When Christmas lights illuminate snow-cloaked rooftops and the air brims with the aroma of mulled wine, it is not just that Santa Claus comes from Finland, there is much more to a traditional Finnish Christmas. To attract Indian visitors during this enchanting period, Finland’s flag carrier Finnair has launched a special campaign.

Finland in winter is no less than a wonderland thanks to its enchanting landscapes, festive traditions and warm hospitality. 

During the festive season, Finns like to take things slow and enjoy the company of loved ones, with a side of mulled wine and sauna. White landscapes shrouded in darkness, lit only by stars in the sky and ice lanterns on driveways, set the mood for a cosy festive season. 

Food also plays a central part in Finland’s Christmas celebrations. Pork roast is the main dish in most households which is served with a variety of fish, casseroles and salads. The traditional Christmas Eve breakfast is rice pudding. Later, after a couple Christmas ales, carols are sung with gusto. At the end of the night, a warm Christmas sauna relaxes one’s body and soul.

On the occasion of Finnair’s 100th year anniversary, the flag carrier of the Nordic country has introduced a cabin upgrade in Business class and Premium Economy on its Airbus A330 flight between New Delhi-Helsinki. According to a press statement, the reintroduction of direct flights from Delhi to Helsinki has further strengthened Finland as the ideal destination for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Here’s are the nature experiences, well-being and snow adventures in Lapland to explore in Finland.

Ivalo

Ivalo is the travel centre of Northern Lapland. It has the most northern airport in the European Union as well as great services such as hotels and restaurants. Ivalo is known for its truly unique nature including river Ivalo, lakes Inari, Hammasjärvi and the wilderness of Hammastunturi. The location draws in a diversity of people, from hikers to canoers, gold panners to snow scooter addicts.

Winter sports lovers tend to head directly to Saariselkä, a ski resort spreading over two hilltops. The resort hosts 15 slopes of different levels, a very good ski school and even the longest sled hill in Finland. According to the statement, travellers seeking a balanced sports with a bit of culture must visit the Inari village. A traditional Sami church as well as the Sami museum and nature centre Siida showcase both Sami culture and the Arctic nature.

Tip: Inari and Saariselkä are located on a belt where Aurora Borealis are plentiful. On a clear night the chances to see this wonder are very good. To enjoy the colours from the comfort of one’s own bed, visitors can also consider renting a glass igloo for a night or two. 

Kittilä

The great slopes of Ylläs or Levi tend to be the most cherished attractions in Kittilä, says the statement. One of the biggest ski resorts, Levi offers an excellent set up for both downhill and cross-country skiing as well as many more activities such as sledding, reindeer rides and husky safaris to saunas and spa treatments.

Ylläs on the other hand holds first place when it comes to altitudes and slope lengths, making it a good choice for experienced skiers. The area also offers several off-piste slopes for freeriding and a ski school to take a class in something new such as telemark. 

Rovaniemi

The capital of Lapland and hometown of Santa Claus offers the most urban experiences of all the destinations in northern Finland. It has much to offer, from the architecture of the Finnish giant Alvar Aalto around the city to the science centre and museum Arktikum, culture in Korundi or local dishes in many of the high-quality restaurants. The city of Rovaniemi has three stunning nature trails, in Koivusaari, Korkalovaara and Ounasvaara. Nature lovers are also attracted to the giant’s kettles at Sukulanrakka, with three of them impressive in size and depth.

Skiing is also a popular activity. Ounasvaara Ski Resort has several slopes and a wide network of cross-country trails. Rovaniemi is surrounded by water, which has made it a mecca for winter swimming.