Spectacular Santa Experience in Lapland

It’s hard to imagine a bigger Christmas treat than going to meet Santa in his home in Finnish Lapland. A frozen winter wonderland, full of deep pristine snow and pine forests, set above the Arctic Circle.

We chose to take our great-niece on a day trip, the week before Christmas last year from Stansted Airport. As soon as we arrived at the airport, our excitement mounted, even the check-in staff, were getting into the festive spirit.

It wasn’t long before we were boarding the aircraft – the flight was well organised and the staff were very friendly; we took off on time at 8am. On arrival in Lapland, we were ushered into the clothing hall and were soon kitted out with snow suits, boots and helmets. We then boarded a waiting sleigh drawn by snowmobile and were driven on an exciting 30 min ride through the forest – it was magical, no traffic, no lights, just a subtle grey light in a deserted white forest.

We arrived at the location early afternoon, it was still day but almost dark, a sort of blue-tinged twilight. There were glittering lights, lanterns, fires and here we were free to have lunch, explore and enjoy all that was on offer for the day.

We went on a reindeer sleigh ride and visited the snow castle, which was amazing. It has various anti-chambers with ice beds, ice tables and sculptures, plus biscuits and hot berry juice.

Even more magical was the snowmobile experience, tobogganing in the deep pristine snow and the husky dog sleigh rides, which thrilled us all.

You can choose to have your private visit with Father Christmas at any time during the day and you are whisked off on a sleigh to meet Santa and his elves in a ‘kota’ in the forest, decked with a beautiful tree, lights and a roaring fire. Annie’s face as she went through the door was priceless when she saw the big man in red.

It was such a fabulous day I still cannot believe it really happened. Yet my lasting memory is of Annie (and my husband) fast asleep on the aeroplane clutching her present from Santa before arriving back at Stansted Airport.

I can only recommend this special, once-in-a-life time Christmas experience. If you would like to find out more or book this fantastic trip, please get in touch with me for a personalized holiday.