11/12/2022
Inari, Finland
Why we go: While most tourists flock to the Lapland city of Rovaniemi come Christmas, we suggest heading even further north (like, within reach of the Arctic Ocean north) to the village of Inari. Located in the heart of the scenic Ivalo region—reachable via a 1.5-hour flight from Helsinki—Inari is a pure winter wonderland dotted with hotels and restaurants that keep things nice and cozy. It’s hard to imagine a more authentic winter holiday than one spent riding dog sleds, feeding reindeer, and chasing the Northern Lights.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: A private Northern Lights safari will have you sitting in a heated sleigh and sipping sparkling wine while waiting for the aurora to dance. (Rough life, huh?)
Stay here: Finnish Lapland is known for its glass-igloo accommodations, as well as in-house winter activities and cozy, panoramic cabins at Aurora Village. (Heated windows ensure the snow doesn’t cover your view.) Plus, daily reindeer feedings are available.