Whether it’s riding a sled led by reindeer or huskies, skiing, ice fishing, hunting down the Northern Lights or meeting Santa, Lapland is the epitome of Christmas.
It’s not all Elvish workshops and gingerbread houses, though, Lapland is home to world class resorts allowing you to experience the natural serenity of the Arctic Circle year round. From hot spas to freezing igloos, Lapland will delight lovers of all things that are cozy.
Icehotel, Sweden
A night in a cold room at Icehotel in Swedish Lapland is sure to be a magical experience. The cold rooms, made completely of ice with new architecture and design from international artists each year, are around -5 to -7 degrees celsius and the hotel provide reindeer hides in addition to thermal sleeping bags to keep you warm at night. You’ll literally be sleeping in an igloo! Thankfully they also offer warm rooms- they actually recommend that you only stay one night in a cold room either at the very end or beginning of your trip- phew.
Santa Claus Holiday Village
Yes, this is what (your kid’s) dreams are made of! Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is the official home of Santa, he lives there all year round to fulfill his life’s mission of rewarding the children on the nice list with gifts every year at Christmas. You can meet Santa everyday of the year, and he’ll even make house calls to your cabin. But there’s much more to do in Santa’s hometown than visit the Elf Workshop; for something more luxurious, you can even stay in a private igloo inspired glass apartment, each of which has its own personal spa.