snow dusted trees with northern lights in the sky in lapland

Lapland Holidays for Couples and Families: The Best Winter Escape

Karen Pugh on 05 Jan 2026

Lapland holidays are some of the most popular winter trips I plan for both couples and families, and having travelled there myself, I know exactly why it’s so special. Thinking about a Lapland holiday and want to know more? Let's go!

Why Choose Lapland?

Lapland is a full winter experience. It’s completely unique and really is that once-in-a-lifetime making-memories kind of trip!

  • Snow-covered forests and frozen landscapes
  • Husky sledding through the wilderness
  • Cosy cabins with fires and saunas
  • The chance to see the Northern Lights
  • Festive magic with Santa and the elves

These are just some of the highlights of Lapland but what surprised me most was how beautiful the snowy landscapes where. It's peaceful, quiet and almost otherworldly at times.


My Lapland Experience!

Flying into Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, we crossed the Arctic Circle and stepped straight into the snow-drenched landscapes.

We stayed in a cosy cabin tucked among the trees, complete with a roaring fire and sauna. Mornings meant stepping outside into powdery snow to do snow angels, breathing in that crisp Arctic air and just taking it all in. The light is completely different too, soft pinks and blues stretching across the sky as the sun never rises fully

I travelled with my husband and two children with our fantastic Travel Counsellor’s partner - Canterbury Travel who were nothing short of amazing. I don’t want to give the magic away but we spent three glorious days I'll remember forever with the elves looking for Santa - we still sing their ‘Elf Song’ two years later!


Best Things To Do In Lapland

Lapland is very experience-led, and most trips are built around a handful of fun activities which are usually included in your package.

  • Husky sledding
  • Reindeer experiences
  • Learning a little about Sámi culture.
  • Santa Claus for anyone who BELIEVES
  • Northern Lights (never guaranteed, but a fab bonus!)
  • Snow activities: Tobogganing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling


Is Lapland Just For Children?

This is the question I get asked the most, and the answer is definitely not! Lapland has some of the most romantic landscapes I’ve ever experienced.

For couples: Lapland works really well if you want something different. Think cosy cabins, private saunas, snowy scenery and Northern Lights excursions. It’s romantic in a quiet, low-key way rather than a typical luxury beach escape.

For families: A Lapland holiday is made for families. Searching for Santa Claus, the snow, the activities - it’s genuinely magical for children and grownups alike!


When To Go To Lapland

For me a Lapland holiday is all about winter, so timing is quite straightforward. Late November to December is perfect for festive trips and Christmas magic January to March tends to be a little quieter and great for adults.


Planning Your Lapland Trip

Lapland trips can vary quite a bit depending on where you stay, the experiences included and how everything is timed.

Things like:

  • choosing the right tour, resort or cabin location
  • how activities are scheduled across your stay
  • making the most of a relatively short trip
  • travelling during busy winter dates

can all make a big difference to your trip.

And that's where I can help! At Travel Counsellors we work with a range of trusted tour operators and local partners to put together the right Lapland holiday for you, whether that’s a well-planned Lapland package holiday or a more tailored trip built around exactly what you want to experience.

Lapland is also one of those trips where booking early really matters, especially for December and peak winter dates, as the best accommodation and experiences can sell out quickly.


Ready to start planning your Lapland holiday?

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