This is a dream Christmas vacation for families to Finnish Lapland on the Arctic Circle. Adults and children alike will love the magic of sleigh rides, snow mobiles, reindeer, polar bears and meeting Father Christmas. Stay in an igloo and - if you’re lucky - you’ll also see the dancing Northern Lights.
You’ll arrive at Finland’s Rovaniemi airport where you’ll be met by a Lightfoot Travel representative and escorted to the safari centre to try on your thermal clothes, ready to keep for the duration of your Lapland adventure.
Depending on arrival time, you’ll enjoy free time in Santa Claus Village where you’ll be treated to Christmas songs, blinking lights, giant snowmen and a Post office with elves. Children (aged 2 – 12) can have a try at driving laps through snow on mini skidoos, while parents can unwind by the fireplace.
After breakfast you’ll be met by your guide for a day of Finnish fun in Lapland.
It starts with a thrilling snowmobile ride to a reindeer farm. Here you’ll enjoy a traditional Lappish ceremony performed by the reindeer herder’s family, followed by a reindeer ride.
After building up an appetite you’ll head for lunch at the Santa Claus Village known for its twist on Lappish food and Scandinavian atmosphere. The afternoon will be spent at leisure to explore the town. Your Lightfoot Travel representative can advise on activities prior to departure.
Dinner will take place at your hotel before you embark on your Northern Lights sleigh ride (warm clothes at the ready!). As you’re driven through the forest, you’ll soak up the wintery landscape, and hopefully get a long glimpse of the Northern Lights. Toast the moment you spot the Northern Lights dancing in the sky with some delicious warm berry juice, made from locally picked berries.
Enjoy breakfast before your guide whisks you to your husky safari in Finland’s deep forest.
You’ll be greeted by the friendly and excited husky dogs, who love meeting new people (their enthusiasm is infectious!). After getting to know them, you’ll be driven through the beautiful forest and across frozen lakes. Adults have the opportunity to drive the dog team, but the kids enjoy the ride safely from the sledges.
Afterwards, warm up with lunch back at your hotel and some down time before ice-karting.
The ice-karting experience takes 25-minutes and parents will enjoy it as much as children. While ice-karting is something unique, it can only be experienced in certain areas where ice tracks are possible - everyone usually learns to do it quite quickly and the rest is just fun!
Special offer: Special Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Picnic
The location of the Arctic Light Hotel on the Arctic Circle offers a fantastic opportunity to see the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. Speak to Lightfoot Travel for your chance to indulge in a Lappish picnic, hopefully under the Auroras.
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Rauna Zoo, the world’s most northern zoo, approximately one hour away.
Rauna Zoo is home to incredible animals and birds. You can see the only polar bears living in Finland, as well as 50 other arctic and northern animal species. Dine in the restaurant, relax by the open fire and visit the souvenir shops including the Fazer chocolate shop and wine shop where they sell unique local wines.
You’ll then be transferred to your accommodation for the night – a glass family igloo where you can see the magical Northern Lights dancing above your head.
This morning you’ll be escorted to your private gingerbread masterclass at a secret location in Lapland.
Elves will lead you to Santa’s secret Forest Hut, where the air smells of Christmas treats and the walls are bursting with elf secrets. Enjoy family time building and decorating gingerbread houses, hanging out with the elves and sipping cocoa by the fire. You’ll also get to meet Father Christmas himself – this is your chance to get a few ‘Elfies’ (Selfies with an elf!).
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the Arktikum Museum for some Finnish culture. The building is not only beautiful, but houses amazing exhibitions such as Sami culture, history of Lapland and the development of the Arctic region.
You’ll then have family time to explore Rovaniemi’s charming city centre. Not only is it The Official Hometown of Santa Claus, but it’s also the capital of Lapland so ideal for buying souvenirs, soaking up the Finnish scenery, and sightings of Father Christmas. Taking the shuttle to friendly Santa Park is a must.
Afterwards, you’ll be escorted back to your family igloo.
This morning you’ll say goodbye to Lapland as you’re privately transferred to Finland’s Rovaniemi Airport for your return flight home.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour vacation will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
