Planning a winter trip to Lapland is unbelievably exciting – but knowing what to pack can feel a bit overwhelming. With temperatures ranging from crisp winter days to -30°C cold snaps, the right layers make all the difference.
This checklist keeps things simple, clear, and family-friendly, with everything UK travellers need for staying warm, cosy, and comfortable from November to March.
Tick things off as you go, pack smart (not bulky!), and you’ll be all set for reindeer rides, Northern Lights spotting, and the most magical winter holiday imaginable.
Contents
- Clothing: Base Layers to Outerwear
- Accessories & Cold-Weather Extras
- Everyday Clothing & Evening Wear
- Tech & Cameras
- Toiletries & Health
- UK-Specific Tips
Lapland can be anywhere from 0°C to -30°C, with windchill on husky and snowmobile tours making it feel even colder. The key is layering, moisture-wicking materials, and avoiding cotton.
If you don’t have winter/ski clothes, you can hire gear when you arrive in Lapland. If you prefer to buy your own, Aldi and WhoSki.com sell lower priced items.
You don’t need to over-pack – you can wear these clothes more than once.
The key is to allow warm air to circulate between the layers – so make sure clothing is loose and not cutting off circulation. Buy good quality gloves and socks.
✨ Download your free Lapland Planning & Packing Checklist here!
Clothing: Base Layers to Outerwear
BASE LAYERS (Essential for Everyone)
Avoid cotton. Go for wool or thermal synthetics.
- Thermal long-sleeve tops (merino if budget allows)
- Thermal leggings / long johns
- Ski socks (2-3 pairs, merino if possible)
- Warm pyjamas (cabins can be warm, but good for quick dashes outside to see the Northern Lights)
Kids:
- Extra base layers (kids feel the cold more quickly)
- Fleece onesies for layering or cabin evenings
MIDDLE LAYERS (Insulation)
- Fleece jumper or hoodie
- Lightweight down or padded jacket
- Fleece-lined trousers
- Wool jumper (optional but cosy)
Kids:
- Warm fleeces x2 (you’ll rotate constantly)
- Extra joggers/fleece trousers
OUTER LAYERS (Windproof + Waterproof)
Many tours (husky, reindeer, snowmobiles) provide thermal snowsuits and boots – but you still need your own outerwear for everyday use.
- Ski jacket (waterproof, windproof)
- Ski trousers/salopettes
- Snow boots (good grip for icy paths)
- Ice grippers (optional but paths can be very slippy)
- Thermal gloves (2 pairs)
- Waterproof over-mitts
- Warm hat that covers ears
- Neck warmer/buff (better than scarves)
Kids:
- Waterproof mittens on clips
- Ski trousers with braces
- Balaclava or thermal hood
Accessories & Cold-Weather Extras
- Hand warmers & toe warmers (lifesavers on tours)
- Sunglasses (snow glare is strong even in winter)
- Head torch (super handy in polar nights)
- Thermos flask (keep drinks warm on walks/sledging)
- Backpack with waterproof cover
- Lip balm (highly needed!)
- Moisturiser (cold, dry air is brutal – Vaseline works well)
- Tissues (runny noses happen all day in the cold)
Kids:
- Snacks that won’t freeze solid (e.g. cereal bars)
- Small sled (you can buy bum boards on Amazon really cheap and they are small enough to pack in a suitcase)
- Mini hand warmers for pockets
Everyday Clothing & Evening Wear
Although you’ll spend most of your time wrapped up in thermals and snow gear, you will want some normal clothes for evenings in your cabin, hotel dinners, or wandering around Santa Village.
For Adults & Kids
- Swimsuit / swimming trunks (almost every cabin or hotel has a sauna – it’s a big part of Finnish culture!)
- Flip-flops or slip-on sandals (for walking to and from the sauna)
- Quick-dry towel (if your accommodation doesn’t provide them)
- Small backpack for carrying your water bottle and snacks
- Jeans or casual trousers (ideal for evenings or indoor activities)
- Cosy jumpers / knitwear (perfect for restaurants, Northern Lights watching from indoors, or cabin evenings)
- T-shirts or long-sleeve tops (for layering indoors)
- Warm slippers or thick socks (cabin floors can be chilly even with heating)
- Comfy loungewear or joggers (great for relaxing after a cold day outside)
- Casual boots or trainers (for indoor venues or short walks when you don’t need full snow boots)
Notes for UK Travellers
- Indoor spaces in Finland are well heated. You’ll often strip down to a single layer, so comfortable indoor clothes are just as important as outdoor gear.
- Restaurants, hotels and Santa Village are very relaxed – smart clothes aren’t needed unless you choose to dress up.
- Jeans aren’t great for outdoor use in extreme cold, but they’re perfect for evenings inside.
Tech & Cameras
- Power bank (batteries die fast in the cold)
- Phone strap (fiddly gloves + dropping risk!)
- Camera lens wipes (condensation is a pain)
- Universal plug adapter (Finland uses Type C/E/F plugs)
Toiletries & Health
- High-factor suncream (yes, for snow glare days!)
- Cold-weather face cream / barrier cream
- Any medication + extras
- Mini first aid kit
- Travel sickness tablets (useful for kids on safaris)
UK-Specific Tips
- Buy thermal layers in advance (Aldi, Mountain Warehouse, Decathlon, Uniqlo are good value)
- Don’t rely on UK waterproofs alone – Lapland needs proper insulation
- Think about how you will carry your snowsuits if you hire them (they’re bulky and damp on the way back).
- Electricals: same voltage as the UK (230V), but different plugs
✨ Download your free Lapland Planning & Winter Packing Checklist here!
Above all, don’t panic. Everything you need can be bought from the many shops and supermarkets in Lapland so if you do forget something – you’ll be able to purchase it when you arrive.
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