Our family trip to Lapland!
I had always wanted to take my children to see ''the real Father Christmas'' since they were little, but money and timing was never right for us. In January 2016, I found a fab offer that was too good to miss so we took the plunge to go even though my children would be 12 and 9 at the time.
We kept it secret for all this time and woke the children early in the morning that we travelling to tell them they were finally going to Lapland! After a wonderful flight with small planet from Liverpool to Ivalo, we were greeted by staff in Santa hats singing Christmas carols, mischievous elves and a guy in traditional dress with two gorgeous reindeer in tow, and to top it all off lots of snow. Luca and Mischa were beaming with happiness.
After a short journey we arrived at our hotel, the 4* Tunturi hotel in Saariselka, one of the best hotels in the resort in my opinion too. A lovely property with rooms that have saunas built into the bathrooms.
It’s at this point I have to stay the service from Santa’s Lapland, who we travelled with, was impeccable. From the flight to airport transfers, collection of thermal suits/boots and the welcome meeting, we couldn't’ fault anything. I have booked around 10 sets of families now on the trip over the last two years and the feedback from all has been excellent. After a lovely evening meal (included in the cost of our trip) and an early night (after lots of snow and tobogganing fun) we fell fast asleep!
Day two was the Arctic Circle day. Our activities were included in the cost of the trip. We had an amazing husky sled ride, a reindeer sleigh ride (twice), we played snow angels, made a snowman, did some ice fishing, went in the ice bar, had a show with the elves in the “magic igloo”, the kids tried skidoos, lassoing and we had a private visit with Santa. Even at 9 and 12 it was still so magical to see their faces.
We had a great lunch included at the Arctic Circle centre. There were also teepees with free hot berry juice and pancakes and free tea and coffee in the restaurant area all day too. That evening we had a wonderful gala buffet dinner and entertainment for the kids too.
The following day after breakfast (also included) we had a morning on the toboggan slope in the resort with our toboggans (€2 per toboggan to rent) and did a little shopping for some gifts in the resort centre. We then left for our flight home.
I wish that we could return every year – the kids loved it so much, as did the adults. A really great way to start getting into the Christmassy spirit, a truly magical experience not to be missed if you have children!
