Our Lapland adventure began under a rose-tinted sky, the crisp air filled with the joyful chatter of my five-year-old and the rhythmic crunch of our sleigh gliding through the snow-laden forest. This magical journey, a quest to find Santa Claus, unfolded in the heart of the Arctic Circle, within the enchanting Yllas region. Our destination: the Snow Village, a breathtaking spectacle carved entirely from ice and snow. Even before reaching this icy palace, the festive spirit permeated every moment, starting with the “Santa Flight” from Gatwick. Elves, brimming with contagious enthusiasm, greeted us at the airport, transforming the typically mundane check-in process into a whimsical prelude to our arctic escapade. The flight itself was a symphony of holiday cheer, with carols filling the cabin and festive jumpers adorning the cabin crew.
Upon arrival in Lapland, we were immediately immersed in a world meticulously crafted for holiday enchantment. Our jovial elf guide, Figgy Pudding, whose surprisingly northern English accent belied his claimed 228 years, became our constant companion, regaling us with stories, jokes, and sing-alongs throughout our stay. His infectious energy quickly bonded our tour group, creating a sense of camaraderie that made the experience even more special. The Snow Village itself was a marvel, an intricate labyrinth of ice and snow sculpted into an underwater wonderland. Murals of sharks, polar bears, and mermaids adorned the walls of the snow caves, inspiring the children to embark on their own igloo-building projects. The playful elves, ever-present throughout the village, engaged in spirited snowball fights, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The highlight of our trip, of course, was meeting Father Christmas. Arriving at a cozy log cabin after a thrilling snowmobile ride, we were greeted with warm berry juice and gingerbread biscuits before being ushered into the presence of the jolly man himself. My son, wide-eyed with wonder, presented his wish list and engaged in a relaxed conversation with Santa, a genuine Lappish gentleman. The encounter, free from the usual time constraints, culminated in the presentation of a cuddly elf toy, cementing the magical experience.
Beyond the Snow Village, our Lapland adventure was filled with a myriad of exhilarating activities. Husky sleigh rides through the snowy landscape, the thrill of nighttime snowmobiling under the starlit sky, and traditional reindeer sleigh rides provided unforgettable moments. We even visited local farms, gaining insight into Finnish life and meeting the dedicated husky owner who embarks on week-long treks through the snowy wilderness with her 30 dogs. Her passion extended to crafting beautiful sweaters from the collected dog fur, a testament to the resourcefulness and artistry of the region.
Our stay at the Lapland Saaga hotel, conveniently located beside the mountain lift of Yllas, Finland’s largest ski resort, allowed us to experience the unique beauty of skiing under the perpetually changing light of the Arctic Circle. With sunrise around 9:45 am and sunset around 2:45 pm, the slopes were bathed in a soft pink hue, creating a surreal and picturesque setting. While we missed the Northern Lights on our first night, opting for the comfort of our cozy twin room with a slope-facing terrace perfect for snowman building, other guests were treated to the mesmerizing green spectacle of the Aurora Borealis.
The hotel itself offered a welcome respite from the arctic chill, boasting a fantastic swimming pool and spa where children were free to enjoy the facilities without the usual time restrictions imposed by other family-friendly resorts. The on-site restaurants provided a delicious array of buffet-style meals, ensuring that we were well-nourished throughout our adventure. The culinary highlight was undoubtedly the Christmas dinner buffet on our final night, a festive feast accompanied by lively entertainment from Tui performers.
This final evening encapsulated the essence of our Lapland experience. As we joined hundreds of families in a joyful rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” it felt as if we had been enveloped in a festive bubble, blissfully unaware of the world outside. This immersive experience was the perfect prelude to the December festivities, leaving us with cherished memories and a renewed sense of holiday magic. The trip, while offering bucket-list experiences, remained surprisingly affordable, proving that a truly magical Christmas adventure is within reach. The Tui package, encompassing flights, accommodation, activities, and festive meals, provided excellent value for money, allowing us to fully embrace the enchanting spirit of Lapland.
