Book Activities in Advance for a Lapland Holiday

If you’re dreaming of husky rides through snowy forests, taking a reindeer safari through the snow covered Lappish forests, or snowmobiling across frozen lakes, there’s one thing I would always recommend and that is: yes – you absolutely need to book your activities in advance for a Lapland holiday, especially during the peak season from December to March.

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Why advance booking is a must in Lapland

There is no doubt, Lapland is a bucket-list destination for many travellers, especially Australians seeking an unforgettable white Christmas or winter wonderland experience. However, with growing popularity comes high demand and limited availability.

Nobody wants to miss out on their once in a lifetime experience because they weren’t organised. You are paying so much to get there and be there, you want to make sure you get to do all the things that you want to do on your ultimate trip to Lapland.

Here’s why booking early matters:

Popular activities book out fast

From husky sledding to Northern Lights tours, reindeer experiences, snowmobiling and ice fishing, the most iconic Lapland activities have limited daily capacity. Many tours operate in small groups, prioritising animal welfare and safety, which means spots fill quickly.

Book through reputable providers such as:

• Bearhill Husky – known for ethical husky experiences in Rovaniemi
• Wild About Lapland – small-group Northern Lights and nature tours
• Safartica – a wide range of winter adventures in Levi and Rovaniemi

Accommodation and package deals disappear early

Many travellers want to stay in glass igloos, Aurora cabins, or family-friendly lodges. These fill up particularly fast over Christmas and New Year. Some activity providers also offer packages combining tours and accommodation, but these must be reserved months in advance.

If you’re after unique stays (that I can recommend from personal experience):

• The Aurora Pyramids in Levi
• Arctic Fox Igloos in Ranua
• Livo Arctic Cabins in Posio
• The House of Northern Senses in Ruka
  …book early to avoid missing out.

Travel logistics matter

Flights, trains (like the Santa Claus Express), and car rentals also get snapped up quickly during peak season. Booking activities early helps you plan your Lapland itinerary smoothly, avoiding last-minute stress or disappointment when something is fully booked.

Northern lights chase needs flexibility

If seeing the Aurora Borealis is a top priority, book multiple night tours in advance to increase your chances. Some companies offer flexible rescheduling if the lights don’t appear – but they don’t all. Booking early gives you more options and better odds of success.

All that said, you are most definitely taking a risk in booking ahead for the northern lights tours. My recommendation would be to stay somewhere that will give you the best opportunity to see them from your accommodation. I was so excited to literally walk out the door of my accommodation (or look through the window) at the unique stays listed above and see the lights!

When should you start booking?

For peak travel (December–March), aim to start booking 12 months in advance, particularly for:

• Christmas/New Year holidays
• Australian school holidays (especially December & January)
• February half-term holidays (common for UK/European travellers) – keep this in mind if you are planning to travel outside peak times for Australians!

For shoulder seasons (September–November or April), 3–6 months ahead is typically sufficient.

If you fly with points – get in early as there are limited flights available at that time of year!

What you can sometimes leave until you arrive

If you’re travelling off-season or staying for an extended period, you might be able to book some less popular or last-minute activities like:

• Snowshoeing
• Ice skating (even the likes of Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park get booked out)
• Spa and sauna experiences

But if there’s a must-do on your Lapland bucket list? Don’t leave it to chance!

Compare prices

Book Direct or Use Trusted Platforms

Where possible, book directly with the tour provider for better communication and sometimes added flexibility. Or use reputable platforms (who sometimes have cheaper prices) like:

• Get Your Guide
• Klook
• Viator

These platforms also allow easy cancellation in many cases, which is ideal for planning around weather-dependent activities.

Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and your dream adventure shouldn’t be spoiled by fully booked tours or unavailable accommodations. Advance booking is highly recommended. Plan ahead, lock in those bucket-list experiences and you’ll enjoy the lead up and magical trip without the stress.