Rovaniemi

The capital of Finnish Lapland and the centre of the region's trade and commerce. Rovaniemi offers a lively city location as an alternative base for your search for Santa. Situated just inside the Arctic Circle at the confluence of Lapland's mighty Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers, the city provides a number of tourist attractions, good shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

This is also the location for the Arctic Circle Centre or Santa's Village. Situated a mere stone's throw from Rovaniemi airport it is here you find shops, cafes, restaurants, Santa's Post Office and Santa's House. The Village is popular with people of all nationalities so you do find that it gets crowded at times, especially towards Christmas. Near to the Arctic Circle Centre is Santapark, housed in a disused nuclear bunker. Santapark has a selection of rides and amusements, all with a Christmassy theme, but it is more suited to younger children.

Yllas

Whether you are looking for a quiet break or a few days packed with activity, you'll find both at Ylläs. One of Finnish Lapland's oldest and most picturesque winter resorts, Ylläs is a peaceful place, largely untainted by commercialism. Set deep within the magical landscapes of Finland's western Lapland, a land steeped in the traditions of the proud, semi-nomadic Sámi people.

Ylläs is a spectacular location from which to set out in anticipation of your magical encounter with Father Christmas. If you are fortunate you may even glimpse some natural wonders during your stay, like the fabled Northern Lights, the most spectacular light show on earth.

Saariselkä

The most northerly resort in Finland you are at the very edge of a vast wilderness of snow-clad forests and moors, extending far across the nearby border with Russia. It may be hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, but this very attractive resort's hotels and tourist facilities offer a warm hospitality that is in marked contrast to the frozen landscapes.

Among Saariselkä's attractions are a popular indoor hotel spa, tempting restaurants, and even popular weekend dance venues.

Pyhä

Sits at the edge of the Pyhätunturi National Park, a spectacularly beautiful chain of five fells which in long-gone days were considered sacred, hence the name Pyhätunturi, the 'holy hill'.

Finland's oldest and, to many, most spectacular national park fascinates visitors with its unspoilt nature and dramatic landscapes. It is against this magnificent backdrop that guests will set off to seek out Father Christmas.

Levi

Finland's favourite winter resort, offering a wide range of facilities and diversions within a compact resort area. High among the attractions is Finland's only gondola cable car, providing a spectacular climb to take in the breathtaking views at the top of the fell, whether you intend to ski down or just catch a return ride. Levi is ideal for families and couples, and offers restaurants and a nightclub within the compact resort.

Jeris

Jeris is a small Lappish frozen lakeside resort consisting of a series of traditional cabins dotted amongst the fir trees. Here too there are accommodations and lodgings at a small resort hotel. Guests staying in cabins eat in the hotel restaurant. This resort has been chosen carefully to find the right mixture of the traditional with excellent standards, yet in a wildly gorgeous wilderness setting.

Luosto

        
This is a small ski resort with beautiful log cabins all fully centrally heated with their own private saunas, shower and wc, together with romantic log fires. The resort is 14 kilometers from the main road, with the cabins dotted amongst the fir trees, some with views to the slopes adjacent to the village.

Suomu

Suomu is an ideal resort location for one night tours in search of the elusive Santa Claus. Suomu is located in the wilderness away from main roads, being a totally non commercialised setting with a small hotel lying literally at the base of a slalom ski slope plus a selection of log cabins within walking distance. There is no official category for this resort but in terms of hotel accommodation the classification would be tourist category.

Salla

A small and pretty ski resort in splendid isolation, offering a series of quality cabins and a small hotel with swimming pool which was recently renovated. Located a 2 hour drive from Rovaniemi the setting is peaceful and tranquil whilst the resort offers the creature comforts that one might expect. There are cross country tracts at your very door and a beautiful slalom ski slope running into the very centre of activities.

Olos

Some 60 minutes from Kittila Airport in the direction of Muonio, lies the ski resort of Olos, truly another hidden Lappish gem. There are, but only a few places in Lapland where one can imagine the location to be the home of Santa Claus and it no wonder why Santa has chosen Olos as one of his special homes in Lapland. The setting is peaceful and tranquil and yet it provides all the creature comforts one may require. Here one finds cross country tracts at your very door and slalom ski slopes running into the centre of activities.

Kilpisjarvi

A splendidly isolated resort close to the Norwegian border. Here you are generally above the tree line and the scenery tends to be wilder with more brush than trees. Certainly an ideal location as magical as you can imagine.

Do not expect any commercialisation here, just the warmth of the Lappish people whose aim is to ensure that you have a most enjoyable visit.

The accommodation consists of quality cabins all offering private shower sauna and wc. Generally, most have a romantic log fire although naturally all are centrally heated also.

Hetta

Hetta is a small and quiet village surrounded by miles of forested snowscapes and alongside a dramatic frozen lake. The vast wilderness expanses of this region have long been traversed by the nomadic Sami tribes, the indigenous local people. Reindeer herding was the traditional way of life in this part of the world and many Sami families are still resident among the local community in Hetta.

Hetta is proud of its cultural heritage and has a small and interesting museum that depicts the Sami way of life. Other local facilities include a small drag lift for children, perfect for tobogganing, and a handful of shops and eateries.

Since the village is sleepy and uncommercialised there are no big hotels belonging to international chains that you might find in other Lapland resorts. Instead there is a good choice of attractive, family run hotels and log cabin villages.

Ounasvaara

The Sky hotel lies in a peaceful location surrounded by a tranquil pine forest, just 3km from Rovaniemi city. Magnificent views of both the city and the Kemi river valley are on offer. Nature is on your doorstep with immediate access to snow, tobogganing and ski slopes. The panoramic restaurant at Sky Hotel offers both traditional Lappish and international dishes and has been voted one of the top 19 restaurants in Finland. The roof terrace is the ideal place to see the Northern lights.

Karesuando

In one of the most far-flung corners of Lapland is Karesuando, deep inside the Arctic Circle. This is still home to the Sami people. Traditionally nomadic, many of these families still herd reindeer today.

Karesuando is a picturesque border town between Finland and Sweden, situated where the two countires meet on either side of the Muonio river. This will give you the rare opportunity to visit two countries on the short break! The town itself is in Sweden and the Davvi Hotel is on the Finnish side. There is a pretty local church the northernmost church in Scandinavia) and a handful of shops and amenities.

Karesuando is set in the midst of miles and miles of arctic wilderness and snow covered forest where reindeer roam freely. Here the land stretches for hundreds of miles towards the Norweigan Alps, offering views across arctic tundra, frozen lakes, rivers and silent forests.

Staying here at New Year will ensure that you can celebrate twice and Finland and Sweden are on two different time zones!