The word "Christmas" brings to mind the landscapes and atmosphere of northern Europe. The white snow covering trees and houses, coloured lights twinkling, the aroma of cinnamon, cloves and mulled wine, this is one of the most joyful times of the year. Lapland is, of course, the most magical and traditionally Christmassy place imaginable, this year let Netferry take you there.  

Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and is most famous for being the home of Santa Claus! In the Scandinavian countries, the Christmas period begins at the end of November and ends on January 13th, and Merry Christmas in Finish is Hyvää Joulua, a word of Germanic origin.

Let's explore Lappish Christmas traditions:

In Lapland, December 13th is the festival of Saint Lucia, which pays homage to the Saint, martyred during the Christian persecutions of 304 AD. Across the country, there are processions of girls dressed in white dresses. One of the girls wears a crown decorated with candles and mistletoe and gives out traditional sweets. December 13th is also the shortest day of the year, or winter solstice, according to the old Julian calendar. 

Santa Claus, as already mentioned, lives in Lapland specifically on the hills around Korvatunturi. The story goes that the hill is shaped like an ear, so children's wishes from around the world can be heard. 

The Santa Claus village is located in the Finnish capital, Rovaniemi and is open all year round but around Christmas time it becomes inundated, letters and postcards come flooding in along with visits from curious little children from all over the world.

Christmas parties in workplaces are known as Pikkujoulu and give everyone a chance to let off steam and get into the festive spirit before Christmas with the family begins. Students began this tradition at the beginning of the twentieth century, and it often involves lots of drinking, today it is widely celebrated.

December 24th marks the beginning of Christmas Peace and the official festivities, which are also broadcast live on TV. During the Christmas season, the idea of Christmas Peace prohibits the use of firearms and is a time where people will visit the graves of deceased loved ones.

Finland's variety of mulled wine is called Giögi, and made with red wine and spices like cardamom and cinnamon! Sipping this Christmas drink will never fail to get you into a Christmassy mood here in Lapland. Finland's most traditional Christmas pudding is a chocolate cake with joulutorttu plum jam.

Ferries to Finland

Netferry is the ferry booking website that helps you purchase your ferry ticket to Finland with ease.

NetFerry lets you take advantage of the best ferry fares connecting the major Finnish ports with the rest of Europe. Our website can give you all the information you need, including departure and arrival times, ports and accommodation available.

NetFerry, your ferry is only a click away!