Christmas in Lapland

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Fly to Kittila (23 Dec)

  Depart the UK on your flight to Kittila in Finnish Lapland, where, on arrival, you'll be met by your local guide. An included transfer will then bring you through the snowy swathes to Harriniva and your delightful wilderness lodge hotel. Check into your room and depending on your arrival time collect your winter clothing this evening or first thing in the morning.  Head to the restaurant for the first of your included meals. The hearty buffet offering has a choice of local specialities and international favourites. Then, why not get your first taste of the frosty surrounds with some late-night tobogganing. Be sure to keep your eyes on the sky for the Northern Lights.

  Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio

  Meals: Dinner

• Day 2 » Huskies, Christmas Crafting & Cookie Baking and Santa (24 Dec)

  It’s Christmas Eve, and with the celebrations well under way, you’ll be brought to visit Harriniva's huskies, mushing a dogsled through the snowy trails with the kids being brought out by the guides. Don't worry, there's also plenty of time for a cuddle with the puppies. Lunch back at the hotel.

  After lunch, it's time to engage in some arts and crafts, making your own Christmas keepsake. Then try your hand at cookie baking and gingerbread house making back at the hotel.

  Finally, a snowmobile sled ride will bring you out to Father Christmas, his elves showing you the secret path to his log cabin. And, after enjoying a private audience with the man himself and pancakes cooked over the open fire, it all culminates in a festive Christmas Eve dinner and a return visit by a surprise guest, bearing gifts for everyone.
  

  While the Finns might not do crackers and hats, the chance to walk off your delicious meal in the hotel’s snow-laden grounds – hopefully accompanied by the aurora’s spectacular swirls – is, we think, far more magical.

  Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 » Christmas Day with Reindeer Farm and Snow Fun (25 Dec)

  Christmas Day and this year’s will be especially exciting as you begin the day with a visit to Finland's oldest reindeer farm. After an included transfer, you'll be brought out for a sleigh ride through the forest and across the frozen lake before you feed the reindeer and learn how the herders use their lasso. 

  Returning to Harriniva for lunch, after which you'll have a full choice of winter fun, ranging from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to ice hockey and tobogganing. There are even mini-snowmobiles for the little ones. 
  

  A Christmas Day dinner is served in the restaurant and be sure to keep an eye out for a dancing display of the aurora - perhaps from the riverside hot tub (supplement applies).

  Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 » Snowmobile Safari and Ice Fishing (26 Dec)

  Boxing Day is always a firm favourite, and today starts in spectacular style as you strike out into the wilderness on snowmobiles – expert instruction included. Driving in pairs, and swapping half way, you’ll venture deep into the wild remotes, pausing for photo opportunities and to play in the knee-deep snow. Children will be pulled along in a sled behind your guide.

  Return to Harriniva for lunch, then this afternoon you'll take the snow train to a special spot, learn how to drill a hole in the ice and wait for your catch of the day to bite. Hot drinks and cookies are served around an open fire to keep you warm (and perhaps to cook your catch).

  Dinner is served in the restaurant - and hope that the Northern Lights light up your final evening in this winter wonderland.

  Stay: Hotel Harriniva, Muonio

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 » Depart for home (27 Dec)

  After breakfast, return your snowsuits before your included transfer back to Kittila and your flight, via Helsinki, home. 
  

  Meals: Breakfast