Where to stay in Lapland Finland

Why visit Lapland for a family friendly holiday?

If you’re dreaming of a truly magical family adventure, Lapland needs to be on your list. Whether it’s meeting Santa in his snowy hometown, chasing the Northern Lights, or simply experiencing a proper winter wonderland – Lapland is one of those trips your kids will remember forever.

It’s not just about the festive magic (though that part is incredible) – it’s also a destination packed with unique family-friendly experiences. Think husky sleigh rides, snowmobiles, reindeer farms, and cosy log cabins surrounded by snow-covered forests. It’s a place where screens get forgotten and families reconnect over hot chocolate and crackling fires.

Whether you want a full Santa-themed package holiday or you’re planning your own DIY ‘Lapland on a budget‘ escape, the resorts we’ve included in this post offer the perfect mix of comfort, activities, and value – with something for every kind of family and every budget.

Accommodation in Rovaniemi:

• Santa Claus Holiday Village – Located right in Santa Claus Village, these cosy cabins have private saunas, kitchenettes, and a festive feel. Perfect for families who want to stay close to the magic. We have a blog post on Santa Claus Village here.
• Scandic Rovaniemi City – Central hotel with spacious family rooms, a great breakfast buffet, and easy access to restaurants and shops.
• Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus – Comfortable family-friendly hotel in the city centre with great amenities and walking distance to many attractions.
• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – Stunning glass-fronted suites with forest views and the chance to see the Northern Lights from your bed. A special treat for families looking for something unique.
• Santasport Resort – A great value option with kids’ activities, a family spa area, and plenty of room to relax after busy days exploring.

Recommended Accommodation Options in Levi:

• Levi Hotel Spa – Brilliant for families with indoor/outdoor pools and play areas.

• Hotel K5 Levi – Spacious family rooms and reindeer feeding right outside!

• Break Sokos Hotel Levi – In the heart of the village with family-friendly suites.

• Design Hotel Levi – Modern and stylish with spa access and ski slopes nearby.

Accommodation in Ylläs:

• Holiday Club Ylläs – Family apartments with everything you need, plus great value.

• Lapland Hotels Saaga – Lovely slopeside location, ideal for ski-in/ski-out fun.

• Lapland Hotels Akashotelli – Cosy, authentic Finnish style with great service.

Accommodation Options in Saariselkä:

• Holiday Club Saariselkä -With a pool, spa and spacious family rooms.

• Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna – Right by the slopes and great for families.

• Santa’s Hotel Tunturi – Friendly, central and close to everything you need.

• Saariselkä Inn – Simple, budget-friendly and perfect for nature-loving families.

Accommodation Options in Luosto:

• Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi – Cosy cabins and hotel rooms, great for families.

• Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos – Unique stays with glass roofs for sky-gazing.

• Ski Inn PhyaSuites – A peaceful base with great service and beautiful views.

Where to stay in Lapland Finland – Final Thoughts

If it’s your first time visiting and you want an easy Christmas experience, Rovaniemi is the classic choice. It’s easy to reach with budget flights, you can easily access the centre from the airport, and the main attractions are close together.

For families looking for a bit more adventure, Levi is a brilliant option. It’s the biggest ski resort in Finland, so there’s loads to do – from beginner ski lessons to snowmobile safaris – plus a lovely little village with a festive feel and some fab family hotels.

If you’d prefer something quieter and more off the beaten path, Ylläs has a more authentic vibe with stunning nature all around. It’s a great choice for outdoorsy families who want to slow down, explore snowy forests, and escape the crowds.

Saariselkä is perfect if you’re after somewhere cosy and a bit smaller. It’s super family-friendly, less commercial than the bigger resorts, and there’s even a toboggan run that kids absolutely love. And with clear skies, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are pretty high too.

And then there’s Luosto – peaceful, charming and full of rustic Lapland magic. It’s a lovely choice for families who want to unwind, enjoy nature, and maybe even dig for their own crystals at the local amethyst mine.

Whichever one you choose, you’re in for a proper winter wonderland experience that your family will talk about for years to come.

Ready to get planning?

If you love the idea of planning your own trips, don’t forget you can use our DIY Trip Builder to help you put together a trip to Rovaniemi. Have a read of this in depth blog explaining how we planned Lapland on a budget.

Want expert help planning your family holidays? You can join our premium membership for £30 a year and receive:

✅ Custom DIY trips sent to you weekly
✅ Personalised help planning your holiday

Have you been to Lapland as a family? I’d love to hear about your experience! And if you’re just starting to look into it, I hope this post gives you the info and inspiration you need to start planning something truly unforgettable.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.