Just outside Rovaniemi, the Santa Village is the “official hometown of Santa Claus,” and it’s a must-visit attraction for travelers of all ages. Meet Santa himself, peek behind-the-scenes of Santa’s workshops, shop for festive gifts, and send a postcard from Santa’s post office. The village can get incredibly busy, so it’s worth booking a tour that includes meeting Santa, as well as transfers from your hotel.

Stay in the festive mood with a visit to a traditional reindeer farm, and learn all about Lapland’s native animals. Depending on the time of year, you might get to see baby reindeer or take a reindeer-sleigh ride. Alternatively, Ranua Zoo in Rovaniemi is home to the only polar bears in Finland, as well as Arctic fox, brown bears, and lynx.

Book a night at the Snow Village in Ylläs, where you can try regional specialties such as reindeer steak, enjoy drinks at the Ice Bar, and then snuggle up in a thermal sleeping bag in a room made entirely of snow.

Whether blanketed in snow or blooming with wildflowers, the sweeping plains of Lapland provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities year-round. Ride on a husky-pulled sled or snowmobile, try your hand at ice fishing, or enjoy summer activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, or canoeing.

Learn more about Lapland’s unique history and cultural heritage with a visit to one of the region’s more unusual attractions. Perhaps take a tour of the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, the only one of its kind in Europe, located in Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Alternatively, foodies can discover Lappish traditions with a tour of a meat smokery or a local brewery.

Increase your chances of an aurora borealis sighting by booking a northern-lights safari that uses aurora-tracking technology to locate the best viewing areas. Those visiting outside the viewing period (typically from late September until March) can enjoy a hike, cycling tour, or stand-up paddleboarding excursion beneath the midnight sun instead.