Best places to stay:
Credit Shutterstock.com/Roman Babakin
Just 5 minutes from Rovaniemi airport, 10 minutes to downtown Rovaniemi – and a two-minute walk to SantaPark (the lair of the real Santa Claus) – are the perfect place to stay for anyone travelling to see Santa with the kids.
The family-friendly chalets are clean, simple and functional enough. Some have kitchenettes and a private sauna. But you’re really staying here for the activities on offer.
During the holiday season, children’s activities such as crafts, baking and sledding are organised each day at the on-site Gingerbread Club. Staff can also help arrange reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris, while boats, bikes and fishing equipment can be rented on site.
The Ounasvaara ski centre, 2km away, offers downhill runs, a tobogganing trail, a kids’ run, three ski jumps and over 60 miles of excellent cross-country paths.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, Finland[0.3 miles]
A small winter activity theme park, offering a mix of reindeer and husky sleigh rides, snowmobiling, ice slides and ice skating. There’s a reindeer farm and husky farm close by too.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, Finland[2 miles]
The ‘official’ home of Santa Claus and the place to meet Father Christmas in person. This miniature theme park, with rather elaborate Christmas grotto, is also home to several Santa-themed attractions.
Best for ages: 4+ | £35
Lapland, Finland
Snowmobiling at up to 100km/h is the high-octane way to experience the Arctic wilderness, allowing you to cover huge distances and get a feel for just how remote and vast the area is. Options range from ‘try it out’ experiences lasting several hours, to multi-day camping-out adventures.
Best for ages: 15+ | £30
Lapland, Finland
Traversing across the tundral plains and through boreal forests of Finnish Lapland’s gloriously unspoilt wilderness is special. Doing it on a sled pulled by husky dogs is thrillingly unforgettable. Tours range from several hours to several days; multi-day include the opportunity to harness, rig, feed and prep the pack.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 1+ hour
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Finnish Lapland, Finland
An unspoilt wilderness and outdoor adventure paradise. Summer and winter bucket list experience galore, plus the real home of Santa.
