In 2022, we finally took the plunge and booked our Lapland trip. What started as a family dream turned into an unforgettable adventure, filled with magic, snow, and unforgettable memories. Here’s a peek into our magical experience in Lapland – one that’s sure to make you believe in the Christmas spirit all over again!
The Countdown Begins: Surprising the Girls with Lapland
We wanted to keep our trip a surprise until the very last minute, but there was no hiding it from the girls. Instead, we decided to let the magic unfold a little earlier. With Santa’s help, we organised a special visit from the Elves with a letter from the big man himself, inviting them on a magical journey. The excitement was instant, and the countdown began in full swing.
A Snowy Start: The Snowstorm that Almost Stopped Us
The day before we were meant to fly, a snowstorm hit, and all flights from Manchester were cancelled. We scrambled to find a hotel at the airport, but with prices skyrocketing, we quickly realised how valuable it is to book an airport hotel in advance! Thankfully, the snow cleared, and we were able to catch our early morning flight with no further delays.
The Flight: A Festive Start
We boarded our flight in festive jumpers and headgear, ready for the adventure ahead. The girls received activity packs, and the crew made sure the children were entertained with Christmas songs and jokes. The flight itself set the tone for the holiday – fun, cheerful, and filled with festive spirit!
Saariselkä: Our Arctic Circle Getaway
We landed in Ivalo Airport and chose Saariselkä as our base for the trip. Located further north within the Arctic Circle, it promised the perfect mix of magic and adventure. After being introduced to our elf, La La La (who was amazing with the kids), we received our snowsuits and boots, which were surprisingly comfy. The efficiency of the process impressed us as we quickly made our way to the Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, our home for the next few days.
First Day Fun: Sledging and Exploring
Upon arrival, we grabbed sledges left around the village and headed straight for the hill. The girls quickly got the hang of sledging and had a blast racing down the powdery slopes. The snow in Lapland is not like the snow we get back home – it’s more like powder, perfect for sledging but not great for snowman building!
For dinner, we headed to the other hotel building. Despite our fussy eaters, the girls found something they liked. The food was simple but decent, and we had no complaints. (We also packed plenty of snacks!) The wine was expensive, but draft beer was more reasonably priced. After a busy first day, we all went to bed early, eager to start the next adventure.
The Sauna and Balcony: Relaxing after a Day in the Snow
Our room had a balcony, and we made the most of it by enjoying early morning coffee in the cold air. It was so relaxing! The room also had a sauna, which the girls absolutely loved. After playing in the snow, it was the perfect place to warm up and unwind.
Excursions: Reindeer Rides, Husky Sledding, and Snowmobiles.
Our first excursion included a husky taster session, a reindeer sled ride, and snowmobiles. The reindeer sled ride was warm and cosy under the blankets, but we felt the taster session was just the right length. The husky sledding was a bit short but still an amazing experience. If the girls were older, we’d definitely book a full husky excursion next time.
Amelia also had the chance to ride her own snowmobile (tied to a track, of course) and loved feeling like a grown-up. We warmed up with hot drinks before heading back to the coach.
The drive back to the hotel was beautiful, with miles of snow and tiny houses dotting the landscape – it felt like driving through Narnia.
Lunch Breaks and Quiet Walks: Exploring the Village
During the day, we found a cosy restaurant about 10 minutes from the hotel. The pizzas were fantastic, and the kids’ meals went down a treat. We also enjoyed exploring the little shops along the walk, it was perfect for a quiet afternoon of browsing.
The Search for Santa: A Truly Magical Experience
The next morning, we embarked on a magical Santa search. Our elf led us down a candle-lit path, telling stories of Santa and his sleigh. After a visit to the reindeer, we arrived at Santa’s house. The girls were nervous, wondering if they’d been good enough. When they finally met Santa, and he pulled out their letters from home, the look on their faces was priceless. The magic of Lapland is real, definitely the highlight of the trip.
The Aurora Hut: A Peaceful Walk in the Wilderness
After our Santa visit, we decided to take a walk along the Aurora Trail, leading to the Aurora Hut. Despite being close to the village, it felt like we were deep in the wilderness. The silence was overwhelming, and we stopped halfway to toast marshmallows by an open fire. The walk was easy, and we even took a sledge to pull the girls along.
The Christmas Party: A Perfect Finish
The final night brought a festive buffet, Finnish-style, with party games, dancing, and a family quiz. It was a fantastic way to wrap up our magical break.
Amelia and Francesca’s Favourite Things
- Amelia: Meeting Santa, learning to sledge, and the reindeer ride.
- Francesca: The reindeers, meeting the huskies, sledging down the hills, and of course, meeting Santa.
Andy’s Favourite Things
Andy had never been to a cold country on holiday before, so I was a little concerned about how he would find it. But by the end of the trip, he was hooked! He even decided he wants to go skiing next and definitely plans to return to Lapland.
Tips for Your Lapland Trip
- Don’t overthink the clothing. You can find decent gear second-hand. Thin layers work best as you’ll warm up quickly indoors.
- Good socks and hand/foot warmers are essential. Temperatures can dip to -27°C.
- Bring snacks, but don’t go overboard. Marshmallows and sticks for toasting by the open fires are a must!
- Saariselkä is not overly commercialised, which we loved. It’s small, peaceful, and feels completely safe to walk around at any time.
- The grey light can feel strange at first. In winter, you only get a couple of hours of low light each day.
A Promise to Return
We were all in tears when we had to leave Lapland, but we promised to return. No matter your age, this trip is pure magic and something you’ll remember for a lifetime. We were fortunate to share it all with my mum too, creating memories we’ll cherish forever.
If you are thinking about your own magical Lapland escape, now is the time to get booking and as an independent travel agent, I can do all the legwork! Give me a call on 01744412168 and let’s plan your dream getaway.