Our festive adventure through the shadowy, snow-blanketed forests of Rovaniemi started like a Christmas postcard, me towing a sled overloaded with a wicker basket bursting with Christmas tree decorations.

Smooth snow quickly betrayed us, turning into slippery grooves, and before I could even yell “Ho Ho Hold on,” the sled lurched. In semi‑slow-motion chaos, the basket toppled headfirst into the fresh snow, sending hundreds of baubles skittering like tiny, jingling escape artists.

Candles flickered in the darkness, highlighting the glittering mess, and I realized – welcome to a magical family Christmas in Lapland, chaos included.

Discovering Santa Claus Secret Forest Joulukka: Our Family’s Lapland Christmas Experience

I had read about Santa Claus Secret Forest Joulukka on the internet, and their programme seemed like the perfect introduction to our ultimate family Christmas. We were picked up by their shuttle bus from our hotel and driven deep into the Finnish forest near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi. Once we stepped out, there were two lovely lady elves in traditional festive attire waiting to eagerly greet us.

I will never forget that voice. It was high-pitched, cheerfully squeaky, and could probably shatter ice if needed. The girls stayed in character the entire time, even when chatting one-on-one with us adults. They were brilliant actresses, and the kids were completely convinced they had met Santa’s actual elves living right there in the Santa Claus Secret Forest. I’ll admit, I almost believed it, too, after the tenth “sparkle-twinkly” giggle.

Elf School, Gingerbread and Snow Woods

We moved out of the cold snow into a nearby wooden house (Kota) and sat around a cosy fireplace. The elves introduced themselves and told us how they had studied for 99 years to become Santa’s helpers. Ninety-nine years. I can’t even commit to a gym membership for nine months. Much to Mia’s and Caius’s delight, they gave us a speedy lesson in essential elfish skills.

First, they taught us how to peek through windows to check if children were naughty or nice (a little creepy, but festive).

Then came the lesson in tiptoeing silently. Let’s just say my tiptoeing sounded more like a reindeer on roller skates. If there were any arctic animals nearby there weren’t any more.

As we’d just arrived from our flight and hadn’t eaten, I was thrilled when the next lesson involved decorating gingerbread cookies. Trays of heart-shaped cookies appeared, along with icing and sprinkles.

The kids got creative, and I got icing in my hair. The cookies were delicious and disappeared faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Decorating Traditions of Christmas

After we polished off our cookies, it was time for a walk through the Santa Claus Secret Forest. The whimsical Santa Claus secret forest was pitch black by 4 pm, adding an extra touch of spooky magic. All I could see was a crunchy, snowy path of white with the occasional candle.

Our guides grabbed small candles, and we followed. It was eerie, like walking into a fairytale – part Little Red Riding Hood, part “hope I don’t trip and faceplant into a snowdrift.”

The kids, of course, skipped ahead, giggling and howling like miniature wolves. At the end of the path, a glowing cottage appeared – the kind you expect to contain either Santa or a witch with excellent baking skills. Luckily, it was the former. Inside was a gorgeously decorated wooden cabin with long timber tables ready for our arrival.

Our next elf lesson was how to bake a heartfelt tradition Finnish Christmas pastry called “tähtitorttu” (star pastry). It’s puff pastry filled with plum jam, shaped like a little star. Fun to make, beautiful to photograph, and impossible to stop eating. We knew this was going to make a cameo in our Christmas dinner back home.

Then came Finnish rice pudding, a traditional holiday dish. I wasn’t entirely convinced – it’s somewhere between porridge and dessert – but Mia loved it so much I didn’t have the heart to tell her it was meant to last the table. We then crafted little pinecone ornaments with cotton-wool beards and pointy red hats. They were adorable, even if mine looked more like a disgruntled gnome.

But wait – we didn’t have a Christmas tree! Not yet anyway.

The Hunt for the Perfect Christmas Tree

The pastries came out of the oven golden and glorious, and we devoured them in record time, tongues mildly scorched but spirits high.

Bundled up again, we ventured back into the Santa Claus Secret Forest to find the perfect Christmas tree. The snowy white path wound through the pine trees, lit by occasional lanterns. It felt like we’d stepped straight into Narnia – minus the talking lion and two very excited kids.

I pulled along the sled full of decorations, while the elves theatrically located our “perfect” tree. They cut it down, hoisted it onto their shoulders, and as I tried to move out of the way – you guessed it – the sled tipped. Cue Christmas Bauble Avalanche 2.0. Hundreds of Christmas ornaments tumbled into the snow like a festive snowstorm of chaos.

But these elves were professionals. Without missing a beat, they decided our new mission was to decorate this very spot. They planted the tree right there, brought out candles, and together under twinkling starlight, we turned a random patch of forest into a glowing Christmas wonderland.

Snowflakes drifted down, the candlelight shimmered on the baubles, and for one perfect moment, everything was still. It was pure Christmas magic – messy, chilly, and utterly unforgettable.

Where to Stay: Family Friendly in Rovaniemi

If you’re planning your own family Christmas in Finland, staying in Rovaniemi is the easiest way to soak up the festive spirit. We based ourselves near the city centre, where hot chocolate and gingerbread houses were always within arm’s reach, and shuttle pickups made getting to Joulukka simple.

Many hotels cater for families, offering saunas, cosy fireplaces, and windows perfect for spotting the Northern Lights (or pretending the blinking aircraft light is Rudolph).

Other Things to Do with Kids in Lapland

Beyond Santa Claus Secret Forest Joulukka, there’s no shortage of Lapland family adventures. Visit Santa Claus Village for a reindeer ride and the world’s most magical post office. Try a husky safari, snowmobiling, or ice fishing for the brave. For something calmer, watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky while the kids sip warm berry juice. And don’t miss the Arctic SnowHotel – it’s like Elsa’s castle, minus the singing.

Read more here – 8 things to do in Lapland with kids.

Pricing & Booking Notes

In 2025, the “Dream of Joulukka” Lapland experience starts from around €295 per adult and includes activities, transfers, and a whole lot of Christmas sparkle. Kids (aged 2–12) cost a bit less. It’s recommended to book in advance.

Santa’s elves are about 18 km from Rovaniemi, but it feels like a world away. Yes, it’s pricey, but you’re not just paying for cookies and crafts – you’re paying for memories that will make you smile every December for the rest of your life.

Why This Family Christmas in Lapland Worked

This trip was the perfect blend of “Lapland with kids” magic, “Christmas in Rovaniemi Finland” charm, and “Santa’s elves Rovaniemi” wonder. Between the laughter, the bauble mishaps, and the sugar highs, it was everything I’d hoped for and more. Our perfect Christmas story.

If you’re dreaming of the most enchanting, slightly chaotic, and totally heartwarming Christmas experience in Lapland – trust me – Santa Claus Secret Forest Joulukka is where the magic (and a bit of mischief) truly lives.