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.

Hi @whitepuffyclouds 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 @maureenponderosa This will depend on your families priorities, and what you are looking for from your holiday. Santa's Aurora package is our premium package where you stay at Santa's Star Arctic Hotel. This is located on the fell above Saariselkä, which is a perfect location for viewing the Northern Lights. This package includes a reindeer sleigh ride, a Wilderness Dinner in a traditional Lappish Kota, a snowmobile safari, and a full Search for Santa Day at our Aurora Activity Centre. There is a 5km husky sled ride, a visit to Santa's Elves Workshop, an Enchanted Trail, snow and ice activities such as snow hockey and mini skiddoos and a private family meeting with Santa.

Hi @Dizzywizz You will take part in a reindeer sleigh ride as part of your included activities where they will take you through the forest, guided by a local Sami reindeer handler, and this allows you to see these wonderful animals up close, while following our animal welfare policy.

Hi @Cocktailsandcheese We have lots of 4 year olds who thoroughly enjoy Santa's Lapland and participate in everything!

Hi @ketchuporbrownsauce You will also have a number of included activities in your Search for Santa Day such as a reindeer sleigh ride and husky sledding, plus much more depending on which package you choose. If you do want to add other activities on, we have a number of optional adventures to choose from, which can be booked in advance, or once you get to Lapland.

Hi @DenDenDenise Every Santa's Lapland holiday includes a private family meeting with Santa in his cosy cabin, deep in the snowy forest. You'll join a magical sleigh ride and might encounter some of Santa's Elves on the way. Santa will give a gift to every child.

Hi @YaWeeFurryBastard Our Santa's Aurora package is our premium package where you stay at Santa's Star Arctic Hotel. This is located on the fell above Saariselkä, which is a perfect location for viewing the Northern Lights. This package includes a reindeer sleigh ride, a Wilderness Dinner in a traditional Lappish Kota, a snowmobile safari, and a full Search for Santa Day at our Aurora Activity Centre. This includes a 5km husky sled ride, visit to Santa's Elves Workshop, an Enchanted Trail, snow and ice activities such as snow hockey and mini skiddoos and a private family meeting with Santa.

We have lots of 4 year olds who come and enjoy Santa's Lapland. Thermal suits, boots, socks and gloves are all provided to help keep everyone warm. During the Search for Santa Day there are warming areas with open fires you can pop into to warm up if it is getting too cold.

Hi @AlltheHedgehogsontheWall This say is a guide, as each family's actual itinerary may be different depending on what their exact booking, but generally this should be a good example of what your itinerary will be. We look forward to welcoming you to Santa's Lapland on the 23rd and hope you'll have a truly magical holiday with us.

Hi @Scrabbler Our Magic Activity Centre has capacity for all guests travelling on that date, but there are staggered arrivals and departures, and it covers a big area in the Lappish wilderness so generally it doesn't feel too busy. You will be given an allocated time slot for husky sledding but all of the other activities are free flow so you can take your time and enjoy everything at your own pace.

Hi @HobNobAddict We don't have photographers on site, so you are completely welcome to take as many of your own photos as you would like. The Elves can even help with this.

Hi @benjaminjamesandgraham Seeing Lapland in the snow is all part of the experience, so if we decide there’s not enough snow, you can change your travel dates within the same season or get a full refund with our Snow Guarantee.

Hi @ButterOllocks When you arrive in Santa's Lapland you will receive a welcome booklet which includes an intinerary and information regarding any of your pre-booked optional adventures. The Santa's Lapland rangers are also on hand should you need any help or have any questions during your holiday.

Hi @JacCharlton From the feedback we receive from guests, most families feel that the trips are very well organised. At our Aurora Activity Centre, we have a smaller capacity for less guests, so this is the quieter option. You will be given a timed slot for your husky sledding experience so there won't be too much time to wait.

Hi @DinkyDaffodil There are a choice of hotels on our Santa's Magic trips, all are located in the centre of Saariselka. These hotels are all of a similar comfortable standard, so it will be down to your personal preference on the type of room you would like. On Santa's Aurora you will stay at Santa's Star Arctic located on the fell above Saariselka. This is the best choice if you want the highest chance of spotting the Northern Lights.

Hi @wellingtonsandwaffles At our Activity Centres there are staggered arrivals and departures, and they cover a big area surrounded by Lappish wilderness so generally it doesn't feel too busy. You will be given an allocated time slot for husky sledding but all of the other activities are free flow so you can take your time and enjoy everything at your own pace.

Hi @lillypopdaisyduke If you speak to one of our Santa's Lapland Specialists they can make sure the bookings are linked, and can help make sure you will be on the same coach. As most of the activities are free flow, you'll be able to spend time with your group making your way around the different things to do.

Hi @Maiyakat thanks for your question! I think staying for 2 or 3 nights is really worth it. Once you take into consideration the 3-hour flight time and then the 2-hour time difference, that's a lot of your day spent on the plane! Having 2 or 3 nights in Lapland really gives you and your family time to have a magical experience and immerse yourself in all the Christmas magic. For example on a day trip, many of the activities are short taster sessions, but on a Santa's Lapland short break the included activities are longer and you have a full Search for Santa day with plenty of time to try everything that is on offer.

Thanks @sharond101 It really depends on if your child still believes and if you think they'd enjoy it. Also if you have a younger sibling then we do see the older children join in on the fun and help with the magic - like the adults. There are also activities that older children will enjoy such as tobogganing or snowmobiling.

Hi @Kentishbirdlife ! We recommend 5-9 as the prime years! Generally between these ages children are young enough for the magic and old enough to remember it. If an older child still believes or has younger siblings, they will still have a magical time. Due to the low temps we don't recommend Santa's Lapland for the under 2s. Anyone that enjoys Christmas will enjoy Santa's Lapland!

Hi there @youareonlyhereonce. On our Search for Santa Day, you get a warm lunch included on the day, with a meat or vegetarian option available.

Hi thanks for your question @benjaminjamesandgraham. We understand a Santa's Lapland holiday is an investment, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that children (and adults) will remember. The packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, thermal suits and a full Search for Santa day packed with activities including husky sledding and a reindeer sleigh ride. There is a private family meeting with Santa, with a gift for every child, plus lots of fun with the elves.

Hi @lovemyflipflops, thank you. The flights to Santa's Lapland depart early to make the most of the time you have in Lapland, and the magic starts as soon as you get on the plane, with festive fun and games. The packages include flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, thermal suits and a full Search for Santa day packed with activities including husky sledding and a reindeer sleigh ride, and a hot lunch. There is a private family meeting with Santa, with a gift for every child, plus lots of fun with the elves. If you book early, you might be able to take advantage of the free child places we offer on our Santa's Magic packages.

Hi @Fancyquickthinker Most families choose our half-board option as this makes the mealtimes nice and easy, and there is a good range of buffet food served in our hotels. If you do choose bed and breakfast, the Festive Dinner won't be included, but there is a small choice of local restaurants and one supermarket in Saariselkä. We have plenty of family rooms and interconnecting rooms available to suit all family sizes, and they're available across all our hotels. Apartments are also a great choice to have a communal living space to relax in.

What’s it ideal age range for kids to go?