In an exciting announcement just in time for the festive season, easyJet has revealed a new winter route from London Southend Airport to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus located in Finnish Lapland. This seasonal service will begin on 1 December 2025 and will run twice weekly, operating on Mondays and Fridays, throughout the Christmas period. The new route makes it easier than ever for families to experience the magic of the Arctic Circle and enjoy a Christmas getaway in the heart of Lapland.

With this addition, easyJet now boasts the largest number of routes to Lapland of any airline. The airline is offering 18 connections from seven countries, making it a top choice for those eager to experience the enchanting winter activities that the region has to offer.

Sophie Dekkers, easyJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented, “Also known as Lapland and the home of Santa Claus, we know this will be a popular choice for families looking to enjoy a magical Christmas getaway.”

Rovaniemi: The Ultimate Winter Wonderland

Rovaniemi is a destination renowned for its winter charm, with families flocking from across the globe to visit the Santa Claus Village, where magic truly comes alive. It is here that children can meet Santa Claus, send letters from the Arctic Circle, and immerse themselves in a world of winter wonder. The experience extends far beyond simply meeting Santa. Visitors can enjoy a variety of magical winter activities, including:

• Husky sledding through snow-covered forests
• Snowmobile safaris under the shimmering Northern Lights
• Reindeer sleigh rides that capture the essence of Lapland’s beauty
• Cozy log cabin stays that offer a warm retreat in the heart of nature

These experiences combine to create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that draws tourists from around the world, making Rovaniemi the ideal family holiday destination during the winter season.

easyJet’s Growing Winter Network from Southend

The addition of the Rovaniemi route is part of easyJet’s expanding winter network at London Southend Airport. This follows the recent opening of easyJet’s new base at Southend, where the airline now operates three A320neo aircraft. Over 1,200 jobs have been created across the region, and easyJet now operates 23 routes from Southend, connecting millions of travelers from Essex, East Anglia, and beyond to top European and North African destinations.

Nigel Mayes, the Business Development Director at London Southend Airport, shared his excitement, stating, “Whether you’re travelling to meet Father Christmas or chase the Northern Lights, this new connection offers families and festive travelers an unforgettable experience.”

The airport itself is growing rapidly, with a catchment area that is comparable in size to Switzerland and includes over 8 million residents within an hour’s reach. With this extensive reach, Southend is becoming one of the UK’s fastest-growing airports, and it’s positioning itself as a key gateway for travelers looking to explore some of Europe’s most scenic winter destinations.

Connecting Families with Magical Winter Experiences

The new winter route from London Southend to Rovaniemi offers families an exceptional opportunity to escape the bustle of urban life and experience the serene beauty of Lapland. It’s a chance to create cherished memories in a place where winter activities are in abundance and the Christmas spirit fills the air. Families can experience firsthand the excitement of Santa’s Village, indulge in snow-covered forest adventures, and discover the spectacular Northern Lights.

easyJet continues to serve as a reliable airline for travelers seeking to enjoy the best of Europe’s festive destinations, and this new route further solidifies their commitment to providing exceptional winter travel options.

Rovaniemi: A Destination for All Ages

While the festive offerings in Rovaniemi are undoubtedly its main attraction, the region also offers year-round experiences that make it a popular destination beyond the Christmas season. During the summer months, Rovaniemi is equally enchanting, with midnight sun, hiking, and opportunities to explore the stunning Arctic landscapes. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Lapland and take part in cultural activities such as Sami traditions, local art exhibitions, and nature tours.

However, the winter season is when Rovaniemi truly comes alive. The town’s connection to Santa Claus makes it a unique destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas while also experiencing the charm of Lapland.

The Perfect Christmas Getaway

The appeal of Rovaniemi as a Christmas destination is undeniable, and easyJet’s new route from Southend makes it easier than ever for families in London and surrounding areas to access this magical place. From Santa’s Village to reindeer rides and snowmobile safaris, there is something for everyone, making it an unforgettable destination for families seeking to celebrate Christmas in a truly magical setting.

Whether it’s for a family trip, a romantic winter getaway, or a solo adventure into the Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi offers an experience like no other. easyJet’s flights provide an affordable and convenient way for travelers to reach this winter wonderland, making it an increasingly accessible destination for anyone looking to experience Lapland and its iconic offerings.

A Look into easyJet’s Winter Expansion

easyJet’s expansion of routes to Lapland reflects the airline’s commitment to making winter travel more accessible. With 18 connections to Lapland from seven countries, easyJet is clearly a leader in facilitating winter holidays in the region. The airline’s expansion also highlights the growing demand for unique winter experiences, especially those that revolve around the festive season and winter sports.

For easyJet, the focus is on offering passengers not just a flight, but the opportunity to create lasting memories. The convenience of having multiple routes connecting major UK airports to Lapland’s top destinations, including Rovaniemi, gives travelers plenty of options for their winter holiday adventures.

As the airline continues to expand its offerings, easyJet is poised to become the go-to carrier for anyone looking to explore Lapland’s winter magic and Christmas charm. With its reputation for providing affordable, reliable service, easyJet ensures that families can experience the wonder of Lapland without breaking the bank.

Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle: A Unique Winter Experience

A trip to Rovaniemi isn’t just about meeting Santa Claus; it’s about immersing yourself in the unique environment of the Arctic Circle. Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning to relive the magic, Rovaniemi offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

During your visit, you can indulge in traditional Finnish cuisine, experience the warmth of a Finnish sauna, or embark on a reindeer safari to explore the pristine winter landscapes. And don’t forget to take a moment to send a letter to Santa Claus from the world’s northernmost post office. Every experience in Rovaniemi is designed to capture the magic of the season and bring visitors closer to the unique culture and natural beauty of Lapland.

Conclusion

The introduction of the easyJet winter route to Rovaniemi is a welcomed addition to the growing network of winter destinations accessible from the UK. As families plan their Christmas getaways, the ability to fly directly to Lapland’s Santa Claus Village offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the festive season in an authentic, magical way. From snowmobile safaris to cozy log cabin stays, Rovaniemi offers something for everyone, and easyJet’s connection ensures that this winter wonderland is within reach for many more travelers in the upcoming festive season.

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or meeting Santa Claus, the new route from London Southend to Rovaniemi is your ticket to a magical winter escape. Let easyJet be your guide to one of the most enchanting destinations on the planet this Christmas.