Christmas in Lapland: An unforgettable trip to Father Christmas country

Some decisions are made on a whim and end up becoming unforgettable memories. This year, instead of staying home for a traditional Christmas – tree, gifts, marathon family meals – I suggested to Léo, Thomas, India, Julia, Sofia, and Alex that we discover a different kind of Christmas. Destination: Lapland. The land of snow-covered forests, reindeer, northern lights, and... Santa Claus. Naturally, they were thrilled before I even finished my sentence. A few weeks later, with our bags packed, we flew to this part of the world where nights are almost eternal, and snow turns every moment into a small adventure.

I. Arrival in Lapland: A Different World

The moment we stepped outside the airport, the silence and freezing air struck us. Sofia, the most curious one, immediately scanned the horizon: “But Mom, where are the reindeer?” Alex, on the other hand, plunged his hands into the snow, clearly impressed by the sheer quantity of it. We took a taxi to our chalet, and the kids were exclaiming non-stop along the way: “Look at that frosted tree!”; “It looks like a movie scene!” Léo, who loves to ask a thousand questions, wanted to know why the sun was barely shining. We started talking about the long polar nights, and even Julia, usually more reserved, seemed captivated.

The chalet was like something out of a fairy tale: wooden logs, a crackling fireplace, and windows overlooking a pristine forest. Thomas, my little adventurer, wanted to explore the area immediately, but India, always the most cautious, stopped him: “Wait, we’ll get lost in the snow!” Once settled in, we shared some hot chocolate and gazed out the window, mesmerized by the timeless landscape.

II. Ranua Wildlife Park: Discovering the Northern Fauna

Ranua Park was our first big dive into the local nature. Imagine a place where everything is white, where the snow muffles every step, and where you walk along peaceful paths surrounded by pristine forests. Unlike a traditional zoo, here there are no metal cages or children’s cries echoing between concrete paths. At Ranua, everything is softer, more respectful, almost silent. The animals we encountered – reindeer, polar bears, northern birds – live in spacious enclosures that respect their natural habitats, and it makes all the difference.

For the kids, this walk was much more than just an outing. Léo and India, the little observers, kept asking questions:

“How do polar bears not freeze?” “What do reindeer eat with all this snow?”

Meanwhile, Thomas, ever curious, wanted to know if he could touch the animals – an idea Sofia, always the voice of reason, quickly shot down. Alex ran from one informational panel to another, marveling at the drawings and fun facts about each species.

What I loved was that there was no pressure. You walk at your own pace, taking time to observe, discuss, and savor the moment. It’s not a noisy attraction with shows or forced entertainment. It’s a stroll through natural surroundings, where you learn without even realizing it.

At the end of the visit, with red cheeks and frozen hands, we all agreed: Ranua is a place where you connect with nature, where you slow down to truly see what’s around you. It’s a simple, accessible experience, perfectly suited for families.

IV. Santa Claus Village: A Visit to Plan Ahead

When you think of Lapland, you often think of Santa Claus. The village is a well-known spot with its festive atmosphere, souvenir shops, and reindeer. I knew before going that it was very touristy, so I went without high expectations.

The kids enjoyed seeing the decorations, browsing the shops, and eating a warm treat. However, I must warn you: if you really want to see Santa Claus, you’ll have to queue, pay quite a bit, and wait patiently.

We decided to simply soak up the atmosphere, admire the lights, and enjoy the presence of the reindeer. The kids appreciated the moment, even without an official meeting.

My advice: decide in advance what you want to do. If your goal is to see him and take a photo, arrive early and be prepared to wait. If you prefer to skip that, just enjoy the general ambiance.

V. Dog Sledding: A Self-Guided Adventure

Among the most memorable activities, dog sledding holds a special place. It’s not just about sitting in a sled and being pulled around. Some providers allow you to drive the sled yourself, adding a real sense of adventure.

The kids loved the idea. They felt active, useful, and proud to take part. The dogs are energetic and used to running in the cold, so you need to stay focused. This experience helps you feel the connection between humans, animals, and the environment.

It’s a moment of calm and cooperation. The shouts and laughter blend with the sound of the sleds gliding over the snow. I noticed my children became more attentive and respectful after this outing. They understood it wasn’t just a fun activity but a deeply rooted Nordic tradition.

Before booking, check the conditions offered. Opt for a provider that lets you drive, as it transforms the experience.

VI. Local Cuisine: Trying New Flavors at NILI Restaurant

Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without a culinary stop. Lapland offers a cuisine that is often overlooked, made with local ingredients. We chose NILI restaurant, known for its authentic dishes.

Here, you’ll find reindeer meat, bear, fish, berries—a variety of flavors that may surprise you. My son even dared to try bear soup, which made him very proud. It’s a way to step out of your culinary comfort zone and discover another culture through food.

The kids were a bit hesitant at first but eventually grew curious. They enjoyed this immersion, without any pressure, allowing themselves some small pleasures and discoveries. I recommend trying such culinary experiences, even if you’re not an adventurous eater.

You can always choose a more familiar dish, but the idea is to explore a little.

VII. The Overall Atmosphere: Adapting to the Northern Pace

Beyond the activities, what I remember most about Lapland is its rhythm. The days are short, and the nights are long. The silence is palpable, and the landscapes are pure.

The children eventually came to appreciate this calm, this kind of pause in our usual pace. They spent time watching the snowflakes fall, observing the snow-covered pines, and waiting for the northern lights to appear.

We saw several dancing in the sky. It wasn’t a grand spectacle, but a simple, almost private moment that the children quietly commented on, as if they didn’t want to disturb the sky.

Lapland invites you to slow down, enjoy a hot drink in a chalet, talk with your family, and look at photos together at the end of the day. It’s not just a tourist destination—it’s a place that encourages you to see the holiday season differently.

VIII. Practical Tips: Organization and Balance

To get the most out of a trip to Lapland, I recommend preparing your itinerary minimally but not overloading it. Plan one or two activities per day, no more.

Leave time to improvise, take a walk around the chalet, or read a story to your children while watching the snow. Activities like Ranua, snowmobiling, Santa Claus Village, and dog sledding each have their charm, but select them based on your priorities.

Regarding budget, Ranua Park is affordable, while Santa Claus Village can quickly become expensive if you want to meet Santa Claus. Electric snowmobiling and dog sledding are a bit of an investment, but the quality of the experience is worth it.

For food, a restaurant like NILI lets you discover local gastronomy, but you can also shop for groceries and cook at the chalet to control your expenses.

Finally, think about clothing: layer up, cover your head, hands, and feet. Staying warm, especially for children, is key. Proper preparation will make your trip much more comfortable.