Rovaniemi is the perfect place to spend Christmas if you’re looking for a festive holiday with friends or family. Christmas in Lapland, what could be more Christmassy than that? If you want to see snow and get into the holiday spirit, November and December are the ideal times to visit Lapland during Christmas.
Therefore, have a seat, put your feet up, and enjoy my guide to the most fabulous Christmas in Lapland, walking you through the finest locations, activities to do, and places to stay in Lapland during Christmas.
Stay at the Apukka Resort
Even for one night, staying in the Apukka Resort, about 20 minutes from Rovaniemi’s main center, is worthwhile. Although the cost is higher, it is still a valuable experience. If you have enough money, rent a glass igloo and spend the night observing the Northern Lights and the snowfall. If not, living in a modest cabin at Apukka is still a memorable experience.
When it’s -10°C outside, having a fully functional kitchen, bathroom, and heated flooring is a dream. Since Apukka is situated in the middle of the Finnish countryside, there is no light or noise pollution. You may stroll for hours through the beautiful landscape during the day and view the Northern Lights right from your front door in the evenings.
Go on a reindeer sleigh
One of the top things to do in the Arctic Circle is to ride on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, which is one of the many must-do activities in Lapland. We had the most beautiful experience getting to know the animals on our reindeer tour, which was once again incredible.
The reindeer were amiable and delighted in our company. The sleigh ride is brief (around 15 minutes one way), and you’ll stop at a campsite to have hot cocoa and grill sausages over an open fire. It is done to keep the reindeer comfortable and happy.
Spot the Northern Lights
Observing the Northern Lights should be one of your top priorities when traveling to the Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi. There are, sadly, no assurances that you will see them no matter when you go. But December through March are the ideal times to see the Northern Lights in Finland.
A local Finnish tour guide will explain the science behind the lights as you enjoy hot chocolate and sausages over a campfire. You can also practice taking nighttime photos in the snow if you’re a serious photographer. So even if you don’t see the lights, it’s still nice to be out in the dark Finnish countryside. Still, I’d advise it.
Walk through the woodlands in the snow
Strolling through the woods is one of the best things in Rovaniemi. It can snow up to two meters deep throughout the winter, which is quite enjoyable to walk in (and lie in!). It’s also wonderful to stop for a while and enjoy your surroundings.
There is a lot of surrounding forest at Apukka Resort, and you can even go to a frozen lake. I advise spending some time outside the village in the woods if you’re staying at Santa Claus Village or just visiting for the day.
Visit a giant ice igloo
But if you’re a little claustrophobic, skip this one! When visiting Santa Claus Village, you can pay extra to enter a vast igloo equipped with an ice bed, an ice bar, and a massive snow slide. In addition, a large snow slide and a smaller ice slide are available for those seeking an adrenaline rush. The cost to enter the ice igloo is about £15.
You will receive a wristband that allows you unlimited access to the igloo. From the main train station, take the Santa Claus bus or bus number 8 to Santa Claus Village. The main entrance may be reached in about 15 minutes, and the igloo is immediately within the park.
Post your Christmas mail ready for December
You can send Christmas letters to your loved ones if you go to Santa Claus Village so that it arrives throughout the holiday season. Your letter is sent from Lapland to arrive around December 25th, whether you visit in January or July. A fantastic low-cost activity, postcards and letters will be marked with Lapland stamps and will only cost around £5 to buy and ship.
Additionally, exploring Santa’s post office is a unique experience in and of itself. You’ll get to witness the tens of thousands of letters Santa receives daily and how the elves toil assiduously to respond to each one.
A trip to the Ranua Wildlife Park
Ranua Wildlife Park is another top-notch activity to do in Rovaniemi.
The only area close where you may see polar bears and other rare Arctic creatures, the park is open daily from 10 to 4 pm. It is nicely located in the middle of a forest and is home to more than 200 animals. The enclosures are large.
On-site dining options include a sizable Finnish restaurant that offers lunch and dinner buffets. Driving around 60 minutes south of Rovaniemi’s downtown will bring you to the Ranua Wildlife Park.
Go on a husky ride
Huskies have a long history as working dogs and can pull up to 136 kg of weight without experiencing stress or pain. The dogs enjoy pushing you along on the sled through the snow because they need exercise and have a lot of energy to expend.
After a challenging 6 km husky ride through the forest in your custom-built sled, you’ll get to play with the Huskies. Then, as you cover yourself in the snow, the trip concludes with hot juice served around an open fire.
Take a Finnish culture tour
We advise scheduling a Finnish culture tour if you appreciate learning about a country’s history and culture. You will have the chance to learn about the Arctic, its inhabitants, and the actual landscape. Most tours also involve a trip to a museum.
You can meet two local artists and learn about their history and stories during their workshop if you make your reservations with Apukka Resort. Unquestionably, taking a husky ride is among the top things to do in Rovaniemi. Friendly smiles and wagging tails will greet you as you enter the husky farm, bouncing up and down to meet and satisfy you.
Try some traditional Finnish food
You can sample some delectable Finnish cuisine if you look for regional specialties, which include fresh fish, rye bread, and rice pies. In addition, you can sample some Finnish cuisine in a resort-like Apukka or Santa Claus Village restaurants.
Conclusion
Christmas is a time to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy some time off, but figuring out what to do can be tricky. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of top things to do in Rovaniemi this Christmas! Whether you’re looking for something simple, like going shopping or visiting a friend’s house, or want something more adventurous, like Taking a trip to the Ranua Wildlife Park, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re planning on being in town for Christmas or spending it at home with your family, make sure to check out our list and have a blast!
