For many families, visiting Lapland is the ultimate Christmas dream—a snowy wonderland filled with reindeer, huskies and, of course, Santa Claus himself. But with high costs for flights, accommodation and activities, a Lapland holiday isn’t always within reach. Thankfully, there are several budget-friendly alternatives where you can still experience the magic of a winter wonderland without breaking the bank. Here are the best cheaper alternatives to Lapland for an enchanting family getaway.
1. Rovaniemi, Finland (Outside of Peak Season)
Lapland’s capital, Rovaniemi, is often associated with high prices during December, but if you visit outside the peak Christmas period—late January to March—you can still enjoy all the winter magic at a fraction of the cost. Santa Claus Village is open year-round, so you can meet Santa even when it’s not December. Plus, you can experience husky sledding, snowmobile rides, and the Northern Lights for a much lower price. My family of five and I visited in March 2024 and it was still absolutely magical in Lapland during this time of year. All the activities were still open and it still snowed during our trip. Read all about our budget holiday to Lapland if you're looking for some inspiration for your own family trip.
Budget Tip: Look for flights and accommodation in early November or after the holiday rush in mid-January to find significantly reduced prices.
2. Tromsø, Norway
For those looking to experience the Northern Lights, Tromsø in Norway is a fantastic alternative to Lapland. While Norway isn’t the cheapest destination, it can be more affordable than a full Lapland trip if you book wisely. You can enjoy Arctic activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing and fjord cruises, all while soaking in stunning winter landscapes.
Budget Tip: Opt for self-catering accommodations and take advantage of budget airlines flying to Tromsø from Europe.
3. Harz Mountains, Germany
For a fairytale winter getaway on a budget, Germany’s Harz Mountains offer snow-covered forests, charming villages and a magical Christmas atmosphere. The region is home to the Brocken, Germany’s highest peak in the north, where you can take a scenic steam train ride through a winter wonderland. Wernigerode and Goslar are two picturesque towns that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a Christmas card.
Budget Tip: The Harz region is well-connected by train, and Germany’s budget-friendly winter markets offer affordable festive treats and souvenirs.
4. Zakopane, Poland
Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is Poland’s winter capital and a fantastic alternative to Lapland. It’s ideal for families seeking a snowy retreat without spending a fortune. You can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, thermal baths, and even meet Poland’s version of Santa, Święty Mikołaj. The town’s wooden houses, charming Christmas markets, and stunning mountain views make it a truly magical experience.
Budget Tip: Poland is generally cheaper than most Scandinavian destinations, and meals in traditional restaurants are both delicious and affordable.
Photo by Magnus Östberg on Unsplash
5. Dalarna, Sweden
Dalarna is often called the ‘heart of Sweden’ and is a fantastic alternative to Lapland, offering stunning winter scenery and traditional Swedish Christmas charm. The area boasts beautiful snowy landscapes, reindeer experiences and Christmas markets that are far less expensive than their Lapland counterparts.
Budget Tip: Choose a cosy cabin rental rather than a resort stay to save money while still getting that dreamy winter escape.
6. Scottish Highlands, UK
For those looking for a winter escape closer to home, the Scottish Highlands can provide a Lapland-like experience without the hefty price tag. The Cairngorms National Park offers snow-covered landscapes, reindeer encounters, and cosy log cabins perfect for a festive family retreat. You can also visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, where children can meet real-life reindeer roaming freely.
Budget Tip: If you’re based in the UK, traveling by train or car can save on flight costs, making it an affordable alternative to Lapland.
7. Transylvania, Romania
While Transylvania may be famous for Dracula, it’s also a fantastic budget-friendly winter destination. The Carpathian Mountains offer snowy landscapes, picturesque villages, and fairy-tale castles like Bran Castle, which looks particularly magical in winter. Christmas markets in Brașov and Sibiu add to the festive charm, making it a wonderful alternative to Lapland.
Budget Tip: Romania is one of the most affordable winter destinations in Europe, with low-cost flights, cheap accommodation, and reasonably priced activities.
While Lapland is undoubtedly a truly magical place, it’s not the only winter wonderland worth visiting. From Poland’s snowy mountains to Germany’s enchanted forests, there are plenty of stunning alternatives that offer an unforgettable festive experience without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re dreaming of reindeer encounters, cosy log cabins or dazzling Northern Lights, these seven cheaper alternative destinations yo Lapland prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the magic of winter.
Have you visited any of these destinations, or do you have a favourite winter getaway? Let me know in the comments below!
