Santa at Christmas

[wahwahwah]

Has anyone gone to Lapland or Greenland with the children to see Santa?

Is it magical or just expensive?

My impression from previous posts is a bit tacky and expensive. I however don't care and can't wait for a few years when I'll be able to take DS!

Depends who you go with. We went for a day trip with Canterbury Travel. Yes was expensive (altho got free child place) but was very very magical.

Not too busy - and the set-up was round a couple of frozen lakes with a few little buildings in the middle of nowhere.
Very traditional - husky rides, reindeer sleigh rides, horse sleigh rides, ice fishing, hot chocolate and cakes with Mother Christmas, lots of burning log fires.

Families in one at a time to meet the big man - managed so well, never felt like you were queuing. When we walked in he was there with just two presents labelled - one for each - and from the start he called them their names without visibly (to us) being told them. Magic!

We went when the kids were 6 and 3, and 4 years on they still speak of it and remember it - and have seen the "real" Father Christmas.

We went with Inghams for 4 nights to Levitunturi when DS was (just turned) 5 in reception. It was one of the best holidays we've ever had - my son wants to return every year. We haven't though because it was v expensive and I don't know if a 2nd trip could live up to the 1st. I wouldn't want to do a day trip - sounds exhausting, the flight is around 3 hours plus check in time etc. We did the Santa stuff but also quite huskies etc & lots and lots of sledging.

Would highly recommend going (3 nights would have been enough) and highly recommend Inghams - not tacky at all.
I had read before I went about one "theme park" that was supposed to be very tacky and in fact when we got there, Inghams also recommended their guests didn't visit this place too - worth searching the net for this info if you decide to go - make sure you get the right places.