The Best of Lapland
Take advantage of these Lapland deals to guarantee a date with Santa. There is still time to book if you want to plan a Christmas break in Sweden or Finland.
The Christmas period has always been a magical time of year, particularly in the frozen north of Lapland. Historically regarded as the home of Father Christmas and his industrious elves, this snow-covered section of Scandinavia becomes a playground of tinkling sleigh bells, sparkling ice palaces and – if you’re lucky – displays of northern lights.
Dozens of lodges and hotels offer winter breaks in Finland and Sweden, but places are limited and popular slots quickly book up. Even more so now both destinations are now open to double vaccinated travellers, with accompanying children exempt from any travel restrictions. While flights to Finland do depart from Ireland, the flight time can be a lot longer than the average flight time from London which is three and a half hours. If availability is difficult from Ireland you could take advantage of the inexpensive, daily flights to the UK and start your Lappish adventure from there.
It saves you time and money so you can make the most out of your trip.
Take advantage of these top deals if you want to make a date with Santa this year.
Find Santa’s lair
Somewhere deep in the forest, Santa hides out with his band of elves. Become his neighbour for a long weekend at the Northern Lights Village, just outside northern Finnish town Levi. Spend days baking gingerbread cookies and petting reindeer, building up to the crescendo of meeting the big man in red. Other activities include husky and snowmobile safaris. There’s also an Aurora Alert service – just in case the lights show up while you’re snoozing.
How: The Northern Lights Village (levi.northernlightsvillage.com) offers a five-night Nordic Family Adventure package for €1,640 per adult and €820 per child (aged four to 14). The package is full-board and warm clothes are supplied on-site. Any transfers required are taken care of, so all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy all that Lapland has to offer. (Flights not included).
Harness husky power
The best displays of northern lights occur when there’s minimal light pollution. Access the remote area of Harriniva with a team of husky dogs, heading off -road and sleeping in Wilderness Cabins along the way. After a week of feeding, harnessing and bedding down your own team of dogs, you’ll be a polar pro. For an extra special touch, take advantage of a December 19 Christmas departure. And while you’re there, why not try a Reindeer ride and farm visit to see how Santa’s best workers relax and live.
How: Harriniva Hotels and Safaris (harriniva.fi ) offers a seven-night trip from €1,760 per person, flights not included. This ‘Best of Lapland’ package is for people over the age of 18 so if you’re travelling with children, the ‘Highlights of Lapland’ package will be more suitable. The ‘Best of Lapland’ package includes airport transfers, warm winter clothing and three nights with fullboard.
Uncover forest secrets
Santa tourism was born in Rovaniemi in the mid-Eighties; in 2010, the Lappish capital was declared the big man’s official hometown.
Experience the Christmas spirit at the Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Log Cabins, surrounded by forest, and follow trails made by friendly elves. Seek out the Forest Queen and take a secret path to find Santa, visiting husky and reindeer farms along the way. There are also opportunities to try tobogganing, kick-sledding, tandem skiing and mini-snowmobiles for children.
How: Book your stay at the Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets (visit booking.com) and surround yourself in authentic Lappish nature. Ounasvaara Ski resort is part of the same resort with the hotel. Ski slopes, crosscountry skiing tracks and frisbee golf routes are available right next to the hotel, giving you lots of fun activities to choose from. The Santa Clause Village is a 10-minute drive away too. Prices start from €1,350 for three nights per two-people sharing with breakfast included.
Experience a Finnish fairy-tale
Set on the edge of a frozen lake surrounded by snow-laden fir trees, 30 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport, The Winter Wonderland Hotel and Log Cabins live up to its name. As soon as guests arrive, Santa’s elves whisk them away for several magical days of snowmobile rides, husky rides, tobogganing and reindeer safaris.
In the build up to meeting Santa, Mascot Captain T entertains kids with storytelling, pantomimes, arts and crafts and marshmallow-toasting by the campfire.
How: Book into Lapland Bear’s Lodge for your slice of idyllic, wilderness heaven. There is limited availability left for 2021 so it’s a great idea to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. There are endless offers to choose from. A four-night package including an icy-fishing experience with snowmobiles and husky sledding starts from €1,382 for two-people sharing.
Sleep in the deep freeze
Every winter, frozen water from the Torne River is used to build the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden. Different artists are chosen to design the elaborate suites, where guests keep warm with a thermal sleeping bag and reindeer hides. Split a stay between the frozen palace and a warmer room, then continue to Fjellborg Arctic Lodge to spend time with a family who’ve lived in Lapland for nine generations. In addition to dog sledding and ice fishing, have a go at reindeer lassoing and ice sculpting.
How: ICEHOTEL (icehotel.com) recommends spending two-nights in the hotel, and spending your final night sleeping amongst the Ice Art for an authentic experience. Prices start from €1,995 for three nights per two people sharing.
IRISH TRAVEL COMPANIES
TUI HOLIDAYS
Enjoy a half-board three-night adventure to Levi, Lapland and stay in The Crazy Reindeer Hotel - close to the slopes and full of festive magic.
The package includes direct return
flights from Dublin to Levi with airport transfers. Prices start from €1260 per person. Visit tuiholidays.ie.
ABBEY TRAVEL
Whether it's a day trip to see Santa or a two-night stay, Abbey travel offers attractive packages to Lapland including direct flights, accommodation, transfers and great advice or answers to any questions you may have. To get a quote online, please visit abbeytravel.ie or phone 01 804 7100.
VISIT SANTA
Embark on a joyful journey at Christmas with a four-day trip to Lapland, full of fantastic experiences like husky sledding, reindeer and snowmobile rides and of course, meeting the big man himself - Santa. Bake cookies in Mrs Claus’ bakery or try your hand in Santa’s workshop at toy-making. This is a halfboard package with prices starting from €1529 per adult and €1309 per child. Visit visitsanta.ie.