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What to wear in Lapland

How to keep cosy

What Do You Wear in Lapland?

What should I wear on my Lapland holiday? Layers! Lots of them. 

Santa’s home is tucked away, deep within the Lapland Arctic Circle. Winters here are very cold, so you’ll need to wrap up! Think lots of warm layers, sensible shoes, and cosy hats and gloves.

Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with all the outerwear you need for the arctic weather. We will ensure you’re warm, comfortable, and ready to take on the magic of Lapland.

 

You will be provided with...

A thermal suit

This is an overall to put on top of base layers that has been specially designed for the cold weather. Please note that thermal suits for children under 2 years aren’t always available so we recommend you bring one with you.

Thermal outdoor boots

These are waterproof shoes that have a special thermal layer to keep you warm. They have been designed to keep you both warm and comfortable! The boots need to be at least one size bigger than your actual shoe size. This is so you can wear two layers of socks - we have to keep those feet toasty!

A pair of woolen socks

This thick woolen material will keep your feet warm and comfy inside your thermal boots. Warm feet are happy feet and you’ll need those for your Lapland activities.

Thermal mittens

No cold hands on our watch! Thermal mittens have a special thermal layer to keep your hands warm and mobile. However, you might need an extra pair of liner gloves to wear underneath. The temperatures can get very cold in Lapland, especially closer to Christmas.

Once you have collected your thermal suits and clothing, please be sure to check everything fits correctly. If anything needs to be changed, a Santa Rep will be happy to assist you.

Image happy child in Lapland

It gets very cold

In the Arctic Circle, temperatures can get as low as -30 degrees celsius in November and December so you’ll want to take advantage of the special make clothing we provide. We live by the Nordic saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

Standard ski and winter clothing is unlikely to be as effective, as temperatures can be much colder than they are in the mountains. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun and excitement of Saariselkä!

family laughing together in snow

What Clothes To Pack For Lapland

Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. 

A visit to Santa’s Lapland is a once in a lifetime adventure, so it’s essential you have everything you need to keep you warm so you can truly enjoy the magic.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a complete list of what clothes to take to Lapland when travelling November and December. Don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase for a special early Christmas present from Santa!

Lapland Packing List

Here’s what to pack for Lapland…

Thermal base layers

Long Sleeved tops and trousers. The key to keeping warm in the colder climate in Saariselkä is being able to layer up appropriately. Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing beneath your provided thermal suit. Wicking materials, fleece and wool are advised. Cotton and denim should be avoided unless only worn indoors. 

Balaclava / Buff

Especially for children, these are great for keeping the wind chill off your face - a must for those exciting activity days. 

Warm hat

The part of your body that retains heat the best is your head so a nice warm hat is a must. The crazier the design the better! With everyone wearing the same thermal suit, a stand out design is a great way to keep tabs on your little ones.

Gloves (including liners)

These almost go without saying, cold hands are no good at taking pictures! One of the first things to go cold on your body are your extremities (hands and feet) so keeping these layered up are vital. Don’t worry, you’ll only require some liners as special gloves will be provided.

Socks

As with gloves, these are going to be really important to bring with you. You will need to wear these under the provided woollen socks to ensure you go home with the same number of toes that you arrived with!

Swimwear (for the sauna)

If you plan to make the most of our indoor pool (in Santa’s Holiday Club) or many saunas, then remember to pack your swimwear! Unless you want to embrace the Finnish tradition of not wearing anything at all. 

Sensible shoes

You’ll need these for the flight journey. When you arrive, we will provide you with special thermal boots to use for the duration of your stay.

Camera

There are so many things to see and do in Lapland, you’ll want to treasure the moments forever. Make sure to bring extra batteries and keep your devices in the pockets of your thermal suits. You won’t want them kept out in the cold for long periods of time!

Evening wear

You won’t be outside all the time, so make sure you pack something nice to wear for your dinners– Christmas jumpers are a great option!

More Lapland inspiration

Discover our Santa's Lapland experiences

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Santas Magic
Experience the magic of Lapland, choose between four great hotels to set up base camp before heading off to meet Santa and his elves. Revel in a reindeer barn show, a festive Gala Dinner, and see the elves perform in a real igloo. Follow Santa's glow trail he's left behind on a snowmobile sleigh for your private meeting.
from £1399 per adult
  • sunset over the Star Arctic Hotel
Santas Aurora
With a bit of luxury sprinkled on top, stay in our magnificent Star Arctic hotel and partake in a Wilderness Dinner experience. Woosh around on a snowmobile safari and enjoy an extended husky sled ride at our exclusive activity center. Travel by reindeer sleigh and follow Santa's glow trail for your private meeting with him and his Aurora Elf.
from £1699 per adult
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