As 2020 labels itself as the year of COVID-19, Santa is making it a point to see that Christmas in Lapland is not cancelled. 

With new quarantine restrictions in Finland, fewer crowds in Sweden, and a shift to online celebrations in the UK, the festive season is likely to be celebrated with a twist.  

Finland
The government had rolled out a set of new quarantine rules for tourists last month. The rules permitted people to travel to Finland for 72 hours during Christmas, provided they carry their COVID-19 negative reports. 

Taking into consideration the need for safe travel, Lapland tourism officials and operators have opted for a &lsquoCOVID-safe travel mode&rsquo for Christmas, ensuring that people are organised in individual groups during their visit to Santa&rsquos official workshop at Lapland. Moreover, this year, Santa himself will be seated behind acrylic glass with his elves dressed in PPE and surgical masks. 

Sweden
Relatively spacious and secluded than Finland, Lapland in Sweden is ready to host socially distanced tourism activities for Christmas. 

However, with rules constantly changing in local markets, and travellers doubting their safety in long-distance travel, the situation at the Swedish Lapland is unlikely to go back to normal. 

UK
Following the latest trend of online viewing is UK&rsquos Lapland (a Santa theme park)that has been revamping its Christmas experience in regard to increasing restrictions around the country. Promoted under the name 'Santa, Live from Lapland', a tour company will offer personal video calls to families (for $111) with up to four children. An elf will show them around Santa&rsquos cabin before introducing them to the big man.