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This the season to be jolly… and to shell out hundreds of pounds for Lapland-themed ‘experiences’ in the UK.
Families have taken to social media to complain about the eye-wateringly high prices of events such as LaplandUK Manchester – where the cost for its four-hour Santa-related attraction for a family of five can come to as much as £955.
Amid a barrage of negative comments on X, contributors have referred to prices as ‘absolute madness’ and ‘bonkers’, with some suggesting families are much better off going to the local garden centre to see Santa.
Such was the cost, many assumed the furore was about trips to Lapland rather than an ‘Enchanted Forest’ in the north of England, six miles west of Macclesfield.
But all is not lost. It’s still even possible (affordably) to catch sight of Santa in situ before the big day. We’ve rounded up the best deals available, all in Finland – with costs per day offering much better value than back home.
In the heart of the village of Pyha, Hotel Pyhatunturi offers a comfortable, cosy stay amid Finland’s sweeping Arctic landscapes, with a sauna, gym and yoga room.
In the village itself, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer including a Christmas Eve carol service (mostly in English), a reindeer trail through Reindeer Park Kopara, sleigh rides and festive menus.
Families across the UK have been outraged at the eye-watering prices for lacklustre Christimas celebrations in England, coming to as much as £995 for a family of five. So why not trade these pricey imitations for the real deal, and bag yourself a last-minute trip to see Santa in the real Lapland?
Lapland comprises a region across Norway, Sweden and Finland, with top attractions such as the Santa Park and Santa Claus Village located in Rovaniemi, Finland
As well as cosy accommodation, the region offers families and couples alike the chance to get into the Christmas spirit with reindeer and sleigh rides, festive menus and, of course, visits with the man in red
Book it: Spend four nights at Hotel Pyhatunturi from £362pp, including return flights from Liverpool on December 23 (thomascook.com).
While only a short drive from the festive action in Rovaniemi, Lapland Glow Chalets promise peace and luxury in the Finnish countryside – as well as mesmerising panoramic views stretching across the Arctic skyline.
Book it: Two nights at Lapland Glow Chalets from £369pp B&B, including return flights from London (expedia.co.uk).
You’ve got a reasonable chance of spotting the Northern Lights – which don’t, let’s face it, often make appearances near Macclesfield – if you book into Finland’s remote Tankavaara Gold Village.
Try your hand at panning for gold and tie your trip in with a visit to Rovaniemi’s famous Santa Claus Village, a three-hour drive to the south.
Book it: Three nights for a family of four (two adults, two children) departing on December 24 from Manchester from £483pp (expedia.co.uk).
Families staying in Finland’s remote Tankavaara Gold Village have a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights during their stay (which, let’s face it – you can’t say about Macclesfield!)
Book in at Viola Apartments to guarantee the perfect base to explore Finland’s festie fun. There’s a sauna to get you in the Nordic spirit as well as ski hire available. Accommodation is a 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village.
Book it: Three nights from £565pp, based on four sharing, including return flights from London on December 23 (lastminute.com).
Set within the pretty Finnish ski resort of Levi, Hotel Hullu Poro offers the chance to soak up the festive spirit of Lapland. It comes with a sauna and hot tub, as well as a Reindeer Lounge and Bar. Santa activities are held locally and reindeer and husky sleigh rides are on offer.
Book it: Three nights from £559pp departing on December 19 from Gatwick (kayak.co.uk).
Lakeside bliss – £30pp per day excluding flights
Or how about a gorgeous renovated cabin on the shores of small lake Keselmalampi? It’s a 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi and its attractions. You can book sleigh rides and walks to see the Northern Lights.
Lake Keselmalampi is just a 15-minute drive away from the heart of the festive action in Romaviemi
Book it: Four nights available from £151pp based on four sharing, excluding flights on December 18 (holidu.co.uk).
For those still wanting to splash the cash – while still getting value for money – Santa’s Lapland’s Santa’s Magic package is the ultimate Christmas experience. It includes a husky sled or reindeer sleigh ride, a show with Santa’s elves, a festive meal and a private meeting with the man in red.
Book it: Saving £1,050, three nights’ half-board at Santa’s Hotel Holiday Club available from £3,587, based on a family of three sharing, with flights (santaslapland.com).
