I bet you’d never guess that January is actually the best time to take the family to Lapland (yes, really)

Want the Lapland magic without the pre-Christmas frenzy? 

If you missed the December rush, January is your secret window: quieter villages, better availability for family activities, more affordable packages, and Santa is still very much working his rounds. 

Read on for why a January trip makes sense for busy parents and how you can still create heartfelt magical moments with Father Christmas himself.

January Beats The Crowds

…and your wallet will thank you!

After Christmas, the big surge of short-break visitors heads home, which opens up better hotel rooms, quieter restaurants and lower-price activity slots. A perfect combination for families who need a little more space (and less queuing) with toddlers in tow.

Many resorts and activity operators run full winter programmes through January, including husky rides, reindeer sleighs, snowmobiles and guided aurora chases. If you’re booking with local operators, they normally have much more availability for time slots to suit your needs, and often offer much better pricing.

You’ll also be saving money before you get there, with prices for flights and package deals typically lower after the Christmas peak.

January really is a good value month with activities still in full swing. 

Yes, You Can Still Meet Father Christmas in January. And This Is Why You Should.

One of the biggest questions parents ask is “Is Father Christmas still around after Christmas?” The great news: in Rovaniemi (the official “home” of Santa) he’s there year-round, and January visits are both possible and delightful.

In Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa every day of the year. Many of the Santa-related experiences (Santa’s Office, Main Post Office, reindeer displays) operate through January too, though some opening hours change after the New Year. For exact times it’s worth checking the official opening hours for the specific activity and year you’re booking. I can help you with that.

When meeting Santa in January, it’s often calmer than the pre-Christmas crush. This means more relaxed photos, time for a short chat, and a genuinely heartwarming moment for your child to say “thank you” in person.Santa’s Main Post Office also remains open for sending thank-you letters home with the special Santa postmark.

4 Things You Need To Consider When Planning your January Lapland Trip

January is magical but Arctic. A little planning, however, makes it effortless.

Daylight & Aurora

January days start short but lengthen through the month; you’ll still have long enough dark windows for aurora hunts, especially on guided tours that will drive you out of town to clearer skies. Of course you can never guarantee an aurora sighting, but with less people visiting, making last minute switches to other family activities will be easier. The lights will just be a glorious bonus!

Activities

Husky sleds, reindeer rides and snowmobile tours run through January, and many operators cater to families by offering short, toddler-friendly options. Be sure to book the active excursions for the warmer part of the day and check the length is suitable for your toddler’s needs. 

Clothing and Comfort

Thermals, windproof layers, warm boots and mitten systems are essentials. Many resorts rent children’s outerwear so you don’t have to travel with the entire wardrobe. 

Make sure you build in extra downtime back at the hotel (hot tub, indoor play areas, short nature walks) so the day doesn’t become all adrenaline and no naps.

There are plenty of local blogs and family guides that provide packing lists, and I’ll provide you with hotel recommendations geared towards your family’s needs.

Booking tip

January offers more flexible dates and better chances of getting back-to-back activities (e.g., morning husky ride, afternoon Santa visit) because operators don’t have the packed pre-Christmas schedule. 

If you want guaranteed slot times (especially for Santa and private sleigh rides), book early in December.

A Few Common FAQs From My Customers

Q: Will it be too cold?

A:January is cold, but daytime activity windows and proper kit (or rental outerwear) keep kids comfortable. Many family-friendly resorts have warm indoor spaces to retreat to between excursions.

Q: Is it better to go early or late January?

A: Early January still has very long nights (good for aurora chances) but later in January brings more daylight. Both work, pick what suits your child’s routine.

Q: Can we combine Santa and other activities?

A: Absolutely! Many families do a Santa visit and husky or reindeer experience on separate days so each activity gets the attention it deserves.

For us, it’s a clear winner. January delivers the same snowy wonderland as Christmas, but without the high-stress crowds and impossible booking lists.

You can still create those small, unforgettable family moments, including a relaxed visit to Father Christmas where your child can say Thank You, while enjoying better availability and often better prices.

If you’d like to take a look at some of out favourite activities in Lapland, we’ve curated a list of them here for you.

If you’d like me to plan a January Lapland trip that’s toddler-friendly, peaceful and packed with magic get in touch via the contact page here, or a message on social media with your travel dates, how many children you have and their ages, and I’ll be in touch to work on your booking.

Laura x