Magical Lapland

I was lucky enough to take my daughter to Lapland a few days before Christmas, and it really was the perfect lead up to the big day. We flew from Southampton to Enontekio in Finnish Lapland, and when we arrived at Southampton Airport we were greeted by two elves at the “Santa’s Flight” check-in desk! Along with our boarding passes, we were given an activity pack for my daughter along with a Christmas song sheet!

Upon arrival in Enontekio, we were swiftly taken through to a changing area where we were given snowsuits to don along with snow boots if we so wished, however we had brought our own along. After changing, you board a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile which takes you out across the frozen lake – beautiful scenery – to the main activity areas. In winter, the sun does not break the horizon and the place has a very mystical feel about it, especially with all the candles and fairy lights lighting the way. What struck me was how well thought out everything was, and thankfully not at all tacky, but rather quite tastefully done.

There was plenty of activities available to keep the children busy, and the great thing was that you didn’t need to pre-book them, it was all free flow. The one activity you do need to schedule is your visit with Father Christmas, and I recommend going to schedule this soon after you arrive, so that you can choose a time that suits you best.

With only our flight there, the resort was not overcrowded, and we never once queued for an activity, this was also helped by the fact the activities are spread out over a fairly large area, so you do have to walk a short distance in-between each one – perfect time for a family snowball fight! There were reindeer sleigh rides, skating, husky sleigh rides (my daughter’s personal favourite), sledging, skidoo rides for children as well as one for adults and older children that goes out across the lake, and a fabulous ice hotel with a bar serving spicy tea. You can go around to each activity as many times as you wish, which was fantastic as my daughter lead the way the whole day!

The on-site restaurant, in the style of a log cabin, serves pasta, jacket potatoes, soup etc all day and again you can visit as many times as you like. The hot chocolate was a big hit and it was nice to be able to just pop in and warm up every now and then, as all the food and drinks are included in your package price.

The highlight of our day was our meeting with Father Christmas. At your scheduled visit time you make your way to a lovely log cabin with an open fire to await your transportation. You will be the only ones here, so the whole experience feels very personal. You will be taken by sleigh across the lake to a shelter with another open fire, whilst you wait your turn. Again, you do not see any other families, and so are made to feel incredibly special. When Father Christmas is ready for you, it's just a short walk along a snowy, forested path until you come across his cabin, where Father Christmas and his helper will be awaiting your arrival. Even as an adult, I felt this was a very special moment, and the look on my daughter’s face whilst she was sat talking to Father Christmas was enough to make my heart melt!

Back via sleigh to the main area, you are free to continue enjoying the activities on offer until it is time for your coach ride back to the airport. It’s worth noting there is a small gift shop on site as well as one at the airport, if you wish to buy any souvenirs or Christmas presents!

The flight back was unbelievably quiet, with most of the children fast asleep after their action-packed day!