Visiting Lapland is the dream Christmas family for many children: meeting Santa, petting Rudolph and going on a husky ride are usually at the top of every person's agenda. Whether you want to see the ice sculptures or the Northern Lights, this guide will help you to make the most of your trip. Where is Santa in Lapland?

You can visit Santa at his office in the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, on the border of the Arctic Circle. The Santa Claus Village also includes an opportunity to see Santa's reindeer, his toy workshop and go on Santa themed rides at Santa Park.

Is Lapland in the North Pole?

Lapland straddles the Arctic Circle and you can cross the Arctic Circle 8 kilometres of Rovaniemi. It is clearly marked there, and you can even get a certificate to prove that you have crossed it.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Lapland?

The Northern Lights can be seen in Lapland around every other day between September and March on clear nights. You can usually see these after 6 pm until 2 am and you should keep a look out at all times, as they can come and go unexpectedly. When booking a trip to Finland and taking part in nature-based activities, it's a good idea to take out comprehensive travel insurance for the family to cover you in the event of injury.

Best places to stay in Lapland

Santa's Hotel Aurora is one of the best choices of accommodation for those wanting to see the Northern Lights. With glass-ceilinged rooms and an aurora alarm system, this hotel will give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights during your stay.

Santa's Hotel Tunturi is good for families with nature on their minds, with hiking trails and skiing routes only a few kilometres from this luxury hotel. You can get a room from £134 a night, and it is also close to husky ride companies.

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