TUI Lapland holidays 2023 are pretty much what children’s Christmas dreams are made of. The winter wonderland in Finland is where Santa lives and thanks to TUI, getting there doesn’t have to be a parent’s nightmare either. Here’s what you need to know.
Holidays to Lapland with TUI ensure the little ones get up close to Father Christmas.
TUI Lapland holidays 2023 offer the ultimate festive getaway for all the family next Christmas. Just a three-hour flight and you and the gang are up in northern Finland enjoying a fairytale-worthy snowy paradise.
Think cosy log cabins, reindeer meandering through snow-dusted forests and, best of all, Santa Claus himself as holidays to Lapland with TUI ensure the little ones get up close to Father Christmas with meet and greets – and if that doesn’t get you top parents points, what does?
It’s not just storytelling around crackling fires and meeting Santa’s elves, though, there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy in this white idyll. From cross-country skiing and snowmobile rides to husky sledding and reindeer safaris, you and the kids can definitely get your fill of adventure.
As for where to stay, there is a range of resorts to stay in on a TUI holiday, whether you’re looking for secluded retreats perfect for spotting the Northern Lights or cosmopolitan cities packed with restaurants, bars and shops.
We’ve looked at just some of the amazing places you can stay on a Lapland holiday with the family in winter 2023.
Ylläs is set amidst the sprawling and picturesque Pallas-Yllas National Park. Credit: TUI
Ylläs
Where to stay: Lapland Hotel Saaga
The main thing you need to know about Ylläs – a resort split into two villages on either side of a mountain – is that it’s considered to be Santa’s original home. The big dude lives in Akaslompolo and it’s here on holidays to Lapland that you can meet him as well as his elves and reindeer and take a husky ride.
While activities do depend on weather conditions during your stay, sports include downhill and cross-country skiing (great for beginners and intermediates plus there’s a ski school) as well as driving a snowmobile and husky sledding. Adults on a holiday to Lapland will appreciate the scenery – Ylläs is set amidst the sprawling Pallas-Yllas National Park, a picturesque landscape of frozen lakes and snow-covered forests.
Other adventurous options include going husky sledding! Credit: TUI
Levi
Where to stay: Levi Cabins
Not to worry, Lapland Santa holidays are on the cards here too – families can meet Santa in Levi (the guy sure does have a lot of homes…). Kids can help the elves make presents in his gift shop, tuck into Mrs Claus’s biscuits and give their Christmas lists to Santa (maybe one to check over first mums and dads!).
Levi is also Finland’s biggest ski resort, the world-class destination has plenty of slopes – some floodlit – ideal for beginners and intermediates on a holiday to Lapland while the three black runs will provide the challenge experts crave!
Other adventurous options on your TUI Lapland holiday include zooming across frozen lakes at 50 miles an hour on the back of a snowmobile, joining a reindeer safari, taking a husky ride or hopping in a gondola for fabulous views of Levi.
Santa Claus Village is less than 10 minutes drive north of Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi
Where to stay: Glass Resort
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland so you’re treated to the whole festive package here.
There’s the surrounding Arctic wilderness offering up a range of snow sports such as cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing plus sleigh rides as well as a city buzz complete with bars, restaurants and shopping. Don’t miss a reindeer safari on your Lapland holiday. On some trips you can even visit a reindeer farm and meet the animals properly!
Santa reigns here too, with Santa Claus Village less than 10 minutes drive north of Rovaniemi. You can send Christmas greetings to loved ones from the Post Office while concerts, gift bazaars and performances by Santa’s elves are held here throughout the festive season.
There are plenty of floodlit slopes in Ruka so you can ski throughout the day. Credit: TUI
Ruka
Where to stay: Maston Aitio Cabins
Ruka is located in the south of Lapland and is carpeted in snow for 200 days of the year so you’re guaranteed festive fairy tale vibes here.
The skiing on TUI holidays to Lapland is excellent, with plenty of floodlit slopes so you can ski throughout the day. Plus, the après game is strong too with lots of heated terraces and bars. Snowmobiling and husky rides are another way to get out amongst the picture-perfect landscape – expect pine forests dusted with snow and vast frozen lakes.
And yes, Santa Claus can also be visited in Ruka. How ever does he do it? Head to nearby Kuusamo where Santa’s secret cottage can be found and there will be elves, reindeer and story time sessions. And, as an added bonus, you’ll get to spend longer with the man in red than at other resorts, because you’ll be visiting in a group!
If you’re lucky you might spot the Northern Lights while in Lapland. Credit: TUI
TUI Lapland holidays boast itineraries packed with fun which can vary from hotel to hotel. You can find all the details on your hotel’s information page. Do note that all itineraries are subject to change – this is usually down to weather conditions in your resort.