In Finnish Lapland, I finally found the white Christmas I dreamed off

Updated 5 days ago

Ever hankered for a genuine white Christmas experience? Head straight to Finnish Lapland - Finland's northernmost region, famous for its Arctic wilderness. Not only is it the spiritual home of Santa Claus, it's also one of the world's most reliable places for seeing the northern lights.

During my time in this winter wonderland, I've managed to squeeze in some ice fishing and snowshoeing, as well as an all-day snowmobile safari across frozen lakes ringed by conifer and birch trees that look like they've been wrapped in cotton wool. An adrenaline-charged sled dog ride has been promised in the days ahead and I'm very much looking forward to it.

For now though, I'm like Rudolph - red-nosed from the cold after being dragged through the snow in a sleigh at a reindeer farm that has been owned by the same family for 180 years. Wedged between the Swedish border and the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort is a living museum where reindeer husbandry has been practised for more than a century.