Travel Lapland early December holidays

Tailor-Made Lapland Holiday in Early December – A Magical Family Adventure

Indulge in a tailor-made Lapland holiday in early December, traveling to Rovaniemi, the magical capital of Finnish Lapland and the official home of Santa Claus Village. This unforgettable family trip to Lapland is perfectly timed to enjoy the start of the winter season, snow-covered landscapes, and festive Christmas atmosphere—before the peak holiday crowds arrive.

Your family will experience a wide range of authentic Lapland winter activities, designed for both adults and children. Highlights include a cozy husky sled safari, guided by enthusiastic husky dogs, feeding Santa’s reindeer, and enjoying a thrilling snowmobile adventure with a covered sled for younger children. Classic winter fun, such as building a snowman, completes the experience and makes the most of Lapland’s early December snowfall.

The true highlight of your Lapland Christmas holiday, however, is a private and exclusive meeting with Santa Claus himself. Hidden deep within the enchanting Secret Forest near Rovaniemi, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is led by Santa’s cheerful elves, who guide your family on a magical search for Santa’s secret hideaway. This intimate Santa encounter creates an emotional, unforgettable moment—one that will be treasured by your family for years to come.

Perfect for families seeking a luxury Lapland holiday, this early December journey combines authentic Arctic experiences, festive magic, and personalized service in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

Exclusive Private Meeting with Santa Claus in the Magic Forest, Rovaniemi

A private meeting with Santa Claus in Rovaniemi is the most magical highlight of any Lapland family holiday. While Santa welcomes visitors year-round at his official office in Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, winter visits—especially in the lead-up to Christmas—often involve long queues and only a brief moment with Santa.

At Next Destinium, specialists in luxury family travel to Lapland, we understand how meaningful this moment is for both children and parents. Meeting Santa should feel personal, authentic, and truly unforgettable—not rushed or crowded. That’s why we work exclusively with trusted local partners to create a private Santa Claus experience in Lapland, designed to exceed every expectation.

Our signature experience is an exclusive 2.5-hour private meeting with Santa Claus and his elves, set deep within the enchanting Magic Forest near Rovaniemi. Together with Santa himself, we have carefully designed a one-of-a-kind journey that takes families on an immersive search for the hidden Magic Forest of Joulukka, surrounded by pristine Arctic nature. This fully private experience allows your family to spend meaningful time with Santa, guided by his elves, in a peaceful and magical woodland setting.

This is not a standard visit—it is a once-in-a-lifetime Santa experience in Lapland, available only to a small number of families each season. A closely guarded secret, shared only with a fortunate few, and a memory your children will carry with them forever.

Will your family be among the lucky ones to experience Santa Claus in his true home?

Private Northern Lights Hunting Experience in Rovaniemi.

Experience true Northern Lights hunting in Rovaniemi with a professional aurora hunter and photographer, during one of the best periods to see the Aurora Borealis in Lapland—from November to early December. As nights grow longer and temperatures drop, clear Arctic skies create ideal conditions for chasing the dancing lights across the Finnish wilderness.

This private or small-group Aurora Borealis tour, lasting approximately three hours, takes you far from the city’s light pollution into the darkest, most remote locations around Rovaniemi. Guided by an expert who closely monitors weather patterns, solar activity, and cloud coverage in real time, you’ll travel to the best possible viewing spots on the night to maximise your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.

Unlike standard Northern Lights tours, this experience is a genuine aurora chase, adapting the route as conditions change. Your guide is also a skilled night photographer, capturing professional-quality images of the Northern Lights and your experience beneath them—so you can relive the magic long after the night ends.

For families, couples, and travellers seeking an authentic and immersive Aurora Borealis experience in Lapland, this early Christmas Northern Lights hunt offers privacy, expertise, and unforgettable moments under the Arctic sky.

Visit SantaPark Rovaniemi – A Magical Christmas Experience Beneath the Arctic Circle.

SantaPark is a unique Christmas-themed park in Rovaniemi, located inside an atmospheric underground cave just outside the city. Designed especially for families, a 2–3 hour visit to SantaPark offers a warm, festive escape into the heart of Christmas magic—perfect to combine with other Lapland winter activities.

One of the highlights of SantaPark is the daily Elf Show, where Santa’s cheerful helpers perform a lively and entertaining show that delights both children and adults. Young visitors can then take part in the Elf School, earning their own diploma while learning the secrets of life at Santa’s side.

A favourite stop for families is Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, where children can decorate traditional gingerbread cookies with icing—a cosy, hands-on activity that captures the spirit of Christmas. The fun continues with a ride on the Magic Train, taking guests on a gentle journey through SantaPark’s underground world.

Before leaving, families can visit Santa’s Post Office at SantaPark, where children can write and post Christmas cards and letters straight to Santa Claus, complete with an official Arctic Circle postmark.

With its festive atmosphere, engaging activities, and warm indoor setting, SantaPark Rovaniemi is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed and magical Christmas afternoon during your Lapland family holiday.

Family Husky and Reindeer Safaris in Lapland – The Perfect Arctic Taster Experience.

For families visiting Lapland for the first time, a husky and reindeer safari is the perfect introduction to authentic Arctic life. Designed as a gentle, family-friendly taster programme, this experience combines Lapland’s most iconic winter activities at an ideal pace for children, making it a highlight of any family holiday to Rovaniemi.

The adventure begins with a short husky sled ride, driven by an experienced musher, allowing families to enjoy the thrill of travelling through snowy forests while staying warm and comfortable together. This softer introduction to husky sledding is ideal for younger children and first-time visitors, offering excitement without being overwhelming.

Next, families enjoy a peaceful 20-minute reindeer sleigh ride through pristine snow-covered landscapes. Gliding quietly behind these gentle animals offers a magical contrast to the energy of the huskies and gives children a chance to connect with Lapland’s traditional culture.

After the sleigh rides, there’s time to enjoy fun snow activities, including sledging and kick-sledging, giving children the freedom to play and explore in a safe Arctic environment. To round off the experience, a warm and tasty lunch is served indoors, allowing families to relax, warm up, and share stories from the morning’s adventures.

Looking for something truly special? Discover Lapland with the support of one of our UK-focused travel consultants, specialists in tailor-made Lapland holidays.

Simply tell us how you like to travel, and a dedicated consultant will be in touch personally to design a bespoke Lapland experience just for you and your family.