Enjoy a sleepover in Santa's hometown with our one-night trip to Rovaniemi! Fly away to a winter wonderland in the middle of Finland's amazing forests, and enjoy a range of exciting activities by day, before a magical candlelit experience in the evening, featuring snow-covered trees and the amazing lights of the arctic circle. Enjoy a three-course meal and tuck up for a cozy winters night to rest up before your trip to Santa's Secret Grotto the next day!
Your holiday to lapland starts early! The crew will begin the festive fun on the plane from Ireland, with Christmas singing, colouring, drawing and more (subject to Cabin Crew permission). When you arrive at Santa's official airport, you will be met by the elves, who will guide you throughout your stay.
You'll wrap up in provided thermal clothing, before setting off to enjoy winter activities such as snowmobiles, reindeer & husky rides, toboggans and more, in a picturesque landscape featuring snow covered trees, candles and warm fires. If you're feeling tired, you can take a nice break from the activities to enjoy a hot lunch.
In the evening, you can relax and unwind in the cozy hotel, and enjoy a three course buffet dinner - those feeling adventurous can explore the snow covered town of Rovaneimi.
After breakfast, it's time to start the hunt for Santa! We'll start the day with a visit to Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. Each family will then enjoy a private meeting with Santa in his private office, and Santa will give each child a small token gift. You then have time to write and send your letters from Santa's official Post Office, before we head back to Rovaniemi airport for a flight home and a light lunch onboard the flight.
A variety of hotel options available - ask a travel advisor for more information!
Return Flights
One Night Accommodation & Meals as per Itinerary
Thermal suit & boots for outdoor activities
Private meeting with Santa
Present from Santa (for all kids aged 7 - 11)
Snowmobile
Reindeer & Husky Sleigh Rides
Toboggans
Ice & Snow Activities
Transfers
Variety of dates available December 2021, flying from Dublin, Cork & Shannon
Gillian Murphy, Cassidy Travel Expert Advisor
Erin Murphy, 11 yrs, Rush
Julie Hanna, Cassidy Travel's Cruise Expert
Paula, Dublin
Brian, Cassidy Travel Golf Holiday Expert
Justin Hughes
The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is a compact city in the middle of the Arctic Wilderness. With a warm, friendly buzz, modern shopping malls, lively bars and restaurants and a range of hotels, its the perfect place to relax after a fun day of winter activities!
Sample the range of restaurants available, from traditional cooking to French cuisines! Enjoy snow sports and sleigh rides outside the city, and see if you can spot a reindeer!
Rovaniemi is designed to look like a reindeers head from above, complete with antlers!
Transfer time: 0.00
Local Time: GMT +2
Average flight time: 3.5 hours
Local currency: EUR
Language: All reps will speak English, and many locals speak English and Finnish
OCT
2°C
Avg. Rain 54mm
NOV
-4°C
Avg. Rain 53mm
DEC
-6°C
Avg. Rain 47mm
Snow conditions vary year on year, and have been known to fall as low as - 15°C. However, you will receive all-in-one thermal suits and boots on loan for the duration of your trip!
Low deposits are available on advance bookings for our Lapland holidays, so if you book early and you can pay in instalments, spreading the costs over the months before your trip!
The required deposit varies for each trip, and ranges between €100 - €150 per person. There are special family deposits for all overnight trips, as stated below:
2 adults and 1 child: €250 family deposit
2 adults and 2 children: €300 family deposit
2 adults and 3 children: €350 family deposit
Your deposit will be non-refundable and full payment will be required a minimum of 13 weeks before departure. Upon booking you will be notified of the exact date the balance is due.
Trip Information:
See above for information on deposits.
WHAT DOES THE COST INCLUDE?
The cost is inclusive of the following:
- Direct flights from the Republic of Ireland
- Services and activities as specified on your tour
- Transfers and overnight stays at your chosen accommodation
- Meals as per your itinerary
- Thermal Suits and Boots (not available for infants under 2 years)
ARE TOURS SUITABLE FOR ADULTS, OLDER CHILDREN & TEENS?
Yes! Older children, teens and adults really enjoy the outdoor activities such as snowmobiles, reindeer & husky safaris and many of the Lapland experiences!
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Generally breakfast, lunch and dinner are buffet style and will cater to both adults and children's tastes. Where possible, we do try to ensure meals are similar to home, however you are travelling to a foreign county so do not expect the same food. It is your responsibility to inform us of dietary requirements before travelling.
WILL MY GUIDES SPEAK ENGLISH?
All our Elf helpers speak English, and locals often speak both Finnish and English.
IS IT SAFE?
Lapland is perfectly safe provided you follow the instructions from your arctic guides. Arctic conditions prevail, so it is important to be sensible and accept guidance when given. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their own party for the duration of the tour, and it's important to note that your guide may alter the scheduled tour content in the interests if safety.
WILL YOU HELP US WITH ACTIVITES?
We have special safety regulations regarding every aspect of safaris. Technical instruction is provided before all safaris, so all participants have knowledge on how to manoeuver the vehicles. Guidance will be in English.
About your surroundings:
An average Lapland day will provide 4.5 hours of what is termed 'grey' light (generally between 10:00hrs and 14:30hrs daily Finnish time, although this will vary depending on location). Outside of these hours it will be like night time at home in Ireland but with the advantage of snow. Venues for our day visits to Lapland are accordingly lit naturally using roaring fires and Lappish outdoor candles providing an attractive setting for the events taking place.
IS LAPLAND SUITABLE FOR INFANTS?
Finland can reach severely cold temperatures, and it is essential that you bring adequate thermal clothing for any children less than two years of age. We would recommend that you purchase a thermal snow suit for children under 2 years of age and bring it with you. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before booking and seek advice on the suitability of such harsh conditions for your child. It is also worth noting that buggies will not be suitable for use in the deep snow found in most areas.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
All guests receive Thermal Suits on arrival, which are similar to Ski Suits and boots. You will need to pack a selection of warm clothing to layer underneath including thermal underwear and warm tights. It is advisable that you wear something comfortable underneath the suits as you are in these for the majority of the time spent in Lapland. Don’t forget to bring hats, waterproof gloves and scarves for extra warmth. Snow boots are provided for your own safety, it is essential that these are worn at all times. Wellington boots and denim jeans are unsuitable for Lapland weather conditions.
We have a range of suit and boot sizes available, so those looking for extra large sizes will find a suit to fit them. However, we do not provide thermal suits for Infants under 2 years of age.
WILL IT BE COLD?
Temperatures can vary year on year, but can regularly fall to -15 and have been known to go even lower, however you will be provided with Thermal Suits and Snow Boots, so you will be suitably dressed for the cold. If you are concerned about the cold, consider travelling in early December as it is often not as cold as late December.
Travel Information:
Irish citizens must bring a valid Irish Passport, which must be valid for 6 months after your return date. Visas are not required for Irish Citizens.
Not an Irish Citizen? Contact the Finnish Embassy in Dublin on 01-4781344 to find out what travel documents you require.
For the most up to date advice, check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
It is a condition of booking with us that you and your travelling companions take out suitable Winter Sports Insurance. Your insurance policy should provide full Winter Sports coverage, and list the activities you will be participating in (e.g. Husky Tours, Snowmobiles, etc.) Travel Insurance can be purchased from Cassidy Travel, please enquire with your travel advisor.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
Euro is the local currency, but there are very few ATMs, so you may wish to bring cash with you. Most major credit cards are accepted.
FLIGHT DETAILS:
Your flight will be approximately 3.5 hours, and each person is entitles to 20 kilos of checked luggage plus 5 kilos of hand luggage.
Activities Information:
Santa is looking forward to meeting all the children! He has a small, token gift for each child.
CAN I BRING A GIFT FOR SANTA TO GIVE MY CHILD?
Our policy is that all children receive the same gift from Santa.
CAN I DRIVE A SNOWMOBILE?
You must be over 18 and in possession of a clean driving license to drive a snowmobile. Please ensure you bring your license with you as you may be asked to present this. Children aged 12 and over may travel as a passenger, at the guide's discretion.
Snowmobiles are insured as required by Finnish law. This insurance covers medical care for injuries for the driver and the passenger arising from accidents. The amount of personal liability is max €980 per snowmobile/instance of accident. We can not accept any liability for personal injuries or material damage arising from accidents during "Winter Funtastic Games" husky dog sledding, reindeer safaris, or other excursions .Personal travel insurance is recommended. People with certain medical conditions may not be able to participate in some actives due to the nature of the activity.
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Find out more about what you can do in Lapland!
A visit to Santa's Grotto forms an essential part of each and every one of our Lapland Holidays. Concealed in a secret location, it can often only be reached with the help of huskies, reindeers, snowmobiles and even Santa's Elves.
In the midst of the frosty forest, you will arrive at Santa's warm and welcoming refuge glinting in the starlight. Cross the threshold into a world of delight, where children and parents alike will be awestruck by what hides within.
Home to Santa's head office, where he spends his days checking his lists of who's been naughty and nice, a trip to the Grotto is a once in a lifetime experience. He's eagerly awaiting the arrival of this year's boys and girls, and planning on spending some time with each family individually. He may even have a gift for the guests who have come so far to see him.
Very few lucky children are invited to Lapland's secret Elf Workshop. The elves are snowed under with tasks, and will welcome the extra help as they spend some time with visitors to their workshop.
You'll find out top secret tips on just how the elves manage to make all the gifts, and see a little of the elves preparations for Christmas Day! Guests will get a glimpse of the elves hard at work, and will teach children tricks of the trade and how to decorate their own Gingerbread cookies. If you're lucky, the elves might even drop a hint or two about how to find Santa's Grotto!
Most two and three day visits to Lapland include a magical visit to the Elf Workshop which kids and adults will love.
One of the highlights of your trip to Lapland is the chance to meet Santa's Reindeer and his brave team of huskies. Every visitor will get a chance to be guided through the gleaming snow on a sleigh pulled by reindeer or huskies.
Often these trusty creatures are the only ones who know the precise location of Santa's hidden Grotto! Whether you're just taking a little trip through the forest, or on a mission to find Santa's Grotto or the Elf Workshop, the Reindeer or Husky Safari is a truly magical way to explore lapland, and meet Santa's furry friends!
Powerful snowmobiles play a part in all of our Lapland Holidays. Taking you through snowy crossings on the search for Santa, they're a breathtaking way to travel.
Some of our tours include the chance to try your hand at driving a snowmobile yourself - you might be asked to produce your driving licence so don't forget to bring it along. Children's snowmobiles can also be driven on select trips, and are suitable for anyone aged four and upwards subject to height restrictions.
Lapland is the definitive destination for experiencing snowmobiling check that you're properly insured so you don't miss out!