This children’s article, Lapland: A kids’ guide to the magical home of Santa Claus, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about geography, and discover one of the most festive places on Earth. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Where is Lapland?
Lapland is a real place, not just a fictional land filled with elves and reindeer! It covers the northern parts of four countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, and a small part of Russia.
The most famous part of Lapland is in Finland, where snowy forests stretch as far as the eye can see and the sun disappears for weeks in winter. It’s also the place that proudly calls itself the official home of Santa Claus!
A land of snow and light
For much of the year, Lapland is covered in deep snow. In the winter, temperatures can drop below –30°C, and the days are very short. But when darkness falls, the sky often comes alive with the Northern Lights, colourful ribbons of green, pink, and purple that dance across the sky.
In summer, it’s the opposite: the sun never sets for weeks, creating what’s called the Midnight Sun.
What can you do in Lapland?
Lapland is a dream for anyone who loves winter fun. You can go skiing, snowboarding, or sledding through the forests. There are husky and reindeer rides, snowmobile adventures, and even hotels made of ice!
Families from around the world visit Rovaniemi, Finland’s “Santa Claus Village”, to meet Santa himself, post letters from the Arctic Circle, and cross from one hemisphere to another. Around half a million tourists visit every year, with most arriving during the Christmas season.
Life beyond Christmas
Although Lapland is famous for Santa and snowy adventures, it’s also home to the Sámi people, the only Indigenous group in the European Union. They have lived there for thousands of years, herding reindeer and keeping their own unique languages and traditions alive.
Lapland is also important for science, as researchers study the Arctic environment, climate, and wildlife, including reindeer, Arctic foxes, and snowy owls.
Article vocabulary list
- Arctic – The cold, northernmost part of the world.
- Hemisphere – Half of the Earth (north or south of the equator).
- Indigenous – People who have lived in an area for thousands of years.
- Rovaniemi – A city in Finland, known as Santa’s official hometown.
- Northern Lights – Bright, colourful lights in the night sky caused by solar activity.
- Reindeer – A type of deer that lives in cold climates and pulls Santa’s sleigh!
- Midnight Sun – A natural event where the sun stays visible all night during summer.
- Traditions – Customs or beliefs passed down through generations.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Which countries does Lapland cover?
A) Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia
B) Iceland, Finland, and Denmark
C) Only Finland
Answer: A) Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia
2. What can visitors see in the night sky during Lapland’s winter?
A) Shooting stars
B) Northern Lights
C) Fireworks
Answer: B) Northern Lights
3. What is special about Lapland in summer?
A) It never gets dark
B) It rains every day
C) Santa goes on holiday
Answer: A) It never gets dark
4. Who are the Sámi people?
A) Tour guides in Lapland
B) Indigenous people of the Arctic region
C) Scientists studying the weather
Answer: B) Indigenous people of the Arctic region
5. How many people visit Lapland each year?
A) Around 50,000
B) Around half a million
C) Around 10 million
Answer: B) Around half a million
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
