Has anyone been to Lapland to see Father Christmas?

[lucycinco]

Im so excited! Any recommendations before I book?

I went 9 years ago (can't believe it was that long ago) while I was 7 months pregnant with my second child. Not really got any recommendations, except to take lots of very warm clothing. It was so cold, my hair froze! and my daughter (who had just turned 4 at the time) cried with the cold (and she was wrapped up very warmly, lots of thermal leggings, tights, trousers, ski trousers, etc.).

boss went last year. said it was absolutely wonderful. wear super warm clothes - it was about -35 when she was there.

Omg it's going to be a contrast to Spain then it's still in the 20's here mainly.

just bumping because i'm excited.

I haven't been but I've read of some really rubbish experiences (Sunday papers travel section) that some families have gone through (desultory disinterested Father Christmas, didn't speak any English, smelt of fag smoke, dreadful accommodation and food etc)

Not raining on your parade - just urging caution. Try not to skimp on the cost and pay a reasonable amount for the holiday to ensure quality. It was the travellers on the budget end of things who had the bad experiences from what I recall.

An acquaitance who took her family has a fantastic time - but she paid a fair whack for it.

Ive been looking at first choice holidays for the 3 of us it's about £1200 for 3 nights. Do you think that its a budget one? Perhaps I should do more research.

It's fairly inexpensive - considering the distance and not major flight path etc.

Not saying don't book, but definitely do some research. Try and get travel agents to be explicit about what is provided.

Hope I've not set you off worrying now when you were so enthusiastic to begin with...

Just want to make sure you get a good holiday....

Im doing it from spain, so i have to do it over the net as the Spanish dont go in for father christmas in a big way

hi lucycinco,
my kids really enjoyed their lapland holiday last july... yes july in lapland... fantastic.. i suggest you do research for the prices. if you want i will help you. as i run my own travel agency. www.globalsunholidays dot co dot uk thousand of tour operators are my supplier.
or email me [email protected]
i am offering discount prices to mumsnet members
you never know i might get it cheaper.
cheers, bev

Thanks I have just emailed you.

just bumping for the evening crew. Looks like first choice is the budget option but have read some good reviews on the internet.
Has anyone got any experience of this company?

I havent been but my SIL did and her SIL also went. My SIL just booked a holiday to Lapland and paid for all the things they wanted when they were there, trip to see Father Christmas, Huskie Sledging etc, worked out a lot cheaper but not sure how easy it is to do yourself.

I hope that mumsonthego can give you some help.
Its a fab place to visit. Especially in the winter time.
I lived in Finland for 3 yrs and went a couple of times and had such a great time. But I did not actually stay in a hotel as my friends sister lived there.
But another pal who sometimes went up there with her family stayed at the Santa Claus hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi I think. I remember her talking about good breakfasts there. But this was about 5yrs ago, so you'd need to do some research on reviews for it now.

If you want to do it, tips would be layers of clothes and really good warm hats, gloves etc
Thermal leggings like old mens long johns are essential, as are ski clothes for outdoors.
Yes it does get really cold. One year it went down to -50 there, but that does not happen too often. But its much drier. -10 there feels like about 0 in the UK I think.

My friend and her fiance went last year and loved it. My mum had foster carers on her books that took some of their foster kids. The older ones (8 and up) had a ball it was all a bit much for the little ones as you have to squeeze a lot into a short space of time.
Whatever happens, I hope you have a lovely time.

Im off to see father christmas soon and so excited but at the same tim e so scared of the cold. Does anyone have a suggested packing list so a 4, 7 , 28 and old man dont get cold?