Love it or loathe it-the most wonderful time of the year is approaching fast. At least for those whose eyes are wandering up North. Regardless of whether your plan is to disappear from the radar or to sprinkle an extra festive touch on top of your holiday plans, the Magnetic North caters for both.

Once you’ve decided to spend Christmas away from the crowds there’s only one thing left to consider: the degree of festivity you wish to encounter. Below we have summarised our favourite Christmas holidays to Scandinavia, for those counting down the days and those scheming an hyggelig hideaway.

Counting the days

Vuokatti Hills Ski Resort, Finnish Lapland

Suits who: Families with small children, families with older children, large family groups

Vuokatti falls under MNT’s Christmas tried and tested category. Last Christmas, Laura MNT Managing Director, moved Christmas celebrations to the fringes of Finnish Lapland. The location allows for a Christmas which can be as cosy or adventurous as you wish. The nearby skiing resort and local snowmobiling expedition are a great way to actively explore Finland’s winter landscapes. The cosy cabins are a lovely place to share stories and get into a festive mood. Younger children can visit Santa’s Grotto in the forest and hear about his amazing adventures during the festive season.

Kopikartano, Finnish Lapland

Suits who: Families with small children, large family groups

Santa does not have to travel far to reach the Kopikartano wilderness lodge in Finnish Lapland where the most famous white-bearded resident receives a warm welcome. Families can join Christmas celebrations by decorating the tree, baking gingerbread houses or listen to stories about Santa. Outdoor activities like a visit to a husky farm or an optional snowmobiling adventure allow time to experience the magic of Finland’s snow-covered forests and lakes.

Kakslauttanen, Finnish Lapland

Suits who: Families with small children, large family groups

Kakslauttanen is a hot spot for Christmas enthusiasts, the resort which offers both quirky glass igloos and traditional Finnish log cabins is suitable for families of all ages. From the resort, you can join a variety of activities ranging from reindeer sledding, snowmobiling or dog-sledding. On Christmas day, you’ll be treated to a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner.

Looking for an escape

Nangu, Finnish Lapland

Suits who: Hyggelig escapists

Stay in Finnish Lapland’s premier adult-only wilderness lodge. The boutique lodge a short drive from Ivalo airport takes you 1.000 miles away from the Christmas stress. Indulge in the Finnish interpretation of luxury including good food, traditional spa facilities and top-notch activities. This could take shape in an action-packed day of dog-sledding, a traditional Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot tub session overlooking the snowy winter forests.

Ice hotels, Sweden, Norway, Finland

Suits who: Hyggelig escapists

Christmas is possibly the most special time of the year in any of the ice hotels in Norway, Sweden and Finland. It’s where festive warmth meets frozen art. Each ice hotel is different, some are more family friendly, others are best suited to honeymooners and romantic couples, all offer a unique Christmas experience that is going to feel oddly traditional.

Northern Lights Ranch

Suits who: Hyggelig escapists

The adult-only luxury resort combines a traditional Finnish log cabin stay with a spectacular stargazing experience. Attached to the cabin you’ll find a glass extension where Aurora Chasers with a penchant for cosiness can snuggle up after dark. Though this holiday will transport you into a postcard winter wonderland it’ll feel like a romantic escape which can be as festive or low-key as you wish.