Exploring Finland: Magic in the Arctic Circle

Welcome to our Finland travel guide!  If you’ve ever dreamed of a winter wonderland filled with reindeer, endless snow, and the "real" Santa Claus, you’ve come to the right place.  Our time in Finnish Lapland was one of the most enchanting chapters of our family travels.  

CHild in the snow with Huskies, Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi: The Official Hometown of Santa Claus

Located right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the ultimate family destination.  It’s a place where the line between fairy tale and reality blurs.  In our blog posts, we break down how to make the most of this sub-arctic capital.

  • Crossing the Arctic Circle: Our experience at the line where the sun stays below the horizon in winter.
  • Husky & Reindeer Sledding: The thrill of dashing through the snow with some of the North's most iconic animals. 
  • Chasing the Aurora Borealis: Our tips for spotting the Northern Lights with kids in tow.
Santa giving child a gift, Santa Claus Holiday Village, Rovaniemi, Finland

Santa Claus Holiday Village

Staying at the Santa Claus Holiday Village was the centrepiece of our trip.  It isn't just a place to sleep, it’s an immersive Christmas experience that stays with you long after the snow melts.

Why We Loved Staying Here:

  • Meeting the Man in Red: We share the best way to meet Santa at his office without the massive queues.
  • The Log Cabin Life: What it’s like staying in a traditional Finnish cabin equipped with its own private sauna (a Finnish essential!).
  • Everything on Your Doorstep: From the Elf Farm Yard to the Santa Post Office, we detail why this is the most convenient base for a Lapland trip.
Santa Claus Holiday Village, Rovaniemi, Finland

The Ultimate Lapland Adventure: Our Unforgettable Family Trip to Rovaniemi, Finland

12 Jan 2025 16:03

My mum recently treated the three of us and my little brother and sister to a trip of a lifetime to Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus.  And let me tell you, it was even more magical than we ever imagined.  One of the first things people ask is how we managed to do this trip for 7 of us without breaking the bank.  The answer is, instead of booking an expensive package deal, we decided to book everything ourselves: flights, accommodation, and activities.  This saved us a small fortune and gave us the flexibility to create our own perfect itinerary.

Read more »

Explore Snowman World, The Arctic's Coolest Attraction

21 Dec 2024 14:24

​Planning a trip to Lapland?  You've likely got the iconic Santa Claus Village at the top of your list.  But what you might not know is that nestled right within this magical hub, there's another attraction that promises a full day of frosty fun.  Snowman World! Located directly on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, this winter activity park offers an incredible selection of snowy adventures for the whole family to enjoy!

Read more »

Planning Your Finnish Adventure

Finland in the winter requires a bit more prep than your average holiday.  We’ve put together guides to help you survive, and thrive, in the deep freeze.

  • What to Pack: A complete guide to Arctic Layering to keep the whole family warm in $-20°C.
  • Budgeting for Lapland: Let’s be honest, Finland isn’t the cheapest destination.  We share our  tips on how to save money on food and activities.

Join Our Adventures

Want more live updates? Follow Explore with the Cookes on Instagram and TikTok for daily videos of our adventures.

Need Help Planning your Perfect Trip?

Planning holidays is our speciality, without proper planning you risk missing out on visiting incredible places or just not spending your time and money wisely.  Whether you work full time, have children that take up your time or just don't know where to look, we can help!  Our personal travel planner services are designed to turn your average holiday into the trip of a lifetime.  Click the link below to find out more.