Lapland etc

[Justgivemeasoddingname]

I don't know where to start so would like any info please.
I don't really want a charter flight/package etc as we don't like to be hoarded with the masses and like to do our own thing.
We would probably like a chalet and self catering. We would have to meet Santa.
Where do we go? I fear there are "Laplands" all over Finland but how do we find the real one? Where do we fly to? Norwegian air seem to have many destinations but most seem to require an overnight stop in Helsinki.
Experiences please!

Watching with interest...

I think you and I will be planning and researching together, Maia! Seems there's no-one there.....

We spent 4 nights in Lapland about 4 years ago - arranged our own flights with Finnair and stayed in Kuusamo...I have linked the hotel which was nicely priced with loads of facilities (I think you can book through booking.com) You can ski at Ruka... *the flights are Helsinki but there is not need to stay overnight - connecting flights.

www.holidayclubresorts.com/en/resorts/kuusamon-tropiikki/

There were a group of 10 of us (my DD was the oldest and even though she had stopped believing in FC had a wonderful time).

The FC experience was wonderful, very personal and not rushed I think we spent about 4 hours there with the kids baking Gingerbread and Sledging - even special for adults.

www.pohjolanpirtti.fi/en/christmas

We also found a wonderful place in the middle of a forest which did the Husky/Reindeer and snowmobiling experiences - again the experience was not mass produced. Everything was affordable and not overpriced.

www.lammintupa.fi/en/

I think the flights and accommodation came to under £400 pp obviously then you add in activities and evening meals (Finland is very expensive in terms of food and drink). Will be cheaper after Christmas...

Oh wow thanks!

What I don't get is- does every resort have it's own Santa? Is it just everywhere? Does it matter where you actually go? OK so what I mean is, is there no real Lapland?! No, I know the real deal with FC but I mean is there actually a town called Lapland? If I tell the kids we're going to Lapland, they're going to look for the road sign, you know?!

These websites are really great- thank you Oneteen.

There are lots of FC's in various towns in Lapland.

I cant really comment about whether it matters where you go I guess its how the children perceive the visit...the FC we went to see came highly recommended and was "less commercialized"....the home with Mrs Claus was in the middle of no where and we were not rushed ...the DC's made gingerbread and I think we may have spent 4 hours there in total but we were a private group so no chance of anyone spoiling the experience.

The hotel where we stayed was really good and they also have self catering cottages - it has a lovely pool ...glow bowling alley etc

We also did a northern lights excursion which was fine for adults would not recommend for children.

Its harder to arrange yourself but you do end up saving a lot of money...I saw one organisation running the same trip for £1000 more!

Brilliant info thanks very much.

Was your 4 days enough?

It was 4 nights so was fine (5 days).

We did the husky pack driving/sleigh and snowmobiling on one day.
Father Xmas late afternoon on another day
The Northern Lights experience on the last night.
Explored Ruka on one of the other days.

There's plenty of time to have fun in the snow!

It didnt real rushed and it was chilled experience...(we were lucky it was not really cold when we were there).

Jumping on the bandwagon husky-drawn sled. I'd dearly love to do this with my two but booking a package is no fun, I like to agonise over every tiny detail.

The husky drawn sled was probably my highlight - I was hesitating whether to do it or not and before I knew it there I was driving the pack with my daughter in the sled (DD thought I would fall off - but I didnt). A few pics not great because the best pics have all the DC's in!

Oh my actual god. I have to do this. Have to.