Santa’s Lapland Holidays - Ask the Experts!

[CeriMumsnet]

Are you thinking about booking a magical trip to Lapland this Christmas?
Wondering what to expect, what to pack, or what age is best for the trip?

We’ve invited two experts from Santa’s Lapland to help you with everything you need to know to plan the perfect winter adventure for your family.

Share your questions below by 25 November for the chance to win a £100 voucher (T&Cs).

Meet the Experts:
Gillian Rae, Santa’s Lapland Area Manager
Gillian is the Santa’s Lapland Area Manager, helping to make Christmas truly magical for all the families who visit. Gillian started working for Santa’s Lapland with seasonal roles out in Lapland, and has worked her way up to be the Area Manager. Gillian works with Santa’s Lapland all year round, and is based in the UK for 10months of the year, and out in Lapland for November & December. She is passionate about creating magical Christmas memories to last a lifetime!

Chloe Lovell, Product Manager, Santa’s Lapland
Chloe has been the Product Manager for Santa’s Lapland for over 3 years, having previously worked as a Product Executive covering Lapland. Chloe has visited Santa’s Lapland numerous times, and her role focuses on making sure the experience is exciting and always evolving. Chloe works closely with both the UK based team and local suppliers in Lapland to give all families who visit a Christmas Like No Other.

10 years ago we went to Saariselka with Santa‘s Lapland and had a brilliant experience!
I guess my question is now that DC are all grown up would it be wrong for me to just go on my own? I loved it, and I would highly recommend it to people with little ones

Is there a photographer at the events ? and if so how much would they cost - are we allowed to take photos when we are there ?

Have there been any instances when severe weather has meant that events cannot go ahead - and is there a 'Plan B' for such occasions ?

Do you get an itinerary with all of the times and places for pick up's and drop offs if you have booked a couple of trips out ?

Can two itineraries be arranged for one family - so we can set off and come back to the hotel at a similar time - we'd want different activities so everyone is happy.

Are their souvenir shops at the activities - and if so can I buy good quality Christmas gifts for friends and family - are these locally made - or are they something which is overpriced and 'Chinese' made with a local touch - similar to ones you buy in Europe when go on holiday ?

My question is about the grandparent saving - do we need to add the grandma onto the booking and can she come alone (she is a widow) ''Grandparents can save £100 per couple off adult prices. Applies to grandparents travelling on the same booking (minimum 2 adults and 2 children). Please call us to find out more and book'' or do 2 grandparents need to go ? Would there be a single room - or would the £100 saving if applicable be ofset by any single supplement ?

From experience, how well organised are the trips, and how many people would you expect to see at the elves workshop and the husky ride - and what are the waiting times to get onto the event.

Interested in this for a wonderful memory - December 2026 - which of the hotels would you recommend for a 6 and 9 year old and why ?

Can you build your own package for a cheaper rate? My kids would love it. But the options are either day-trip or three days from airports local to us (Bristol/ Cardiff). Looking for an affordable in between option.

How busy (people) are the trips? Do the places feel like resorts?

Will group bookings be placed together on the activities ? Is this organised in advance ?

How much spending money would a family of 4 need for the holiday - an average amount enough to have a good break away

Can I hire snowsuits there - I would not want the expense and extra luggage to buy and bring ones - which we may not use again ?

Is there much to do for grandparents who would be paying for this for us, want to come, but not take part in the activities (they are 66 and 71)

Do adjoining rooms get booked up really quick - and do you think it's worth contacting the hotel direct to book adjoining rooms and bi-ass the on-line booking to get the rooms you would ideally want ?

Hi @Maiyakat To fully make the most of Lapland I would suggest doing either a 2 or 3 night package. Santa's Lapland is based 250km above the Arctic Circle and due to the location and travel time, you need more than one day to fully experience everything that is on offer. Lapland is such a beautiful and unique part of the world that you could not truly experience it all on a day trip. Staying for a few nights also gives you more chance to see the magical Northern Lights.

Hi @sharond101 Santa's Lapland is magical for adults and children alike. The optimum ages are when your children still believe in Santa and will be completely immersed in the magic, however anyone who loves Christmas is sure to have a wonderful experience.

Hi @Kentishbirdlife We generally recommend between 5-9 as the optimum age, but Santa's Lapland is magical for anyone who believes in Santa or who loves Christmas.

Hi @youareonlyhereonce All Santa's Lapland packages can be booked as half-board. For lunch on your arrival day and departure day you can make use of the supermarket or visit one of the hotels. On the Search for Santa day a warm lunch is included for everyone.

Hi @benjaminjamesandgraham Santa's Lapland offers the ultimate Lapland package. We include flights, transfers, half-board accomodation, thermal suits and a full day of activities during the Search for Santa Day. This takes place at one of our exclusive activity centres, meaning you don't spend time travelling between different excursions. Throughout your holiday the Santa's Lapland Rangers are on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly, as well as bringing festive fun and games. Depending which package you choose, there are magical shows in our real igloo, or an interactive experience in Santa's Elves workshop. We have over 20 years' experience, so we know how to make every holiday truly magical.

Hi @lovemyflipflops Santa's Lapland packages have been designed to appeal to a wide range of guests. For many it is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. We include flights, transfers, half-board accomodation, thermal suits and a full day of activities during the Search for Santa Day. This takes place at one of our exclusive activity centres, meaning you don't spend time travelling between different excursions. The package includes everything you need for a magical experience, so the optional adventures are not essential.

Hi @Fancyquickthinker Both Santas Lapland packages include a Magical sleigh ride, where you will head into the snowy forest to search for Santa in his log cabin, where you'll enjoy a private family meeting with a gift for every child. This is included for all of our guests and I am sure it will be one of your most magical memories as a family.

Hi @ThatBeachLyfe Both Santa's Lapland packages include husky sledding, a reindeer sleigh ride, and fun with Santa's Elves. There are also snow and ice games like snow hocky and tobogganing to try. In addition we offer optional excursions if you would like to try snowmobiling, skiing or searching for the Northern Lights.

Hi @DinkyDaffodil The team in Lapland do our best to accommodate all our guests needs and we are experienced at helping families with their individual requirements. We have created sensory guides, which you can find here, and these will give you more information to ensure you choose a holiday that is right for your family. The more information you can discuss with us at the time of booking will help our team to advise what we will be able to provide.