What to do in Finland in winter? A whole lot! Finland is famous as a winter destination, thanks to its Lapland region and its designation as the official home of Santa Claus. We highly recommend Finland as a winter destination for your family vacation. There are plenty of things to do in Finland in winter. Here are some of them:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Finland is known for its ski resorts and cross-country skiing trails. Your family can enjoy skiing down the slopes, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
- Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Finland. You can try your hand at catching fish through a hole in the ice. There are winter excursions where you can combine activities such as ice fishing and reindeer sledding.
- Snowshoeing and Hiking: Snowshoeing and hiking are relatively easy to do, which younger children and older adults can manage. You can explore the beautiful natural landscapes and see the snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.
- Snowmobiling. Drive or ride a snowmobile over frozen lakes, through forests, and over bridges and end up at a reindeer farm.
- Sledding: You can do dog sledding with huskies or reindeer sledding. You can either ask the guide to drive for you or take the reins yourself. The great thing about sledding is you combine an exhilarating ride while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.
- See the Northern Lights: Finland is a great place to see the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, which is considered one of the world’s natural wonders. You can go on a tour to see the Northern Lights or stay in a glass igloo to experience the Northern Lights from the comfort of a warm room.
- Ice Skating and Sledging: Finland is home to many ice skating rinks, so you can rent skates and glide on the ice. If you don’t skate, you can always sledge, which is sliding on a plastic sled from a ski slope.
- Go to a Sauna: The sauna is an important part of Finnish culture, so you need to experience the traditional Finnish sauna not just inside your hotel room, if there is one, but in a public sauna with locals.
- Visit Santa Claus Village: The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a popular winter destination. You and your kids can meet Santa, take a reindeer sleigh ride, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Stay at an Ice Hotel: Finland has several ice hotels, where you can spend a night in a room made entirely of ice and snow and experience the extreme cold. Or if that’s too much, just visit one, which usually has an ice bar, ice restaurant, and ice-carved exhibits.
Many of the best things to do in Finland with kids are best experienced in winter. This video summarizes the exciting and adventurous things to do in Finland in winter:
Winter is the high season in Lapland, so expect crowds in popular tourist spots like the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. The ski resorts are also busy, but they don’t feel crowded as there are a lot of activities to choose from.
The winter season in Finland is from November to March, and you can do all the winter activities we listed above. Just expect that the sun never rises inside the Arctic Circle. It’s not always dark; you get enough light around midday. But it’s always cold. Temperatures drop to single and double digits below zero, particularly in Lapland.
So, when is the best time to go to Finland in winter? Here’s a month-to-month comparison to see things to do in Finland in winter:
Things to Do in Finland in November
You get plenty of snow in Lapland but not in the south like Helsinki. November is considered the wettest month in Finland, and locals and tourists tend to avoid traveling around this time. This means you can get good deals. Late November would be a better time to travel, as this is when the official ski season kicks off. You can already enjoy winter outdoor activities while avoiding the holiday crowds.
Best for: beating the holiday crowds and grabbing good deals
Things to Do in Finland in December
This is definitely the peak season. There’s heavier snow, colder temperatures, and darker days. In fact, it’s the darkest month in Finland, particularly in the north. You can expect hordes of tourists in Lapland, especially at the Santa Claus Village. There are many things to do in Finland in winter, especially in December. Of course, December is the best month to experience Christmas magic. Meet and greet Santa. Shop at Christmas markets. Just go a bit earlier in the month, just before Finnish students go on a holiday break and before the throngs of tourists descend. December 6 is also Finland’s Independence Day. Our Finland travel with our kids was in December, two weeks before Christmas.
Best for: immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit
Things to Do in Finland in January
It’s very cold and dark in January, especially in Lapland. You can enjoy all the winter activities but with fewer crowds and generally cheaper accommodations. Of course, by this time, Christmas is over, although you can still visit Santa Claus Village. However, January is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights, when the nights are longer, and the skies are clearer.
Best for: seeing the Northern Lights
Things to Do in Finland in February
February is the coldest month in Finland and the last official month of winter. However, you get more daylight hours, making this month a popular one for skiers, particularly locals. As expected, ski resorts are very busy, and accommodations are more expensive in February. But snow conditions are best for winter sports. So expect a lot of things to do in Finland in winter.
Best for: enjoying winter sports
Things to Do in Finland in March
March is technically the start of spring in Finland, but you still get a lot of snow. Daytime is longer, so this month remains popular for skiers. It’s also the start of Lapland’s reindeer racing season. The spring equinox on March 21 is also considered the best time to view the Northern Lights. March is also a shoulder month, so you can get better deals. Another advantage of visiting Finland in March is enjoying springtime weather in the south while getting your winter fix in the north.
Best for: having the best of both worlds of winter and spring
Things to Do in Finland in April
It’s springtime for much of Finland, with the snow disappearing and the sun making a comeback. Lapland still has plenty of snow, and it’s still busy with the four-day Easter holiday. But the rest of the country spends more time on outdoor events, activities, and celebrations.
Best for: enjoying winter and spring outdoor activities
These are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Finland in winter. Give your family an unforgettable winter vacation and Christmas holiday. There’s nothing more magical for small kids (and even adults) than meeting Santa during Christmas and experiencing a true winter wonderland.
