Anyone spent Christmas in Lapland?

[cowssheephens]

What was it like? Any must do traditions?

We are hoping to go to a church service but apart from that no other local traditions. Am I right in saying that they celebrate on the 24th and open gifts on the 24th?

Church is usually on the 25th - 24th is for celebrating, 25th is for church and reflection.

attheend

we do elf on the shelf and we aren't going until school finishes (fly 18th dec) so I'm thinking our elf can bring an invitation

my 6 year old is already getting a bit skeptical though today he was inventing a toy that father christmas could bring that turns concrete into anything you want....

I'd not bother buying ski wear. We went 3 years ago and our ski wear was rubbish compared to the suits they give you. In Saariselka, the excirsion companies made people swap from their own gear to the hire stuff before they'd let them on excursions- there's no comparison for daytime, though ski wear may be ok for night time if just nipping to a restaurant etc

I went with thomsons and they gave you

Full suit,
Leather gloves
Hat
Wool socks
Boots

I recommend primark fleece pjs for under the suits! Go to the trip advisor Lapland forum as its buzzing this time of year with tons of advice

buttercups
did you do any of the extra excursions with thomson as its another £200 for each one I would be interested in your feedback - looking at huskies, reindeer etc

we are staying at Pallas which is a bit remote

Are you taking Christmas gifts out with you?

I'm going to take the gifts they really want but will leave surprises/bigger gifts at home. ..I think anyway, how is everyone else doing it?

Yes i did the extra husky excursion but i booked directly with the safari providers out there. We stayed in Saariselka so had a few options but Pallas is quite remote as you say so not sure if you'd have to book with thomsons? Are you staying at snowy wilderness? I've heard good things - they used to have a Facebook page so have a nose - think the Thomson elves ran it!

The excursions were similar price whoever you book with but I found our local one better value -eg with thomsons, the two hour husky was actually an hour tour of husky farm with 40 min ride whereas our one was 2 hours driving with a stop on route at a log cabin with fire and reindeer sandwiches, hot berry juice etc. Same price but better value for us.

I wouldn't bother with reindeers - pretty boring really so the taster will be enough! The snowmobiles are fab but kids have to go in a pod or sled driven by a guide so not with you - mine were only 7&5 at the time so wouldn't have wanted that for two hours!

You'll have enough fun just sledging!!!

The huskies was the best day or my life - like narnia - amazing but it's Baltic on the excursions do plenty of layers, balaclavas and hand warmers