If you’re looking for a fun and memorable holiday, take your family to Lapland this winter. There is so much more to Lapland than Father Christmas and reindeers, making it a fascinating and quite magical retreat. Here are four great activities not to be missed on your trip to Finland’s welcoming family spot.

See the Northern Lights

Lapland is one of the best places in Europe to view the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Aurora Borealis usually occurs during winter months, from November to April and the best viewing time is between 9pm to 2pm.

Enjoy the Winter Sports

Lapland holidays are the perfect opportunity to try your hand at winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and even ice fishing. Popular resorts such as Ruka, Kuusamo and Pyhä-Luosto have trails for all ski abilities as well as a number of non-ski activities. In this snow covered land you can expect to experience nine months of snow from October through to June! Children will enjoy building a snowman or riding on the mini skidoos that are specially designed for kids.

Take a Day Trip to Siida

Visit Siida to find out more about the native Sámi and their environment, from a former seminomadic existence to modern times. Siida is one of Finland’s finest museums; within it museum, there are exhibitions of Sámi crafts and traditions. Outside the museum is a showcase of original buildings of intriguing post nomadic Sámi life, including farmhouses, storage huts and a courthouse.

Enjoy a sauna

After a day out in the minus degrees of Lapland, you can unwind and warm up by enjoying a fragrant Finnish sauna. Saunas are important to the Finns culture and date back a thousand years back in history. The Finns believe saunas and well-being go hand in hand; you’ll find this out for yourself in the hot room as you being to feel relaxed and revitalized. There is even a floating sauna in Pello!

Of course, there is always the option to visit Father Christmas and spot Rudoplh amongst the reindeer. Lapland has plenty to offer to travellers looking for a magical winter getaway and it’s definitely one the kids (and you) will never forget.