An Unforgettable Family Christmas

Keep your eyes peeled and you might just catch a glimpse of a real elf too!

Only elves know the exact location of Santa’s toy factory, but the man in red isn’t one for hiding away.

During a Finnish winter, the country is blanketed in a deep layer of snow.

If you have only ever built an elf-sized snowman, prepare to be impressed by the awesome snow castles and villages in Kemi and Lainio. However, the fun really lies in the fast ice slides that will leave children impatiently waiting for their parents to have ‘just one more go’. Keep sliding by grabbing skis, a snowboard or a sledge, and feel the icy wind on your face as you whizz down the slope time and time again. Don’t forget to build the biggest snowman of your life, so pack a large carrot for the nose.

There are few people so instantly recognisable and so loved as Santa. He carefully listens to children’s wishes and is always jolly. Come and meet him in person!

In Finnish Lapland, reindeer may roam free but they all have an owner. Many safaris offer reindeer rides and feeding.

Complete the Santa experience by taking your family on a magical sleigh ride, courtesy of Rudolph’s many reindeer cousins. As you swoosh through the snow, gaining speed, you might wonder if you really are going to take off into the night sky.

The climb to the top of the hill is worth the thrill of the journey down.

The festival of St Lucia takes place every December 13 and involves a young girl wearing a crown of candles.

In the heart of Helsinki is the famous ice-skating rink and it is open throughout the winter. Snow-covered cities in the south, such as Helsinki and Turku, offer different Christmas experiences for visitors such as winter markets that lure you in with their mouth-watering aromas.

Christmas Markets can be found in most Finnish cities and towns, each offering their own special experience. This photo is from Turku.