We recently had the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in Lapland by sleeping on a night train as it traveled through the snowy wilderness. We booked a journey on the Santa Claus Express, a holiday-themed night train that operates between Helsinki and Rovaniemi.

We had a private cabin with bunk beds, which was cozy and comfortable. We settled in for the night with warm blankets and good books, listening to the soothing sounds of the rails as the train carried us northward. We savored hot meals and warm beverages in the dining car as we watched the landscape passing. The menu featured a selection of classic Finnish dishes and festive treats like gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. There was also a lounge car on board, where we could sit back and relax with good books or chat with fellow travelers.

In the morning, we woke up refreshed and ready to explore the wonders of Lapland. The train stopped at various locations along the way, including Tampere, Oulu, and Kemijärvi. In Tampere, we had a 30-minute stop and went outside for a little walk in the train station. The fresh air was invigorating and stretching our legs after a night on the train was nice. When we arrived in Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, we were greeted by the icy beauty of the Arctic Circle and the endless possibilities of the holiday season.

But the fun didn't have to end when the train ride did. Rovaniemi is a city full of holiday cheer, with a wide range of festive activities and attractions to enjoy. We visited Santa Claus Village, where we got to meet Santa himself and see his workshop, and took a tour of the snowy landscape on a sled pulled by reindeer. We also visited the Arktikum Science Museum to learn about the history and culture of Lapland and took a dip in a thermal pool to warm up after a day of outdoor adventures.

Sleeping on a night train was a truly unique and festive way to experience the magic of Christmas in Lapland. We highly recommend booking a journey on the Santa Claus Express for anyone looking for the joy of overnight travel during the holiday season.