A White Christmas in Lapland: Beyond the Northern Lights

Christmas is that time of year that can mean so many different things to people around the world. To some, it may simply be a day off work before the main New Year’s celebrations, while to others it may be an extra special time of year that brings family, friends and loved ones together.

But however we celebrate this time of year, our thoughts often conjure up images of a snow-sprinkled land of crisp air, reindeer, and where the night sky glistens with the spectacular and magical aurora.

It is no wonder that Father Christmas decided to make Lapland his home, and the place that he prepares for his epic yearly voyage around the world.

Lapland Weather

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is synonymous with Christmas. But beyond the familiar Christmas card scenes, Lapland offers a unique cultural experience, steeped in tradition and shaped by its extreme climate.

The weather in Lapland during Christmas creates a truly magical scene. Temperatures often plummet to -30°C, and the sun hardly comes above the horizon. This serene time is known as "kaamos", a period of twilight that lasts for weeks. While this might sound bleak, the darkness enhances the subtle beauty of the snow-covered landscapes and the vibrant colours of the northern lights. The crisp, dry air and the silence that envelopes the land create an atmosphere of tranquility, perfect for Father Christmas and his elves to go about their secret work.

Lapland Culture

Christmas in Lapland is a time for celebration and community, with traditions being part of the very fabric of Lappish life. Families gather in cosy wooden cabins, decorated with festive decorations crafted from natural materials such as pine cones and birch bark. The scent of gingerbread biscuits (piparkakut) and roasted ham fills the air, mixed with the scent of burning birch wood in the fireplace.

One of the most beloved customs is the Christmas sauna, a ritual cleansing that symbolises purification and renewal before the festivities begin. On Christmas Eve, many families attend midnight mass, a service often held in a snow-covered church illuminated by candlelight, a truly enchanting experience.

Mixing the Old and New

The Sámi people of Lapland maintain a strong connection to their ancestral traditions. Their distinctive language, colourful clothing, and unique singing style known as "Joik" are all expressions of a rich cultural heritage that has lasted for centuries. Joiking, although an ancient art form, has been interpreted in many different ways, even with a pop version being entered into the Eurovision Song Contest.

Tourism in Lapland

Visitors to Lapland can experience these traditions firsthand, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself. Popular excursions include reindeer or husky sledding expeditions through the snowy forests. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, ice fishing offers a chance to connect with nature and try your hand at a traditional skill.

The unique climate of Lapland has also given rise to some unusual activities. Ice swimming, a practice believed to have health benefits, involves plunging into freezing water through a hole cut in the ice. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider spending a night in an ice hotel, where everything from the beds to the glasses is made of ice.

But the highlight for many visitors is a trip to Father Christmas's village, where you can meet the man himself and experience the magic of Christmas.

A Merry Christmas from OpenWeather

No matter where you are in the world, and how you celebrate this time of year, all of us at OpenWeather wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2025.