A trip to Finnish Lapland is the stuff of travel bucket lists, especially during the winter months. Trust me, this is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been and somewhere I would want to return to time and time again.
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Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and possibly seeing the Northern Lights are all part of the appeal. And in Rovaniemi, there’s also the chance to visit the Santa Claus Village and embrace the festive side of this winter wonderland.
In terms of accommodation, there’s plenty of choice here. You can watch the glistening sky from a glass igloo or settle into a lakeside villa – often with sauna access included or the chance for an ice-cold dip.
Here we pick out some of the new places to stay that are opening across Finnish Lapland for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Santa’s Hotel Noelle, Rovaniemi
Located within the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and also recognised as the “official hometown of Santa Claus”. As well as being home to the iconic Santa Claus Village, there are also a number of Santa-inspired hotels.
In time for the winter season, the Santa’s Hotels group will unveil its newest property opening in the centre of Rovaniemi. Santa’s Hotel Noelle will feature 101 rooms, including junior suites with balconies, and a souvenir shop. It will be connected to Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus by a covered pedestrian bridge.
Halo Riverside Resort, Vikäköngäs, Rovaniemi
Mid-October is the opening date for the 39 new glass igloos at Halo Riverside Resort, located on the banks of the Vikäköngäs river. The River View and Forest View igloos sleep up to four people, and each comes with a heated panoramic glass roof, a private sauna and an outdoor hot tub.
For active travellers, there are plenty of hiking trails on the doorstep, too. Other activities include husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling and Northern Lights tours.
Aava Glass Igloos, Rovaniemi
On Ollerovaara Hill just 10 kilometres outside of Rovaniemi, new family-owned retreat Aava Glass Igloos will open on 13 November 2026 and offer views across the Arctic landscape.
Aava will feature 12 glass igloo suites for up to four guests, plus a one-bedroom suite, each with a heated panoramic glass roof and a private Finnish sauna.
There will also be real-time aurora alerts while activities include husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, ice karting and snowshoeing.
Arcora Boutique Hotel & Villas, Muonio
Boutique property Arcora will open on 14 December 2026 in Muonio, on the edge of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. It will have a range of luxury suites, sky villas and deluxe villas, two restaurants, an artisan bakery, and a champagne bar.
Wellness will also be a major focus with three saunas, a cold plunge, an outdoor hot tub, a rooftop infinity pool, and a gym available for guests to use. Adventures include Northern Lights tours, husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Kelo Sky Villas, Raattama
Boutique resort Kelo in Raattama officially opened its doors in November 2025 and this December it will bring more accommodation options with the launch of its Sky Villas.
Accommodating up to four guests, the Kelo Sky Villas are designed for couples, families, and small groups, and their floor-to-ceiling windows will offer panoramic fell views. Guests can enjoy saunas or dine at the resort’s Restaurant Jäkälä, which offers traditional Lapland-inspired dishes.
North Resort, Lake Miekojärvi
Intimate all-inclusive retreat North Resort opens on 1 December 2026 on the shores of Lake Miekojärvi. The resort’s accommodation options include 14 villas and two spacious suites, which have panoramic windows to view the wilderness of Finnish Lapland.
The suites also come with a private sauna, fireplace and jacuzzi. Full-board meals are included and guests can enjoy the spa and sauna, as well as an ice-hole dip. The resort’s own Safari House offers Northern Lights tours, snowshoeing, husky safaris and snowmobile safaris.
Octola III, Enontekiö, Finnish Lapland
Opening on 1 December, Octola III is the latest addition to the Octola Private Wilderness portfolio. It sits 500 metres above sea level on the site of a former radar station within a protected Sámi wilderness area in Finnish Lapland.
The exclusive property will accommodate just six guests, but don’t expect to make a simple booking online – access is only granted through a private invitation-only waiting list. Guests have the option of booking one suite, two suites or the entire property.
Despite its remote setting, the lodge is just a 20-minute private transfer from Enontekiö Arctic Airport.
