Rovaniemi Tours

Celebrate the festive season with Christmas sledding in Lapland

Feel the magic of Christmas in Lapland as huskies dash through snowy forests, reindeer pull sleighs past frozen lakes, and the air sparkles with holiday cheer. These festive sledding experiences bring the Arctic winter to life, blending thrilling rides, cultural traditions, and encounters with Santa Claus himself. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, every ride captures the wonder of a true Lapland Christmas.

Why Lapland is the ultimate Christmas destination

Santa Claus with reindeer in snowy Rovaniemi forest.
Snow-covered Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland with a large snowman and Christmas tree.
Snowy river landscape with bare trees in Finnish Lapland.
Northern Lights over snowy Rovaniemi landscape with illuminated tent during guided tour.
Snowy river landscape with bare trees in Finnish Lapland.
Campfire gathering under Northern Lights in snowy Rovaniemi forest, Finland with warm beverages.
1/6

Meet Santa Claus in his hometown

Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, where you can cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa in person, and receive a personalized certificate, making it a magical experience for children and adults alike.

Festive Santa Claus Village

Explore holiday-themed shops, Christmas displays, and traditional Lappish décor in Santa Claus Village, where the festive atmosphere makes every visit feel like stepping into a real winter wonderland.

Husky & reindeer adventures

Experience the magic of Christmas with husky sledding and reindeer sleigh rides, gliding through snow-covered forests while learning about Sámi traditions and Arctic sledding culture.

Northern Lights under the holiday sky

Lapland’s long winter nights offer the perfect backdrop for Aurora Borealis chases, where the dancing lights over snow-laden landscapes create unforgettable Christmas memories.

Pristine snow landscapes

Snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and icy lakes form a postcard-perfect setting that enhances every activity, from sled rides to festive photography, creating a truly immersive holiday environment.

Festive culinary delights

Taste traditional Lappish foods such as salmon soup, berry treats, and warming drinks at farm stops or cozy lodges, offering a flavorful complement to the winter adventures.

What to expect when sledding during Christmas

Trails are draped in sparkling snow, with lights from Santa Claus Village and holiday decorations creating a whimsical atmosphere that you won’t find any other time of year. You’ll often ride past festive farm settings, where reindeer are adorned with traditional decorations and huskies wear tiny bells, adding a joyful, holiday soundtrack to the adventure. Guides will share local Lappish legends, Christmas-themed stories, and insights into Sámi holiday traditions.

Many full-day tours also include cozy stops with seasonal treats, such as warm berry juice, mulled drinks, or traditional salmon soup, giving you a chance to warm up and soak in the winter wonderland. Plus, the shorter winter days and soft twilight glow provide unparalleled opportunities for magical Christmas photos on snow-covered trails.

Types of Christmas sledding experiences

Husky sledding

Experience the thrill of sledding with energetic huskies through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Options include guided rides, where a musher drives the team, or self-driven sleds, where you take turns steering and riding.

  • Best experience: From Rovaniemi: Husky sledding experience

Reindeer sleigh rides

Glide quietly through winter landscapes on a reindeer-pulled sleigh, a traditional Arctic experience. Along the way, learn about Sámi herding practices and the cultural importance of reindeer during the festive season.

  • Best experience: Reindeer farm & sledding experience

Northern Lights tours

Some tours offer sledding after dark, combining husky or reindeer rides with Northern Lights viewing. This creates a magical experience with snow-covered trails illuminated by the Aurora, perfect for photography and festive memories.

  • Best experience: Rovaniemi: Northern Lights hunting with husky

Combo day tours

Enjoy a full-day Christmas adventure combining husky and reindeer rides, with immersive farm visits, festive storytelling, and a stop at Santa Claus Village, letting you experience multiple sledding traditions in one unforgettable Arctic journey.

  • Best experience: The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky, & reindeer sledding

Santa Claus to sleigh bells | A visual guide to Christmas in Rovaniemi

Santa with reindeer in snowy Lapland forest.
Snow-covered Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland with a large snowman and Christmas tree.
Santa with reindeer in snowy Lapland forest.

Best spots for Christmas sledding

Santa Claus Village trails

Sled through the snow-covered forests surrounding Santa Claus Village, where festive decorations and the Arctic Circle line create a magical holiday backdrop, ideal for first-time visitors seeking a classic Christmas experience.

Arctic forests & clearings

Venture into remote snow-laden forests, offering quieter, scenic routes for husky or reindeer sledding. These trails provide opportunities to spot wildlife tracks, capture pristine winter landscapes, and enjoy peaceful rides away from crowds.

Frozen lakes & river paths

Sled across frozen rivers and lakes, where the open, reflective surfaces create stunning photo opportunities and a feeling of gliding through an Arctic winter wonderland. Ideal for photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas sledding at Rovaniemi

What types of Christmas sledding experiences are available?

You can enjoy husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, combo tours with both animals, mini sledding for children, and evening sledding under the Northern Lights, depending on your chosen tour.

What makes Christmas sledding different from regular sledding tours?

Christmas sledding features festive decorations at farms, huskies with bells, reindeer adorned for the season, holiday storytelling, and stops at Santa Claus Village, creating a unique, magical winter atmosphere.

Are hotel transfers included for Christmas sledding tours?

Yes, most tours provide round-trip transfers from hotels within 12km of Rovaniemi City Center, or you can meet at the city office if staying farther away.

Can I drive the husky sled myself during Christmas tours?

Some tours allow self-driven husky sledding, letting you take turns driving and riding under the guidance of an experienced musher, while others are fully guided for a relaxed experience.

Are meals or refreshments included?

Many tours provide hot drinks, light snacks, or traditional Lappish meals like salmon soup or berry juice, often served during farm stops or cozy break areas.

How long are the Christmas sledding tours?

Tours range from 1.5 hours to full-day experiences, with longer combo tours including multiple sledding experiences, farm visits, festive storytelling, and stops at iconic sites like Santa Claus Village.

Are these sledding tours suitable for children?

Yes, many tours are family-friendly, offering short husky or reindeer rides, mini snowmobiles for children under 150cm, and safe interactive farm experiences.

More reads

Rovaniemi reindeer sledding tours

Northern Lights husky rides

Rovaniemi snowmobile sledding tours

Top Things to do in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi Tours
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX