Lapland - Bucket List

Next up on our bucket list is Lapland, we are planning to do this once in a lifetime trip when we have children who will firstly remember it but also appreciate it. If you time it right the kids will hopefully still believe in the magic of Santa and be old enough to remember the amazing experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwFuD4_ZnE

We have a few suppliers who offer these packages but one in particular stands out as they actually specialise in these amazing breaks, making it a really easy and special experience. We can fly you from 19 different Airports across the UK directly to Finlands, Lapland's own airport. The flights are for Santa Lapland customers only and they run regularly giving you lots of flexibility.

There is then a 25 minute transfer to the Santa's Lapland resort, where you will be whisked away on your magical adventure. There are two main packages to choose from which make it super easy to plan and both include the following as standard.

The two packages offer everything you need, Magic is the standard packages and Aurora offers more included in the price, but both are available for 3 or 4 nights breaks. So which package is right for you?

Well lets have a look at the two on offer;

Santa's Magic

The classic short break, with all the standard activities and benefits included in a lively and action-packed schedule. There are cheeky, fun-loving Saari Elves on hand, to ensure that magic and laughter are part and parcel of your time in Saariselkä.

With this package you will be offered accommodation which ranges in price, you can choose from one of 4 hotels, some even have their own swimming pool facilities and a range of bars/restaurants. Or indeed Log Cabins, this is a way to experience Lapland in the most traditional way. Each cabin comes with its own dedicated helper, and extra luxuries include a Christmas tree in the lounge to set the mood, 3 course evening meals, an open fire, afternoon tea and much more.

Welcome

• Having just flown across the Arctic Circle, the team welcome you to Lapland and  Ivalo Airport. Look out for one or more of the elves, often casing mischief, but presenting a delightful photo opportunity to capture your family’s first few minutes in Santa's homeland!

• A short, comfortable 25-minute coach-ride transfers you to your chosen hotel or cabin in Saariselkä – just enough time to see if the children can spot more reindeer or maybe the little log-cabin home through the forests bordering the road.

• Time for your ‘Michelin-man’ impressions, as the helpers get you fitted with your complimentary thermal over-suits, boots, socks, gloves and hats.

• Then it’s fun-time – a chance to explore and get your bearings on arrival in winter wonderland, make snowmen, go tobogganing, or just relax in a fragrant Finnish sauna – the choice is yours!

• For hotel guests a wonderful first Lapland night dinner sets the scene for tomorrow’s excitement, whilst those in the Christmas Cabins will enjoy a home-cooked family meal!

* Toboggans are available from partner hotels and Christmas Cabins and a small deposit is usually payable locally.

Adventure Day - Extra Day

• The extra day on a 4 day break will normally be your second day, and gives you the chance to start building up the excitement, with your choice of my fantastic Optional Adventures. We recommend booking these is advance to save money.

• Try a sensational daytime Snowmobile Safari, where parents take it in turns to drive the snowmobile and children will be towed in a special sled by the guide, or the evening snowmobile option, with the popular Northern Lights Adventure. Or perhaps enjoy a few hours downhill skiing, or Saariselkä’s toboggan run. Animal lovers may prefer to go for an extra, longer Husky Sled Ride or Reindeer Sleigh Ride – always a popular option with the children.

• Families in cabins will be welcomed back to dinner by their host, whilst half board hotel guests dine in the hotels. There will be lots of stories to tell about the day’s adventures, as the excitement mounts for tomorrow’s Big Day!

Search for Santa

• The helpers will pick you up for the ultimate Christmas adventure, enjoying all the following exciting activities at some point throughout the day, all of which are included in the prices!

• Husky Sled Ride – where the children get to ride with a parent (and shout ‘mush mush!’ at every opportunity!), and grown-ups can all take a turn at actually ‘driving’ your own sled! Imagine your sled, drawn by five or six eager huskies, straining at the leash and eager to run, then released – and you’re off! Racing across the snow and through the woods is the most perfect way to experience Lapland’s winter wonderland.

• Reindeer Sleigh Ride – meet your reindeer and your local Sami guide then take a wonderful 7-10 minute ride into the picturesque woods, with the ‘swish’ of the runners across the snow, and children and parents cuddled together under blankets in the sleigh.

• Elves and Igloo Fantasia is hidden away in the woods and once there, join in the fun and games with the Elves in their Igloo Wonderland before visiting the Artistic Igloo and admiring the magnificent ice sculptures and enjoying a drink in the ice bar.*

• The Reindeer centre is full of exciting reindeer based activities. Join in the fun and play on the Crazy Reindeer Golf, Try your hand and Reindeer Lasso or feed one of the reindeer friends, and find out what surprises are in store at the Special Reindeer Barn.

• Lunch is also included, to ‘recharge your batteries’ for the afternoon. This will be a simple and warming 2-course meal, with plenty of hot berry juice, squash, tea and coffee also available.

• A host of Snow and Ice Fun Activities are provided for you to enjoy, such as ice-fishing, snow-hockey, kick-sledding (a crazy Finnish cross between a scooter and a toboggan!), tandem skiing, mini-skidoo rides for the children, and a favourite – tobogganing.

• See your children’s faces light up with wonder, as you fulfil your family’s Search for Santa, and meet Santa in an Exclusive Private Family Meeting in a hideaway log-cabin home, with elves on hand to make you welcome and ensure there is magic in the air!

• Refreshments are included too, and are available throughout the day, for those times when a few minutes warming up round a crackling log fire is welcomed.

• Finally, back ‘home’ in your hotel, finish the day with a wonderful Gala Dinner. In the Christmas Cabins meanwhile, a special festive dinner rounds off the day, while you re-live every unforgettable moment of your biggest ever Christmas adventure!

* local charge for drinks applies

Grand Finale

• Fun-time again, with the chance to thrill to another big adventure, whether pre-booked in the UK or chosen locally the day before from the range of optional adventures. You may have fallen in love with the huskies and want to enjoy an even longer Husky Sled Ride, or relax on Rudolph’s Reindeer Run, or perhaps take off on a Snowmobile Safari for high-octane thrills – there are plenty of options to choose from.

• This morning also gives you a chance to browse the village’s souvenir shops, to choose from their range of traditional hand-made Lappish items and clothes, Christmas gifts and toys.

• The helpful team will collect you from your doorstep by coach for the short ride to the airport to catch your flight home, to a chorus of fond farewells!

• The amount of time allowed to do these activities depends on the actual flight departure time

Santas Aurora

This action packed break has everything you could wish for included in your holiday price. Husky-sled rides, reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiles which parents can drive themselves, plus a Wilderness dinner and fantastic accommodation.

This package offers an upgrade on accommodation to the Star Artic Hotel which is in the ideal location to watch out for the Northern Lights due to its prime position at the top of the fell, far away from any light pollution and boasting some stunning views of Saariselkä below.

You are also upgraded on your first evening to the Wilderness Dinner and Aurora Hunt by Huskies. It's a short coach ride to the Wilderness Centre for dinner in the lodge, some fun in the snow outside and an exciting husky ride. The children can enjoy the thrilling ride  from the comfort of the sled whilst all the grownups have the opportunity to drive the husky sled themselves.

On the last day there is also a trip by Snowmobile to the Reindeer farm, parents drive the Snowmobile whilst the children travel in a large sleigh! At the visit to the farm you get to meet the reindeer, and enjoy a sleigh ride.

There are many option extras to choose from on both packages and we recommend that you think about what you want to do before you go as you can save money by booking in advance.

Now for the BORING BIT........but the bit you MUST take into account - we have included the questions that are probably in your mind right now. But please do get in contact with any further questions as we would be happy to help!

F.A.Q

What kind of insurance do i need?

You will need to purchase Winter Sport insurance for your entire family during your trip.

What is the normal temperature in Lapland?

During December it is normally -20 but it can reach - 30! Hence the Thermal clothing provided for your entire family.

How commercialised is this? I want a authentic experience!

This is not a Santa Theme Park, you experience the true traditional spirit of Christmas set in the un spoilt wilderness of Lapland. Each private meeting with Santa is less commercialised then a typical department store grotto style.

How dark is it? How many hours of daylight can we expect?

In December there is approx only 4.5 hours of daylight a day, with 2-3 hours of grey light either side.

What if it doesn't snow?

The weather is an important factor on Santa’s Lapland holidays, our supplier are always keeping an eye on the forecast and speaking with other local suppliers. If they have any cause for concern about the weather conditions, we will endeavour to contact you 7 days before your departure to let you know.

If we and our suppliers believe that there’s not enough snow to run the activities included in your Santa’s Lapland package, we will contact you again 72 hours before travel with an update and advice on the options available to you, which may include cancellation.

In the event that we decide that there is insufficient snow you will have the following choices: you can amend your travel dates to any of our other Santa’s Lapland dates that are available in the same season and at no cost, provided that the elements of the holiday (accommodation, room type, duration and party composition) remain the same. If you change any of the holiday elements, you’ll need to pay the difference in price if it is more expensive, or if the new arrangements are cheaper, you will receive a refund of the difference. If you decide not to travel at all, you can cancel with a full refund of all monies paid to Santa’s Lapland for the trip.

Get in touch today for help in planning your families exciting adventure to Lapland!