girl and a two huskies in winter

Family Winter Holiday in Lapland

An active family escape in Lapland with nature, outdoor adventures and shared discoveries.

6 days / 5 nights
November - April

Have an active family holiday in Lapland, where stunning nature, outdoor adventures, and shared experiences create memories for a lifetime. This trip is designed for families who want to play in the snow, explore together, and discover the magic of the Arctic in a fun and relaxed way.

Enjoy lunches by the open fire during your outdoor excursions, and in the evenings, look up at the northern sky – with a little luck, you’ll catch the Northern Lights dancing above.


What to Expect

During the week, you’ll visit an authentic reindeer farm, meet friendly huskies, and experience the warm spirit of Lapland’s people and culture. Whether you’re sliding down toboggan hills, learning winter skills at the Fun Camp, or meeting Santa himself, each day brings new adventures surrounded by the calm beauty of Arctic wilderness. Expect a week filled with laughter, fresh Arctic air and meaningful time together. Every moment, from outdoor adventures to quiet evenings by the fire, reminds you why Lapland is the perfect place to slow down and simply enjoy being together.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ivalo

Your journey begins in the heart of Lapland. Whether you arrive by bus or plane, your local guide will warmly welcome you in Ivalo and arrange your transfer to your cozy accommodation. Take a moment to settle in and breathe the crisp Arctic air – your family adventure is about to begin.

Day 2: Winter Fun Camp

Today is all about play, laughter, and discovering the joy of Arctic winter. Just ten minutes from Ivalo, our Winter Fun Camp offers a full day of snowy adventures for the whole family. Children can join guided snow games, tobogganing, and fire-making lessons, while parents have the option to take part or join our Arctic Fishing experience nearby. There’s time to roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate, and learn small but useful winter skills together. Every activity is designed to be safe, engaging, and age-appropriate – perfect for families with children of all ages.

Day 3: Reindeer Farm Visit & Aurora Camp with Open Fire Dinner

Start the day with a visit to a local reindeer farm, where you’ll learn about traditional herding life and meet these gentle Arctic animals up close. Feeding the reindeer is always a highlight for both children and adults! As evening falls, the adventure continues at Aurora Camp. Gather inside a warm Lappish kota tent, where your guides prepare dinner over an open fire. You can also choose to combine your evening with a tent sauna and ice swimming, a sleigh ride, or an aurora hunt on electric snow scooters. With a bit of luck, the Northern Lights will dance above as you enjoy the warmth of the fire and the peaceful silence of Lapland’s wilderness.

Day 4: Dog Sledding & Free Afternoon

Meet your musher and their loyal team of Arctic dogs for an unforgettable husky adventure. After a short introduction, set off into the snowy forests and open plains. Glide through the quiet wilderness, feeling the thrill of movement and the connection between dogs, sled, and snow. Afterwards, enjoy a hearty outdoor lunch by the fire – the perfect reward after an active morning. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax at your accommodation, go shopping for handcrafted souvenirs, or try optional activities like fatbiking, snowshoeing, or the silent, eco-friendly eLyly snow scooter. Our team will gladly help you plan your perfect afternoon.

Day 5: Tobogganing, Lunch & Santa Claus or Reindeer Sleigh Ride

Get ready for a morning of pure winter fun! Head out to the toboggan hills for some fast-paced excitement and laughter. Whether you prefer gentle slopes or the thrill of a steeper run, this active morning outdoors will leave everyone rosy-cheeked and full of joy. Afterwards, enjoy a warm and hearty lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose between two unforgettable Lapland experiences: Meet Santa Claus: Step into the magic of Christmas and meet Santa in person. Share stories, enjoy cookies and warm drinks, and capture the moment with a family photo. Santa, of course, never comes empty-handed… Reindeer Sleigh Ride: Glide quietly through snowy forests and open fields in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. It’s a serene and beautiful way to experience the Arctic landscape – and a favorite for all ages.

Day 6: Departure (or Optional Extension)

Enjoy a slow breakfast and the calm of your final morning in Lapland. Depending on your departure time, you might fit in one more snowy activity – skiing, snowshoeing, or a family walk through the winter forest. When it’s time to leave, we’ll organize your transfer to the airport or bus station. If you’d like to extend your trip to Rovaniemi or Kirkenes, our team will be happy to help you plan the next part of your journey.

FAQ

What ages is this holiday suitable for?

This trip is designed for families with children of all ages, with activities adapted for different age groups, from playful snow games for the youngest ones to exciting outdoor adventures for older kids and adults. However, please note that winter temperatures in Lapland can be quite cold, especially in mid-season. Families with babies or very young toddlers may want to consider whether the conditions are suitable for them.

Do we need previous experience for the activities?

Not at all. All activities are guided and suitable for beginners. Our experienced local guides will adjust the pace and level to match your family’s comfort and ability.

Can parents and children do different activities?

Yes, definitely. If separate activities for children and parents suit your family’s situation and the children’s age, we can tailor the day accordingly. For example, while the kids enjoy the Winter Fun Camp, adults can join an Arctic Fishing experience nearby. The itinerary is flexible and can be personalized to fit your family’s needs and wishes.

What kind of clothing and gear do you recommend?

We provide high-quality winter overalls, boots, and gloves for the entire stay. You’ll just need your own warm base layers and accessories like hats, scarves, and wool socks. A small tip from our guides: cotton clothing tends to feel cold and damp in winter conditions, so we recommend avoiding it and choosing technical or wool materials instead. This way you’ll stay much warmer and more comfortable outdoors.

What do I need to bring?

  • Winter clothing and gear suitable for low temperatures (overalls and boots will be provided)
  • Small backpack with your own water bottle
  • Swimsuit for optional sauna visits
  • Sunglasses, lip balm, and a headlamp

What is the cancellation policy?

  • Bookings are not refundable, all sales are final.

Please note

  • Physical Requirements: Some tours take place outdoors in cold winter conditions, so participants should be prepared for low temperatures.
  • Clothing and Gear: Warm clothing and suitable winter gear are essential. Overalls, warm boots, and gloves are provided, but we also recommend dressing in layers for comfort.
  • Temperature Limit: For safety reasons, if the forecast is colder than –25 °C or weather conditions are otherwise unsuitable, we will cancel and/or reschedule the activity. There is no additional fee if the trip is cancelled by Xwander.
  • The final itinerary will be confirmed just before your arrival. The daily programme below is a preliminary suggestion and can be adjusted and complemented according to your wishes. We can tailor your experience to suit your wishes with added options like snowmobiling, dog sledding and additional Aurora hunting adventures.
  • We reserve the right to modify the daily program during your trip depending on the weather and Northern Lights forecasts, to ensure you have the greatest possible chance to see the auroras.
  • Minimum age of the passengers is 0 years.
  • Animals or pets are allowed.
  • Public transportation is nearby.

Find full FAQ from here

×

Book with Confidence

  • Local family owned business
  • Personalized service
  • Flexible itineraries
  • Small group sizes

Price Includes

  • All listed activities, meals, and transfers to and from activities
  • Winter gear, including overalls, boots, and gloves
  • Complimentary use of snowshoes, skis, and toboggans
  • Transfers to and from Ivalo Airport or bus station
  • Accommodation tailored to your preferences – whether in a hotel, villa, cabin, or apartment

Price Excludes

  • Flights to and from Ivalo
  • Personal travel insurance (required)