❄️ Book the Ultimate Family Trip to Lapland, Finland in Winter

Lapland is the kind of destination that feels straight out of a storybook: snowy fo

rests, reindeer sleigh rides, husky adventures, and Santa Claus himself waiting to greet you. Planning a trip here in winter can feel overwhelming, but with the right itinerary and packing list, you’ll be set for a magical family holiday.

📅 Recommended 4–5 Day Itinerary:

Day 1–2: Santa Claus Village (SCV)

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is free to enter, making it a fantastic base for families. You can spend one or two days here, mixing free activities with bookable experiences.

Bookable activities:

• Meet Santa Claus and Mrs Claus

• Husky or reindeer sled rides

• Snowmobile driving (family-friendly options available)

• Feeding huskies or walking an alpaca

• Explore the SCV animal petting zoo

• Visit Snowman World (ice slides, snow fun, and more)

  Free activities:

• Toast marshmallows around outdoor campfires

• Visit the SCV Post Office (send letters with the official Arctic Circle stamp)

• Stand on the Polar Arctic Circle line

• Go sledging (available in local supermarkets) LABEL YOUR SLEDGE!

  👉 Tip: Book activities in advance, especially during peak holiday season, as slots fill quickly.

  
  

Day 3: Apukka Resort Adventure

Apukka is a short transfer from SCV, with collection and drop-off included when you book. It’s a must-do for families who want a full day of snow activities.

What’s included:

• Snow gear provided (snowsuits, boots, gloves)

• Husky ride through snowy trails

• Snowshoeing in pristine forests

• Reindeer ride and feeding

• Snowmobile rides (kids can ride in sledges pulled by snowmobiles)

👉 Tip: Book Apukka well in advance. It’s one of the most popular excursions in Lapland.

Day 4: Snow Play & Relaxation

Don’t underestimate the joy of simply playing in the snow at your accommodation. Build snowmen, go sledging, or enjoy hot chocolate by the fire. This downtime balances the busy activity days and gives kids space to enjoy Lapland at their own pace. The days are short because the sun rises and sets later and earlier than we are used to at home, and you will tire quickly.

Day 5: Ice Skating in Rovaniemi Centre

Spend a day in Rovaniemi itself to soak up the local atmosphere. In winter, the city centre often has outdoor ice rinks where families can skate together.

Highlights:

• Rent skates locally (many rinks have hire facilities).

• Enjoy skating under twinkling lights with Finnish families—it’s a magical, authentic experience.

• Warm up afterwards with hot chocolate or pastries in one of Rovaniemi’s cozy cafés.

• Combine skating with a stroll along the frozen Kemijoki River or a visit to local shops for souvenirs.

👉 Tip: Check opening times and whether skate hire is available in advance.

🚖 Getting Around

• Use the Meneva Taxi App for easy transfers around Rovaniemi and SCV.

• Shuttle services are available at many resorts, but taxis give flexibility.

🧳 Family Packing List

• Thermal base layers, fleece mid layers, waterproof outerwear (our daily outfits consisted of four layers: thermal layer, fleece lined trousers, sallopettes, two pairs of socks, fleece lined long sleeve tops, full zip fleece, ski jacket, snow boots, hat, snood and mittens)

• Snow boots, thermal socks, wool socks, mittens, hats, scarves, snoods

• Pjs and bed socks

• Sunglasses, swimwear (for saunas), backpacks

• Thermos flasks/travel mugs (for hot chocolate outdoors)

• Extendable toasting forks (for marshmallows at campfires)

• Sharpie (to label sledges—prevents them from being “borrowed”!)

• Power banks, travel adapters

• Entertainment for kids, snacks, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen

• Small family games for your accomodation (eg. Ok Play, Uno, Pass the Pigs)

• Sandwich bags to take a packed lunch during the day

• Water bottles