Few family holidays create quite the same sense of anticipation as Lapland. One moment you’re wrapped up in thermal layers; the next, you’re gliding through a snowy forest, meeting reindeer or looking up at a sky that seems to move.
That’s why Lapland holidays are often talked about for years afterwards. They combine festive magic, exciting outdoor activities and the rare feeling of stepping into a completely different world.
With Lapland holidays 2026 already proving extremely popular, now is the time to understand your options, especially if you’re dreaming of a December departure.
Why Lapland is such a memorable family holiday
Lapland isn’t just a quick Santa visit. A well-planned trip can include husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiles, snowshoeing, ice fishing and evenings spent watching for the Northern Lights.
The experience also suits different types of family holidays. You might choose a short, activity-packed Christmas break, a relaxed winter escape in a cabin, a ski holiday in Levi or a tailor-made itinerary combining several Finnish destinations.
The key is choosing the right resort, travel dates and pace for your family.
Which Lapland resort is right for you? Rovaniemi: best for first-timers and young children
Rovaniemi is the easiest introduction to Lapland, particularly if meeting Santa is your main priority. It’s home to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, where families can visit Santa, cross the Arctic Circle and enjoy a wide choice of festive activities.
It also has a good range of hotels, cabins, restaurants and excursions, with generally straightforward airport transfers. That makes Rovaniemi a strong choice for families with younger children or anyone visiting Lapland for the first time.
You’ll still have opportunities to see the Northern Lights, although areas outside the city usually offer darker skies.
Levi: the best all-rounder for active families
Levi is a lively ski resort with slopes, winter activities and a good choice of accommodation. It’s particularly appealing if your family wants to combine skiing with husky rides, reindeer experiences and snowmobile excursions.
The nearest airport is Kittilä, which has seasonal direct flights from the UK. Levi works well for families with older children and teenagers who want plenty to do during the day, followed by the possibility of seeing the aurora after dark.
Saariselkä: quieter wilderness and excellent aurora viewing
Saariselkä has a calmer, more remote feel than Rovaniemi and Levi. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for peaceful snowy scenery, outdoor adventures and a stronger focus on the Northern Lights.
The resort is reached via Ivalo Airport and offers everything from hotels and cabins to distinctive glass igloos. It can suit families who prefer nature and space over a busy resort atmosphere.
Inari: culture, lake scenery and dark skies
Further north, Inari is known for Lake Inari, wilderness landscapes and Sámi culture. It’s less focused on traditional family resort entertainment, making it better suited to families with older children, couples and travellers who want a quieter, more immersive experience.
Inari is also a compelling option for Northern Lights holidays, particularly when combined with a stay in an aurora cabin or glass-roofed accommodation.
Saariselkä: quieter wilderness and excellent aurora viewing
Saariselkä has a calmer, more remote feel than Rovaniemi and Levi. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for peaceful snowy scenery, outdoor adventures and a stronger focus on the Northern Lights.
The resort is reached via Ivalo Airport and offers everything from hotels and cabins to distinctive glass igloos. It can suit families who prefer nature and space over a busy resort atmosphere.
Inari: culture, lake scenery and dark skies
Further north, Inari is known for Lake Inari, wilderness landscapes and Sámi culture. It’s less focused on traditional family resort entertainment, making it better suited to families with older children, couples and travellers who want a quieter, more immersive experience.
Inari is also a compelling option for Northern Lights holidays, particularly when combined with a stay in an aurora cabin or glass-roofed accommodation.
When should you visit Lapland? December: peak festive magic
December is the classic time for Lapland Christmas holidays. Snowy forests, Santa visits and short daylight hours create a wonderfully atmospheric experience.
It’s also the most popular and expensive period, particularly around the school holidays. Many December 2026 departures are already filling quickly, with more than half of some operators’ programmes booked. If Christmas is non-negotiable, booking six to 12 months ahead is sensible, and flexibility with dates can make a meaningful difference.
February: colder, quieter and activity-friendly
February can offer excellent snow conditions, fewer crowds and more availability than December. There’s still plenty of darkness for aurora hunting, while the longer daylight hours make it easier to enjoy activities with children.
It’s a particularly good month for families who want winter adventures but don’t need the full Christmas storyline.
March: deep snow, longer days and often better value
March brings reliable snow, brighter days and more time outdoors. It can be one of the best-value periods for Lapland holidays, although prices depend on school holidays and availability.
The combination of deep snow, skiing conditions and longer daylight makes March a strong choice for active families and Northern Lights trips.
The classic Lapland experiences
Most family packages include a selection of activities, while others can be added to a tailor-made itinerary:
Can you guarantee the Northern Lights?
No, and it’s important to be realistic. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so no operator can guarantee a display.
You need dark, clear skies and enough solar activity. The most useful viewing window is often between around 8pm and 2am, although the aurora can appear outside those hours. Aurora apps can help you follow cloud cover and activity, but they’re guidance rather than a promise.
Staying for several nights gives you a much better chance than visiting for one evening. We’d usually recommend at least three nights, with four or five nights preferable if seeing the aurora is a major priority. Guided tours can also take you away from light pollution and follow clearer skies.
What should you wear?
Lapland is cold, but you don’t need to buy a complete expedition wardrobe. Many package holidays provide thermal suits and winter boots for the duration of your stay or for outdoor excursions.
You’ll still need:
Dress in layers rather than relying on one very thick jumper. Children can become cold quickly, so warm-up breaks are essential, especially during evening aurora trips.
Package holiday or DIY planning?
For most families, a package holiday is the simplest option. Flights, transfers, accommodation, activities and thermal clothing can often be arranged together, which means fewer separate bookings to coordinate.
DIY planning may offer more flexibility, particularly for longer stays or unusual itineraries. However, you’ll need to arrange airport transfers, equipment, excursions and activity timings yourself. Some experiences also have limited availability during peak periods.
A package can be especially reassuring when travelling with young children. You have a clear plan, local support and fewer details to manage in the snow and cold.
How much do Lapland holidays cost?
As an indicative guide, a family of four can expect to spend around £3,000–£8,000, depending on resort, dates, accommodation, board basis and included activities.
Typically:
The final price may also be affected by longer husky safaris, snowmobile excursions, lunches, drinks, souvenirs and professional photographs.
Flights and booking timing for 2026
Seasonal direct flights from the UK serve the three main gateways:
Airlines and routes vary by airport and date, with services from carriers including TUI, Jet2, easyJet and British Airways.
Our practical tips for travelling with children
Keep the itinerary exciting but not exhausting. A few simple choices can make the experience much easier:
Plan your Lapland adventure with confidence
Lapland can be extraordinary, but the right experience depends on your family, budget, children’s ages and priorities. Do you want Santa, skiing, Northern Lights, wilderness or a little of everything?
Our free, personalised planning service helps you compare the options without spending hours searching. We have access to more than 450 travel brands and can arrange package holidays, tailor-made holidays, accommodation, flights, transfers and excursions across a wide range of budgets.
Your booking will be ABTA protected, and we’ll remain available before and during your trip to help with the important details.
Explore Emmitt Travel to find out more. When you’re ready, we can help turn your Lapland 2026 idea into a carefully planned winter adventure.
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