Lapland with kids: what to pack

Lapland in winter is properly cold. December and January can reach minus 20 or colder, so the right layers matter more than anything else on the list. The good news is that many Santa trips supply some of the outer clothing, so the first job is to check what your package includes and pack the gaps. This list covers the layers, the small things that are easy to forget, and the practical items for a cold trip with children.

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Check these first

The things people forget most. Everything else can be bought, borrowed or worked around.

Passports and tickets
Medication, with the doses
Phone chargers and a multi-plug
Comfort toy (and a spare if you have one)
Glasses or contact lenses
Toothbrushes
Headphones
Sun cream, if it’s sunny

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Check first: what your trip provides

Operators differ. Some provide most of the outer layers, some provide none. Don’t buy anything big until you’ve checked.

Ask what your operator supplies (snowsuits, boots, gloves, hats)
Ask what sizes they stock for your children
Ask whether you still need to bring a warm coat for travel to and from the airport
Ask what the weight allowance is for your bags

Base layers (non-negotiable)

Next-to-skin layers keep you warm and dry. Choose wool or synthetic, not cotton, which holds sweat and goes cold.

Thermal tops and leggings, two sets per person
Thermal socks, one pair per day plus spares
Thin liner gloves
A thin neck tube or buff

Warm layers

Fleece or wool mid-layers
A warm hat that covers the ears, and a spare
Thick warm gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer for little hands), and a spare pair
A snood or balaclava for the face
Warm trousers or fleece-lined leggings

Outer layers and boots

If your package supplies these, bring only what you want to wear for the airport.

A warm waterproof coat, or a snowsuit that fits
Waterproof snow boots with a good grip, a size up for thick socks
Waterproof trousers or salopettes
Waterproof gloves

Small things that help

Hand and foot warmers
Lip balm and a face cream, for windy cold
A spare phone battery or power bank (batteries drain in the cold)
Sunglasses (snow glare can be strong)
Plastic bags for wet gloves and socks
A small flask for hot drinks

For the little ones

Fleece-lined all-in-one for babies and toddlers
Extra socks and a spare set of layers for the day bag
A warm carrier or pram footmuff
Snacks that don’t freeze, and a warm drink

You can usually buy these when you get there: Gloves and hats, Hand warmers, Snacks and drinks. Leave them at home to save space in your case.

Tips

Dress in layers, thinnest on the inside, and take one off if you’re hot, so you don’t sweat then freeze.
Warm up kids with a snack before going out, and dress them last, so they don’t overheat indoors.
Spare gloves are the most useful thing to bring: wet gloves ruin a day.
Keep batteries and phones inside your coat in the cold.

Common questions

How cold is Lapland in December?

Often around minus 15 to minus 25, and it can be colder. Pack warm layers and plan for wind as well as low temperatures.

Do Santa trips provide snowsuits?

Some operators supply outer layers such as snowsuits, boots and gloves. Others don’t. Check what your own package includes before you pack.

What should kids wear in Lapland?

Thermal base layers, a fleece, and a warm waterproof outer layer, with a hat, mittens and boots. Bring spare socks and gloves.

How many thermals do we need?

Two sets per person is a sensible start for a short trip. Add more if you can’t dry them overnight.

One list per person, one link for whoever helps.
Send the children’s list to a partner, nanny or grandparent. They tick things off on their phone.

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This is general guidance. Check your airline, destination and your child’s own needs before you travel. Privacy · Terms