For years, I dreamt of experiencing a white Christmas in Finland, especially visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Despite the setbacks from COVID 19, my dream finally came true, and I had the joy of sharing it with my partner Tim.

The moment we landed in Rovaniemi, greeted by sub-zero temperatures and a pristine blanket of snow, we knew we were in for a magical journey. Navigating the snowy roads with our rental car was an adventure in itself, but arriving at our lakeside cabin made it all worthwhile. Walking on the frozen lake, under the early afternoon darkness, was surreal and set the perfect tone for our trip.

Our first morning began with an exhilarating sunrise husky adventure with Bearhill Husky, mushing through the snowy Finnish wilderness. In the afternoon, we ventured to Santa Claus Village, a place brimming with festive cheer. Meeting Santa Claus himself was a highlight—a long-held dream fulfilled with laughter and joy.

The next day, we drove to Levi, stopping for hot chocolate against Finland's stunning winter backdrop. In Levi, we met our guide for a thrilling snowmobile adventure, which turned out to be an exclusive experience just for us. We explored pristine landscapes and visited a reindeer farm, learning about the reindeer’s role in Finnish culture. We enjoyed a sledge ride and hot chocolate by a crackling fire.

That night, we stayed in a glass-roof cabin at Levin Hurma, just outside Levi. Although the Northern Lights eluded us, the cabin offered a cosy retreat in the winter wonderland. We spent the evening star-gazing and enjoying the peaceful ambience. The private jacuzzi was a luxurious touch, adding to the evening’s magic. Reflecting on the day's adventures and our delightful encounters with reindeers, it was a serene end to a day filled with exploration and Finnish hospitality. We left eager to return, hopeful to witness the elusive Northern Lights on our next visit.

The next day, we drove back to Rovaniemi, stopping at a local café to try reindeer meatballs—a regional delicacy. At the railway station, we discovered another Finnish tradition, Minttu, which locals add to their hot chocolate thermos to stay warm while ice fishing.

Our return journey to Helsinki was aboard the Santa Claus Express, an overnight train filled with snacks, a sneaky red wine, and the excitement of exploring Finland's capital. In Helsinki, we explored the city and indulged in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets. Our stay at Scandic Grand Central Helsinki was marked by excellent service and hearty breakfasts, capping off our incredible journey through Finland's winter wonderland.

As we left Finland, we carried with us memories of adventure, warmth, and the enchantment of a bucket list white Christmas. While we didn’t catch the Northern Lights this time, we left with hearts full of plans to return, hoping to witness the Aurora Borealis grace the Finnish sky on our next adventure.

Are you excited to tick off your bucket list? Contact us today to begin planning your next adventure. We’ll work with you to design a customised travel itinerary that brings your dream destinations to life, blending iconic sights with personalised experiences for a journey you’ll never forget.