Bookings & Enquiries
Bookings & Enquiries
Search
Visit Finland

Which Christmas in Lapland tour suits you?

  • Tietse StelmaTietse Stelma

A practical guide for families, couples and first-timers

Choosing the right Christmas tour in Lapland can feel overwhelming, especially with so many magical experiences to compare. Each trip has its own personality, pace and accommodation style, and some are far better suited to younger children, larger families or adults seeking a quieter festive escape. The guide below helps you understand the key differences so you can find the perfect fit for your family or travel group.

Contents

  • Quick comparison – the best match for each traveller type
  • How old are your children?
  • Adults only and adult friendly festive options
  • Choosing based on room type – triples, quads and family suites
  • Choosing based on experience style – Santa focused, aurora stays, boutique hotels and more
  • Adding something special before or after Lapland
  • Planning ahead and next steps

Quick comparison: what type of traveller are you?

Family of 4 needing one room

Äkäslompolo

Family with very young children

Finland-Christmas-Santa-and-Mari-Äkäslompolo

Family with teens

Arctic Treehouse Hotel

Couple wanting an adults only festive retreat

Festive Adventure at Nivunki Village

Couple wanting luxury and auroras

Cahkal Hotel

Family wanting glass cabins

Image credit: Julia Gal and Moments of Gregory - Levi Igloos

Family wanting lots of space

Apartments at Ranua Zoo

How old are your children?

Different tours suit different age groups. Younger children need gentler days and warm indoor breaks, while older children and teens can enjoy more active or extended winter experiences.

Ages 3 to 8: gentle activities, Santa magic and family togetherness

Best matches include:

shutterstock Finland Reindeer Family BlueOragne Studio

Ages 8 to 12: maximum Santa excitement and winter adventures

Best matches include:

Santa in Lapland

Ages 12 and over, or very active families

Best matches include:

Arctic TreeHouse Stay in Finland

Adults only and adult friendly festive options

Not everyone wants a Santa centred holiday. Some travellers prefer a peaceful winter escape with auroras, wellness experiences and refined dining. These Lapland festive stays are excellent for couples, friends and adults wanting a quieter Christmas or pre-Christmas break.

Festive Adventure at Nivunki Village (independent, 16+)

Perfect for couples or small adult groups, this exclusive village of glass-roofed kota huts offers a serene forest setting away from peak family crowds. Activities include husky safaris, snowmobiling, reindeer experiences and cultural storytelling ceremonies. With an age limit of 16 and over, this is one of the few true adults only festive options in Lapland, ideal for aurora spotting late into the night.

Puolenpäivän huskysafari

Lapland Festive Stay at Juutua (independent, adult-oriented)

While not strictly adults only, this pre-Christmas stay at the boutique Wilderness Hotel Juutua naturally appeals to adults thanks to gourmet dining, wellness elements such as Arctic sauna and jacuzzi, and atmospheric aurora camp evenings. Husky safaris, snowmobiling and nature focused activities round out a tranquil festive escape before the peak holiday season begins.

Hotel Juutua

Choose based on room type, especially important for families of 3 or 4

In Lapland, accommodation style varies significantly. Some properties allow quads, while others only permit two guests per room. This can be a deciding factor for families.

Tours with excellent family rooming (triples and quads available)

Perfect if you want everyone together in one cabin, suite or apartment.

These are the top choices for larger families wanting to stay together.

Edited - Finland äkäslompolo Kurunkolo cabin interior - Destination Lapland

Tours with limited rooming (mostly doubles, or suites sleeping 2 or 3)

These work well for couples or families with one child.

Arctic Treehouse Hotel Nest

Choose based on experience style

Every tour has its own personality. Here is how to match the feel of the trip to your preferred Christmas experience.

A. Classic Santa and snow fun Christmas

web20150222-_MG_3264

B. Aurora and unique accommodation (glass cabins, suites and igloos)

Aurora Village 2021 3

C. Boutique, stylish or relaxed festive stays

CAHKAL DRINKS 4 (3)

D. Wilderness Christmas for active travellers

Cahkal Hotel

Add something special either side of Lapland

Consider adding one or two nights before or after your Lapland stay. It makes travel smoother and adds a lovely festive touch.

Some favourites include:
-Christmas Markets in Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm, Copenhagen or Oslo

  • Celebrating New Year’s Eve in a Nordic capital

Tallinn Christmas Market

Ready to plan your Christmas in Lapland?

With such high demand for festive travel, especially cabins, glass igloos and family suites, planning early gives you far more options. If you would like advice tailored to your family size, children’s ages or preferred Christmas style, our Nordic specialists are here to help.

You can join our Santa’s helper list to be first to know when next year’s Christmas tours open, or simply get in touch for personalised planning.

News
Destination Insights
Northern LightsChristmas in LaplandFinland