Santa Will See You Now

Santa Claus isn’t just coming to town, he’s IN town all year-round in Finland. Santa’s official office is open every single day and invites children and adults alike to come and have a chat with Father Christmas himself.

After giving Santa a list of your most-wanted gifts, you’re free to explore the rest of Finland by visiting its 41 national parks. “Everyman’s rights,” allow anybody to visit these national parks and go anywhere they please as long as they respect nature and leave no trace. Ready to pack your bags yet?

Don’t leave the country without paying a visit to one of its lighthouse islands. Finland’s lighthouses are stunning, and though many are fully automated, they are not abandoned. People of all ages will be fascinated by these secluded gems dotting the country’s vast archipelago.

A Winter Odyssey

Norway is the Nordic country where you can slow down and really indulge, especially if you want to have a cozy winter adventure. There’s nothing like seeing the Northern Lights together as a family. Tours in Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” feature expert guides regaling visitors with the science and folklore behind this wondrous phenomenon. Bond with your loved ones like never before while enjoying a campfire, hot chocolate, and storytelling.

One of the best ways to create unforgettable memories in Norway is by spending time with Indigenous Sámi communities, who will teach you about their culture in lavvu tent gatherings that include Sámi-inspired foods, traditional handicrafts, and stories about reindeer herding. Before you leave, go on a dogsledding safari in Alta so you can meet adorably playful husky dogs, learn how to harness them, and ride them through the snow.

Biking & Hiking

In Sweden, you’ll find all the family-friendly nature adventures your heart desires. Go high-speed cycling, ride a zipline, take a scenic hike, and visit farms to meet with cute, furry friends. The country boasts cycling routes galore, and many ski resorts transform into action-packed bike parks during the warmer seasons.

Hiking is also accessible in Sweden’s many national parks and nature reserves, where you can find trails that meet your family’s pace and interests. Up for a challenge? The Swedish Tourist Association offers free summer introductions to hiking mountain trails, including teaching basic mountain safety, how to cook outdoors, and how to use a map and compass. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to the great outdoors while also teaching them to stay safe and respect nature.

Where Fairytales Come Alive

Of all the Nordic countries, Denmark may be the most fantastic, especially for children and the young-at-heart. Highlights include the original LEGOLAND^® and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum—two places where childhood dreams are realized. LEGOLAND^® Castle Hotel and LEGO^® House in the city of Billund invite families to immerse themselves in everything LEGO^® by enjoying magical accommodations and interactive exhibitions and LEGO^® models.

Classic fairytales like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina come alive in Odense, the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen. Here, the H.C. Andersen’s House, designed by Japanese architects, is filled to the brim with immersive experiences that invite you to step into these iconic stories. A visit to Ville Vau, a playful world designed just for kids, is a must! In this creative space, children are able to dress up and explore fairytale settings as if they are a fairytale character themselves.