11 January 2023

Amazing Lapland We took the trip of a lifetime, as a family in Dec 2021 and went to Lapland for Christmas! We went on the 23rd of Dec for 4 nights and from the moment we arrived at the ‘Santas check-in’ at the airport, the experience was absolutely magical. Accommodation We stayed in Levi log cabins, set in the woods on the outskirts of Levi, the area was beautiful and ‘Narnia-esque’. The cabins were traditional and cosy, wood panelled with an open fire in the middle of the living room. The Sauna was an absolute delight after a long day in the snow. Itinerary On the first day, Christmas eve morning we were collected from the cabins and taken for a ‘taster’ sessions day, where we got to experience a husky ride, sledding, snow mobile, and an arctic circle ceremony! We then spent the afternoon hunting for the ‘secret café’ at the top of the mountain, drinking hot chocolate (with perhaps just a touch of Irish Whiskey!), followed by feeding the reindeer behind the K5 hotel in town. Having spent Christmas eve night all watching xmas films and looking out at the huge snowdrifts, we were treated to the most amazing of all sights . The Northern lights came out in all their glory- Breath-taking was not even close! Xmas Day, another very early start, we were whisked off to see Santa himself at the ‘Elves secret Hideaway’!! After roasting marshmallows for breakfast around a fire, we spent time with the big man himself, met Mrs Claus, made fresh ginger bread men, went on a sled pulled by reindeer, went to elf school…. Basically, we lived the ‘Full Christmas dream’. All too quickly we found ourselves on the last day of the trip, for which we had booked a day with Husky’s at a farm, with a family. This was wonderful, our children played with the dogs, and we met the latest puppy in the pack. A ride across an arctic lake pulled by 12 beautiful huskies was simply epic. We were treated to traditional homemade Finnish food, which we ate inside the ‘Kota’ around a fire, whilst we learned about the family hosting us and their traditional Finnish life I think in summary this was THE most memory making, magical, fantastical trip we, as a family have taken, and whilst it is generally considered a very expensive holiday, it was worth every single a penny and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again! Top Tips 1.Book as early as possible, availability becomes rapidly limited! 2. Book trips BEFORE you go, again they are extremely popular and it’s a long way to go on the trip of a life time to be disappointed if there is no availability. 3. Waterproof mascara is a must!! 4. If you go over the Christmas period, the Finnish actually celebrate Xmas on Chrismas Eve rather tham Christmas Day, so that's when shops and restaurants etc close very early! 5. Dont overfill your days, there is so so so much fun to be had for kids and adults alike, just playing in the snow!!!