Lapland is one of those trips you never forget and booking with Santa’s Lapland made it completely stress free. We flew from Newcastle to Ivalo, high above the Arctic Circle and the magic started the moment we got on the plane. The crew kept the kids entertained with games and Christmas songs and before we knew it, we were landing in the snow. Outside the airport, reindeer were waiting, along with people in Christmas costumes and we went straight to pick up our hired thermal gear. Everything was organised for us transfers, meals and activities so we could just enjoy it. The only extras to pay for were alcoholic drinks with dinner.
Our first afternoon in Saariselkä was about getting our bearings and making the most of the snow. With only a few hours of daylight in winter, it was already dark when we borrowed sledges from the hotel and walked to the big hill on the edge of town. It was all lit up for sledging and the atmosphere was brilliant lots of laughter, fast runs down the slope and rosy cheeks all round. Back at the hotel, we tucked into a hearty evening meal and squeezed in a bit more snowy fun before bed. It had been a very early start with a 6am flight and with the travel time from Newcastle to the Arctic Circle an early night was definitely needed.
The next day was our Santa’s Magic activity day. We were taken to the site after breakfast and for us, the highlight was the husky sled ride perfect for families with older kids. The dogs were so excited to run and once we set off through the snowy forest, it was just incredible. Throughout the day there were open log cabins serving warm crepes and hot drinks, which was a great way to warm up between activities. Lunch was in a buffet restaurant with a limited but tasty selection on our visit it was bolognese and fresh rolls. We also had reindeer sleigh rides, tobogganing, mini snowmobiles for the kids, and lots of fun with the elves before meeting Santa himself in his cosy cabin.
That evening was the big Christmas dinner night, which really felt special. We all dressed up and enjoyed a festive meal in the restaurant, surrounded by twinkling lights and the buzz of happy families.
On our final morning, we had time for a walk into the village to look around the small gift shops. We bought some beautiful Christmas baubles to take home — the perfect souvenir to remember our trip every year when we decorate the tree.
Final thoughts
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Lapland twice, staying in both the Riekonlinna Hotel and the Holiday Club, which are right in the centre of Saariselkä. Both have been great, but if we went again, we’d pick the Riekonlinna as it’s where the big Christmas dinner night is held. Would we go again with older teens? Absolutely. The magic of Lapland isn’t just for young children it’s for anyone who loves snow, festive fun and making memories that last a lifetime.
Somehow still smiling…even after 12 layers and lost gloves
Tree: snow dusted. Kids unimpressed but pretend for the photo
Turn’s out even big kids smile when the Big Guy shows up
Forget Santa – we’d come back just for these guys
Family time, Lapland style – glowing faces and frozen toes
Turn’s out reindeers don’t do express routes – but we weren’t in a rush
Officially the most photogenic member of the trip
Snowy trails, slow pace, serious magic
This way to winter wonderland
The North Pole has talent and it wears pointy shoes
Escapes with teens 
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