Forget summer sun or autumn leaves – there’s no denying that Christmas is, without doubt, the most wonderful time of the year.

Whether you have little ones hoping to meet Santa for the first time, or fancy a reindeer encounter of your own, where better to head than Lapland for the ultimate festive fix in the ultimate Christmas destination?

Spanning parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway, this Arctic region offers husky, sleigh and snowmobile rides, snowshoeing and even – if you’re lucky – the chance to spend a night beneath the Northern Lights.

But given the high demand – and sometimes hefty prices – it helps to know a thing or two about how to get the most out of it, including when to go, where to stay and how to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. 

We’ve spoken to Lapland aficionados to get the inside track on this magical destination, so you and your family can have a trip to remember...

BOOK NOW FOR NEXT YEAR 

It might feel as though Christmas gets earlier every year, but according to Melvin Westlake, at Ingham Lapland & Santa’s Lapland, you can never be too early to secure your seats on the sleigh.

‘To ensure the best choice of dates and departures, book ahead,’ he advises. ‘Holidays for 2027 are now on sale, so we recommend booking early.’

Indeed, for anyone really wanting to get ahead of the curve, you can book your 2027 Lapland trip now and save up to £1,335.

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY

There is still time, though, to make Lapland dreams a reality this year.

Mr Westlake advises booking before Christmas begins. ‘Our early season dates are often a little cheaper, with our first departures leaving on the last weekend in November,’ he says.

Alex Dyer, of Lapland Famille, says demand peaks in mid-December – especially at weekends. ‘Late November and the first week or so of December tend to be better value, and you still get the full experience,’ he explains.

What’s more, the days are longer earlier in the season: in early December, Rovaniemi in Finland sees about three hours of daylight, while by Christmas Day it’s closer to only two.

Whenever you go, Mr Dyer advises planning your trip around the light.

‘The main activity is best done in the late morning or around midday,’ he says. ‘After that, families can come inside for something warm to eat before the evening.’

LOCATION IS KEY

There are lots of Lapland resorts, with accommodation ranging from cosy wilderness cabins to luxurious spa retreats.

If you’re travelling with children, check transfer times first. ‘A long coach ride after an early flight is hard going with small children,’ says Mr Dyer.

‘Some resorts are about an hour from the airport and others are nearer three.’

FIND THE RIGHT PRICE

It’s important to establish your wishlist for the trip ahead of time. Will you want to meet Santa and his elves and stay in Santa Claus Village – or are you looking for a more flexible, DIY-style break with a few extra activities?

For parents or couples wanting everything taken care of ahead of time, Mr Westlake recommends booking with Santa’s Lapland – where packages to Saariselka include return flights, transfers and accommodation – as well as the Christmassy trimmings, from sled rides to crazy reindeer golf.

For those after something more flexible, Inghams Lapland Santa Breaks may be a better fit. Inghams also offers free child places on specific dates – saving parents up to £1,279 on trips this year.

Mr Dyer also advises making sure that you’re comparing full prices, not ‘headline’ prices, when you book. ‘Two trips can look similar until you add everything up,’ he warns – so it’s worth checking what’s included in your package.

WHAT IF THERE'S NO SNOW? 

It's highly likely that there will be at least some snowfall during a winter trip to Lapland, particularly if you head to more northern locations, such as Saariselka or Levi – or choose to travel later in the season, from January to March.

However, there are steps you can take in advance to ensure your Christmas trip isn't a total washout should the weather turn against you.

For example, booking with major tour operators, such as Tui, could mean you're entitled to receive a partial or even full refund or free rebooking should the holiday get cancelled due to a lack of snow.

Alternatively, there are plenty of non-snow-dependent activities to enjoy should snow refuse to fall, such as trying out the Arctic Glass Igloos, visiting the Arktikum Museum or using summer sleds for reindeer rides.

LAPLAND COMES TO THE UK

For those not wanting to head abroad, there’s still time to get your Christmas fix in Britain.

LaplandUK at Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire, and Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, is an immersive experience that tells the story of Father Christmas and his elves.

Children can visit a toy factory, go ice skating and meet the great man himself. There is enough to entertain them for four and a half hours.

The season opens on November 7 and finishes on Christmas Eve. Tickets are available now, with prices starting from £60 (laplanduk.co.uk).