Christmas is a magical time for children and adults alike. Now families can visit Santa’s home in Lapland and sample reindeer rides with Santa’s very own reindeer and enjoy exhilarating husky runs. Mick and Jean Webb recently travelled to Lapland for a 5 day stay with their grandson. Read their report to find out more, or call 0121 250 2211 or 01543 412768 to book your holiday to Lapland.
Flight
We flew from Manchester airport to Rovaniemi airport in Finland and since the check-in time was at 9am, we stayed overnight at Manchester airport – the M6 being what it is, there is no knowing how long it would take on a Friday morning to reach Manchester airport from the Midlands. The Hilton at Manchester airport was very convenient with courtesy buses taking guests to and from the airport every few minutes. The accommodation is good and it has two restaurants: one bistro and one fine dining. The Radisson is even more convenient in that there is a walk way directly from the hotel to the airport check in – again the restaurant is very good.
The flight to Rovaniemi airport in Finland was nearly three hours long. The cabin crew staff were excellent, catering especially for children although the seating was fairly tight.
Coaches met the plane and a specific coach number was allocated to each party. The same coach was used for all transportation during the stay. Children were entertained with singing and colouring competitions during the 2 hour coach journey to Salla.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be in the main hotel or in cabins, which are just a few metres from the hotel. The only advantage of being in the hotel is that you do not have to change into outdoor clothes for meals which are all served in the hotel – useful with young children. All of the staff are excellent. Before and after dinner there is entertainment, e.g. magic shows, games or stories for children.
The food is always served buffet style. For breakfast there is fruit, cereals, cold meats and cheese and hot eggs and sausage. Lunch is usually served in a chalet wherever the activity of the day is being staged, and might be soup and something like spaghetti and dinner included a salad table, a selection of 2 or 3 main courses, a sweet, cheese, fruit, tea, coffee and a children’s counter. The wine list is OK too and the bar stays open until midnight. There is no tea and coffee in the bedroom, nor a mini bar, but you are allowed to take your own alcohol for consumption in the bedroom. It is quite a good idea to take a travel kettle if you like early morning tea in bed.
Clothing
Remember that temperatures in December can vary considerably, from minus 10 degrees to minus 50 degrees – that’s cold! So, take thermals, gloves, several lightweight sweaters, boots, hat and scarf. Even at minus 10 it is cold on skidoos. The Resort, however, does supply waterproof over garments (similar to a ski suit) and boots free of charge. The drying cupboard in all bedrooms is a boon if suits get wet playing in the snow. Clothing for evenings is again very casual – trousers and sweaters the order of the day.
Letter to Santa and present
Before going to Lapland, children are encouraged to write a letter to Santa asking for a specific present. The letters are secretly handed in upon arrival by parents so when Santa is found, he will have the letter and gift! This, of course, is the real Santa, not just a helper. There are elves (Tricky Dicky, Snowy Bowy, Noisy Nod and Speedy Sam) who help to locate Santa, and they appear from time to time during the search. Santa lives in a delightful wooden chalet deep in the woods and here too is his workshop where children see elves making toys for Christmas.
Programme
The programme is as natural and unspoilt as possible. Each day the coach leaves at 10am for a different destination which is usually only about 20 minutes drive away. It could be to meet the huskies or reindeer, who both pull sledges through the forest, or to ride on and drive skidoos. The huskies are delightful, very friendly and welcome being fussed. Be a little more wary of the reindeer. Hot drinks around an open fire are served at all stops.
There are evening excursions at an extra cost which include a one and a half hour trip through the forest on a sledge pulled by a skidoo – halfway round the party stops in a wooden hut with a roaring fire for cooking sausages and pancakes. There is also a one and a half hour night skidoo safari through the forest. Before and after dinner, children (and adults) can play on small sledges on the nearby slope.
There is a choice of activities on the final day: ice fishing, tobogganing, snow games and cross country or slalom skiing.
A video including some personal shots is available as a memento of this magical trip.
Summary
A truly magical experience, particularly for younger children, but one which is enjoyed by everyone.
