Travelers seeking a Christmas experience this winter are looking north, as Swedish Lapland showcases its signature blend of tradition and novelty. The arrival of ICEHOTEL 36, a structure crafted each year from the Torne River’s ice and snow, marks another season of Arctic hospitality in Jukkasjärvi. This year’s hotel covers 2,800 square metres and includes 12 art suites, each with a unique theme designed by artists from around the world. Guests find themselves surrounded by installations such as a full-scale grand piano carved from ice, along with suites named “Soap Bubbles,” “Spaghettification,” and “Parliament of Owls.”
Construction began in March, with 33 artists from 12 countries shaping the hotel’s frozen walls and ceilings. Luca Roncoroni, the Creative Director, credited the team’s “hard work and a positive spirit” for delivering the ambitious project on schedule. At ICEHOTEL, guests sleep on beds covered in reindeer hides, using thermal sleeping bags to ward off the sub-zero temperatures. Heated facilities provide bathrooms and communal spaces nearby. The hotel’s restaurant serves a four-course menu, with reindeer, sea buckthorn, and cloudberry among local ingredients, and some dishes arrive on blocks of ice. The property also offers dog sled rides, snowmobile tours for Northern Lights viewing, and sauna rituals, appealing to visitors who want more than a place to sleep. The hotel will gradually melt back into the river once spring arrives, continuing a cycle that brings guests from around the globe each year. For a closer look at ICEHOTEL 36, see Travel Tomorrow.
Day Trips and Santa Encounters in Finnish Lapland
Christmas travel to Lapland now includes short, intense day trips designed for families and fans of the season. Packages from the UK and other parts of Europe bring visitors on early morning flights to Rovaniemi, Finland, where the full program can include meeting Santa Claus, riding reindeer-drawn sleighs, and exploring snowy villages. One traveler recounted an itinerary beginning with a pre-dawn check-in at Inverness Airport, followed by a flight packed with holiday quizzes, coloring books for children, and treats like hot chocolate and muffins. Upon landing, groups are guided to Santa Claus Village, where children meet Santa, receive a gift, and—if they wish—have a photo taken for a fee of 40 euros.
After meeting Santa, visitors enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, shopping for themed souvenirs, and sampling local hot chocolate. Lunch features options such as salmon, chicken, and salads, and time is set aside for independent exploration of the village. Many highlight the Snowman World area, with its ice sculptures, bar, and snow slides, all under the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Guests often describe the experience as childlike, energetic, and packed with activities, but with enough breaks to keep from feeling rushed. On the return flight, children receive certificates confirming their meeting with Santa and a spot on the “nice list.” Full details and personal accounts can be found at the Ross-shire Journal.
Rising Demand for Arctic Holidays
This year’s holiday season has brought a sharp rise in airline capacity to Lapland’s main airports. Carriers have increased the number of direct flights from the UK and other European countries to meet demand. Reports indicate that more families are choosing these winter experiences, spurred by interest in activities like dog sledding, snowmobile rides, and Northern Lights viewing. Some travelers, such as a woman from Nottingham, have even completed single-day visits, flying to Lapland, enjoying a full day of excursions, and returning home the same night for tea in bed.
The region’s appeal rests on its combination of natural beauty, practical accessibility, and traditions like the ICEHOTEL and Santa Claus Village. As more visitors seek ways to mark the holiday with unique experiences, Lapland’s blend of artistry, adventure, and hospitality appears set to draw even larger crowds next year.
The surge in holiday traffic suggests that Lapland will remain a key destination for Christmas travelers, offering a rare mix of Arctic wonder and comfort. With new attractions and continued interest from both families and adventurers, the region looks poised to build on its growing reputation for memorable winter holidays.
