The many attractions of the Arctic Circle

At this time of year, tourists head towards the Arctic Circle in droves to see Father Christmas in his homeland. But while you can't really miss Santa's grotto while you're up there, there's a lot more to this icy wilderness than a man in a red suit.

The Northern Lights

They are elusive, but if you do see them the Northern Lights are spectacular. To give yourself the best chance of witnessing the aurora borealis, try sleeping in a glass igloo. The Kakslautten igloos in Finland are built from a special thermo glass, so you'll be toasty even if it's -30C outside. "All you have to do is lie back and enjoy the light show," says The Guardian. Inghams offer holidays to nearby Saariselka from £533pp, with a night in a glass igloo costing £134pp extra (020-8780 8810, www.inghams.co.uk).

Visit the Ice Hotel

Just because you're north of the Arctic Circle doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bit of luxury. The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, is rebuilt every year. While it has been much copied, the original is still the best, with cosy cabins and the Absolut Ice Bar, where the vodka is sure to warm you up even if it is served in glasses made of ice. A three-night break costs from £925 with Shenfield Travel (www.shenfield travel.co.uk, 01277-215727).

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The ultimate sleigh ride

Head to Saariselka in Finland to learn to drive your own dog sled. But be prepared: "I had assumed I would be the one sitting in the sled, wrapped up in toasty furs. How wrong I was", warns Mark Frary in The Times. Learning to command a pack of eight dogs is an exhausting but exhilarating experience. Inghams offers trips to Saariselka; a three-hour husky trip costs £80pp with Top Safaris (www.saariselka.fi/topsafaris).

Visit Father Christmas

It wouldn't really be fair to take the children to the Arctic Circle without visiting one of its numerous Santas. But it can be fun for adults, too, if you do it in style. The Sunday Times recommends spending five nights in a log cabin with a private sauna and an open fire in Finland. Activities include toboggan and reindeer rides, a trip to Santa's Post Office and a meeting with the big man himself. Five nights full-board costs £984 (including activities) with Cosmos (www.cosmoslapland.co.uk, 0871-622 4317).