Summary

Explore Finland's frozen wilds, and meet Santa in his log-cabin home

Highlights

Husky sled through Finnish Lapland's snow-covered wilds
Meet Santa in his log-cabin and receive a gift
Feed reindeer and enjoy a private sled through the forest
Stay far from any light pollution, perfect for viewing the Northern Lights
Enjoy the services of a Wexas host throughout

In pictures

Reindeer, Finnish Lapland

Wilderness Plus room

Santa Claus, Hotel Harriniva

Husky sledding, Harriniva

Northern Lights, Harriniva

Snowshoeing, Harriniva

Reindeer, Finnish Lapland

Wilderness Plus room

Santa Claus, Hotel Harriniva

Husky sledding, Harriniva

Northern Lights, Harriniva

Snowshoeing, Harriniva

About

This escorted break in Finnish Lapland is the perfect festive trip for both children and adults, departing on the 17 and 20 December. From meeting and sledding with northern Finland's emblematic animal, the reindeer, to mushing your own team of keen huskies, it's the perfect prelude to Christmas itself. You will, of course, meet Father Christmas himself, as well as enjoy the likes of wilderness fireside dinners and optional hot tub and sauna soaks, ending days with – luck depending – displays of the Northern Lights. Experience it all between nights in your rustic wood-panelled cabin accommodation, private transfers and all-inclusive meals. What's more, you'll be escorted throughout by a Wexas host.

Day 1
UK to Harriniva

After your flight from the UK to Kittila, accompanied by your Best Served Scandinavia host, you’ll be met by your guide and taken to Harriniva via a private coach transfer to your hotel high above the Arctic Circle, located on the snowy shores of the frozen river Muonio, with a wood-cabin Scandi feel. Indulge in a hearty home-cooked dinner in the cosy pine-clad restaurant before a late-night tobogganing adventure. With luck, you may be joined by the dazzle of the Northern Lights – you can even sign up for an aurora wake up service to rouse you for a personal lightshow.

Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio (Standard)

Meals: D

Day 2
Reindeers & Snowshoeing

Today you'll meet the emblematic animal of Lapland after transferring to Torassieppi, home to Finland's oldest reindeer farm where real-life Rudolphs and Dashers will be waiting to take you on a short ride through the snow-dusted firs. Then, feed them and even try out the herder's lasso before indulging in a Lappish lunch in a cosy kota by an open fire to fuel your thrilling afternoon. You'll showshoe through the dense frozen forests, and for more adventurous thrills there's cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice hockey and even mini-snowmobiling for children. It's culminated with hot drinks, cookies and marshmallows around the open fire before a festive Finnish Christmas dinner awaits this evening, when you'll enjoy hearty, traditional Lappish dishes. After, take the chance to head on an optional private riverside sauna and hot tub under the star-spangled skies – pre booking is a must.

Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio (Standard)

Meals: B L D

Day 3
Husky Safari & Meeting Santa

Head back out into the frozen wilds today after breakfast, where an exciting snowmobile safari awaits while children are pulled on a sled just behind – and there's plenty of time for stops to play in the deep snow blanket. After lunch, you’ll head to a husky farm where your friendly team are ready to pull you through the silent snow canopy. Then it's time to get festive, making cookies and creating Christmas crafts before meeting the star of the show, Santa himself, reached via a twilight snowmobile sled. Enjoy pancakes over an open fire before meeting Lapland's most famous man in red and even receiving a present. Then, a final dinner is served in the cosy wooden walls and fireplace of the restaurant before a night of Christmas games – with another special appearance by Father Christmas.

Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio (Standard)

Meals: B L D