I’ve just returned from Lapland with my family, and even after visiting many times over the years while creating and refining our Untravelled Paths experiences, this trip felt different. Seeing Lapland through the eyes of my child, wide-eyed, excited and completely absorbed, made it even more magical. It reminded me why this destination is quite simply the ultimate festive escape for families, especially those travelling with younger children.

Lapland has a reputation for being expensive, which it certainly is, but it offers better value for families as adding a child doesn’t increase the cost dramatically, which makes the overall experience far more justifiable – particularly when you consider just how much is packed into a short stay. And with 2026 set to be the final year of heightened Northern Lights activity, there’s never been a better time to go.

Here are some of the standout activities that made our recent trip so special, for adults and children alike, along with our own holiday snaps!

Husky Sledding

This was an instant favourite for all of us. There’s something unforgettable about gliding silently through snowy forests, powered by a team of enthusiastic huskies. Children absolutely love meeting the dogs beforehand, while adults appreciate the sheer beauty of the landscape. It’s thrilling without being overwhelming – a perfect introduction to Arctic adventure.

Skiing for All Levels

Lapland is an excellent place to ski, particularly for beginners and families. The slopes are gentle, well organised and far less intimidating than larger Alpine resorts. Whether you’re completely new or brushing up on your technique, it’s accessible, enjoyable and stress-free.

Traditional Sauna & Ice Plunge

A very Finnish experience and surprisingly family-friendly. After warming up in a traditional wooden sauna, the brave can try an ice plunge – optional, of course! For adults, it’s invigorating and deeply relaxing. For children, it’s all part of the fun and a great story to take home.

Feeding Reindeer

A calm, memorable experience that younger children in particular adore. Feeding reindeer offers a chance to slow things down, learn about Sámi culture and get close to these iconic Arctic animals in a respectful, meaningful way.

Visiting an Ice Hotel

Another highlight, especially for first-timers. Visiting an Ice Hotel is fascinating in itself, but there’s also the option to eat there or even stay overnight, which we can organise on request. It’s a unique experience that adds an extra layer of adventure to the trip.

Sleeping Under the Northern Lights in a Glass Hotel Room

This is one of those experiences that stays with you forever. Falling asleep beneath the stars, and if you’re lucky the Northern Lights, is truly special. For those who can afford the upgrade, I strongly recommend choosing a glass room with a private hot tub. It’s the perfect way to end the day, children absolutely love them, and there’s something unforgettable about soaking under the Arctic sky with the aurora dancing overhead.

Visiting Santa’s Village

If you’re travelling with young children, Santa’s Village is pure magic. Meeting Santa himself is, unsurprisingly, the highlight — but there’s so much more. Activities such as the Ice Bar, rubber ring ice slides, snowmobiling for children, and plenty of festive attractions make this far more than a quick visit. It’s immersive, joyful and wonderfully festive without feeling tacky.

As our trip came to an end, it really struck me that these were just the activities we chose. Lapland offers so much more — from reindeer rides, ice karting, snowshoeing, ice skating, Northern Lights snow mobiling tours and countless other winter experiences. You could return time and time again and still discover something new.

Is Lapland Worth the Cost?

Honestly? Yes. This isn’t a cheap adventure, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us. Packing so much into just three nights kept the children busy, engaged and completely off their screens — something that felt increasingly rare and incredibly valuable.

Ready to Experience Lapland?

Lapland books up well in advance, especially for festive dates and peak Northern Lights seasons. If this is an experience you’ve been considering, particularly with 2026 marking the final year of heightened aurora activity, I’d strongly encourage planning sooner rather than later.

If you’d like to join us on our Lapland Experience, we’d love to help you create memories your family will talk about for years to come. Don’t over think it, just book it, you won’t regret it.

Written by James Chisnall