Finland is hot right now!
If you’re like me, you’ve seen the suggested Instagram posts / reels, read about it in publication’s “Top Place to Visit List” or perhaps known someone who has gone there. Why does it feel all of a sudden that Lapland, Finland is the place to be?
Right now, it is one of the most sought after places on earth for winter travel.
I had to see what the hype was about and not better way to visit this magical place than with my three amazing kids. After all…Santa lives in the North Pole, right!?!
This past Christmas, the four of us had the amazing chance to fly a hundred miles above the Arctic Circle and experience something truly unforgettable in Lapland, Finland. From snow covered forests to the to northern lights dancing across our cabin, Lapland is not just a destination, it is a feeling. Bust most importantly for three kids, the journey to see Santa Claus is the main reason for the trek
What Makes Lapland Magical
There is a reason Lapland is synonymous with winter wonderland. Vast expanses of pristine snow give way to wide skies. With next to no wind, the snow hangs heavy of the pine and birch trees that blanket the forests. The polar nights, when the sun barely rises, create that soft glow for less than two hours before darkness returns again. Cozy accommodations, from glass roofed cabins to luxury ice hotels, are designed to maximize your connection to the landscape, whether you are watching the aurora from your bed or warming up by a fire after a day in the snow.
But Lapland is not just scenery, it is experiential travel. You can mush your own team of huskies, glide across frozen lakes on a snowmobile, learn about Sami culture and reindeer herding, or simply take in the silence of the Arctic forest. These are the kinds of moments that stay with you long after you unpack your suitcase
Meeting the ‘real’ Santa
On that special day, we were taken to a cabin down a long driveway lit by lanterns to set the mood. As we went around the corner, there were several ‘elves’ there to greet us and invite us for a day of fun before meeting the big guy. Outdoor activities abound - there were toboggans, snow shoes, an ice slide, and a fire to roast sausages over for lunch. When the single digits became a bit too cold, inside the cabin was a roaring fire along with gingerbread cookies to decorate, face painting, and of course hot cocoa.
With our set time with Santa, we bundled up and headed back outside where two reindeer sleighs were waiting to take us to the ‘secret cabin’ for our private meeting. We meandered along the frozen riverbank until a very tiny cabin poked out from the trees. As my three slowly opened the door, Santa himself greeted each by name along with his ubiquitous Ho-Ho-Ho. He asked how they were and if they were doing well in school. But when he pulled out their lists from his sack that they mailed to the North Pole, their jaws dropped open in disbelief - all three were stunned & speechless
Even Dad has some Christmas magic up his sleeve…
Life in the Arctic
The experiences were exactly what you imagine when you picture Lapland, but somehow even better in real life. We visited a reindeer farm owned by a Sami family who traces their profession back over 500 years! There we rode through the forest in a traditional sleigh, bundled up under thick blankets as snow fell around us. We learned about Sami culture from local families who have lived on this land for generations.
One day we took our own team of huskies out on a dogsled ride, racing through silent white forests with nothing but the sound of paws on snow. It was thrilling and peaceful at the same time. We also went ice fishing on a frozen lake, snowshoed through the woods, and spent evenings eating at great local Finnish restaurants surrounding the small rural village.
Why Lapland Is Everywhere Right Now
So why is Lapland so hot right now? People are craving trips that feel meaningful, not just busy. They want real experiences, real nature, and real connection, especially after years of fast paced travel and packed itineraries. Lapland delivers all of that in a way few places can. It is stunningly beautiful, incredibly peaceful, and filled with moments that feel straight out of a dream.
Add in the rise of glass igloos, cozy lodges, and better winter flight connections, and it is no surprise that Lapland is becoming one of the most in demand winter destinations for 2026 and beyond.
For us, we took a direct 8 hour flight from JFK to Helsinki where we spent the night. An attempt to visit the Christmas Market was a major fail when you have 3 jetlagged and hungry kids. The following day it was a 90 minute flight north to Kittilä then another 45 minute transfer to our village of Äkäslompolo. The return we did it in one day with an easy connection in Helsinki again.
A Winter Trip That Stays With You
If you have ever dreamed of a true winter wonderland, one where you can slow down, breathe in Arctic air, and experience something completely different from everyday life, Lapland is worth putting on your list. It is not just a holiday, it is a memory you will carry with you forever.
Ready to explore the Arctic?
I would love to help you plan your own winter magic getaway.
