Santa's Spectacular

The children will love being greeted at Ivalo Airport by a reindeer with its Sami handler, and one of Santa's elves , presenting a delightful photo opportunity to capture your family's first few minutes in Santa's homeland.

• A short, comfortable 25-minute coach-ride transfers you to your hotel or cosy chalet in Saariselkä, just enough time to see if you can spot more reindeer or Santa's hut through the forests bordering the road.
• Time for your 'Michelin-man' impersonations, as we get you fitted with your special complimentary thermal over-suits , boots, gloves and hats.
• Fun-time - a chance to explore and get your bearings in this winter wonderland, make snowmen, go tobogganing or just relax in a fragrant Finnish sauna.
• A wonderful welcome dinner in your hotel or chalet, a chance to meet and socialise with our other guests and build your anticipation for tomorrow!

• This extra day on the 4-day 'Santa's Spectacular' break will normally be your second day, and gives you the chance to start building up the excitement with your choice of our fantastic Optional Adventures. Try a sensational Snowmobile Safari - one of our previous guests' big favourites - or enjoy a few hours skiing, or maybe go for an extra Husky Sled or Reindeer Sleigh Ride - always a popular choice with the children.

We will pick you up for the ultimate Christmas adventure , enjoying all the following exciting activities at some point throughout the day, all of which are included in our prices. Reindeer Sleigh Ride , meet your reindeer and your local Sami guide, learn the Lappish reindeer names, then take a wonderful ride into the picturesque woods, with the children cuddled under blankets on your knee. Husky Sled Ride , where the children get to ride with a parent (and shout 'mush mush!' at every opportunity!), and grown-ups can all take a turn at actually 'driving' your own sled! Imagine your sled, drawn by five or six eager huskies, straining at the leash and desperate to run, then released and you're off, racing through the snow-covered woods - the perfect way to experience Lapland's winter wonderland. Traditional Arctic Circle Ceremony , where a Sami guide will introduce you to their traditional culture with stories and maybe a song or two, and every guest receives a special souvenir certificate, to celebrate your intrepid crossing of the Arctic Circle.

• Lunch is also included to recharge your batteries for the afternoon. This will be a simple 2-course meal with separate options for the children and plenty of hot berry juice, squash, tea and coffee available.
• A host of snow and ice activities to enjoy such as ice-fishing, snow-hockey, kick-sledding (a crazy cross between a scooter and a toboggan!), tandem skiing, mini skidoo rides for the children, tobogganing and snow sculpture - a chance for all budding artists to convert a large block of compact snow into a work of art.
• See your children's faces light up with wonder, as you fulfil your family's Search for Santa , and meet Santa Claus himself, in an exclusive private family gathering, in his hideaway log-cabin home, with his helpers on hand to make you welcome and ensure there is magic in the air!
• Refreshments are included too and are available indoors throughout the day, for those times when a few minutes warming up are welcomed.
• Finally, back 'home' in your hotel or chalet, sit down as a family and enjoy a wonderful Gala Dinner * , and relive every unforgettable moment of your biggest ever Christmas adventure!

• Fun-time again , with the chance to thrill to another big adventure, whether pre-booked in the UK or chosen the night before from our 'Optional Adventures' . You may have fallen in love with the huskies and want to experience the sled ride again, or perhaps experience skiing, Nordic style or downhill - there are plenty of options to choose from.
• A light packed lunch will be provided from your hotel or chalet to be eaten at your convenience, allowing you to make the most of your last morning in Saariselkä, where time can also be spent in a range of souvenir shops selling traditional Lappish items (take home some reindeer pâté!) and Christmas gifts.
• We will collect you from your doorstep by coach and take you to the airport to catch your flight home, to a chorus of fond farewells.

QUICK LINKS
> Saariselka Resort
> Saariselka Accommodation
> Why Santa's Lapland
> Frequently Asked Questions
> Booking Conditions

* In hotels the Gala Dinner is not applicable to 23rd and 24th December departures due to special menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

AVAILABILITY
All the dates above are available as of our last update. However the prices and tours are subject to availability and availability cannot be guaranteed for late bookings made betwen Oct-Dec where availability will be extremely limited with most tours likely to be full. Alternative tours will be offered should this tour be fully booked.

Images © Esprit Holidays