Save £400 This Christmas: Scenic Train to Lapland

Picture this: snow-kissed chalets, the mesmerizing Northern Lights, and perhaps a moment spent with Santa Claus himself. If there’s a place that embodies the magic of Christmas, it’s undoubtedly Lapland.

Every winter, families and friends alike are drawn to this enchanting corner of the Arctic Circle, which spans Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia, in search of a little bit of that elusive holiday spirit.

Between November 2024 and March 2025, Rovaniemi—celebrated as the official hometown of Santa Claus—welcomed 1.1 million overnight visitors, marking a notable 20% increase from the previous year.

However, it’s well known that a winter escape to this festive wonderland can strain the wallet, especially during a season when expenses tend to rise.

But don’t fret; there are savvy ways to trim the costs if you know where to look.

What’s the Cost of a Christmas Trip to Lapland?

While Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is open year-round, it truly comes alive in the heart of December.

In mid-December, staying at the Aurora Suite inside the Nova Skyland Accommodations—one of the last available options—will set you back £1,120 for a night. For a mere two-night stay, that’s a tidy sum of £2,240.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to gather your friends or family, an entire villa at Santa’s Luxury accommodations can be yours for £23,980 per night, accommodating up to 11 guests. Fancy a private chef during your stay? That’ll be an additional £262 each morning.

And if you want to make memories with Santa, expect to pay £778 for a personal 30-minute visit from the man himself.

For families considering travel from London to Rovaniemi, round-trip flights for a family of four on Norwegian Air Sweden, departing December 15 and returning December 17, will cost £678. Just bear in mind these flights arrive late in the evening and leave early in the morning.

In total, even the most economical option for flights and accommodation will run around £2,918 for a family of four, translating to £729.50 per person. That figure, of course, doesn’t include the many extras—think husky rides, reindeer sledding, dining, and transport around Rovaniemi.

Making Lapland More Accessible

But don’t despair; the wonders of Lapland need not be a distant dream.

There are genuine ways to enjoy this magical experience without breaking the bank.

To start off on the right foot, know this: entry to Santa Claus Village is absolutely free. You can explore the charming streets, step inside Santa’s home, and even meet him, all without spending a penny.

When it comes to saving on travel and accommodation, a few strategic choices can make an impact.

Rather than flying straight to Rovaniemi, consider a stop in Helsinki. Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to significant airfare reductions; for example, flying just a week earlier often results in much lower ticket prices.

For instance, round-trip flights from London to Helsinki on December 9–11 for two adults and two children with Ryanair will cost you £202.60. By contrast, those same flights a week later, departing December 15 and returning December 17, would total £375.24 for the same family size, and costs can skyrocket to around £1,147 as Christmas approaches, according to SkyScanner.

Once you reach Helsinki, hop aboard the Santa Express—a delightful double-decker train that meanders north towards Lapland. While it may not drop you directly at Santa’s doorstep, the 12-hour journey offers breathtaking views of the Finnish landscape, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Train fare is quite reasonable, with return tickets on the Finnish National Rail starting at £27.60 for adults and £16.70 for children when booked directly through their site. This route can save you over £400 compared to direct flights into Rovaniemi.

Now, let’s discuss lodging. Choosing accommodations outside the village can not only enhance your adventure but also save considerable amounts. Entire apartments located just 15 to 20 minutes from Santa Claus Village are available on platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb, often at a fraction of the cost of on-site stays.

For instance, one such apartment, available for around £600 for a two-night stay, comes complete with a sauna and sweeping views of the picturesque landscape. Reviewers have praised its “ideal” location.

What Savings Can You Expect?

When factoring in the cost of flying directly into the heart of Lapland and staying on-site, a family of four could spend approximately £2,918 for two nights.

By adjusting your travel plans—considering earlier dates, taking the scenic train from Helsinki, and opting for accommodations just outside the village—the financial outlook changes dramatically.

With these alternatives, your travel expenses may drop to as low as £358.60, and lodging can be secured for around £591, bringing the total for a two-night stay to a remarkable £949.60.

This means a savings close to £2,000—exactly £1,968.40—without sacrificing the magic of your North Pole visit.

All prices are accurate as of 2 PM on Monday, October 6, 2025.

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