Exploring Lapland with Kids

Christmas is one of the favourite times of year for many children around the world. That might be because of the excitement of the lights on the Christmas trees, houses, and streets. It could be because of the traditional foods that vary around the world but are always special. It could even be because in some countries it’s the time of year when it’s more likely to snow and offer opportunities for building snowmen and having snowball fights. But chances are that most kids adore Christmas because of the jovial man in a red costume who delivers presents for them to open on Christmas morning! Variously referred to by names such as Father Christmas, Santa Claus and Kris Kringle, this white-bearded man and his nine reindeer manage to deliver presents to over 2.5 billion children across the world, which means their sleigh must travel at around 2,800 km per second! Although in the more recent past Christmas has been associated with Christianity, its gift-giving origins are thought to date back over 2,000 years to Roman times and the pagan festival of Saturnalia. But that’s of no interest to most children today – they just love Christmas as it’s celebrated today. So how amazing would it be to take your kids to meet Santa in his hometown? Let’s explore this with BusyKidd team!

Now, lots of children (and adults) know that Santa lives in Lapland, but in case you don’t know much about this magical place, here are some introductory facts. Although it sounds like a country, Lapland is actually a region in Finland. However, it’s big enough to be a country in its own right, as it takes up about a third of Finland’s total land mass. Lying in the north of Finland, Lapland stretches all the way form the Arctic Circle to the borders of Sweden and Norway. Unsurprisingly it’s a cold place with average temperatures of -7°C in December and with 200 days of snow each year! Thanks to its remote location and low level of traffic it is famous for having some of the cleanest air in the world. In fact, when driving in Lapland you might rarely see other vehicles, but bear in mind that the nearest petrol station could be over 100 km away!

If you picture a cold, snowy place like this you might imagine traditional people living with reindeer. Well, you’d be completely right! Lapland is home to the Sami people, the only indigenous people in Europe, whose population of 178,000 is outnumbered by their reindeer. They have preserved their culture and traditions and they are unusual in that they observe 8 seasons, instead of the usual 4, each year. These seasons are linked to the patterns of temperature but also to the behavioural patterns of the reindeer and the harvesting of foods such as wild berries. Many Sami people still live a nomadic existence, and reindeer are so important to their lifestyle that they even have a kind of university where young people can learn how to care for reindeer and use their products.

In Lapland you can try some interesting traditional foods such as reindeer meat (perhaps not one for the kids!), berries such as lingonberries, pine mushrooms, smoked fish, almond potatoes, and dairy products that include Lapland’s famous ‘squeaky cheese’, so called because of the sound it makes when you bite it. It’s also a great place to view the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, especially from late August to early April, meaning that Christmas should be the perfect time to see these magical swirling colours in the sky.

Getting to Lapland

Although there’s no direct flight to Lapland, you can fly direct from many European hubs such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam. That means that for the Singapore-Europe leg of your journey you can choose from a host of carriers, such as Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Qantas, whilst for your onward trip to Finland you will have an even greater number of options for scheduled flights, including low-cost airlines such as Easyjet. The gateway for Santa-related activities in Finland is Rovaniemi, and many tour companies offer packages that include lots of fun activities such as husky rides and a visit to Santa’s village. Tui is one such tour company that flies from London. The flight takes approximately 3.5 hours, although the fun begins the minute you step foot on the plane, which is decorated in festive colours. Don’t tell the kids but the cabin crew on these package flights are dressed as elves and they sometimes hand out special treats to children who’ve been good all year!

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

If you opt for a package holiday to Lapland you’ll normally have a choice of different hotels with different tariffs, but if you plan your own trip you’ll be able to choose from nearly 100 hotels in Rovaniemi. Although this charming town is growing each year, the vast majority of these hotels are still independent hotels that are not linked with a major chain. You can book Rovianemi’s famous family activities at all of its hotels (See ‘Things to Do in Rovaniemi’ below) so wherever you stay you’ll get to experience the unique offerings of Lapland.

Although it’s impossible to cover all Rovianemi’s hotels, here are six of our favourites:

Apukka Resort Rovaniemi

Image Credit: Apukkaresort.fi

What could feel more Artic and Christmassy than staying in a snow-covered cabin on the edge of a pine forest? Apukka Resort Rovaniemi describes its accommodation as ‘glass igloos’ and they all boast a partial glass ceiling which enable you to view the stunning stars and, if you’re very lucky, even see the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your bed. Some of its superior suites even have glass walls so you can watch the snow falling while you remain cozy inside. Apukka Resort Rovaniemi is just a 10-minute drive from Santa Claus Village and it offers a paid shuttle bus to reach it.

Santa Claus Holiday Village

Image Credit: Santaclausvillage.info

If you want convenience and total immersion in the Santa experience, look no further than the Santa Claus Holiday Village for your accommodation. Situated right next to the line that marks the Artic Circle, and just a few minutes’ walk from where kids can meet Santa himself, this hotel will give you the full Christmas experience whatever day you stay there. The hotel boasts family rooms, an indoor play area, a sauna, and garden, although perhaps disappointingly the décor in the rooms does not feel as Christmassy as the hotel’s surroundings.

Nova Skyland Hote

Nova Skyland Hotel is situated in peaceful natural surroundings yet is only a 200-metre walk from Santa Claus Village. This boutique hotel has cozy rooms and you’re very likely to see reindeer from your huge windows, which also offer wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and night skies. Its sauna is perfect for warming up and relaxing after a day of activities out in the cold. Nova Skyland Hotel offers a well-regarded breakfast buffet that includes many Lapland favourites as well as classic breakfast fare.

Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

Located in the heart of Rovaniemi and just 10 minutes’ drive from Santa Claus Village, Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus has received great reviews for the friendliness of its staff who definitely know how to get guests into the Christmas spirit. The hotel’s central location makes it ideal for families who like to be able to walk around the charming town and have access to shops and restaurants. Despite its central location there is nothing noisy about Rovianemi so guests can relax in peace, especially in the luxury of the private saunas that are found in the junior suites.

Arctic Light Hotel

From the moment you stand outside the Arctic Light Hotel you will feel like it is Christmas, thanks to its beautiful lights. Its room are given a cozy feel by the fleecy (synthetic) animal skins on the beds and glowing starlights on the walls, and you might even find a soft toy on your bed when you arrive. Arctic Light Hotel is situated in the heart of Rovaniemi and just a 10-minute journey from Santa Claus Village.

Hotelli Metsähirvas

Hotelli Metsähirvas is a small family-run hotel that is just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Rovaniemi. The hotel was originally designed as a Forest Guard School in the 1930s and has been renovated to create a cozy Finnish hotel with wood and modern design at its core. It is set beside snow-covered pine trees and feels remote yet welcoming. Hotelli Metsähirvas boasts a little hut by a lake where guests can (hopefully) view the Northern Lights while warmed by a log fire.

Where to Eat in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi has grown in the last decade as its tourism industry has developed so there are many restaurants to choose from in the town. These range from fast food restaurants to more sophisticated establishments, but we’ve chosen a selection of restaurants that can cater for varying tastes but have more emphasis on local specialties.

Arctic Restaurant

As the name suggests, The Arctic Restaurant specializes in local ingredients, so in this top-rated restaurant you can dine on delicacies such as reindeer, moose, salmon, Arctic char, king crab, and Finnish beef. However, if this is too adventurous for your kids, the menu also includes burgers. The restaurant’s ever-popular Arctic Signature dessert is unlikely to disappoint.

Ravintola Roka

Ravintola Roka offers two distinctive menus – one a bistro menu and the other a street food menu. Both offer a range of Scandinavian and European dishes. The more sophisticated bistro menu includes treats such as salmon soup, reindeer fillet, and cep risotto. The street food menu includes a variety of sandwiches, including a salmon sandwich and reindeer sandwich, as well as fish and chips.

Santa’s Salmon Place

Image Credit: Santa’s Salmon Place via Facebook

If you don’t like salmon this might not be the place for you, but if you love this healthy and delicate fish then you could be in heaven. Unusually, Santa’s Salmon Place only offers one main course which is – you guessed it – salmon. However, this salmon is fresh cooked on an open fire and is accompanied by Finnish salad and warm bread. The restaurant also only offers one dessert (the cake of the day), and one snack (traditional Lappish cheese served with cloudberry jam).

Monte Rosa

Monte Rosa is a cozy restaurant that offers a traditional Finnish lunch buffet that changes each day. Dishes include pea soup, chicken and blue cheese pasta, pork stroganoff, breaded chicken cutlets, and a salad buffet. Its dinner menu is a set menu that includes dishes such as reindeer pepper steak, salmon pastrami, and beef tenderloin.

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi is set in a beautiful Scandinavian building with an open fire and extremely cozy feel. Its menu focuses on local cuisine and delicacies include forest mushroom soup, sautéed reindeer, juniper berry flavoured Arctic salmon, and pork with herbs and garlic. It also offers a children’s menu of chicken nuggets and fries.

Sky Kitchen & View

If you want to have the most unusual and memorable dining experience, Sky Kitchen & View offers just that. This fine dining establishment offers traditional Lappish cuisine in a charming restaurant with huge glass windows that offer a panoramic view of the snow-covered forests. It offers a 3-5 course Surprise Menu for adventurous guests as well as an a la carte menu that includes porcini risotto, ‘reindeer two ways’, and a Lapland delicacies platter.

Things to do in Rovaniemi

Almost everyone who visits Rovaniemi is going there to embrace the Arctic climate and festive spirit. It’s therefore no surprise that there are lots of activities to do with Santa Claus, snow, reindeer, and other things that we associate with Christmas and the cold. Although it would be impossible for us to list all of them, here are some of the most tried and tested options that your family are bound to enjoy.

Arktikum Science Center and Museum

Although Lapland is a wonderful place for making kids feel that they have entered a Christmas wonderland, a visit to Rovaniemi can also be a great opportunity for the whole family to learn about Lapland and the Arctic. Arktikum Science Center and Museum has interactive exhibitions that give an insight into the culture, traditions, and history of the region. Its permanent exhibitions include Arctic Opposites, in which you learn about the contrasts of the Arctic’s dark winter and bright summer days, and Northern Ways, which explains the history and traditions of Lapland and the Arctic. You can also visit the Polarium Theatre to watch a 10-minute film called Arctic Seasons which illustrates the changing seasons of the North Pole, how animals and humans adapt to them, and shows the beauty of phenomena such as the Aurora Borealis.

Ounasavaara Outdoor Resort and Rendi Park

Image Credit: Ounasvaara.fi

Rendi Park, also known as Rendi Snow World, is a snowy playground situated with the Ounasavaara Outdoor Resort. This resort with its 11 slopes and 5 lifts is primarily a place where people can ski and snowboard, but it has a special slope dedicated to children and play. Rendi Park is also a great place for kids to begin their skiing education as it is a gentle slope that includes a ‘snow carousel’ where kids can hold on to ropes and be gently pulled in a circle when on skis or in tubes. One of the most popular activities is Rendi’s Tube, a ride in which children can sit in robust tubes and slide down a long slope. Rendi Park also has a restaurant and playground for kids. As Ounasavaara Outdoor Resort’s main purpose is to be a site for skiing, adults can also take advantage of the excellent slopes, including Free Ride where the brave and experienced can even try jumps!

SantaPark Arctic World

Image Credit: SantaPark Arctic World via Facebook

SantaPark describes itself as the ‘home cavern of Santa Claus’ and this fantasy world, built within a series of underground caves, is a great place to visit with kids who love getting caught up in the magic of Father Christmas. The exciting journey begins when you hop on the Magic Train and get taken on a tour of Santa’s secret home by his trusted elves. The numerous attractions include Elf School, where kids can train to be elves and gain a diploma, Santa’s Office, where kids can whisper their Christmas wishes directly into Santa’s ear, the Elf Show, in which acrobatic elves will dazzle you with their talents, Cross the Arctic Circle Underground, the only place in the world where you can cross the Arctic Circle beneath the ground, and Mrs Gingerbread’s Bakery, where kids can decorate their own cookies. You will certainly not run out of activities, which is why the entrance tickets are valid for two consecutive days.

Snowman World

Image Credit: Snowman World via Facebook

If you love all things wintry, you’re bound to enjoy this winter-themed playground. There are plenty of activities to keep all the family amused. In its Ice Disco, kids and adults can dance to Christmas tunes and the latest hits within a frozen cave. If your kids like slides, they’ll adore sliding down Snowman World’s icy slopes on sledges, rubber tubes or sliders. For those who like solving problems, the Snow Labyrinth, a snowy maze like not other. And for those who want to try ice skating in the Arctic, the park’s ice-skating even offers free tutors to explain the best techniques and get everyone going. Snowman World also has a restaurant carved out of ice, which contains ice carvings and has tables and chairs made from ice – but don’t worry, you get to sit on animal skins to keep you warm and dry! This restaurant is a great place to have lunch or dinner, but it gets busy so always try to book ahead. Snowman World always have lots of impressive ice sculptures created by its expert ice carvers. The theme for 2024/25 is Snowmen in the Jungle, so you will see exotic animals and plants in a very unusual location!

Snowmobiling

Image Credit: Apukkaresort.fi

Apart from travelling on a husky or reindeer sleigh, driving by snowmobile must surely be one of the ‘coolest’ ways to travel in the Arctic. There are numerous operators who run snowmobile tours near Rovaniemi, with experiences ranging from tours where you are driven by an expert to those where you can drive your own snowmobile. Apukka Reosrt is an established tour operator that offers all sorts of snowmobiling options that are suitable for both adults and kids, and younger children can even ride in a covered and heated sled while being driven by an expert. Snowmobiling is a great way to see Lapland’s snowy landscapes and get the thrill of moving at speed on snow.

Ice Skating

Ice skating in the Arctic – does it get any more Christmassy? There are a number of ice skating options in Rovaniemi. Fun On Ice offer outdoor ice skating at Lordi’s Square, in the heart of the town. No experience is necessary and with a 10 euros entry fee you can skate for as long as you like between 12 noon and 8pm.

Alternatively, for those who want to try ice skating in a wilderness location, Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park offers ice skating on a traditional rink as well as a 1-kilometre skating track that runs through alpine forest. It has a restaurant in case the exercise makes you hungry and you can even try night skating followed by a dip in a hot tub!

Santa Claus Village

It would almost be a crime to visit Rovaniemi without visiting Santa Claus Village. It’s a one-stop shop where the whole family can experience a bit of everything that Lapland has to offer. There’s so much to do that you’ll need at least half a day to explore it. Here are just some of the highlights:

Santa Claus Office

Image Credit: Santa Claus Office via Facebook

Would your kids like to meet Santa in person? If so, this is the place to do it! Children can meet Santa by his fireside and tell him their special Christmas wishes. Entrance is free but you will surely be tempted to buy the professional photos of your kids with Santa and his elves!

Santa’s Pets

Image Credit: Visitrovaniemi.fi

At Santa’s Pets kids can meet animals such as reindeer, alpacas, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and rabbits. Best of all, kids can feed reindeer with their favourite food – Arctic moss! The general entrance fee is 10 euros for adults and 6 euros for kids (3-15 years). Children under 3 years old can visit for free. Other activites, such as walking with alpacas, are charged separately.

Cross the Arctic Circle

Image Credit: Visitrovaniemi.fi

The edge of the Arctic Circle runs right through Santa Claus Village and is clearly marked. That means it is one of the few places in the world where you can step into the Arctic Circle and know that you’re doing it. This activity is free of charge.

Santa Claus’ Main Post Office

At Santa Claus’ Main Post Office you can meet some of Santa’s elves, buy memorabilia, and parents can secretly order a letter to be sent to their kids next Christmas – it includes a personal message and Santa’s Certificate of Niceness! Entrance is free.

Restaurants

Santa Claus Village has 27 restaurants that serve everything from Chinese food to traditional Lapland classics and include fast food and high-end options. One thing is for sure, you will not go hungry!

Husky Park

Image Credit: Husky Park via Facebook

Apart from reindeer, there can’t be many animals more associated with the Arctic than huskies. At Husky Park visitors can meet huskies, go on a husky ride, and even cuddle a husky. General entrance fees are 15 euros for adults and 10 euros for children aged 4-12 years. Children under 4 years of age can enter without charge. However, please note that you will pay extra fees for most activities in the park.

Reindeer Rides

There are many companies that offer sleigh rides pulled by reindeer, however one of the most convenient can be found in Santa Claus Village. Santa Claus Reindeer is an operator that offers a variety of activities, ranging from short 15-minute sleigh rides to much longer trips in which you can hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Despite the cold you should be able to stay warm thanks to the warm animal skins provided to you.

Lapland is a wonderful place to visit in the winter months, especially for families with young children for whom the magic of Christmas is still very much alive. Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland activities and offers virtually everything you’d associate with Lapland, the Arctic, Christmas, and Santa Claus. It has many restaurants, and you can try traditional Lappish delicacies such as reindeer and Arctic char. And what could feel more festive than staying in a hotel beside a snow-covered forest? A visit to Lapland could be one of the greatest Christmas presents your children ever receive!

Featured Image Credit: Image Credit: Visitrovaniemi.fi