Where exactly is Lapland?

One of the biggest surprises when planning a Lapland holiday is discovering that there isn’t just one “Lapland”. Lapland isn’t actually a country at all – it’s a vast Arctic region that stretches across northern Finland, Sweden, Norway and even a small part of Russia. But generally, when it comes to Lapland holidays it’s the Finnish area that most people head to and where you’ll find many of the most popular family resorts, Santa experiences and winter activities

Within Finland there are several different towns, villages and ski resorts scattered across thousands of miles of snowy wilderness, each offering their own take on the magical Arctic experience. The good news is wherever you choose, you’ll find snow-covered forests, reindeer, husky sledding, cosy cabins and the chance to meet Santa. The magic is everywhere

The only tricky part is choosing which destination is right for your family as different areas have offer varying vibes.  Some resorts are bustling with restaurants, shops and festive attractions. Others are tucked away in peaceful wilderness where the only sounds are crunching snow and jingling sleigh bells. Some are brilliant for skiing, while others focus almost entirely on magical family experiences. Here’s everything you need to know before deciding where to stay

Rovaniemi: Best for first-time visitors and families who want it all

If you’ve ever searched ‘Lapland holidays’, you’ve almost certainly seen Rovaniemi. It’s the capital of Finnish Lapland and the largest, busiest destination in the region. It’s home to the famous Santa Claus Village, meaning you can visit Santa’s official hometown at any time during your stay. There’s a fantastic mix of festive attractions, restaurants, cafés, shops and family-friendly hotels, making it feel more like a proper town than a remote wilderness resort. It’s also one of the easiest destinations to reach, with transfers from the airport often taking just 10-20 minutes

Best for

• First-time visitors
• Families with younger children
• Short breaks
• Parents wanting shops and restaurants
• Families who like plenty of choice

Things to know

Because it’s so popular, Rovaniemi can feel much busier than other Lapland destinations, especially during December. Santa Claus Village attracts visitors from all over the world, so don’t expect complete tranquillity

Levi: Best for skiing and older children

If your dream Lapland holiday combines Christmas magic with fantastic skiing, Levi is hard to beat. It’s Finland’s biggest ski resort, offering dozens of slopes alongside all the classic Lapland activities. All abilities can ski here and you can easily book lessons and ski school for kids. There is a lively village atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars and shops, making it one of the easiest places to explore on foot. You’ll find lots happening both during the day and in the evening, so older children and teenagers often find there’s plenty to keep them entertained beyond meeting Santa. Transfer times are around 15-20 minutes from Kittilä Airport, making it another easy option for families

Best for

• Families who love skiing
• Older children and teenagers
• Families wanting lots of restaurants
• Parents looking for a livelier atmosphere

Things to know

Levi is one of the most popular resorts in Lapland, so prices can be among the highest during peak season. Booking early is definitely recommended

Ylläs: Best for peaceful wilderness and outdoor adventures

If you’re picturing untouched snowy forests, frozen lakes and charming log cabins, Ylläs is probably what you’re imagining. It’s much quieter than Levi or Rovaniemi, with a real focus on nature and outdoor adventures. Ylläs offers some of the best scenery in Finnish Lapland and fantastic opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, husky safaris and spotting the Northern Lights. Families looking for a slower pace often opt for this resort for its peaceful atmosphere. You really do feel as if you are in the wilderness here. Transfers from Kittilä Airport usually take around 40 minutes

Best for

• Families who love nature
• Outdoor adventures
• Northern Lights
• Peace and quiet
• Repeat Lapland visitors

Things to know

There are fewer shops and restaurants than Levi, so evenings tend to be much quieter

Saariselkä: Best for Northern Lights and luxury stays

Further north than many other resorts, Saariselkä feels wonderfully remote. It’s one of the best places in Lapland for seeing the Northern Lights and is home to some of Finland’s most iconic glass igloos and luxury Arctic hotels. Saariselkä offers incredible scenery, fantastic winter activities and a peaceful village atmosphere. It’s especially popular with couples and families looking for a more luxe Lapland experience as it’s off the beaten track and less likely to be visited for the day. Transfers from Ivalo Airport take around 30 minutes

Best for

• Luxury holidays
• Glass igloos
• Northern Lights
• Families with older children
• Bucket-list trips

Things to know

Because it’s smaller, there are fewer attractions than Rovaniemi, but that’s part of its charm

Read our first-hand review of a family-friendly trip to Saariselkä here

Pyhä & Luosto: Best for an authentic Santa experience

Often overlooked, Pyhä and neighbouring Luosto are two of Lapland’s hidden gems. These smaller resorts are known for offering wonderfully personal Santa experiences in beautiful woodland settings rather than large tourist attractions. Everything here feels intimate, relaxed and genuinely magical. The surrounding national park is stunning, offering tons of winter activities like tobogganing and snowmobiling – or just making endless snowmen. Transfers from Rovaniemi Airport take around 90 minutes

Best for

• Preschool children
• Families wanting quieter Santa experiences
• Repeat visitors
• Nature lovers

Things to know

Facilities are more limited than the larger resorts, but many families see that as a huge advantage as there are fewer crowds and a greater sense of staying in a traditional Finish spot

One of the best things about a family holiday to Lapland is that the accommodation is all part of the magic. Whether you’re dreaming of snuggling up in a traditional log cabin, relaxing in a luxury spa hotel or ticking a glass igloo off your bucket list, there’s something to suit every family, budget and style of holiday

For many a cosy log cabin is the classic Lapland experience. Tucked away amongst snow-covered pine trees, these traditional wooden cabins feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a Christmas card. Think roaring fires, twinkling lights, private saunas and plenty of space for the family to spread out after a day of snowy adventures. Many cabins are self-catered, while others form part of larger holiday villages with restaurants and facilities close by

If you prefer everything on your doorstep, family-friendly hotels are a fantastic choice. Resorts such as Levi and Rovaniemi have everything from simple three-star hotels to stylish four and five-star properties with spacious family rooms, excellent restaurants, swimming pools and spa facilities. They’re ideal if you want easy access to excursions, shops and cafés without needing to venture too far into the snow

Looking for something extra special? Lapland is home to some of the most unique places to stay anywhere in the world. Glass igloos have become one of the region’s most iconic accommodation options, allowing you to lie in bed and, if you’re lucky, watch the Northern Lights dance overhead through a heated glass roof. They’re undeniably breathtaking and make an unforgettable addition to the trip

Are Lapland day trips worth it?

If you’re short on time or budget, a Lapland day trip offers a way to experience some of the magic without committing to a longer holiday. Flying out early in the morning and returning home the same evening (or very late at night), these whirlwind adventures pack plenty into a single unforgettable day

Most Lapland day trips from the UK fly into Rovaniemi, Finland’s official hometown of Santa Claus. With the airport just 10-15 minutes from Santa Claus Village, there’s very little time spent on transfers, meaning you can make the most of your time there

A typical itinerary usually includes a visit to Santa, where children have time to meet him and receive a small gift, as well as opportunities to enjoy festive activities such as reindeer sleigh rides, husky experiences, snow play and tobogganing. Many trips also include a hot lunch and some free time to soak up the atmosphere.

For families with very young children, or those who aren’t sure whether they’re ready to invest in a full Lapland holiday, a day trip can be a fantastic introduction. They’re also a popular option if you’re trying to keep costs down, as they tend to be significantly cheaper than staying for several nights

That said, there’s no getting away from the fact it’s full on and potentially a bit rushed. Early flights, lots of excitement and a packed itinerary can be tiring, especially for toddlers. You’ll also miss out on some of the experiences that make Lapland so special, like relaxing in a cosy log cabin, searching for the Northern Lights after dark or enjoying multiple winter activities at a slower pace