Our Family's Journey Back to Enchanting Lapland

The first time we visited Lapland, we said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a dream destination on our bucket list. Yet, here we are again, just over three years later. We longed for the snow, the breathtaking snowy landscapes, the tranquility, the stars shining in the dark night sky, and all the enchanting experiences that come with winter. This time, our focus shifted from the Santa experience to exploring what Lapland has to offer as an early-year destination. We discovered some incredible activities, including Aurora snowshoeing, ice karting, and, of course, snowmobiling again. My kids even tried cross-country and alpine skiing for the first time, and the conditions were perfect for beginners—small and not overly crowded. My daughter is now hooked on skiing, so it looks like we'll be planning some ski holidays in the future! We absolutely love Saariselkä. Just a short 5-10 minute walk gives you the feeling of being in the heart of the Arctic Circle, yet you're close to a supermarket, a few restaurants, and the ski resort—definitely not too isolated. Plus, the quick transfer from the airport is a major bonus! My daughter even got the chance to meet Santa, thanks to our Northern Lights village supplier; the experience was intimate and well-organized. I think we’ve truly fallen in love with this place and are likely to return in the future. If you’ve never been to Lapland before, trust me—you won’t regret it!