Where can you meet Santa if resorts are fully booked during peak season in December?

The crisp Arctic air, the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky, the anticipation of meeting the REAL Santa Claus, spending Christmas in Finnish Lapland is a dream holiday for many families. But what happens when that dream fades fast with the harsh reality of fully booked resorts during peak season in December? Fear not, intrepid adventurer! Swedish Lapland is just a short trip south and offers a magical alternative, a delightful winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer, snowy adventures, and a generous helping of Swedish charm.

A Winter Wonderland Awaits in Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland boasts landscapes of breathtaking beauty, snow-covered forests stretching towards the horizon, crystal-clear lakes transformed into shimmering ice rinks, and charming villages nestled amidst the snowy expanse, with log cabins exuding warmth and a sense of festive anticipation.

Embrace the Julspirit (Christmas Spirit) in Swedish Lapland

Sweden takes their Christmas celebrations very seriously, the festive spirit, known as “Julstämning” or “Julspirit,” helps to make towns and villages come alive with twinkling star lights in every window, with traditional Christmas markets overflowing with handcrafted decorations and delicious treats, and the melodic sounds of carols filling the air.

A Sleigh Ride Full of Activities, it’s not just about Santa!

Swedish Lapland offers a smorgasbord of winter snow activities that cater to all ages and interests:

  • Dog Sledding Adventures: Embark on a thrilling ride pulled by your very own team of excited huskies, feeling the wind whip past you as you glide across the snow-covered landscape, through forests and over frozen lakes.
  • Snowmobiling Excursions: Explore the vastness of Swedish Lapland on a snowmobile, zipping through forests experiencing the exhilarating freedom of riding through this epic wilderness, even in the dark, reaching the Arctic Circle and seeing the Northern Lights!
  • Reindeer Sledding: Learn about the Sami culture, the indigenous people of Lapland, and interact with their beloved reindeer pack. Enjoy a traditional reindeer sleigh ride, a unique and unforgettable experience as you’re at one with nature with these gentle giants.
  • Ice Fishing: Drill a hole into the thick ice of a frozen lake and try your hand at ice fishing, a fun winter activity in Lapland. Enjoy the peacefulness of the frozen landscape while waiting for a bite on your fishing line, and enjoy a coffee too.
  • Northern Lights Hunting Chasing: The skies above Swedish Lapland come alive with the mesmerising glow of Northern Lights during the winter months. Wrap up warm, find a secluded spot away from light pollution, and tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list.

Swedish Hospitality: Hotels and Log Cabins with a Warm Welcome

Swedish Lapland boasts a wide range of unique accommodation options, from cosy log cabins to luxurious hotels, tree hotels and floating spas, there is something for everyone with private saunas and hot tubs on the terrace too! Many hotels and cabins go all out for the festive season, each cabin is filled with Christmas decorations, special holiday menus featuring traditional Swedish fare, and even Santa Claus appearances for the little ones.

Foodie Delights: A Taste of Swedish Christmas

Swedish Christmas cuisine is a fabulous journey for your taste buds. Expect an abundance of seasonal ingredients like root vegetables, fish, and game. Sample some traditional dishes like “Julbord,” a lavish buffet spread featuring herring, meatballs, sausages, and potato dishes. Don’t miss out on the warm and comforting “Glögg,” a mulled wine spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, perfect for warming you up after a day of winter activities. Each mug of warm wine is accompanied with ginger biscuits, and the display of food at a buffet is neverending, with a choice of food catering for every allergy too! We fund gluten free breads and dairy free butters on offer, you only have to ask, and they are more than willing to supply a great choice of alternative options for you. With amazing Candy rooms showcasing every possible dessert, with sweet treats being their speciality!

So, if you find yourself dreaming of a winter wonderland escape to Finnish Lapland and you’ve left it too late, don’t despair! Swedish Lapland awaits with open arms, offering a magical alternative brimming with festive cheer, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable winter adventures. So, pack your warmest clothes, embrace your inner Elf, and get ready to create lasting family memories in this winter wonderland.