Lapland Santa Experience Day Trip

'Search for Santa' experience
Private family meeting with Santa
A token gift for every child
Snowmobile ride 
Reindeer sleigh ride
Husky sled ride
Tobogganing
Snow fun
Two-course Lappish lunch
Thermal clothing
Hot drinks
Return flights 
In-flight catering
Resort transfers
 

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Pajala after your early morning flight from the UK you will be welcomed to Sweden by a guide wearing a traditional Sami costume for a photo opportunity before you board your coach for the quick 7-10 minute transfer to the resort where the only guests are those who shared your flight. Your first and only task is to get kitted out with your thermal suits and boots. The passengers will then be split into 4 groups and given an itinerary for the day’s activities. Splitting the passengers into groups avoids any build up of queues and ensures a smooth progression from one activity to the next. Kick sleds and toboggans are available all day. The length of each activity is longer in duration than other day trips activities.

Once there you can breathe in the festive atmosphere as you take part in traditional Arctic pursuits such as riding a reindeer sleigh, speeding along on a husky sled or enjoying a thrilling ride on a high-powered snowmobile (Adults who hold full driving licences can take the controls) and will follow prepared tracks across frozen lakes and forest paths. For children under 15, there will be the chance to be pulled along in a sleigh behind the guide snowmobile.

In-between activities there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wonderful snow that blankets the region and whether you want to build a snowman, play snow angels, or just want to have a good old-fashioned snowball fight, you will have plenty of time. There is a small souvenir shop close by where you can grab some souvenirs.

You will have enjoyed a hot breakfast on your flight from the UK and you will be served your evening meal on the return flight. A hot two-course lunch will be served in the resort along with tea, coffee or juice.

The Search for Santa activity is the highlight of the day for all children and it involves following a secret path on foot. As you get closer to your destination you will cross a bridge and will be greeted by an elf who will allow you to rest by their fire until Santa Claus is ready to meet you in his log cabin.

All too soon the day will draw to a close and you will board your return transfer for the airport and your flight home. 
 

"The outfit was so rural and honest that it made the whole day so interesting. I rather thought the venue was going to be a theme park on ice but nothing could have been further from that misconception. It was an eye opener to local people being so hospitable and genuine that I felt we had experienced something rather unique and special. I do hope the destination keeps this up and doesn't become too commercialised"

"We had a wonderful 'Santa Experience' yesterday and our party of 10 all came back exhausted, but having had a fantastic time"

"Will definitely be travelling with you again. Another couple of years and it may be my new grandson and I!"

Brian our Lapland expert travelled to Pajala on this day trip on the 6th of December 2014, here is what he thought.

“The day started really early at Gatwick Airport for the check-in of the Santa Flight to the remote location of Pajala. To say that I wasn't excited would be a complete lie.. I couldn't wait.

Once I was on board the Santa Flight the fun began by a really festive cabin crew who had exchanged their normal crew hats for lovely Santa Hats. They were polite, efficient and fun.

After take-off and the inflight meal service the holiday reps took control of the public address system and the Santa Sing along began and the children all received colouring packs with chocolate coins.

On landing in Pajala we were all asked to remain seated whilst the ground staff brought the terminal coaches to the aircraft. Only 40 passengers were allowed to depart from the aircraft at a time. This was extremely good idea as is stopped congestion at chocolate box airport of Pajala and also when we arrived (after the 7 minute transfer) at the Location for the Thermal Suit and Boot pick-up. (I have to say this was incredibly efficient and went like a dream)

Our group were given Green Bibs and this was to be our Activity Group starting first with our Search for Santa and Reindeer rides. (The other groups arrived and were allocated different colours and start points).

The search for Santa involved a long walk along a magically lit path, over a bridge and into the woods. Just before the Private Santa Meeting we were greeted by a friendly helper with hot berry juice and gingerbread biscuits. He then made sure that each family was granted a private meeting with the “Big Man” Santa.

Santa was in the his little hut in a small clearing in the woods. He was dressed in his traditional red, white and black suit with small traditional glasses and a beard as white as the snow outside.
I was not rushed in or out of the cabin, there was plenty of time for photos and a quick chat about my wish list.

On exiting the cabin I was shown to another clearing where I boarded a snowmobile train for a high speed journey from Santa's Cabin to the Activity Area.

My next stop was to the reindeer run. (It was getting colder…..) our small party (no more than 10 of us at this point) huddled for warmth in the warming hut, which was heated by a roaring log fire. After only a 5 minute or so wait we were invited to board our reindeer sleigh and the gentle journey began round the woodland of the Arctic area. This ride lasted a good 10-12 minutes and was a good opportunity to take in the stunning views of the totally non-commercial location.

By the time we arrived back from the Reindeer Run it was lunch time.

Lunch was served in the Red building in the centre of the Arctic Area. It was basic meatballs and mash just what you needed to warm you up from the arctic chill of outside!

After Lunch I made my way to the Husky area. The dogs certainly know how to bark!! Happy Barks at that as well as they were all very eager to pull my sledge round the frozen marsh in the dwindling light with just the light from the moon and the beam of our mushers head torch. Amazing!  So much so I went again!

After a quick hot berry stop at the Kota Tepee it was time for the snowmobile ride. After a safety briefing and being issued with my crash helmet, it was time to drive my own snowmobile around the frozen lake. This was a good journey again not just a quick 2 minutes.

Once I had done all the activities I was free to roam and as long as everyone else had had their time on the activity, I could have another turn.

There was also a mound of iced snow and plenty of sledges available for the children to toboggan down.

After a quick look around the not too expensive gift shop and a reasonably priced hot coffee, it was time for the coach to take us back to the airport where our flight returned to Gatwick the a bunch of Happy but Exhausted passengers.”

"If I were to be asked if it was worth the money the answer would be a definite YES!!"

Brian Laurie, Lapland Santa's Experience Day Trip 2014

All the pictures of this day trip on our website are from Brian's trip in 2014.