Travel tips
Finnish Lapland: Christmas, northern lights and husky safaris
When to go, where to stay (Rovaniemi, Levi or Saariselkä), the best winter activities and how to see the aurora.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- December is the classic month for a Christmas trip to see Santa in Rovaniemi; January to March has more daylight, deep snow and good aurora chances at lower prices.
- The northern lights season runs from about late August to early April, when nights are dark.
- Expect temperatures well below freezing, often -10 to -20°C in midwinter, so book trips that include thermal outer clothing.
| Christmas trips | Late November–December |
|---|---|
| Best for snow and aurora | January–March |
| Northern lights season | About late August–early April |
| Main bases | Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä |
| Currency | Euro |
Where to stay
- Rovaniemi: the capital of Lapland, on the Arctic Circle, with Santa Claus Village, SantaPark and the most choice of hotels and activities. Easiest with young children.
- Levi: Finland's biggest ski resort, near Kittilä airport, with slopes, cross-country trails and a lively village.
- Saariselkä and Inari: further north, quieter and darker, with excellent aurora chances and Sámi culture at the Siida museum in Inari.
Christmas in Lapland
At Santa Claus Village, on the Arctic Circle just outside Rovaniemi, you can meet Santa all year round, send a postcard from his post office and cross the Arctic Circle line. Many families combine it with a reindeer sleigh ride and a husky safari. December is the busiest and most expensive time, so book early.
Winter activities
- Husky safaris: drive your own team of dogs across frozen forests and lakes.
- Snowmobile tours, including night trips to look for the aurora.
- Ice fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- Snow hotels and ice restaurants near Rovaniemi and Levi.
- Ranua Wildlife Park, about an hour from Rovaniemi, for Arctic animals such as bears and lynx.
Seeing the northern lights
You need dark, clear skies, so get away from town lights and check both the aurora and cloud forecasts each evening. Glass-roofed igloos and cabins let you watch from bed, while aurora hunting tours drive you to wherever the sky is clearest. Stay several nights to improve your chances.
In midwinter, the far north has the polar night, when the sun barely rises; Rovaniemi still gets a few hours of soft daylight.
Getting there
In winter there are direct flights from the UK and other European cities to Rovaniemi and Kittilä, many as part of package holidays. Year-round, you can fly via Helsinki, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Rovaniemi, or take the overnight train north from Helsinki.
Finland uses the euro and is in the Schengen area; check the entry rules for your passport before booking.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go to Lapland?
December for Christmas and meeting Santa; January to March for deep snow, more daylight, good aurora chances and lower prices.
Can you see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?
Yes, on clear, dark nights from about late August to early April. Tours that drive away from town lights give the best chances.
How cold is Lapland in winter?
Usually around -10 to -20°C in December and January, and sometimes colder. Most tours provide thermal suits, boots and gloves.
