Tailor-made Lapland holidays
For a more personalised Arctic adventure
For families looking for something more individual, tailor-made Lapland holidays offer greater flexibility and choice.
Stay in beautiful wilderness lodges, luxury cabins or glass-roofed Aurora suites, with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from your accommodation.
Enjoy longer husky safaris, private excursions and activities tailored to your family's interests.
Although generally more expensive than organised packages, these holidays are perfect for families wanting a more exclusive, relaxed or adventurous Lapland experience.
Beyond Father Christmas
There is so much more to Lapland than meeting Father Christmas.
Husky sledding through snowy forests is a wonderful experience, while reindeer sleigh rides offer a slower, more peaceful way to discover the Arctic landscape.
For adventurous families, there is skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and plenty of opportunities to explore the snow-covered wilderness.
And, of course, there is the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. We were incredibly lucky to spot them right outside our hotel in Levi, and it remains one of the highlights of our trip.
But I would also encourage families to leave some free time in their itinerary. My boys absolutely loved sledging, building things in the snow and having snowball fights. Sometimes those simple moments are just as special as the organised excursions.
What is the best age to visit Lapland? I generally recommend Lapland from around three years old, although every child is different. Ideally, you want them young enough to believe in Father Christmas, but old enough to cope with the cold.
My advice? Make sure your child can keep their gloves on and tell you when they are cold!
And there is no upper age limit. Lapland is just as magical for older children and teenagers, with plenty of winter adventures to enjoy.
When to go
The best time to visit Lapland really depends on what you want from your holiday.
If meeting Father Christmas is the priority, I would recommend travelling between mid-November and Christmas. This is when the festive experiences are in full swing, although snow conditions can be less reliable at the beginning of the season.
But if meeting Santa is not essential, I would definitely consider travelling later in the winter.
January, February and March are wonderful for skiing, husky safaris and other winter adventures, and you still have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
February half term can be a particularly good option for families with school-age children, often offering better value than the peak Christmas period.
For a traditional Santa holiday, I find that three or four nights is ideal. Two nights can feel rather rushed, while families who enjoy skiing and winter activities could easily stay for a week.
My top tips for Lapland
1. Make the most of the Arctic clothing provided
Most organised packages include thermal suits and boots designed for Arctic conditions. I always recommend using them rather than relying on your usual ski wear. Pack warm base layers, thermal socks and plenty of gloves, including touchscreen-friendly liners for taking photos!
2. Pack a few little extras
Hand warmers are brilliant for keeping fingers cosy, and sunglasses are useful when the snow is bright. Bring more socks and spare gloves than you think you will need!
3. Check for a drying cupboard
One of my favourite practical tips! Having somewhere to dry wet gloves, socks and outerwear after a day in the snow makes such a difference. And do not forget a few books or card games for cosy evenings.
4. Book early, but do not rule out a last-minute trip
For the best choice of dates and accommodation, particularly around Christmas, start planning in January or February. But if you are flexible, it is always worth asking about late availability or newly released flights and accommodation.
Your Lapland holiday, designed around your family
Having experienced Lapland with my own children, I know just how magical these holidays can be and how important it is to choose the right experience.
I have since helped many families plan their own Lapland adventures, from traditional Santa packages to luxury tailor-made escapes.
Working with several trusted Lapland specialists, I can compare destinations, accommodation and experiences to find the perfect fit for your family, sharing personal advice and taking care of all the details along the way.
Ready to experience the magic of Lapland?
Let me help you plan an unforgettable family adventure.