Lapland in February: Is It Worth Going Outside Christmas?
When most people think of Lapland, they picture December. Twinkling lights. Reindeer. Snow-covered trees. And of course, Santa Claus waiting in his cosy cabin. It’s magical, festive and everything you imagine Christmas should feel like.
Is it actually better to go after Christmas?
Because as beautiful as Lapland is in November and December, it’s also the busiest — and usually the most expensive. Flights soar, accommodation prices jump and Santa Claus Village becomes extremely crowded.
For return flights from London Gatwick, I paid £84 per person. Return. In peak Christmas season, those same flights can easily double or even triple in price. If you’re travelling as a family, that difference alone is huge.
And the best part? The snow was still there. The frozen lakes were still there. The magic doesn’t disappear after 25th December.
In this post, I’m going to share where we stayed in Lapland, the activities we did, what I would and wouldn’t spend money on — and whether I’d recommend visiting outside of Christmas season.
What to Wear in Lapland (Without Spending a Fortune)
Let’s talk about the big question everyone Googles: what do you actually wear in Lapland?
It goes without saying — it is freezing. Proper freezing. Layers are essential. Before we went, I spent hours on TikTok searching “what to wear in Lapland” and it honestly helped so much. You don’t need designer ski wear, but you do need to be practical.
For most families, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. So spending hundreds on specialist snow gear you’ll never wear again doesn’t really make sense.
That’s where Vinted is brilliant. So many people sell their Lapland or ski clothes after one trip. I also recommend checking Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
If you can’t find what you need second-hand, Decathlon is probably the best all-round option for quality and price. Mountain Warehouse is another good shot but can be on the pricey side, and you’ll also find options at Sports Direct and Amazon.
For thermals, have a look at Uniqlo — their Heattech range is great. Primark sometimes stocks thermals too, although it can depend on the season.
The key is layering:
Base layer (thermals)
Mid layer (fleece or jumper)
Outer layer (proper waterproof ski jacket and trousers)
Warm socks, insulated boots, gloves, a hat and a snood are non-negotiable.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance (Especially Winter Sports)
This is something I nearly overlooked.
When I renewed our travel insurance recently, I checked the policy and realised winter sports weren’t included. Considering you’re in snow, around ice, possibly sledging, snowmobiling or doing other activities — it’s important.
We already had cruise cover (because we love our Disney Cruises), but winter sports is often an add-on. It doesn’t usually cost much extra, and it gives peace of mind.
Nothing will probably happen. But if it does, you want to know you’re covered. It’s one of those small admin tasks that’s easy to ignore but definitely worth sorting before you fly.
Arriving in Rovaniemi: Passport Control & What to Expect
When we arrived in Rovaniemi, passport control felt quite strict. At first I wondered if there was a particular reason for all the questions, but after looking around it was clear they were asking everyone the same things. It definitely was not personal. They were just being thorough.
They asked where we were staying, how long we were visiting for and when we were flying home. What stood out was that they wanted physical proof. Not just you saying it, but actual confirmation. They asked to see confirmations of our accommodation and our return flight details.
So make sure you have everything easily accessible on your phone, or even screenshot it beforehand so you are not scrolling through your inbox at the desk. Having your booking confirmation and return ticket ready will make the process much smoother.
In all honesty, it was still very quick and straightforward for us because I had everything prepared in advance. A few questions, a quick check of the confirmations, and we were through.
Staying at Aurora Hill Resort: A Perfect Base in Rovaniemi
We stayed at Aurora Hill Resort and honestly, it was just perfect from start to finish. I would stay here again in a heartbeat and I almost shed a tear when we had to check out. The whole place genuinely felt like a real-life winter dream.
The handcrafted cabins are beautiful, with large windows framing stunning views of the snowy landscape. Inside, they are cosy and comfortable with everything you need for a restful stay including a kitchenette, a proper bathroom and free Wi-Fi. We stayed in the Aurora Family Suite, which at 31m² is the largest cabin on site. It has a separate bedroom and a sofa bed, sleeping up to four people, making it ideal for families under the Arctic sky.
One of the biggest advantages of the resort is its location. It is just a short drive from Rovaniemi Airport, which means you are settled in and ready to relax soon after arriving. It is also only about ten minutes from the city centre, so if you want to explore local shops, restaurants, or pick up groceries, everything is very accessible.
You are also well placed for lots of the classic Lapland activities. Husky farms, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling excursions and Northern Lights tours are all within easy reach, which makes Aurora Hill a great base whether you want adventure or relaxation. The resort itself even gives guests access to a Northern Lights alert app so you receive real-time notifications when the aurora appears.
Breakfast is included with your stay and is delivered to your cabin each morning. It was fresh and warming, which made those cold mornings so much more comfortable.
If you need luggage storage, the Postmaster Hotel offers this service. It is part of the same company that owns Aurora Hill Resort. We were also driven to Aurora Hill by one of their drivers, which was a great way to save money compared to booking a separate transfer. The staff were genuinely so lovely and helpful throughout.
You can also hire full winter gear here if you do not want to bring bulky items with you. This is a great option if you want to save suitcase space. You could just pack thermals and rent outer layers when you arrive. There are also several rental places around Rovaniemi offering this service.
Thanks to our accommodation, we had free access to the Aurora alert app. Sadly, we did not see the Northern Lights during our stay due to weather conditions, but that just means we now have a very good excuse to go back. And we absolutely will.
Prices for Aurora Hill Resort vary depending on the season and availability, but for us the experience was 10/10. From the peaceful setting to the easy access to activities and the airport, Aurora Hill Resort really was just perfect. I would highly recommend it to families or anyone looking to experience Lapland in style and comfort.
Getting Around in Rovaniemi
When it comes to transport, both Bolt and Uber operate in Rovaniemi. We mostly used Bolt as it was significantly cheaper most of the time.
There are public transport options available, including local buses, but we chose to use taxis throughout our stay. With the cold temperatures and winter clothing, it just makes life so much easier, especially when travelling with children. After long activity days, the convenience of getting straight from A to B without waiting around in the cold was worth it for us.
That said, taxi costs do add up over a few days, so make sure you factor transport into your overall trip budget when planning. It is easy to focus on flights and accommodation, but local travel is another expense to consider, particularly in winter conditions.
For us, the convenience outweighed the extra cost, but it is definitely something to be aware of when working out your total Lapland budget.
Booking Activities in Lapland
We booked most of our activities in advance using GetYourGuide because it keeps everything simple and secure. It is especially helpful for popular experiences that can sell out during peak periods.
If you use my link and download the app, you can use my discount code KIDDOADVENTURES5 for money off activities booked through the app. Just remember the code only works inside the GetYourGuide app, not on the website, so you do need to download the app for it to apply.
Here is what we thought was worth the money and what I personally would skip next time.
Snowman World – Absolutely Worth It
We booked Snowman World through GetYourGuide and this was genuinely one of my highlights of the trip. If you are planning Lapland, I really do think this is one activity you should add to your itinerary.
Located inside Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Snowman World is basically a giant snowy playground for both kids and adults. There are huge snow and ice slides, an ice skating rink, snow labyrinths, plus a Snow Restaurant and Ice Bar. You can even have lunch or dinner inside a snow building, which is such a unique experience.
Tickets are valid all day, so you can leave and come back during opening hours, which makes it flexible around other activities. Just make sure you dress very warmly because it is fully outdoors. Prices start from around €35 and for us it was definitely worth it.
Arctic Fantasy Park – Not Worth It in My Opinion
This is the one TikTok really oversold for me. I thought it was going to be incredible, but if I am honest, we were pretty bored.
There are some beautiful light displays and a couple of snow slides, but overall it did not live up to expectations. Unless you can find a significant discount, I personally would not prioritise this. Tickets start from £25.
Elf Hat Academy – Great for Younger Children
We also booked Elf Hat Academy through GetYourGuide. My daughter is 10 and very aware that Santa and elves are not real, but that did not take away from the experience at all.
It is a really cute and interactive activity where children decorate cookies, learn a little elf language and take part in a small dance with the elves. At the end they receive a Santa hat and a certificate to take home. I would say this is perfect for children aged 10 and under. Tickets starts from £34.
Mini Snowmobile for Children
We booked the mini snowmobile experience on the day rather than in advance. It cost €25 for 10 minutes and is located in the same area as Elf Hat Academy.
Children get to drive their own mini snowmobile, with a helmet and full instructions provided. At the end they receive a small driving licence. It is suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years, with a maximum height of 150cm. For €25 per child, I thought it was a fun and confidence boosting activity.
Kuoksa Reindeer Farm Experience
We booked our reindeer experience directly through Aurora Hill Resort and it was fantastic. Transport to and from our accommodation was included, and they provide winter gear if you need it, which makes it very convenient.
We went on a short reindeer sleigh ride, fed the reindeer and took photos. Afterwards we warmed up inside a traditional tent with a fire pit, hot drinks and gingerbread cookies while learning about reindeer life. I found it really interesting hearing how the reindeer roam freely once winter season ends. Learning about their antlers was fascinating too. I genuinely had no idea they naturally fall off and regrow.
This felt authentic, calm and educational. I thought it was a lovely experience. Tickets from €119.
Meeting Santa Claus
You can meet Santa every single day of the year at Santa Claus Village. The meeting itself is free, but you cannot take your own photos. If you would like pictures, you will need to purchase them afterwards, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
Food in Rovaniemi
In terms of food, we kept things simple. We ate at McDonald’s one day, which is actually quite fun because you get a free Santa postcard there. Now you might think why travel all the way to another country just to eat McDonald’s, but when you have a nut allergy like I do, it is often the safest and easiest option. It might seem lazy, but sometimes convenience and safety come first.
For the rest of our meals, we bought snacks and easy-to-make food from the supermarket to use in our kitchenette. I used Apple Maps to find the nearest supermarkets and everything was easy to access. If you are looking for more unique restaurant recommendations, I would suggest checking TikTok before your trip as I cannot be much help in that department.
Little money-saving tip: Finnish tap water is completely safe to drink (and some of the cleanest in the world), so bring a reusable bottle and skip buying bottled water.
If you are planning to use public fire pits, it is worth bringing your own skewers and marshmallows to save money. Just be mindful that not all fire pits allow outside food and in some places you may need to purchase items on site. We found fire pits near Snowman World and the Gingerbread Day Cabins, and we also had one at our accommodation. At the Gingerbread fire pit, my daughter paid €5 for a hot chocolate and €5 for marshmallows and a roasting stick. Yes, she paid herself. She has her own Monzo card and was very proud of it.
You Do Not Have to Do Everything
There was so much more we could have done, like posting letters to Santa or visiting Winter Park. But I really do not think you need to squeeze every single activity into one trip unless you know it is a once-in-a-lifetime visit and you will never return.
We will 100 percent be back, so I am happy knowing we still have things left to experience next time. If you are planning your trip, GetYourGuide is always a good place to start looking for activities. TikTok is also helpful for seeing real experiences, and the official Rovaniemi tourism website has plenty of options to suit different ages and interests.
Only-Child Friendly
I always try to organise lots of play dates at home because I want my daughter to have opportunities to play with other children. Being an only child, I sometimes worry she might feel lonely.
But Lapland was completely different. During the two nights and three days we were there, she had absolutely no interest in playing with other children. The snow was more than enough. She was fully in her element and had the time of her life. It was honestly such a joy to watch.
I would say Lapland is very only-child friendly because the environment itself is the entertainment. The snow, the activities and the magic completely filled her cup.
Was Lapland Super Cold?
I never actually felt too cold, but that is because we layered properly. We spent a lot of time playing in the snow outside our accommodation and just embraced it.
I do think it is slightly ridiculous to travel somewhere you know is freezing and then complain about the cold. If you prepare properly with good layers, it is completely manageable.
Rovaniemi Airport – Small but Easy
Rovaniemi Airport is very small, which is actually a positive. You do not necessarily need to arrive three hours before your flight like you would at larger airports.
There is one small restaurant, a small duty-free area and a tiny children’s play area. It is definitely a good idea to eat beforehand or bring snacks with you.
Also, they still require liquids (100ml or less) to be placed in a clear plastic bag, so make sure you take those out during security. It is a small airport, but security rules are still the same.
So, Is Lapland Worth Visiting Outside Christmas?
My daughter said this was one of her favourite getaways we have ever done. At the moment, Jamaica and the Disney Cruises we have done are still at the very top of her list. We have visited 22 countries as a family, and now Lapland, Rovaniemi is very high up there too.
And I have to say the same for myself. We had an absolutely incredible time.
So is it worth going outside of Christmas season?
Absolutely.
I genuinely could not believe how “cheap” our return flights from Gatwick were. £84 return with hand luggage only felt brilliant. I booked them on Trip.com back in November 2025 for our February 2026 trip.
Booking for February instead of November or December meant we avoided the huge Christmas crowds. We still saw Santa. We still had snow. We still had the magic. Just without the chaos.
I would do this again in a heartbeat. In fact, I have already been browsing Trip.com and Skyscanner to see if I can beat that price, even though I am probably far too early.
If saving money matters to you, visiting outside the Christmas season can make a huge difference. Just make sure you research typical snowfall for the month you are considering. Google previous years’ weather patterns so you do not accidentally book during a low-snow period if snow is important to your experience.
For us, February was perfect. Magical, calmer and significantly more affordable.
And we will absolutely be back.
