Experience the purest form of winter magic in Finnish Lapland, where Christmas feels naturally at home. Rovaniemi—officially recognised as the Hometown of Santa Claus—sits at the gateway to vast, silent forests, frozen lakes and skies painted by the Northern Lights. This is where deep winter settles in from November, laying a soft white blanket over cabins, spruce trees and reindeer trails.
Below, discover 7 enchanting forest experiences that reveal why Lapland remains one of the world’s most atmospheric Christmas destinations.
1. Wander Through the Snow-Covered Forests of Rovaniemi
Official source: https://www.visitfinland.com/lapland
Rovaniemi’s surrounding forests feel straight out of a Christmas storybook. Towering spruces bend under thick layers of fresh snow, and the only sound is your breath in the crisp Arctic air. Walking trails are well-marked, making it easy to explore the landscapes that Santa himself “calls home.”
“The stillness of Lapland’s forests is so complete, it feels like stepping into another world.”
These low-light winter days intensify the atmosphere—blue hours, soft twilight and the warm glow of lanterns make the entire region feel timeless.
2. Santa Claus Village: Christmas All Year on the Arctic Circle
The iconic Santa Claus Village sits directly on the Arctic Circle line. Visitors can meet Santa, send letters from the official Arctic Circle Post Office and explore snowy forests dotted with wooden cabins and huskies.
“Crossing the Arctic Circle under gently falling snow is a moment you never forget.”
The village is surrounded by peaceful trails, allowing you to wander straight from Santa’s workshop into Arctic wilderness.
Official site: https://www.visitfinland.com/lapland
3. Northern Lights Over Silent Forests
Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights, especially from remote forest clearings. With very low light pollution, the shimmering greens and purples feel incredibly bright against the white landscape.
“Watching the Northern Lights ripple above frozen spruce trees feels nothing less than magical.”
Guided forest Aurora walks and photography tours offer a safe, immersive way to experience the phenomenon.
4. Reindeer Sleigh Rides Through Ancient Woodland
Reindeer herding has been part of Lapland’s culture for centuries. Today you can glide through snowy forests in a traditional wooden sleigh, wrapped in warm furs as reindeer move silently between frost-coated trees.
“A reindeer sleigh ride feels wonderfully peaceful—like time has slowed to a gentle Arctic rhythm.”
Official tourism listings include multiple responsible reindeer farms across Finnish Lapland.
5. Glass-Igloo Stays in the Heart of Winter Forests
Lapland’s famous glass igloos place you directly inside the winter landscape. From the comfort of a warm bed, you can watch snowfall drift across the treetops or gaze at a sky full of stars and Auroras.
“It’s like sleeping inside a snow globe—cosy, sparkling and dreamlike.”
Many igloo resorts sit deep within forest terrain for maximum tranquillity.
6. Forest Saunas and Ice Pools
Finnish sauna culture reaches its most dramatic expression in Lapland. Traditional log saunas are heated beside frozen lakes, where brave visitors can dip into ice pools before returning to the warmth.
“Stepping from the heat of a wood-fired sauna into crisp Arctic air clears both mind and body.”
These saunas are usually hidden among snowy trees, offering perfect privacy.
7. Snowshoe Adventures in untouched Arctic Nature
Snowshoeing is one of the simplest ways to venture deeper into Lapland’s untouched forests. Guides lead travellers across soft powder snow, through open glades and along reindeer paths.
“Every footprints feels like a first step into unexplored Arctic wilderness.”
Tours typically include stops for warm berry juice and a campfire under the pale northern sky.
