Christmas in Lapland for older children and teenagers
They grow up quickly, but it is never too late to show your children the magic of Santa’s homeland.
For families travelling with older children and teenagers, Christmas in Lapland can be deeply rewarding when the focus shifts from novelty to adventure, atmosphere and shared experiences in the Arctic winter.
Our Christmas tours in Lapland include several itineraries that work particularly well for families with teens. All are located above the Arctic Circle, where snow-covered landscapes, winter activities and, if conditions allow, the Northern Lights can be seen on clear nights. Some tours are escorted, others independent, and each offers a different balance of structure, comfort and freedom.
Below are our recommended Christmas tours for families with older children, based on confirmed inclusions and suitability.
Aurora Village: Glass cabins, independence and classic Arctic activities
Christmas at Aurora Village is a strong option for families travelling with older children and teenagers who enjoy freedom, outdoor activity and a genuine Arctic setting.
This 5-day independent Christmas tour is based at Aurora Village near Ivalo, where families stay in private Aurora Glass Cabins set individually in the forest. From your cabin, you can look directly up at the Arctic sky and, on clear nights, watch for the Northern Lights from bed.
The programme includes a wide range of winter activities well suited to teens, including a 2-hour husky safari, snowmobile safari, reindeer feeding and sleigh ride, guided snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing and a Northern Lights hunt by car. Free use of snowshoes, toboggans and access to kota and laavu campfire sites gives older children the freedom to explore and spend time outdoors independently.
A special Santa programme is included, involving a short sleigh ride through the forest to Santa’s cabin in a secret location. The visit is brief, personal and low-key, making it appropriate for older children who may prefer a more authentic experience rather than a staged performance.
Why it works well for teenagers
- Minimum age of 10 years, matching the activity level
- Independent travel style with flexibility and downtime
- Longer, more active winter excursions
- Glass cabins with strong Northern Lights potential
- Freedom to use campfire sites and outdoor areas
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: A festive Christmas with comfort, style and shared experiences
Christmas at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Escorted) is a strong choice for families with older children who enjoy comfort, atmosphere and a well-paced festive programme.
This 5-day escorted tour is based at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, set in the forest near SantaPark in Rovaniemi. The design-led TreeHouse suites combine modern Scandinavian style with Lappish heritage, offering a cosy but elevated base for Christmas celebrations.
The programme includes classic winter activities such as a husky safari, reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobiling and free time for snow play. Christmas Eve is spent together around the Christmas tree, followed by a festive dinner and a Santa visit with gifts. The escorted format works well for families who like everything taken care of, while still leaving space to relax and enjoy time together.
Why it works for teens
- Comfortable, private suites with space to unwind
- Active winter experiences rather than child-focused workshops
- A festive but not over-the-top Santa experience
- Clear structure with a 50 Degrees North host throughout
Levi: Glass igloos, winter adventure and a lively resort setting
Christmas in Levi Glass Igloos is ideal for active families with teenagers who want winter adventure paired with memorable accommodation.
This 5-day independent tour is based in well-appointed glass igloos near Levi, each with a private kitchenette, shower and toilet. Dinner is served in the glass-roofed restaurant, and guests staying over Christmas Eve enjoy a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner.
The itinerary includes dogsledding, snowmobiling, a reindeer safari and a special Christmas programme with a Santa visit. Levi’s ski resort is close by, offering optional downhill skiing, shopping and evening activities, which often appeals to older children wanting a little independence.
Why it works for teens
- Glass igloos with a strong “wow” factor
- High-energy winter activities
- Easy access to Levi village and ski resort
- Independent travel style with flexibility
Cahkal Hotel: A remote Arctic Christmas for older children and teens
Christmas in the Arcticis very different from a classic Lapland Santa holiday and is best suited to families with older children and teenagers who value atmosphere, wilderness and cultural depth.
This 5-day independent tour is based at the boutique Cahkal Hotel in Kilpisjärvi, more than 400 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, near the borders of Finland, Norway and Sweden. The experience is calm, remote and immersive, with full board dining focused on local ingredients.
The programme includes snowmobiling, snowshoeing by day and night, a reindeer experience, daily sauna, and a Christmas Eve celebration with a traditional dinner and a Santa and Rudolf visit. The setting is one of the best in Finland for Northern Lights viewing, thanks to minimal light pollution.
Why it works for teens
- Remote Arctic location with a strong sense of place
- Longer, more immersive outdoor excursions
- Cultural and wilderness focus rather than “theme-style” Christmas
- Minimum age of 10 years, matching the activity level
What to expect when travelling with teenagers
Many winter excursions last three to four hours and include time outdoors, campfire breaks and travel through remote landscapes. Teenagers often respond especially well to husky sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, particularly when guides share insights into Sámi culture, reindeer herding and Arctic life.
Santa experiences are included across these tours but are kept authentic and age-appropriate, often involving quiet forest settings, shared meals or simple traditions rather than staged performances.
For many families, combining Lapland with a short stay in Helsinki, Stockholm or Oslo before or after the Arctic portion adds a festive city contrast, with Christmas markets, ice skating and cultural experiences.
Choosing the right Christmas in Lapland for your family
With the right itinerary, Christmas in Lapland can be just as meaningful for teenagers as it is for younger children. The key is choosing a tour that balances adventure, comfort and authenticity, rather than relying solely on novelty.
See All Pre-Christmas Packages
Also see our Which Christmas in Lapland Tour Suits You? as well as other travel articles on Nordic Christmas.