Christmas in Rovaniemi

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » 22 Dec: UK to Finnish Lapland

  After flying from the UK to Rovaniemi, transfer with a guide to your accommodation – Ounasvaaran Lakituvat. Comprised of individual log-cabin style chalets, this resort features exposed beams, pine walls and fireplaces that offset modern, sleek kitchens, and of course, in true Scandi style, your own Finnish sauna. Perhaps indulge in the latter before heading for your included dinner at the superb Royal Reindeer restaurant with its dark-wood furnishings, red fabrics and roaring fires. Then, as you head to bed, cast your eyes to the sky for the chance to spot the magical Northern Lights.

  
  

  Stay: Ounasvaaran Lakituvat, Finnish Lapland

  Meals: Dinner

• Day 2 » 23 Dec: Reindeer sledding, husky safari & tobogganing

  Enjoy a wonderful family day packed with taster activities. It all begins with a reindeer sled that takes you through the Lappish wilds to a husky farm where you’ll enjoy a family husky ride through the snow and indulge in a delicious lunch. An afternoon of family fun continues with thrilling tobogganing rides in the snowy terrain before you head back to your chalet for dinner, a relaxing evening by the fire, and perhaps a sauna, of course.
  

  Stay: Ounasvaaran Lakituvat, Finnish Lapland

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 » 24 Dec: Christmas Eve with snowmobiling, ice fishing, campfire lunch & Santa visit

  Today begins with magical snowmobiling experience. You'll spend the first part of the morning mastering the art of driving your own machine, cosy in your warm winter clothing, before heading out along snowy forest trails to find a spot to try your hand at ice fishing. It's then time for a campfire lunch of hot soup and, with luck, your catch of the day, before heading to the hotel for tonight's big event. Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration for Finns and you'll certainly get in the spirit when Santa arrives to pay you a visit, bearing gifts for the kids, before an included three-course Christmas dinner back at at the Royal Reindeer sets the scene for a magical festive evening.

  Stay: Ounasvaaran Lakituvat, Finnish Lapland

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 » 25 Dec: Christmas Day & Husky safari

  To start your Christmas-day-with-a-difference, you'll enjoy the thrill of husky sledding as you join an expert musher for an unforgettable adventure through the wilderness. Then, having paused for lunch in Rovaniemi, you'll have an afternoon at leisure, perhaps taking the chance to visit the world's northernmost zoo where you'll see polar bears, wolves, lynx, eagles and more dotting the Arctic landscape. If you'd not had quite enough of Santa, the magical Santa's Village, complete with elves, is just moments away and a true winter wonderland – take part in Elf School, explore Santa's post office, meet Rudolph and more.

  After heading back to the hotel, your Christmas Day ends with another delicious dinner, where you'll sample traditional Lappish fare, with everything from reindeer to fresh fish on the menu. And, you might just catch a glimpse of the aurora on your way home.
  

  Stay: Ounasvaaran Lakituvat, Finnish Lapland

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 » 26 Dec: Depart for UK

  After a final breakfast, depart Rovaniemi and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
  

  Meals: Breakfast