Discover the magic of an unforgettable trip to the Arctic in Finland to meet Santa.

Nestled under snow-laden trees in northern Finland, you'll find sleighs pulled by reindeer, playful elves, snowmobiles for kids, glass domes perfect for admiring the northern lights, and of course, Santa's cottage.

From the moment you’re welcomed by the lively (and occasionally mischievous) elves in Ivalo, Finland, to joining them in festive songs on your way to meet Santa in Lapland, this journey captures the essence of Christmas in a way even Buddy the Elf would adore.

Having fully embraced the magic, my family and I booked a trip to see Santa in northern Finland last year. This adventure not only created cherished memories for my kids but also rekindled the holiday spirit that had waned during the pandemic.

If you're eager to embark on this amazing journey to Lapland to meet Santa, here are five essential tips to prepare for your adventure.

It's stunningly beautiful.

This region may be remote and challenging, yet its magnificence is undeniably breathtaking, leaving you in awe.

During the winter holidays, daylight is fleeting, but the midday twilight casting a glow over the pristine white snow is a scene straight from a fairy tale that you must witness for yourself.

Whether you're on a quest to find Santa or simply want to explore a place so enchanting it seems otherworldly, you'll fall in love with this part of the Arctic.

We found it to be just as enchanting as we had imagined. From reindeer sleigh rides to dog sledding, we engaged in experiences that pushed us beyond our comfort zones... in a delightful way. It felt like living in a fairy tale surrounded by fur and elves.

You can explore on your own or opt for a guided tour.

While it's possible to visit one of the towns or villages that Santa often frequents in Finland's Lapland without an organized tour, choosing a package can simplify your planning considerably.

We chose to travel with Santa's Lapland, which provides three- and four-day excursions from the UK to Finland.

Although these packages can be quite expensive (prepare for some sticker shock), they include charter flights from the UK, accommodations, local transfers in Finland, all meals (except a few lunches), thermal snow gear, and various winter activities like dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobiling. Most importantly, you’ll get the chance to search for Santa’s elusive hideaway.

You can add activities like northern lights excursions and snowshoeing to your itinerary for an enhanced experience, but considering how packed your schedule will be with included activities, you might want to avoid overloading your trip. We included several activities, and while they were fun, I would prioritize just a few hours of skiing next time, as the slopes are conveniently nearby.

For our three-night "Santa's Aurora" trip, the total cost for two adults and two kids came to just under 6,000 pounds (nearly $7,000) before we factored in extra activities, which ranged from 25 pounds ($28) to 114 pounds ($128) per person. To save some cash, consider opting for one of the budget-friendly two-day packages, starting around 1,100 pounds ($1,234) per adult, with discounted rates for children.

If spending thousands on a package doesn't appeal to you, consider the option of crafting your own adventure. Here’s how I would save money for my next trip.

Instead of booking a package, I would probably connect through Helsinki and make my way to Rovaniemi, Finland, as my final destination. Just like my last trip, I’d use ANA miles to fly business class to Europe and back for 88,000 miles per ticket. You can transfer miles to ANA from American Express' Membership Rewards program, making this feasible for those with cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express.

If you choose this route, you can take the overnight Santa Claus Express train for a 12-hour journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. While there are standard seats available at lower prices, I recommend spending a bit more for a cabin, which offers beds and some even come with private bathrooms.

Upon arriving in Rovaniemi, you can enjoy whichever winter activities you find most exciting. Numerous operators offer dog sledding, northern lights tours, and more. However, these activities can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your favorites well in advance.

The experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

If you choose to book a package to meet Santa in Finland, prepare to fully immerse yourself for several days. From your arrival until your departure, you’ll be acutely aware of the season and the reason for your visit.

Transportation

As we stepped onto the Jet2holidays plane for our charter flight from the U.K. to Finland, it was evident that this was no ordinary journey. The cabin was illuminated in a vibrant red, and Christmas carols filled the air at 36,000 feet.

Upon arriving in Finland and making our way to baggage claim, we saw mischievous elves giggling and twirling on baggage carts as they cleverly sent our bags back down the belt and out of sight.

In the days that followed, these elves would engage in snowball fights, playfully tug at people's hats, and stir up all sorts of playful mischief — but it was all in good spirit. If you embrace this festive chaos, you'll have a fantastic time.

Lodging

The hotel included in our package was the Star Arctic Hotel, a premium choice that you can also book independently.

Situated slightly outside the town but directly on the slopes of Saariselkä, Europe's northernmost ski resort, the Star Arctic Hotel is perfect for those who love the outdoors.

There are several lodging options available, two of which we experienced during our stay.

On our first night, we stayed in a stunning Aurora Glass Cabin that featured multiple windows for admiring the northern lights. Unfortunately, the northern lights didn’t make an appearance for us, but we still enjoyed waking up to a breathtaking view of the snowy landscape.

After our short stay in a cabin, we transitioned to a suite equipped with a sauna for the rest of our time. While it felt a bit cramped for the four of us, it served its purpose well. The private sauna in our suite was an excellent spot to relax after a day of winter activities.

Dog sledding and snowmobiling

When I first learned that our package included dog sledding, I envisioned us being cozy passengers wrapped in blankets while an experienced guide navigated the sled. I couldn't have been more mistaken.

Rather than being pampered like you might be in high-end winter spots such as Aspen or Vail, Colorado, we were literally in the driver's seat. After a quick tutorial, I took the reins and guided myself and my daughter along the snowy paths. It was a mix of fear and thrill.

Other activities here are also highly engaging, making them even more enjoyable (and a bit wilder) to experience.

During our snowmobiling adventure, we didn’t just ride full-sized snowmobiles with the kids in a separate cart. Instead, my 6-year-old had the chance to drive a miniature snowmobile connected to a pole. It was a bucket list moment that I’m sure my daughter will cherish for a lifetime.

The food

Since we opted for a Santa's Lapland package, all our meals were included except for a few lunches. Each meal was served in a buffet format.

Overall, the food was satisfactory, but it wasn’t the standout aspect of our trip. Chicken nuggets and french fries were typically available for kids at most meals, but the majority of the offerings leaned toward traditional Finnish cuisine. If you enjoy salmon, you’ll find it featured frequently on the buffet.

If you have selective eaters in your group, it’s wise to check the menus ahead of time, pack some snacks, and perhaps make a trip to the grocery store to ensure they have what they need to stay happy at mealtime.

The shared experience

Booking a packaged tour means you’ll be surrounded by other families for several days. So, it’s wise to bring a bit of patience and understanding, as you might encounter a few strong personalities in your group.

For the most part, this wasn’t a major issue for us, as we were all just excited to be in such a remarkable place.

No matter what language our fellow travelers spoke or where they hailed from, it was evident that everyone recognized how special this opportunity was. They were just as eager to soak up every moment of the experience as we were.

You'll meet the star of the season

A trip to Finland's Lapland will not only bring you close to Santa's home but also give you the chance to see Santa himself.

On our final full day, after a sleigh ride led by reindeer through the snowy landscape, we stumbled upon some elves at a charming red hut tucked away in the trees.

I couldn't tell if the elves were genuinely excited about our unexpected arrival in such a magical place, but they welcomed us with open arms nonetheless.

After missing the chance to see Santa in person in 2020 and traveling thousands of miles to find him in 2021, being welcomed into his charming cottage was truly a remarkable experience.

He was just as kind as you would imagine. Miraculously, he had the letters the kids had sent him weeks prior, which added an extra touch of magic to an already enchanting experience.

It's extremely cold in the Arctic

While Santa's cottage is warm and inviting, the outdoors tells a different tale. Despite the stunning snow-covered photos, it’s only when you arrive in northern Finland that you truly grasp how cold it can be.

During our late-November visit, temperatures lingered around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It was so frigid that merely walking two minutes across the parking lot to the restaurant in the reception area was about all we could manage without donning full thermal gear.

While you might be concerned about all the clothing needed to stay warm, rest assured that some essentials will be provided upon your arrival — especially if you book an organized tour.

Make sure to pack quality base layers and comfortable clothing to wear underneath the bulky thermal suits provided by your tour guide. You’ll also want to bring glove liners, hats, thick wool socks, and neck warmers.

Even with the gear provided and the layers I brought from home, it can still get really cold at times (especially when the wind picks up) — but don’t let that deter you from enjoying yourself. Once bundled up, the temperatures were manageable for stretches of time — even for my 6-year-old.

That said, be prepared for your hair and eyelashes to feel frozen (and they might appear that way in photos), as anything exposed for too long will quickly become extremely cold.

Bottom line

We’ve skied in Canada, visited Alaska, and even explored Norway, but nothing can quite match the experience of meeting Santa in his snowy woodland home.

Every family trip holds its own unique and cherished memories, but after the couple of challenging years we’ve faced, this first big journey post-pandemic was truly unforgettable. Our visit to the Lapland region of Finland was so distinct and extraordinary that it will forever remain a part of our shared stories.

You don’t need to venture all the way to the Arctic to find holiday magic, but if you choose to make the trip, whether independently or through a package tour, you’re likely to create lasting memories for a lifetime.