Lapland isn’t actually a country – it’s a vast Arctic region that stretches across northern Finland, Sweden, Norway and even a small part of Russia. But when talking about booking a Lapland holiday, it’s usually Finnish Lapland that’s being referred to, which is where you’ll find many of the most popular family resorts, Santa experiences and winter activities

Destinations like Rovaniemi, Levi, Ylläs, Saariselkä, Pyhä, Luosto and Suomu all sit within Finnish Lapland, but they’re spread across a huge area. That’s why it’s worth checking exactly where you’re staying, as transfer times can vary quite a bit

One of the biggest misconceptions about Lapland is that it’s incredibly remote and difficult to reach. While it certainly feels like you’re travelling to the edge of the Arctic, getting there from the UK is actually much easier than you might think

During the winter season, several UK airports offer direct charter and scheduled flights to Finnish Lapland, making family holidays surprisingly straightforward. Direct flights are available from airports including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Flight time is usually around 3½ to 4 hours, meaning you can leave the UK in the morning and often be playing in the snow by the afternoon. If you’re travelling independently outside the main winter season, you may need to change flights in Helsinki before continuing north to Lapland

The airport you’ll use depends on which resort you’ve chosen

• Rovaniemi Airport serves Rovaniemi, Pyhä and Luosto
• Kittilä Airport is the gateway for Levi and Ylläs
• Ivalo Airport is the closest airport for Saariselkä
• Kuusamo Airport serves resorts in the eastern part of Finnish Lapland, including Ruka.

Many package holidays include airport transfers, so you won’t need to worry about hiring a car unless you’re planning to explore independently

Transfer times are another thing to think about when choosing where to stay, especially if you’re travelling with younger children

Approximate transfer times are:

• Rovaniemi: 10-20 minutes
• Levi: 15-20 minutes from Kittilä Airport
• Ylläs: 35-45 minutes from Kittilä Airport
• Saariselkä: 25-35 minutes from Ivalo Airport
• Pyhä & Luosto: Around 90 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport
• Suomu: Around 90 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport

If you’re travelling with toddlers or only visiting for a two or three-night break, shorter transfers can make a noticeable difference. On longer holidays, many families are happy to travel a little further in exchange for quieter surroundings or a more authentic experience

There’s no bad time to visit Lapland during the winter season, but each month offers something a little different

November is ideal if you want to beat the Christmas crowds while still enjoying beautiful snowy scenery. Resorts are quieter, prices can sometimes be a little lower, but the festive atmosphere is already in full swing

December is of course the most enchanting time to visit if you want the full Christmas extravaganza. It’s the month that everyone will feel the magic the most but It’s also the busiest and often the most expensive time to travel, so booking early is essential

January through to March are still feasible options for those who are more interested in winter adventures than Christmas itself. Snow conditions are usually fantastic for husky rides, snowmobiling and skiing, while the longer winter season also offers excellent opportunities to spot the Northern Lights but you might not get to visit Santa, or want to for that matter

This all depends on how much you want to squeeze in, how much time you have (it’s a busy time of year for most families) and what your budget is

Many package holidays are just two or three nights, and while for some that’s enough to tick all the boxes, for others that will fly by too quickly to really take it all in

A three-night trip is often the most popular as it gives you enough time to meet Santa, enjoy a couple of winter activities and soak up the atmosphere. If that’s all your budget or annual leave allows, you’ll still come home with incredible memories

That said, if you can stretch to four or five nights, you’ll have a much more relaxed experience. There’s time to enjoy extra excursions, explore your surroundings, warm up in the hotel sauna, slow down and really appreciate everything Lapland has to offer without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one activity to the next

Of course if your short on time or don’t want to break the bank there is always the day trip option. This means a mega early start – think 4am flight. Then a whirlwind day of squeezing in a condensed version of the trip, spread out over 10 hours in Finland (shorter husky ride, less time with the reindeer etc) culminating in meeting Santa (usually still for a reasonable 30 minute stint) before heading home for a late evening flight Exhausting? Yes! Thrilling to jet off to the North Pole for less than 24 hours? Totally! And potentially even more exciting than a longer stay

The truth is, there’s no wrong age to visit Lapland – it just offers something different depending on your children’s ages. Toddlers can absolutely enjoy the magic, especially if they love snow and festive characters. Just be prepared for a little more planning around naps, warm clothing and keeping tiny fingers and toes cosy

For many families, ages four to eight are the sweet spot. These are the years when children truly believe in Santa, making every moment feel completely magical. Watching them meet him for the first time is neither kids or their parents will ever forget

Older children and teenagers often surprise parents by loving Lapland just as much. They might no longer believe so completely in Santa, but snowmobiling, husky safaris, reindeer experiences and chasing the Northern Lights make it an unforgettable adventure. It’s one of those amazing family holidays that genuinely appeals to all ages. After all, who doesn’t get swept up in the joy of Christmas?

Older children and tweens often love Lapland just as much, just for different reasons. Snowmobiling, husky sledding, skiing, reindeer safaris and hunting for the Northern Lights turn it into an unforgettable winter adventure rather than simply a Santa holiday

One of the questions we’re asked most? ‘Are they still too young?’ There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We’ll help you choose the right Lapland holiday based on your children’s ages, interests and your budget, so you can book with confidence. Speak to a Lapland Specialist 

There’s no avoiding it: Lapland is cold. Really cold. Winter temperatures regularly sit between -10°C and -20°C, and can occasionally drop even lower. But with that comes the deep powdery snow and glittering frost that provides the backdrop to the whole place

The secret is dressing properly. Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, insulated outerwear, warm socks, hats, gloves and good winter boots make all the difference. If you’ve ever been skiing then thinking of it as a similar packing situation. But the good news is that most Lapland holiday providers also supply high-quality thermal suits and snow boots in all sizes that you can borrow for the all the outdoor experiences and excursions, so you don’t need to buy absolutely everything yourself

Children are usually far less bothered by the cold than adults, especially when they’re busy building snowmen, tobogganing or racing through the forest on a sleigh. With plenty of hot chocolate stops and cosy cabins to warm up in, the chilly temperatures soon become part of the adventure. There are always plenty of opportunities to head back inside to warm up too

There’s no getting around it – a Lapland holiday is a big investment for most families, with a three night stay costing upwards of £5K. But rather than asking whether Lapland itself is worth the money, it’s worth asking whether you’re booking the right Lapland experience

Not all Lapland holidays are created equal. Some offer a rushed Santa visit with little else included, while others create a truly immersive Christmas adventure with exciting excursions, smaller Santa experiences, cosy accommodation and plenty of festive magic woven throughout your stay

For most families, this isn’t just another winter break. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip that children remember long after they’ve outgrown believing in Father Christmas. Choosing the right destination, accommodation and package can make all the difference, turning an expensive holiday into one of the most treasured family memories you’ll ever make. When you see your kids’ faces light up as they meet Santa in his snowy homeland, it’s easy to understand why so many parents say it was worth every penny

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime Santa trip or comparing the best Lapland holidays for families, Northern Lights Village is a brilliant choice. If you’re still deciding, our family travel specialists can help you compare it with other parent-approved Lapland hotels to find the best option for your children’s ages, travel dates and budget

Santa’s Kuukkeli Log Cabins, Saariselka

This is a classic Lapland package, with a cosy half board stay and a truly magical private meeting with Santa. Enjoy a husky sled ride, a reindeer sleigh ride, and snowy fun like mini-skidoos, snow hockey, tobogganing and kick sledding, plus lively shows with the elves. Thermal suits and boots are included in your package

A family of 4 (2 adults & 2 kids) going in December can expect to pay from £5499. This includes flights from Manchester, Gatwick or Birmingham and there is a free child place included

Santa’s Star Arctic Hotel

This is a premium Lapland package, with a half board stay at Santa’s Star Arctic Hotel, set high on the fell for some of the best chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Enjoy a longer 5km husky sled ride, a snowmobile safari and a reindeer sleigh ride, along with extra magical moments like a cosy Wilderness Dinner, the Enchanted Trail, the immersive Elves Workshop and a private meeting with Santa. Thermal suits and boots are included in your package

A family of 4 (2 adults & 2 kids) going in December can expect to pay from £7299. Flights from Edinburgh, Gatwick or Leeds

Day Trips

Day trips are available from the Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Bournemouth airports. Going in December typically costs from £599pp

Whatever you’re dream Lapland stay looks like, our specialist team can help you plan it. Get in touch to create the snowy holiday of a lifetime that suits your family and budget

Absolutely! While most people visit Lapland to meet Santa and experience the magic of the Arctic, several resorts are also home to fantastic ski areas, making it easy to fit in some time on the slopes

If skiing is high on your wish list, Levi is the standout choice. As Finland’s largest ski resort, it offers more than 40 pistes, excellent ski schools, dedicated children’s areas and plenty of beginner-friendly runs alongside more challenging slopes for experienced skiers. Ylläs is another brilliant option, with quieter slopes, stunning scenery and some of the country’s longest runs, while Pyhä and Saariselkä also offer smaller ski areas that are ideal for families and beginners

You can easily spend one or two days enjoying the slopes before swapping skis for a husky safari, reindeer sleigh ride or magical visit to Santa. Resorts are well set up for exactly this kind of holiday, with ski hire, lift passes and excursions all easy to arrange

Our top tip? If skiing is an important part of your trip, consider extending your stay to four or five nights. A typical two or three-night Santa break can feel quite full already, whereas a longer holiday gives you time to enjoy both the Christmas magic and the skiing without feeling rushed. Booking lessons for younger children in advance is also well worth it, especially during the busy Christmas period, when ski schools fill up quickly