Mariah Carey captured the magical Christmas feeling and spirit well with her song All I Want for Christmas Is You. Since the best time of the year is finally here, there’s no better way to celebrate with family or friends than going on a vacation to a magical land.
Now is the moment to fasten your seat belt, grab a cup of coffee, and sort out a memorable trip that your children will not stop talking about for years. If you are wondering where to go this season, you have come to the right place.
Experience Finland
Tucked away in the Northern part of Europe, not far from the border of Sweden, lies a magical and dreamy destination perfect for Christmas lovers and also for Grinch people who are in need to feel the Christmas spirit. This place is Finland, a destination that offers a wide range of activities and traditional food that will allow visitors to experience the culture and make their holidays an unforgettable one.
One of the most unique experiences in Finland is to spend a night in an ice hotel or glass igloo. Imagine waking up to a snow-covered landscape while taking in the stunning view this extraordinary place can offer. Finns love Saunas, making it a must-try activity for visitors who wish to understand Finnish traditions. It’s a great way of warming up, since Finland is known to have a cold climate.
Explore Finland’s vibrant cities
While these experiences are tied to Finnish culture and seem like unforgettable experiences, Finland has more to offer beyond them, think of strolling through cities with amazing architecture or going for a walk in nature to find frozen lakes, and trails that will allow you to unwind and snap pictures to keep as memories.
Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, known for its modern coastal architecture that blends in well with natural elements like trees, lakes, and the sea. Even in the city centre, visitors will be amazed by the waterfront walks, the open-air markets and ferry rides that allow visitors to explore the islands that surround Finland.
Helsinki is a safe and easy location to visit, perfect for visitors who enjoy slow-paced discovery. Those who wish to learn more about the history and culture of Finland can head to the Museum and the Art galleries, and Historic spots such as: Suomenlinna, a sea fortress which is a world heritage site.
Turku
Turku, one of the oldest cities in Finland, is another location that will not disappoint. Visitors will be enchanted by the historical buildings and architecture that will feel like a step into ancient times, but with a twist of modernity. Visitors can go for a walk along the Aura River, and enjoy a nice cup of coffee with a special Finnish treat. During your trip, make a stop at the Turku Cathedral, Castle, as well as the historical site of Luostarinmaki. If you compare Helsinki and Turku, you may see that Finland has a rich history and culture, but each location is different and unique in its own way, which adds to the charm of this magical country.
If you are bringing your kids, then spending the day at the beach will be an ideal way of relaxing, building sand castles, or going for a swim and having a nice lunch on the beach while listening to the sweet sound of the crashing waves against the shore.
List of beaches found in Turku:
- Kanasanpuisto
- Ispoinen
- Ekvalla
Chasing the Northern Lights beyond Lapland
One of the coolest and most magical experiences you can witness in Finland is the Aurora Borealis, which lights up the sky in extraordinary colours. The best time to witness the famous Northern lights is from September to March, but since these months are peak season, book your vacation and accommodation in advance. There are different locations in Finland where witnessing the Aurora Borealis is possible, apart from Lapland, but do keep in mind that it depends on weather conditions. So, the further north you go, the better, since these places are less polluted and offer an open landscape that allows you to enjoy the spectacle.
The places are as follows:
- Rovaniemi
- Kakslauttanen
- Saariselka
- Levi
- Ivalo
Also, the further north you venture, the colder it gets, making warm layers an essential part of your packing list.
