You can’t come all the way to Lapland and not go see the big man in red. Father Christmas’ home is the stuff of childhood dreams, from the warm glow coming from the log fire to the chocolate treats which you can help yourself to and learning the words to Santa’s favourite song. Plus, he might just have something in his sack for you, so make sure you don’t leave without your gift.
Want to learn how to become an elf? Then head for Elf School where your gingerbread decorating skills might just earn you a graduation certificate. Whatever you do, don’t forget to stop by the main post office, which receives over a half a million letters each year!
You can explore the area around Santa Claus Village (near Rovaniemi) from the seat of a snowmobile while admiring the Northern Lights, which are visible for 200 nights of the year. Or, take in the stunning Finnish scenery via a reindeer-drawn sleigh, an animal that is synonymous with Lapland - afterall, there are more of them than people. Visiting a traditional farm should be at the top of your to-do list, not only will you learn about these elegant creatures, but you’ll get to feed them their favourite food, lichen.
For something a little more exhilarating, nothing beats whizzing through the forest trails with a husky safari. And after the ride is over, these friendly canines will be more than happy to say hello. Or, you can always hit the slopes. There are 43 runs to choose from, many of which are for beginners, making it a great place to master your ploughing skills if you’re a first-timer.
A trip to the Snow Village (a hotel made from ice) is also worth a visit. Carved each year with a different theme in mind, not only can you stay here, but you can also eat at the restaurant, drink at the bar and watch a film at the cinema - all while completely surrounded by ice.
