Escape to the snowy wilderness of northeastern Finland on this magical winter break filled with festive cheer and thrilling outdoor adventures. Staying at the secluded Arctic Lumo Resort, you'll be surrounded by frozen lakes, snow-laden forests and peaceful fell landscapes, with the chance to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your cosy, glass-walled cabin or panoramic suite. Days are filled with a wide range of nature-based experiences, from meeting reindeer and gliding through the forests by husky sled to skiing at Ruka, one of Finland's finest ski resorts. The highlight, however, is a trip to meet Santa and his elves, complete with tobogganing, Christmas baking and carol singing. Back at the resort, delicious seasonal Finnish cuisine and relaxing soaks in your private outdoor hot tub provide the perfect way to round off each day.
Snowy thrills & Santa at Arctic Lumo Resort
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Featuring a reindeer sleigh ride, a husky safari, a trip to visit Santa and a stay at a secluded boutique wilderness resort hidden among snow-cloaked forests and fells, this festive family break will create memories to last a lifetime.
» 5 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £2,820 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Kuusamo
Your trip begins by flying (via Helsinki) to Kuusamo in northeastern Finland – one of the country’s snowiest regions. On arrival, a short private transfer (around 10 minutes) will bring you to Arctic Lumo Resort, a boutique wilderness retreat tucked away among forests, fells and frozen lakes. It’s a perfect place to slow down, leave the routines of everyday life behind and connect with the region’s pristine nature. Here, you have the choice between three categories of accommodation: an Aurora Room (a cosy cabin with a glass-walled section that’s perfect for Northern Lights viewing), an Aurora Spa Room (which comes with the extra benefit of a private outdoor hot tub), or a stylish Panoramic Suite (featuring two separate bedrooms, a lounge area and a private outdoor hot tub).
Once you’ve settled in, head over to the restaurant for your first delicious three-course dinner. The culinary ethos here – led by esteemed Finnish chef, Kim Mikkola (formerly of Noma in Copenhagen) – is rooted in authentic, seasonal produce sourced from the surrounding lakes and forests, so expect the likes of fresh fish, wild game, foraged mushrooms, herbs and berries. Before heading to bed, be sure to take a look outside and see if the Northern Lights are swirling across the night sky.
Stay: Arctic Lumo Resort
Meals: Dinner
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Day 2 » Reindeer farm visit by snowmobile
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off on the first of your included excursions, whizzing across a frozen lake by snowmobile en route to a local reindeer farm. Here, you’ll get to feed the reindeer and take photos with them, while also learning about their crucial importance to the region’s indigenous Sámi people over the centuries. You’ll hear stories about reindeer herding and everyday life on the farm before heading out on a short reindeer sleigh ride through the enchanting, snowy surroundings.
Back at Arctic Lumo Resort, you’ll have the afternoon free to spend as you wish. You might take advantage of complimentary snowshoes, cross-country skis or sleds (there’s a family-friendly sledding hill in the resort), or you may prefer to simply unwind in your cabin and make the most of your private outdoor hot tub. You could also book another guided activity, or reserve a private session in the sauna.
Stay: Arctic Lumo Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3 » Husky safari & Santa experience
This morning, you’ll be brought to a local husky farm, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with these friendly, furry creatures and learn about how they’re looked after. Then, after a short introduction to the basics of ‘mushing’ (the art of steering a sled), you’ll set off on a thrilling sled ride with your own enthusiastic team of huskies, gliding along snowy trails through the forests. It’s a truly special experience and one that’s sure to make a powerful impression.
There’s no let up in the excitement later on as you’ll be visiting Santa for a magical afternoon filled with festive cheer. First, with help from Santa’s elves, you’ll go tobogganing, before warming up with grilled sausages and hot drinks in a traditional wooden hut. Soon, Santa will invite you into his house, and children will be nominated as little helpers to make gingerbread, sweet buns and Christmas cards. Tea, coffee, berry juice and glögi (mulled wine) will be served, and you’re welcome to eat as many gingerbread cookies and chocolates as you like. Santa will reward his hard-working helpers with a gift, and before it’s time to leave, everyone will get together to sing a Christmas carol with Santa in Finnish.
Finally, it’s time to return to Arctic Lumo Resort for another superb meal and an evening soak in your private outdoor hot tub (if you’re staying in an Aurora Spa Room or a Panoramic Suite) – perhaps, with a slice of good fortune, beneath a sky filled with dancing auroras.
Stay: Arctic Lumo Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 » Ruka Ski Resort & Ruka Coaster
Today, you'll head to Ruka Ski Resort by private transfer. One of Finland's largest and most reliable ski destinations, Ruka offers 41 pistes and 22 lifts spread across the slopes of Rukatunturi fell. Whether you're a beginner finding your confidence or a more experienced skier, you'll have a full day to enjoy the resort at leisure. To ensure a seamless experience, your lift passes and ski equipment will be pre-arranged before arrival, allowing you to maximise your time on the snow. For a supplement, it’s also possible to arrange a private lesson. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy skiing, you may wish to spend the day exploring Ruka’s shops, cafes and restaurants at leisure.
Your day also includes a ride on the Ruka Coaster, the world's northernmost mountain roller coaster. Stretching for 767 metres, the track winds through the fell landscape, offering sweeping views as it reaches speeds of up to 40km/h. Each cart is equipped with a brake lever, allowing riders to control their own pace, and can accommodate up to two adults, while children aged 3-7 must be accompanied by an adult. Afterwards, return to Arctic Lumo Resort and round off your stay with a final fabulous three-course dinner.
Stay: Arctic Lumo Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 5 » Return to UK
Enjoy one final breakfast at Arctic Lumo Resort before a private transfer brings you back to Kuusamo airport for your flight home (via Helsinki).
Meals: Breakfast
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Winter Adventure at Arctic Lumo Resort
5 day tailor-made holiday
» From £3,280 per person incl. flights
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Featuring a reindeer sleigh ride, a husky safari, a trip to visit Santa and a stay at a secluded boutique wilderness resort hidden among snow-cloaked forests and fells, this festive family break will create memories to last a lifetime.
» 5 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £2,820 pp incl. flights
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