Santa Breaks in Yllas
Take a 3 or 4 night break to the idyllic unspoilt resort of Ylläs for a unique experience in a winter wonderland during the build-up before Christmas.
Travel information
Departure dates for 3 nights: Sunday 1st, 8th and 15th December
Departure dates for 4 nights: Wednesday 4th, 11th and 18th December
Depart from: Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol
Arrive into: Kittilä
Transfer time: 1 ½ hours approximately
Itinerary
DAY 1
Once landing in Kittilä airport, you’ll be met by your Santa Break Reps who will take you to your accommodation by coach transfer. Once you’ve arrived at resort, you will be able to collect your complimentary thermal suits and boots which you will use for the trip’s duration. Explore the resort and have a go at tobogganing before the welcome get-together so you can make the most out of your stay and plan your activities (see excursions below).
DAY 2
Your little ones won’t be able to contain your excitement as day 2 involves meeting Father Christmas himself! Visit one of Santa’s workshops where each family will have an exclusive private meeting with Santa. This is also the perfect chance to give him your letters and make sure you have your camera at the ready for this special moment! Afterwards, you can take part in supervised festive games, cook sausages on an open fire, make your own Christmas decorations at Elf School and help the elves bake gingerbread biscuits, a Finnish favourite. You will also have the chance to meet Comet the Reindeer outside, go tobogganing in the snow or ride the snowmobile train.
DAY 3
The third day invites you to try out the optional excursions ranging from husky and reindeer farm visits with sleigh rides in the morning and in the afternoon why not go on a snowmobile safari. The afternoon also invites you to go skiing, buy some souvenirs in the local shops or relax in a Finnish sauna.
There is a festive ‘Dinner with Santa’ in the evening with disco and party games. (Festive dinner will take place on day 4 for guests staying 4 nights). Dinner features traditional Christmas dinner as well as Lappish specialities. Following dinner, Santa will visit with his reindeer and all the children will receive a small present and certificate from Santa.
DAY 4 (for 4 night guests only)
Day four allows you the flexibility to book additional activities, try some skiing for a few hours, take a wander around the local shops or relax at the hotel or apartment swimming pool. Afterwards, get ready for the festive dinner in the evening (see day 3 for details).
DAY 5 (or day 4 for 3 night guests)
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Ylläs and take the transfer coach back to the airport for your flight home. We’re sure you’ll have fond memories of your magical Santa break in Ylläs!
Excursions
Combined husky and reindeer safari
Meet some of Santa’s reindeer in a picturesque forest setting, just like something from a Christmas card! Learn about the life of local Sami herders followed by an unforgettable reindeer sleigh ride for 1.5 kilometres across the snowy landscape with hot fruit juice and cake available to enjoy. Then it’s time to meet the huskies at their home and learn about their way of life whilst you sit around a campfire inside a traditional Lappish Kota hut. Top it off with another sleigh ride led by a pack of huskies across 2km of Ylläs’s landscape.
Snowmobile safari
Take a fun and easy 2.5 hour snowmobile ride through stunning scenery. Ride on your own or share with a passenger. Children will either share with an adult (over 8 years only, subject to height restrictions) or be towed in a covered sled behind a guide (sleds are not covered in Ylläs).
Ski taster package (for 4 night first time skier guests only)
This is an ideal opportunity for guests who have not experienced skiing to try it out. Guests can take advantage of the quiet and beginner friendly slopes whilst being taught by English speaking instructors.
Ski tuition is for 1.5 hours and ski and boot hire and use of beginner lifts can be used all day.
Ski Taster Package is for guests 5 yrs or older and child excursion age is 4-12 yrs incl. Children under 4 yrs old are free but not allowed on snowmobile safari and will be required to pay locally for transportation to reindeer and husky safari. Snowmobile drivers must be 18yrs old and above and must bring a full driver’s license.
How to book this trip
If you would like more information or would like to book one of the trips to Lapland please speak to our expert team by calling 0208 544 6360 or enquiring above. Santa’s Lapland trips are in December or we have ski holidays to Lapland available throughout the ski season.