the Best Winter Holiday Destinations in Lapland for 2024-2025

When it comes to enchanting winter getaways, few places capture the magic of the season like Lapland.

Here are some of my picks for the best destinations in Lapland as a local for the winter season of 2024-2025.

1. Rovaniemi – The Official Hometown of Santa Claus

If you’re seeking the ultimate Christmas holiday destination, my hometown of Rovaniemi is the place to be.

As the capital of Finnish Lapland, this charming city is renowned for its Santa Claus Village, where visitors can meet Santa Claus, send postcards from the Arctic Circle, and even cross the Arctic Circle line.

Winter activities in Rovaniemi include:

• Northern Lights tours: Witness the aurora borealis dancing across the sky by car, bus, trains, husky ride, reindeer ride, snowshoeing, snowmobiling… Any way you like!

• Husky and reindeer safaris: A thrilling way to experience the wilderness. Check out my favourite, Bearhill husky in GetYourGuide*. Those dogs have better quality in life than I do. *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

• Snowmobiling: Explore the snowy forests and frozen lakes. Safartica and Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park are good examples of responsible operators.

• Ice fishing and cross-country skiing or skiing in Ounasvaara.

For a magical stay, consider booking a glass igloo or one of the cozy snow hotels, where you can fall asleep under the northern lights in total comfort.

Rovaniemi is starting to be know for unique places to stay. Check Airbnb and Booking.com for very vide selections. (Be aware that best accommodations are usually booked months in advance.)

Rovaniemi has become a traditional Christmas holiday destination for many, and with good reason. It remains one of the best winter holiday destinations. Some people view it as a tourism hub and believe it’s over-commercialized.

However, to me, it’s home and so much more than just Santa Claus. Although, I must admit, visiting him every year is always a delight! There are many Santa Clauses in Rovaniemi, and I’ll cover more about them in this post.

You can find all guided Rovaniemi activities here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

You can find best Rovaniemi accommodations here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

2. Levi – For Adventure Seekers

Levi is a ski resort in Finland that offers a wide range of slopes suitable for all skill levels, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Total of 44 slopes, with nearly half being natural snow slopes without lighting.

Slopes are world-class, Levi is also famous for hosting the Levi World Cup in November, a must-see event for ski enthusiasts.The maximum vertical drop in Levi is 325 meters.

Beyond skiing, Levi provides:

• 230 kilometers of maintained cross-country skiing trails: Perfect for those who love to explore the snowy wilderness.

• Other winter activities: Snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter cycling, snowmobiling, ice karting, hiking. Find activities in Levi on GetYourGuide*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

For relaxation:

• Spa hotels: Unwind after a day on the slopes in luxurious spas, surrounded by serene winter scenery like Levi Hotel Spa. Also check out private option; Levi Fox Fires. I haven’t been there myself, I’ve followed them on social media for a long time, and both the place and the hosts seem amazing!

You can find best Levi accommodations here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Many travelers consider Levi an “authentic” winter destination, though in reality, most of it has been developed specifically for tourism. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—Levi knows how to create a memorable experience!

But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s authentic Finnish experience. Levi is rapidly becoming one of the most popular winter holiday destinations.

And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights during your stay!

You can find all guided Levi activities here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

3. Ylläs – A Snowy Paradise for Nature Lovers

If you’re looking for a more serene and natural setting, Ylläs offers a peaceful winter experience.

Ylläs is home to Finland’s longest and highest slopes, making it a skier’s paradise. It is also Finland’s largest ski resort in terms of the number of slopes, boasting 62 in total, with about half of them lit and artificially snowed.

Ylläs Ski Resort is nestled next to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and is divided between the Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo slope areas. You can switch between these sides either by skiing or using the ski bus.

Ylläsjärvi offers the longest slopes and a gondola lift, while the Äkäslompolo side provides breathtaking views of the national park.

Highlights of Ylläs include:

• Finland’s longest toboggan run: A thrilling 3-kilometer ride fit for whole family!

• Aurora safaris: Take a guided tour to witness the northern lights in one of the most pristine, unpolluted areas in Europe.

• Snowmobiling: Endless nature and amazing scenery. Check some options on GetYourGuide*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

• Ice fishing: A quiet yet thrilling way to spend your day.

You can find all guided Ylläs activities here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

You can find best Ylläs accommodations here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

4. Saariselkä – For Peace and Quiet

Located in Northern Lapland, Saariselkä offers a more remote and authentic arctic experience. It’s known for its vast wilderness areas, peace and quiet.

What to do in Saariselkä:

• Aurora hunting: Saariselkä is one of the best places to catch the northern lights due to its high latitude and clear skies. Do DIY or find your aurora hunting guide on GetYourGuide*. *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

• Saariselkä Ski Resort: The slopes here are perfect for beginners and families, with plenty of gentle runs.

• Saariselkä Holiday Club Spa: Perfect for relaxation.

Saariselkä also offers unique accommodations, such as the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, famous for its glass igloos. If I’m not mistaken, these are first glass igloos in Finland.

However, Kakslauttanen Resort has its own issues. The owner has been convicted of environmental crimes and accused of mistreating employees. But the resort itself is incredible, so if they’ve improved their practices, it’s easily one of the best holiday resorts in Lapland. I haven’t heard anything bad after 2023, but I recommend to be aware of this.

You can find all guided Saariselkä activities here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

You can find best Saariselkä accommodations here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

5. Inari & Ivalo

For those interested in Lapland’s indigenous culture, Inari and Ivalo are top choices.

These small villages offer a deep connection to Finnish culture and traditions. Located in the far north, they are some of the most remote and untouched parts of Lapland, offering an authentic experience of the Arctic wilderness.

Must-visit attractions in Inari:

• Siida Museum: Discover the rich history and traditions of the Sámi people, as well as the region’s unique natural environment. This museum is a cultural hub, offering insight into the past and present of Lapland’s indigenous population.

• Aurora Borealis: One of the best spots in Finland to witness the northern lights.

Some hotels in this area even offer money-back guarantee if you don’t see northern lights during your visit!

• Lake Inari: As Finland’s third-largest lake, it offers endless winter activities. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a playground for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Additionally, Inari is home to Sajos, the Sámi Cultural Centre, which hosts various events and performances highlighting Sámi culture.

You can find all guided Ivalo/Inari activities here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

You can find best Ivalo/Inari accommodations here* and here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

6. Ruka-Kuusamo – Perfect Winter destination

Ruka is another fantastic ski destination in Finland, particularly popular with families. Known for its family-friendly slopes and excellent skiing conditions, it’s a favorite among children and beginner skiers alike.

Ruka is also one of the most snow-sure resorts in Finland, with a ski season that typically lasts from October to May, offering over 200 skiing days each year.

Ruka features a total of 41 slopes catering to all levels of skiers. It offers world-class competition slopes and snow parks that have produced several international stars. In contrast, Ruka also boasts Finland’s largest area dedicated to families and beginners.

But Ruka-Kuusamo is not all about skiing. It also offers one of my favorite national parks—Oulanka National Park—along with the fantastic Kuusamon Tropiikki, a tropical spa. The Korouoma frozen waterfalls and Riisitunturi National Park are also nearby, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.

Ruka-Kuusamo is definitely my favourite winter destination in Lapland (even though, technically, it’s not in Lapland!).

You won’t find much Christmas-related tourism here, as Ruka-Kuusamo is not trying to be a Christmas destination that much.

What makes Ruka-Kuusamo special:

• No Christmas Hype: Unlike other winter destinations in Finland, Ruka-Kuusamo doesn’t focus on Christmas-themed tourism, offering a more authentic, nature-driven winter experience.

• Unique Adventures: Snowshoeing, wildlife safaris, and the incredible frozen waterfalls of Korouoma Canyon. Check some good options on GetYourGuide*. *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

• Oulanka National Park: Famous for its breathtaking hiking trails like the Karhunkierros (Bear’s Trail), which offers a winter wonderland for snow enthusiasts.

• Kuusamon Tropiikki Holiday Club Spa: A tropical spa, perfect for relaxation after a day of skiing or hiking.

You can find all guided Ruka activities here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

You can find best Ruka-Kuusamo accommodations here*! *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Tips for Traveling to Lapland in Winter

• Dress warmly: Temperatures can drop to -20°C and lower, so layering is essential. Read my post about Layering for winter in Lapland to learn more!

• Book early: Lapland is a popular destination, especially during the Christmas season, so it’s best to book your accommodation and tours in advance. You can find vide variety of activities in Lapland on GetYourGuide* *Affiliate link. With no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

• Northern lights season: The best time to see the northern lights is from late September to March, though it’s a natural phenomenon that can’t be guaranteed. Learn how to hunt northern lights and how to avoid common mistakes.