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Dreaming of a white Christmas ... in Santa's Lapland

Lapland, Europe

Reindeers, huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities - ice fishing, snow hockey and riding mini skidoos, elves around every corner, spectacular shows and a sleigh ride venturing deep into the forest to visit Santa’s secret hideaway for an unforgettable private visit at his workshop. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …this is Christmas in Santa’s homeland, Lapland.

Most Christmas tours will take you to Rovaniemi, where you’ll find Santa Claus’ Village, if you travel a little further north to Saariselka you’ll discover a little less ‘touristy’ yet still all the ingredients for a truly magical white Christmas experience.

Four or five nights is a good time to spend in Lapland, allowing you to enjoy all the activities and increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights too. In December there is approx. only two and a half hours of daylight – it takes a bit of time to acclimatise to the constant dark skies.

As part of your Lapland experience you will be provided with the appropriate thermal snowsuits and outdoor boots as well as woollen socks and thermal mittens you’ll need to keep warm in the below zero temperatures, so you don’t need to worry about your suitcase being full of all the bulky stuff!

The lead-up to Christmas is the most popular time to visit Lapland - you will need to book early (at least a year in advance), this also includes pre-booking your activities. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more flexibility and pay slightly lower prices, you can still enjoy your Lapland ‘Christmas’ in late November/early December, instead of travelling at Christmas itself.

Connect with a Finaland specialist

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Kelly-Ann Patterson

House of Travel Lower Hutt

With over 20 years in the industry, I’m lucky enough to turn holiday dreams into unforgettable experiences. I specialise in family travel, group getaways, solo adventures, and special interest trips, helping clients craft memories that last a lifetime. Whether I’m working with long-time clients or meeting new faces each week, I’m always excited to bring personalised travel dreams to life. Outside of work, I’m a proud Mum to two teenage boys, and if I could, I’d be carting around my beloved golden labrador on every trip! Passionate about what I do, I’m always ready for the next adventure—both for my clients and my own family. I’m always up for a chat, or even better, pop into the store and say hi!

Kelly-Ann

Caprice Whiteman

House of Travel Whanganui

With a couple of years of experience in the travel industry, I am passionate about all things travel — culture, adventure, food and leisure. Most importantly, I love turning your travel dreams into reality.

Travel has been a part of my life since I was three years old, those early experiences sparked a love for travel that has only grown over time. In 2021, I achieved a Level 4 Certificate in Tourism, Airline and Flight Attending which opened the door that brought me into the world of travel.

I’m excited to discover new destinations and help others do the same

Pauline Gooding

House of Travel Te Awamutu

My first big trip was off to Camp America many years ago. As soon as I stepped foot on the first big international plane, the travel bug bit me and I never wanted to stop! Eventually I had to get a "real job" and what better job than as a travel agent.

Since then I've enjoyed sending many more people on their first big exciting trip overseas, on family holidays, honeymoons, reunions, road trips, girls trips and any other reason you can think of for travel!

Pauline