Christmas at the North Pole
Who doesn’t dream of an unforgettable Christmas vacation in a magical winter landscape, where snow and enchanting lights add charm to the surroundings? If you want to experience the ultimate Christmas feeling, then your journey leads you to the northernmost Europe: to Lapland and Finland. This region, often referred to as the "Christmas land," offers extraordinary experiences that will place you right in the heart of the Christmas magic. From meeting Santa Claus to extraordinary winter adventures – here you will find everything you need for a festive experience at the "North Pole."
1. Santa Claus in Rovaniemi – The Home of Santa Claus
The most well-known place to experience Christmas is Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Rovaniemi is considered the "official" home of Santa Claus and is a true paradise for all who yearn for a magical Christmas holiday. The city is located on the Arctic Circle, and here you will find the Santa Claus Village, where Santa Claus resides all year round.
In the Santa Claus Village, you can personally meet Santa Claus and take photos – an unforgettable experience for both children and adults. Additionally, you can send your letter to Santa Claus from the Christmas village, which you can mail with a special "postmark from the Arctic Circle."
Special Highlight: Visit the Santa Claus Village at night when the Northern Lights dance across the winter sky, creating a fairytale atmosphere.
2. Winter Adventures in Lapland – Dog Sledding and Snowmobile Tours
Besides the festive experiences, Lapland offers a variety of exciting winter adventures that will make your vacation unforgettable. One of the most popular activities is dog sledding, where you glide through the deep snow-covered forests with a team of Huskies. The feeling of being pulled through the winter woods by these powerful animals is simply breathtaking. Many providers offer both short trips and multi-day expeditions through the untouched nature.
Another popular activity in Lapland is snowmobile tours, taking you to remote, idyllic locations that can only be reached by snowmobile. These tours not only provide the opportunity to experience the stunning winter landscape but also offer thrilling adventures in the Arctic wilderness.
Special Highlight: A combination of dog sledding and snowmobile tour is the perfect way to experience the pristine nature of Lapland while enjoying exciting adventures.
3. Swimming in a Frozen Lake and Sauna Traditions in Finland
In Finland, it is traditional to visit the famous "sauna" during the winter months. Finns swear by the healing effects of the sauna, and there is hardly a better feeling than retreating to a hot sauna after an eventful day in the cold. Many Finnish winter hotels and resorts offer this luxury, and you often have the opportunity to jump into a frozen lake after the sauna session. An unforgettable experience that not only invigorates the circulatory system but also gives the feeling of truly embracing Finnish traditions.
In winter, there are also special "ice saunas" where you can sweat in a room made of ice before diving into the icy water of the frozen lake – a true adventure for body and mind.
Special Highlight: A sauna experience in one of the traditional "Löyly" (saunas) by the lake followed by a leap into the icy water offers a truly Finnish experience.
4. Staying in a Snow Hotel or Glass Igloo
One of the most extraordinary accommodation options in Finland and Lapland are the famous snow hotels. These hotels are made entirely of ice and snow and provide a fairytale setting for an unforgettable night. You can stay in an ice hotel adorned with intricate ice sculptures and walls.
Another special option that you can find in Lapland are the glass igloos. These unique igloos with glass roofs offer a dreamlike view of the polar sky and the Northern Lights, which you can comfortably observe from your bed. These experiences not only provide you with an extraordinary place to stay but also a true "winter dream" in the Arctic.
Special Highlight: Booking a glass igloo in Finland and watching the Northern Lights from your bed is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget.
5. Northern Lights in Finland – A Spectacular Natural Spectacle
Finland is one of the best destinations around the world to observe the Northern Lights. Especially in Lapland, where the nights in winter are long and clear, you have the best chances to experience this spectacular natural spectacle. You can admire the Northern Lights on a snowshoe walk, during a dog sledding trip, or even from your glass igloo.
There are many special tours that help you find the best spots for the Northern Lights. Many providers in Finland offer guided tours where you not only travel through untouched nature but also end up exactly at the places where the Northern Lights are particularly visible.
Special Highlight: A special "Northern Lights" tour in the wilderness of Lapland is the ideal way to experience this extraordinary natural spectacle in all its glory.
6. Finnish Christmas Traditions and Delicacies
Besides the many activities and experiences, you can also enjoy the special Christmas traditions and delicacies in Finland and Lapland. One of the most popular treats is "Joulupuuro," a traditional Finnish Christmas porridge made from rice and milk, which is often served with cinnamon and sugar. Another highlight is "Glögi," the Finnish mulled wine, enriched with spices and almonds.
In Finland, it is also a tradition to start Christmas preparations with a visit to the "Christmas Island," where the family gathers to prepare for the Christmas festival. These traditions, combined with the festive atmosphere, make Finland a truly magical destination for the holidays.
Special Highlight: Finnish Glögi and Joulupuuro are among the warming and soothing delights that define Finnish Christmas traditions.
Conclusion
Christmas in Lapland and Finland is like a stay in a winter wonderland. From meeting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi to exciting winter adventures, sauna experiences, and observing the Northern Lights – here you can experience the true magic of the Christmas season. The unique experiences and festive traditions make Finland and Lapland the perfect destination for anyone who wants to celebrate Christmas in a special atmosphere. So if you are looking for the ultimate Christmas adventure, there is no way to avoid a vacation in the far north!