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Lapland is one of the most magical destinations on earth - and for families from Dubai and the UAE, it could just be the ultimate winter escape.

It might sound cliché, but Lapland in December really is like something out of a festive film: snow-covered forests, huskies pulling sleds, cosy log cabins, and the chance to meet Santa Claus in his official hometown. Add in the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, and you have a trip that children (and parents) will remember forever.

Whether you’re planning your very first Lapland holiday or returning for another taste of Arctic magic, DW Travel can make every detail seamless – from flights and visas to family-friendly hotels and once-in-a-lifetime excursions.

When to visit Lapland

Most families visit Lapland in December to capture that true Christmas spirit, but the region has something special to offer throughout winter.

●      December:The most popular time to go, especially for Santa’s Village and festive activities. Expect short days, twinkling lights, and peak Christmas magic.

●      January to February: Ideal for fewer crowds and excellent snow conditions – great for husky rides, skiing, and snowmobile safaris.

●      March:Longer days make it easier to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s one of the best months for spotting the Northern Lights.

Your DW Travel consultant can help choose the best time to visit Lapland for your family’s schedule, whether that means Christmas week itself or a quieter winter adventure.

We’d also definitely recommend booking 8-12 months in advance for Christmas. December holidays in Lapland can sell out up to a year in advance, so secure your place early to make sure you don’t struggle with availability or miss out on your must-do activities!

If you’re a little late for this year, don’t worry - get in touch and our experts can help advise on the best times to book. We can also help to arrange a bolt-on trip to Lapland if you’re already planning on visiting Europe, perhaps by adding a stop to one of our European cruise packages.

How to get from Dubai to Lapland

There are no direct flights from Dubai to Lapland, but DW Travel will plan the simplest and most comfortable route for you. Most itineraries connect through Helsinki, with onward flights to Rovaniemi (the official capital of Lapland) or Kittilä, depending on your chosen resort.

Travel time is around 10 hours, including changes, and we’ll ensure your connections are smooth and family-friendly. From the airport, we can arrange private transfers straight to your cabin or hotel so you can begin your holiday without stress.

Many of our clients want to combine their Lapland trip with broader European sightseeing along the way. Take a look at our guide to Poland for first-time visitors or read about the most beautiful places in Germany for some inspiration - you can connect to Lapland from Dubai through Germany’s major airports in Frankfurt or Munich, which often have smooth onward links to Lapland’s northern towns.

Where to stay in Lapland

When it comes to choosing your base in Lapland, each destination has its own magic.

Rovaniemi

Arriving in Rovaniemi brings you to Lapland’s lively capital – officially home to Santa, as well as plenty of festive Christmas markets, excellent restaurants, and a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene. Just a short drive away, Luosto offers cosy cabins, famous amethyst mines, and some of the clearest skies for Northern Lights hunting.

Kittilä

Fly into Kittilä and you’ll be perfectly placed for resorts like Levi, Ylläs, and Pallas. Levi is a firm favourite with skiers, offering plenty of slopes and après-ski charm, while Ylläs and Pallas are ideal for families who are into winter sports and scenic trails.

Kuusamo and Kajaani

For something even more picturesque, Kuusamo is full of postcard-perfect landscapes, with easy access to Ruka and Saariselkä, both renowned for skiing, snow safaris, and aurora viewing. And for those looking to experience a different side of Finland, Kajaani is your gateway to the Arctic Lakeland. Think frozen lakes, deep forests, and snowy adventures that feel straight out of a fairytale.

Must-do experiences in Lapland

There’s plenty to do and see in Lapland, but as you might expect, if you’re visiting around the holidays, there’s a lot of festive Christmas focus! That doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other amazing experiences to have in Lapland – here are a few of our favourite suggestions for a family-friendly holiday.

Visit Santa Claus Village

The highlight for many families is meeting Santa Claus in his ‘official’ Lapland home in Rovaniemi. Santa’s Village is open year-round but is especially magical in December, with kid-friendly craft workshops, reindeer rides, and the chance to send festive greetings to loved ones from Santa’s official post office.

Husky and reindeer rides

Glide through snowy forests pulled by huskies or take a gentler ride with Lapland’s iconic reindeer. These experiences are safe, family-friendly, and give you a true taste of the Arctic wilderness.

Chase the Northern Lights

Lapland is one of the world’s best places to see the Aurora Borealis. You can hunt for them on a snowmobile, join a guided sleigh ride, or simply step outside your cabin into the crisp night air and keep an eye out for the shimmering lights.

Snowy fun for all ages

From skiing and snowboarding to ice fishing and tobogganing, there’s no shortage of snowy adventures for the whole family. Many resorts have dedicated kids’ zones, making it easy to balance fun for the little ones with more adventurous activities for teens and parents.

Tips for making your Lapland trip extra-special

·         Stay in a glass igloo or ice hotel:Make your experience even more magical with a night in a glass igloo or stay in an iconic ice hotel. You can fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the stunning Arctic skies.

·         Consider a multi-day Santa package:If you’re planning a longer stay, then some families might prefer multi-night stays at Santa resorts, which include daily festive activities, as opposed to staying in a cabin or igloo resort.

·         Ask about Halal dining:While not as widespread as in big cities, DW Travel can recommend resorts and restaurants with halal options, ensuring peace of mind for Muslim travellers.

·         Plan ahead for your family:Lapland is a snowy dream, but the deep snow and ice mean it’s not the easiest place to navigate if you have accessibility issues. It’s also important to point out that as temperatures in Lapland can plummet to a beyond-freezing -30°C, these trips might not be suitable for children under four, as they won’t be able to enjoy many of the fun festive activities.

What to pack for Lapland

Arctic weather can be extreme, but with the right clothing, you’ll stay warm and comfortable. Essentials include:

●      Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

●      Fleece or wool mid-layers

●      A high-quality insulated jacket and snow trousers

●      Waterproof gloves, hats, scarves, and thick socks

●      Sturdy snow boots

Many excursions like husky rides or snowmobiling provide extra thermal suits and boots, but having your own warm base layers makes a huge difference. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry – your DW Travel expert can provide a personalised Lapland packing list so your whole family is ready for the adventure.

A trip from Dubai to Lapland is the kind of holiday children never forget – but it does require careful planning. At DW Travel, we take care of every detail, from visa applications and flights to luxury Arctic resorts and private family excursions.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Lapland Christmas in December, a Northern Lights chase in March, or simply looking for some advice on the best time to visit Lapland, our experts will be happy to help create a bespoke itinerary for you.

For more inspiration, explore our European city breaks and other family travel tips designed for UAE travellers.