Early morning last week, Glasgow Airport, Scotland, was filled with families in matching ugly sweaters and fluffy red and white hats en route to snowy destinations for a winter vacation. Lapland, Finland, just above the Arctic Circle, is one of the most popular packaged vacations for families at this time of year. It’s the kind of trip parents do once and often have to save up for — it’s by no means cheap. For the kids, it’s a chance to visit the home of Santa Claus, tour the elf’s workshop, feed the reindeer, and hand deliver their Christmas wishlist in person to the big man. Sadly, many will be disappointed this year as a major holiday provider has canceled Christmas in Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland due to a lack of a pretty important element — snow.
The Official Hometown of Santa Claus Hasn't Gotten Enough Snow, Cancelling Family Vacations
This year, the region that typically transforms into a snowy paradise is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, leaving its once-frozen landscape bare. As a result, travel companies like German vacation provider TUI have been forced to cancel trips to Lapland, leaving many devastated children in the wake.
Photo: Roman Babakin/Shutterstock
Lapland’s outdoor activities mostly revolve around snow. Husky sled rides, scooting off on a Ski-doo, sleeping in an igloo, crisp reindeer safaris, and a visit to Santa Claus Village lose their charm when you’re trudging through rain and mud.
Experts point out that climate change has led to warmer temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, making it increasingly difficult for Lapland to maintain its snowy reputation. This year, the region experienced its warmest summer on record, and the mild conditions have persisted into the winter months. As a result, the snow that typically blankets the landscape has been scarce, leaving behind a stark and barren scene. Usually, the region would see around 20-30cm of snow on the ground last month, but there were only isolated thin patches.
TUI’s decision to cancel trips to Lapland directly results from these changing conditions. The company recognized that many of the activities that make Lapland so special would be impossible to offer without snow. I’d hire a snow machine before letting down children at Christmas, but the company remarks it was necessary to ensure guests could have a truly magical experience.
For travelers whose trips were canceled, TUI has offered several options. The first is to reschedule the trip to a future date, including the following winter season, at no additional cost. Families have also been given the option to rebook a different holiday with a 10 percent discount or receive a full refund.
The impact of climate change on Lapland extends beyond the tourism industry. Indigenous communities that rely on the region’s natural resources, such as reindeer herders, face challenges. The lack of snow makes it difficult for reindeer to find food, as they rely on lichen buried beneath the snow. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the future of Lapland’s winter wonderland is uncertain. 