Fun in Lapland

So I thought I would tell you all about my trip to Lapland with the family what an absolutely amazing experience. My children are 9 & 3 and absolutely loved every minute of it, however one day the temperature did reach -34 so the youngest did have a few melt downs We stayed in the resort of Saariselka which is only 20 minutes from the airport so was perfect. The flight was great fun with lots of singing, games and activities for everyone to join in with so really got the holiday off to a great start. Once we arrived into Lapland we were welcomed by elves at the airport who were playing games with the children and pinching a few hats along the way, which my youngest was not amused at. Ha Ha. Once on the coach to the hotel we spotted reindeers and more elves hiding in the woods along the way. Once in Saariselka we first stopped at the clothing shop where we all collected out snow suits, boots, gloves and socks. this was a really quick and simple process and the staff really know what they are doing with regards to sizes. Please do not worry about finding something to fit as they have sizes for everyone, except the under 2's which you would need to bring yourselves. You are then back on the coach for a quick 5 minutes to drop at the hotels. If something does not fit when you get to your room, you can pop back and exchange anything. Once at your hotel there are free sledges everywhere so the kids were straight on these enjoying the snow, we then pulled them round the town exploring and also down a few of the sledge runs. The next day was our search for Santa day which was a full day out, so lots of layers were needed. There was the opportunity to have Reindeer and husky rides, snowmobile rides, play ice hockey and crazy golf, ride a skidoo and lots lots more. During the day there are plenty of warming huts to pop into to get free Hot Berry juice, cookies and pancakes along with a lovely warming lunch also included. The magical sleigh ride to meet Santa was by far the best experience of the day. We were pulled along in a sleigh by a Snowmobile for a 5-10 minute journey through the woods, over a frozen lake to Santas Cabin. Once there it was just us, 2 elves and Santa. We had as long as we wanted with him and plenty of photos. Santa had already got the children's letters which they had posted the week before so he knew exactly what they had asked for which was so magical. After a long day most of the children fell asleep on the 30 minute drive back to resort which was just what they needed ready for the Gala Dinner that evening. This was in the Tunturi Hotel Restaurant where we were staying and included in our stay. Most people had their Christmas Jumpers on, crackers were on the tables and the atmosphere was great. After eating there was a disco for the children and party games and all the children received their certificates for completing the Elf Academy. For anyone looking to do this once in a lifetime trip please get in touch for more information. These trips get booked up very quickly so you don't want to miss out. I would not recommend for under 3 year old due to the temperature.