The classic short break in Lapland’s magical northern wilderness, including all the activities below, plus a traditional Arctic Circle Ceremony with the local Sami people to celebrate your crossing of the Arctic Circle, and fun for the children with the cheeky Saari Elves.
(Text courtesy of Esprit Santas Lapland)


 

Day One

• The children will love being greeted at Ivalo Airport by a reindeer with its Sami handler, and one of Santa’s elves, 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 in Saariselkä, just enough time to see if the children can spot more reindeer or Santa’s hut through the forests bordering the road.
   
• Time for your ‘Michelin-man’ impersonations, as we get you fitted with your complimentary thermal over-suits, boots, gloves and hats.
   
• Fun-time – a chance to explore and get your bearings in this winter wonderland, make snowmen, go tobogganing or just relax in a fragrant Finnish sauna - the choice is yours.
   
• For guests who have booked our great value half-board option, a wonderful first night dinner to set the scene for tomorrow’s excitement
  
  Day Two
  
  
• We 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 our prices.
   
• Reindeer Sleigh Ride, meet your reindeer and your local Sami guide, learn the Lappish reindeer names, then take a wonderful 7-10 minute ride into the picturesque woods,with the 'swish' of the runners across the snow, and with the children cuddled under blankets on your knee.
   
• 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 desperate to run, then released and you’re off! Racing across the snow and through the woods in the most perfect way to experience Lapland’s winter wonderland.
   
• Traditional Arctic Circle Ceremony, where a Sami guide will introduce you to their traditional culture with stories and maybe a song or two, and every guest receives a special souvenir certificate, to celebrate your intrepid crossing of the Arctic Circle.
   
• 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 available.
   
• A host of snow and ice activities 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, tobogganing and snow sculpture – a chance for all budding artists to convert a large block of compact snow into a work of art.
   
• See your children’s faces light up with wonder, as you fulfil your family’s Search for Santa, and meet Santa Claus himself, in an exclusive private family meeting, in his hideaway log-cabin home, with his helpers on hand to make you welcome and ensure there is magic in the air!
   
• Refreshments are included too for those times when a few minutes warming up round a crackling log fire is welcomed.
   
• Finally, back ‘home’ in your hotel, why not finish the day with a wonderful optional Gala Dinner (included in our half-board option), and re-live every unforgettable moment of your biggest ever Christmas adventure!
  
  Day Three
  
  
• 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 our range of ‘Optional Adventures’.
   
• You may have fallen in love with the huskies and want to enjoy and even longer Husky Sled Ride, 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.
   
• We will collect you from your doorstep by coach and take you to the airport to catch your flight home, to a chorus of fond farewells.
  
  
  Why Choose Esprit? Click here to find out....
  
  Check out what's included:
  
  Husky Sled Ride (Approx 15min ride)
  Snowmobile Search for Santa
  Private family meeting with Santa
  Reindeer Sleigh Ride (Approx 7-10min ride)
  Arctic Circle Ceremony & souvenir certificate
  Gala Dinner included with half board option
  Snow & Ice Fun Activities
  Letter to Santa Claus
  Lunch & Refreshments on Search for Santa Day
  Souvenir ‘driving licence’ for reindeer and huskies
  Thermal outer-suits and accessories
  A gift from Santa for all children under 13
  
  
  
  

  
  
  Holiday Enhancements
  We also provide Overnight Airport Hotels and Car Parking which are bookable online.
  
  Text and images courtesy of Esprit Santas Lapland