Lapland: where snow is the default setting, Santa is your local celeb, and the Northern Lights are basically the sky showing off. Cold? Yes. Magical? Absolutely.


Destination Highlights

  • See the Northern Lights sparkle across the Arctic sky like nature’s own rave

  • Meet Santa in his legit hometown (beard and vibes both 10 10)

  • Snowy adventures everywhere you look: huskies, snowmobiles, reindeer... you name it


What are the best sights to see in Lapland?

Lapland holidays serve peak winter wonderland energy with a proper helping of magic. Whether you're looking for a cosy escape, a bucket list moment, or you're finally ready to confirm whether Santa is real (he is), here are the big hitters to get the sleigh... sorry, show... on the road.

  • Santa Claus Village - yes, this place is real. Yes, Santa lives here. Yes, you can cross the Arctic Circle like it's the most normal Tuesday activity ever. Think festive vibes all year and enough twinkly lights to power the whole of Manchester.

  • Northern Lights Hunts - if the sky had a flex, this would be it. Head out with an expert guide into the pitch black wilderness and watch the aurora do its mahoosive dance across the night. Hot drinks included because frostbite is not the vibe.

  • Husky and Reindeer Safaris - pick your preferred furry transport. Huskies for the full-speed thrill ride, or reindeer for the calm, storybook moment. Either way, you're gliding across snowy forests like you’ve stepped inside a Christmas film.

  • Glass Igloos and Ice Hotels - the Arctic answer to boujee living. Sleep under the stars, watch the sky shift colours from your bed, or bed down in a room made of ice like a proper winter warrior.


When's the best time to go on your Lapland holidays?

Lapland hits different depending on the season, so it all depends on what you want from your city break. Cosy vibes? Northern Lights? Maximum snow? Here’s the lowdown.

  • ❄️ Winter (December February) - peak Lapland. Think deep snow, Santa, aurora season, Christmas markets, and every snowy activity imaginable. It’s the busiest and priciest time, but honestly? Worth it.

  • 🌕 Autumn Winter Crossover (October November) - snow begins to settle, the Northern Lights are popping off, and the crowds haven't arrived yet. Gorgeous golden forests turning frosty and quiet Arctic trails.

  • 🌞 Spring (March April) - longer days, sunnier skies, loads of snow still hanging about, and top tier conditions for skiing and activities. Great for families, and cheaper than December.

  • ☀️ Summer (May August) - the wild card. Midnight sun, river adventures, hiking, and lakes instead of snow. Totally different vibe but still absolutely stun.

Our pick? March or early December for the sweet spot between winter magic, long nights for auroras, and fewer crowds.


Our top hotel picks for your holidays to Lapland

Lapland hotels come in two main flavours. Option one: cosy log cabins with saunas and crackling fires that feel straight out of a Christmas card. Option two: glass igloos and snow hotels for boujee bucket list stays. Here are the stars of the show...

  • Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets - cabins tucked into snowy forest trails with private saunas, crackling fires, and that cosy hideaway vibe everyone secretly wants from a Lapland jolly. Perfect for families who want space to spread out, cook up something delish, and wander straight into the wilderness from their front door.

  • Northern Lights Village Levi - glass-roofed igloos designed for peak aurora chasing. Fall asleep under starry skies, wake up to white-blanketed landscapes and spend the day hopping between reindeer rides, snow adventures and boujee Arctic dining. Romantic, magical and totally unique.

  • Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara - a stylish hilltop stay with sweeping Arctic views and sleek, modern rooms made for cosy winter nights. Right on the edge of ski trails and forest paths, it’s ideal for couples or explorers wanting scenery on tap.

  • Holiday Club Saariselka - a resort with big warm-and-cosy energy. Indoor pools, spa facilities, comfy rooms and a location right near ski runs and snowy walking routes. Great for couples or families wanting downtime mixed with easy access to outdoor fun.

  • Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna - smart, stylish and perfect for Northern Lights seekers. Think elegant rooms, snug lounges, quality dining and an easy walk to nature trails where auroras love to show off. A fab pick for anyone wanting comfort with a side of Arctic adventure.


Getting around on your Lapland holidays

Getting around Lapland is surprisingly easy for a place covered in snow most of the year. Rovaniemi is your main entry point, with flights from the UK and the rest of Europe. Once you're in, buses, taxis, and organised tours do most of the heavy lifting. Resorts like Levi, Saariselka and Yllas are linked by regular bus routes, and loads of excursions include hotel pickup so you can just roll out of bed and go. Want to level up your transport? Snowmobiles and sleds are very much a thing here.


Lapland holidays travel guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do for families in Lapland

Lapland is basically built for families. Start with Santa Claus Village where the kiddos can meet Santa, ride mini sleighs, and post letters from the Arctic Circle. Add in husky rides, reindeer cuddles, snow play parks and toboggan hills, and you're looking at the ultimate magical break. Ranua Wildlife Park is another winner with polar bears and Arctic animals, and of course, an early evening Northern Lights trip is the cherry on top.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Lapland

Couples, this is your chance to go full cosy romance. Glass igloos for aurora watching, private reindeer rides through silent forests, snowmobile adventures across frozen lakes, and saunas followed by outdoor hot tubs under starlit skies. Whether it’s Christmas lights or Arctic stillness you're after, this place delivers.

🧗🏼 Things to do for groups in Lapland

Lapland is an elite choice for groups wanting something different. Think snowmobile safaris, husky racing, skiing in Levi, ice fishing, and nights out followed by cosy cabin hangouts. You can even challenge your mates to survive a night in an ice room. Finish with a group aurora chase and you're basically living your best Arctic movie montage.

🍽️ Things to do for foodies in Lapland

Foodies, brace yourselves. Lappish food is hearty, warming, and delish. Try reindeer stew, smoked fish, cloudberry jam on squeaky Finnish cheese, and fire-cooked meals in traditional kota huts. Rovaniemi has swanky spots serving modern Arctic cuisine if you fancy going full boujee. Hot berry juice and glogi are mandatory winter warmers.

Popular Lapland hotels

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Weather in Lapland

JAN

-6°C

FEB

-6°C

MAR

-1°C

APR

5°C

MAY

12°C

JUN

18°C

JUL

21°C

AUG

18°C

SEP

13°C

OCT

6°C

NOV

1°C

DEC

-3°C

Lapland doesn’t do things by halves. When it’s cold, it’s proper cold. When it snows, it’s a full winter takeover. And when summer hits... well, the sun basically forgets how to set. Here’s the no faff breakdown so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

  • Winter (December February) - this is Lapland’s main character moment. Expect deep snow, frosty forests, and temperatures that casually drop to minus double digits. But don’t panic, everyone here dresses like a pro and activities run as normal. Perfect if you're chasing Northern Lights, Santa meet and greets, or those boujee glass igloo stays where you snuggle up and pretend you’re in a Christmas advert.

  • Spring (March April) - the sweet spot. Days get longer, skies get brighter, and it’s still snowy enough for skiing, snowmobiling and all the classics. Temperatures start creeping up to a friendlier minus something to plus something territory, which means you can frolic in the snow without losing feeling in your nose. A 10 10 time to visit.

  • Summer (May August) - plot twist: Lapland isn’t just snow. Summer brings lush forests, crystal lakes and the famous Midnight Sun, where daylight sticks around for a mahoosive 24 hours at a time. Expect mild temperatures, loads of hiking, river activities and wildlife everywhere. It’s giving Scandi adventure, not snow globe.

  • Autumn (September November) - short but gorge. Think golden forests, crisp air, and the first dusting of snow rolling in. Nights get darker, which means the Northern Lights start popping off again. Cooler temps set the stage for winter without you needing full Arctic survival mode just yet.

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FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Lapland?

It takes between 3 hours and 3 hours 45 minutes to fly to Lapland from the UK/Ireland, depending on where you fly from.

What's the time difference between the UK and Lapland?

Lapland is 2 hours ahead of the time in the UK.

What language do they speak in Lapland?

There is a range of different languages spoken depending on what area you are in, but in Finnish Lapland, the main language spoken is Finnish.

Is Lapland good for a city break?

Absolutely. Lapland might not be your classic big city jolly, but Rovaniemi serves up a cracking Arctic twist on the usual weekend away. Think cosy cafes, Santa’s hometown, ice bars, museums, and snowy adventures just outside the centre. It’s a city break with extra sparkle, extra snow, and extra bragging rights. Your mates in Amsterdam will be sipping lattes while you’re crossing the Arctic Circle and hanging out with reindeer. Big win.

What's the best month to visit Lapland?

It totally depends on your vibe. Want full Christmas magic, heaps of snow, and Santa in peak form? December is the showstopper. After clearer skies, tons of snow, and top-tier Northern Lights action? March is the winner. Prefer quieter resorts and early winter feels? November is your under-the-radar sweet spot. But, if you want Lapland looking its absolute best, March and early December usually take the crown.