Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - See the Northern Lights Dance Across the Arctic Sky

Of all the magical experiences Lapland offers, none captures the imagination quite like the dazzling dance of the Northern Lights across the arctic sky. This natural phenomenon is on the bucket list of travelers worldwide. And for good reason - witnessing the aurora borealis firsthand is truly an awe-inspiring event.

The best time to see the lights in Lapland is from late August through March. During the dark winter months, when there are long hours of darkness, sightings occur more frequently. Of course, viewing the aurora is never guaranteed. But arctic destinations like Lapland offer more opportunities thanks to having less light pollution and more clear nights.

One of the most memorable ways to experience the Northern Lights is on an evening northern lights safari. Bundled up in thermal gear, travelers head out into the wilderness via snowmobile or minibus. Guides seek out optimal viewing spots far from city lights. You may stop at a traditional forest goahti for hot beverages by a cozy fire as you wait for the show to start.

When the time is right, the wait pays off in spectacular fashion. Consider the account of one traveler: "The lights began as a glow on the horizon, then slowly spread across the sky. There were great curtains of green light that folded and moved liked silk in the wind. I was mesmerized by the patterns and colors."

Equally magical is seeing the aurora from unique arctic accommodations. Glass igloos allow you to fall asleep under the dancing lights and glacial stars. Or you may view the celestial spectacle while soaking in your private outdoor hot tub at a remote log cabin.

No two sightings of the Northern Lights are the same. And through the eyes of those lucky enough to see them, each experience takes on an almost spiritual significance. As one visitor described: "We stood in reverent silence as the ancient gods painted the sky. I've never witnessed anything so powerful and magical in my life."

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - Visit Santa's Hometown and Workshop in Rovaniemi

For families seeking a one-of-a-kind holiday experience, visiting Santa's hometown and workshop in Rovaniemi, Finland is truly magical. Located just a few miles south of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and billed as the "official hometown" of Santa Claus. From late November through December, the entire town transforms into a winter wonderland dedicated to Christmas cheer.

At Santa Claus Village, an amusement park filled with shops, restaurants and activities, families can meet Santa himself year-round. But during the holiday season, the village comes alive like nowhere else. Children can personally deliver their wish list to Santa and snap photos together by the Christmas tree. Families can send postcards from the Santa Claus Main Post Office with a special Arctic Circle postmark. At Santa's workshop, little elves can make Christmas decorations and cards. And Santa's reindeer are on hand to pet and feed.

Beyond Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi offers many opportunities for families to experience the magic of Christmas. The Arktikum Science Museum has engaging exhibits related to Lapland history, culture and nature. At Ranua Wildlife Park, visitors can observe arctic animals like polar bears, wolverines, lynx, wolves, reindeer and more. Husky and reindeer safaris take travelers out into the wilderness for unforgettable adventures.

For many families, the highlight is a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forest pulled by Santa's trusty reindeer. Imagine gliding silently through the pristine landscape snuggled under warm blankets. After working up an appetite, Lappish restaurants serve hearty, local cuisine like smoked reindeer, wild game and berry desserts. No holiday trip is complete without sampling the beloved gingerbread cookies that Finland is known for.

Accommodations get into the Christmas spirit as well. Glass igloos allow overnight guests to sleep under the stars and watch for the northern lights. Or lodges like the Santa Claus Holiday Village combine hotel rooms shaped like giant snowflakes and Christmas presents with fun activities like ice sculpting classes, gingerbread baking, and private visits from Santa Claus himself.

One traveler described her family's yuletide adventure to Santa's hometown as "a magical experience from start to finish. From meeting Santa to reindeer sleigh rides, it was like being immersed in our most cherished Christmas stories and movies. The holiday spirit was so genuine and overwhelming that it brought out the kid in all of us!"

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - Go Dog Sledding Through the Snowy Forests

For adventure seekers visiting Lapland, going dog sledding through snowy forests is an absolute must. This iconic winter activity allows you to experience the majestic Lapland wilderness as the locals have for centuries. Gliding silently over the pristine landscape behind a team of eager huskies is a one-of-a-kind experience that deserves a spot at the top of any Lapland bucket list.

Dog sledding excursions typically begin at a husky farm where travelers meet their furry teammates for the day. It's easy to see that these dogs live for pulling sleds; their excitement and energy is palpable when it's time to hit the trail. Usually guests get a hands-on tutorial on how to mush, or drive, the sled using simple commands. Within minutes you'll be breezing along with the wind in your face as the huskies eagerly bound through snowy forests and across frozen lakes. Most tours make stops for hot drinks and lunch over a campfire in the tranquil wilderness. Experienced guides share stories of Lapland traditions and nature as you bond with the energetic dogs.

For many, dog sledding evokes romantic images of intrepid explorers like Roald Amundsen trekking to the South Pole. But in Lapland it's simply an efficient form of winter transportation that's been passed down for generations. While managing a sled team sounds daunting, guides ensure that even novice mushers feel comfortable and in control. As Harry described of his beginner experience, "Within the first hour I felt like a seasoned pro driving the sled while the dogs did most of the hard work. This was one of the most amazing ways I've ever explored nature."

Beyond the excitement of driving your own sled, the enduring joy comes from the exuberant huskies. Their obvious satisfaction and zeal for pulling through the wilderness is contagious. Emma summed up her tour saying, "These dogs were incredible athletes and loved their job. Their energy and enthusiasm to be outdoors doing what comes naturally was awesome to see." The mutual affection between the dogs and their experienced mushers is clear as well. Julia added, "You could really tell each husky had a distinct personality. And they adored their guides who knew their quirks inside and out."

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - Stay in a Glass Igloo Under the Midnight Sun

Of all the unique places to rest your head in Lapland, glass igloos stand out for offering a truly magical experience - sleeping beneath the Arctic sky without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Thanks to the midnight sun phenomenon that occurs in the summer months, the sun never fully sets in parts of Lapland. This means you can admire dazzling nighttime views of the shimmering northern horizon from the comfort of your bed until daybreak.

Glass igloos debuted in Finland, with the legendary Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort leading the charge. These ingenious accommodations allow guests to experience the thrill of sleeping “outdoors” surrounded by the Lappish wilderness without having to camp. Melissa described her family’s glass igloo stay as “a gorgeous hybrid between high-end hotel and camping under the stars.” The igloos contain comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. But the pièce de résistance is gazing up at the midnight sky and pristine nature through the domed glass ceiling and walls.

Beyond admiring the heavenly views, summer offers the best chance to witness the ethereal dance of the northern lights from your igloo. Since skies remain dark enough for possible sightings, spending the night increases viewing opportunities. When the aurora borealis suddenly illuminates the Arctic night, it’s sure to be a wakeup call you won’t forget! Sophia said she felt “blessed to view the northern lights blaze to life overhead as we lay snug in our beds.”

The Arctic hospitality doesn’t end with the igloos themselves. Resorts like Kakslauttanen offer arctic spas, gourmet Lappish cuisine like grilled Arctic char, and excursions like fatbiking under the midnight sun. Guests can also experience traditional Finnish smoke saunas, dine under the stars in transparent glass tepees, and meet Santa Claus during his summer vacation.

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - Go on a Reindeer Sleigh Ride Across the Tundra

Of all the quintessential Lapland experiences, few can compare to soaring across the snowy tundra on a traditional reindeer sleigh ride. This unique activity offers families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts the chance to explore the pristine Arctic wilderness as the indigenous Sami have for centuries. Gliding silently over the tundra behind one of Santa’s very own trusty reindeer is nothing short of magical.

Reindeer have been at the heart of Sami culture for generations in Lapland, relied upon for transportation, food, and livelihood. So hitching a ride aboard a sleigh pulled by these gentle creatures is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Lappish traditions. Tours take place at reindeer farms located just outside towns like Rovaniemi, Levi, and Ylläs. After meeting the amiable animals and learning about reindeer herding from Sami hosts, it’s time to bundle into cozy thermal sleighs. With soft blankets covering your lap and the brisk air turning your cheeks rosy, your reindeer guide leads the expedition onto the snowy tundra.

The perspective from your sleigh as you slice through the tranquil arctic landscape is breathtaking. With no sound except for the gentle swoosh of skis gliding over fresh powder, stresses slip blissfully away. Nine-year-old Tyler said, “Riding through the forest behind our reindeer, Rudy, was like being in a fairy tale!” And for Emma, it exceeded already high expectations: “I imagined it would be magical, but this was more than I could’ve dreamed. Just sheer delight seeing Lapland’s wide open tundra this way.”

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - Take a Cruise to See the Icebergs and Glaciers

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - Experience a Traditional Smoke Sauna and Arctic Spa

After adventures in the crisp Arctic air, the prospect of thawing those frozen bones in a steamy sauna is certainly enticing. But in Lapland, locals have perfected the tranquil art of relaxation with a beloved tradition — the smoke sauna. This ancient style of sauna uses a wood-burning stove and no chimney, allowing intoxicating smoked scents to infuse the room. Bathing in a smoke sauna is said to exude a calming effect and inimitable warmth that can only be understood through experience.

Smoke saunas are still found in many hotels and resorts across Lapland, allowing visitors to melt away their cares just as Lapps have for centuries. Typically guests relax au naturel, as is custom. After working up a good sweat, it's common to take a break outside in the brisk air before returning for more heat therapy. This cycle leaves you feeling invigorated in body and mind. Most hotels also provide guests with soft robes and slippers to lounge in pre and post-sauna.

According to Mari, who first tried an authentic smoke sauna in Ylläs, "After dog sledding through snowy hills, my whole body ached. The sauna's soothing heat penetrated so deeply that I felt like a new person when I emerged." And for Jonas, it made for the perfect finale after long days spent negotiating Lapland's frozen landscape: "My skin and lungs felt purified, and I achieved a level of relaxation I never have before. I could've stayed in there all night."

Many larger hotels, like Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, combine their smoke saunas with indulgent spa treatments designed especially for arctic travelers. Their facilities often include private saunas in idyllic wilderness locations like lake shores or tucked high atop fells. Experiencing an outdoor smoke sauna enables you to take in Lapland's rugged scenery while you soak up the local tradition.

After some steamy R&R, arctic spa options help seal in that Zen-like feeling. Alternating between the dry heat of traditional saunas and sub-zero chill of outdoor snowfalls and ice baths is surprisingly addictive. The contrast leaves skin tingling and mind attentive. Kakslauttanen's exotic spa treatments range from Swedish back massages to oxygen therapy, pedicures, and classic facials all featuring natural ingredients harvested across Lapland's unspoiled terrain.

The spas also capitalize on Lapland's dreamy location for pursuits like admiring the northern lights while plunging into heated open-air hot tubs. Or guests can relax in outdoor water circuits lined with flickering torches and fires under the midnight sun's glow. Kakslauttanen guest Emma said, "Viewing the tranquil Lappish wilderness and aurora from the hot tub felt like a surreal dream. The perfect way to end an amazing trip."

Light Up the Holidays: Planning an Enchanting Family Getaway to the Magic of Lapland - Indulge in Hearty Lappish Cuisine by an Open Fire

After action-packed days exploring Lapland's snowy wilderness, few things satisfy more than indulging in hearty local cuisine by a crackling campfire. The region's remote location and extreme climate means the cuisine is hearty, rich, and well-suited to warm you from the inside out after braving the elements. Meals become not just refueling opportunities but beloved social traditions that showcase Lapland's flavors.

Reindeer prepared myriad ways appears frequently on menus across Lapland. While initially intimidating to visitors, a first taste converts most into fans. Porkkana describes reindeer stew as having deep, savory flavor but still delicate: "The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth!" Another local staple is sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. The dish offers a tasty twist on familiar comfort food.

Fish like salmon and whitefish are also diet staples thanks to the pure waters of Lapland's abundant lakes and rivers. Locals swear Arctic char cooked over an open fire is a world apart from what you've tried back home. The same goes for just-plucked ptarmigan or grouse roasted to perfection by experienced guides.

Beyond the protein, Lappish sides like pickled herring, mashed swede, and Arctic berries provide authentic flavor. And no meal is complete without sampling Finland's beloved rye breads and caraway crackers. They lend the perfect crunch and nutty aroma to any dish.

While campfire cooking allows meals to incorporate mouthwatering wood-fired flair, restaurants carry on culinary traditions as well. Kota is the Lappish equivalent of a rustic cabin or teepee, and kota restaurants let diners experience traditional cooking methods and cuisine. Menus usually feature local fish, meats, vegetables and wild berries. Dining in a cozy kota warmed by a central fire pit makes you feel transported back centuries.

Traveler Sam said his meal at Kota restaurant Rakas felt like "Thanksgiving dinner, but better." The foreign ingredients somehow tasted familiar once blended with wood-fire cooking in a cozy, dimly lit space. It stirred nostalgia and comfort while still feeling wonderfully exotic.

Sweet tooths will rejoice at the Licorice House café's specialty - baked goods like cinnamon rolls and ginger cookies made with the famous salty-sweet Finnish licorice. Owner Kaija proudly proclaims, "We Finlanders love our licorice, and you can taste this love in every bite!" The unique flavor blend of these goodies makes the perfect treat beside a warm drink and fire.