Saariselkä – Enchanting Search for Father Christmas
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Details
Imagine your child's eyes lighting up as they meet Father Christmas, a moment that brings back warm memories for parents too. A short getaway to Saariselkä Northern Lights Village offers an enchanting experience for the entire family. Set in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, this festive holiday combines fun, adventure, and relaxation, creating lasting memories for all ages.
The magic begins as your little ones receive a special gift from Santa himself, surrounded by the breathtaking winter landscape. But that's just the beginning! After a day filled with festive joy, get ready for an exhilarating husky safari. On day three, you'll have the chance to guide a team of eager huskies through the snowy fells and forests-a must-do experience in Lapland. As the dogs race happily along, your sleigh glides smoothly over the pristine snow, offering a unique and unforgettable journey through the stunning Finnish wilderness.
After all the excitement, unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere that Saariselkä Northern Lights Village provides. This holiday is designed to fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas, leaving your family with cherished memories and smiles that will last a lifetime.
Important Information
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Itinerary
After your flight to the north, enjoy a scenic 30 minute journey* from Ivalo airport to the enchanting Saariselkä Northern Lights Village. Once you’ve settled into your inviting accommodation, your adventure truly begins. Head to the buffet restaurant to savour local flavours and delicacies from the Lapland and Barents Sea regions. After a delightful dinner, retire to your cabin and prepare for the adventures ahead. As you drift off in your comfortable bed, keep an eye out for the dazzling Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
*Please note that the transfers included are shared and grouped to align with similar flight arrival times.
Included meals: Dinner
Today is the day the magic truly unfolds! After a hearty breakfast, prepare to dive into the Christmas spirit at Saariselkä Northern Lights Village. Your adventure begins with a meeting with Santa’s cheerful Elves, who will be your English-speaking guides for the day. Start with a heartwarming gingerbread baking session in the elves’ cosy hut, crafting Santa’s favourite cookies. Next, you’ll meet Santa’s magnificent reindeer and enjoy a short but thrilling sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest (approximately 10 minutes).
The adventure continues with a quest to discover Santa’s hidden cabin. Hop into a snowmobile-pulled sleigh, guided by one of Santa’s Elves, and journey through the snowy forest. When you find the secret cabin, you’ll be greeted by Santa himself! Spend a memorable 10 minutes chatting with Father Christmas, and watch as the children receive a small gift. This magical experience is sure to bring joy to both the young and the young at heart.
After this 3-hour adventure, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps a relaxing session in a traditional Finnish sauna would be the perfect way to unwind after a day in the snow. You can also explore other activities available at the Village.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s highlight is a 10km husky safari, a must-do experience when visiting Lapland. After a short transfer to the starting point, get ready for an exhilarating journey through the pristine snowscapes. With a team of enthusiastic huskies leading the way, you’ll glide effortlessly over the snow, navigating through the stunning fells and forests. At key points along the trail, the lead husky will look to you for direction—will you go left or right? With a confident “Mush!”, you’ll steer your team through this unforgettable adventure. Each sled typically accommodates two people, with one driving and one riding as a passenger.
With this expedition lasting about 2 hours (including approximately 1 hour of sledding), you’ll have plenty of time to add another activity to your day. Consider joining a snowshoeing and ice fishing trip for a deeper connection with nature, or perhaps try your hand at cross-country skiing. Check the ‘Personalise Tour’ section for more options.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final day, you and your family will experience the thrill of snowmobiling! This quintessential Arctic adventure is a must for any winter trip. After a briefing and safety talk from your expert guide, you’ll head out two people per snowmobile, speeding across the snowy landscape. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and enjoy a hot drink by the fire-an ideal introduction for first-timers.
Please note: Drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Children (14 years and under) typically travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children 4 years and under must ride in the sleigh with one parent. Older children (15 years and over) may ride as a passenger on the snowmobile, depending on the guide’s discretion and if the child is at least 140 cm tall. Children riding the snowmobile will be charged at the adult rate.
After lunch, enjoy a delightful reindeer sleigh ride. Travel two to four people per sled as you’re pulled by these majestic creatures through the enchanting wilderness. This traditional mode of transportation offers a unique opportunity to get up close to the reindeer while soaking in the serene landscape. The 25-minute ride begins and ends at the reindeer paddock in the Northern Lights Village.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your magical snowy getaway has come to an end. Say goodbye to the huskies and reindeer as you prepare to return to the airport for your flight home, taking with you cherished memories of your time in Saariselkä.
Included meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Ivalo (either direct or via Helsinki). Flight routes subject to change
- Transfers: Return group airport bus transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights in an Aurora Cabin
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Searching for Father Christmas
- 10km husky safari
- 2 hour snowmobile safari
- 25 minute reindeer sleigh ride
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Aurora alert service which you can set to alert you throughout the night or end at a specific time
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Our Expert Opinion
There’s nothing more precious than watching your kids meet Father Christmas. The whole trip was truly magical and we loved the mix of activities. Seeing the Northern Lights snuggled together in our glass roofed cabin was indescribable. I know we’ll all remember that night forever.
Accommodation
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Located in North East Finland, the Northern Lights Village sits on the outskirts of the ski resort of Saariselka. Tucked away from the town and separated from it by dense forest, the location is ideal for viewing the Northern Lights but is still within walking distance (around 1000m) of the town’s amenities. The ski slopes can be accessed via a shuttle (small charge applies) or a pleasant walk of around 40-50 minutes.
The Northern Lights Village offers accommodation in Aurora Cabins which are half-roofed with glass. The twin or double beds are situated beneath the panoramic roof and provide the chance to view the Northern Lights from your bed! It’s not often that folk prefer a sleepless night but here it’s not considered to be a huge inconvenience as it provides the chance to potentially witness Mother Nature’s greatest light show!
There are 80 cabins in total, all of which are within a 5-10 minutes walk of the Village’s central facilities which include the restaurant where you’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner.
Facilities
- The Village restaurant is an atmospheric place, inspired by traditional wooden kotas (Finnish teepees). Breakfast is a buffet of continental options and some hot dishes. Evening meals are a buffet with starters of soups and salad, a choice of local meat or fish will follow (the reindeer and white fish in this region are delicious!). Typically a cake will be served for pudding, keeping you well-fuelled for your nocturnal Aurora hunting adventures. Dietary requirements are all well-catered for as long as we are informed at the time of booking (you will also need to make staff aware of your requirements locally because of the buffet service. The local staff are very happy to assist with guiding you to the suitable meals on offer). There’s also a large bar and lounge area with additional comfy seating nearby in reception for you to relax in after your meal.
- The Northern Lights Village has an onsite reindeer paddock and all activities start in the village so there is no need for time-wasting transfers. Basically, because we want to make your holiday as uncomplicated as possible, life is made very easy here.
- Saariselka is around a 20-25 minute walk from the Northern Lights Village (40-50 minutes to the ski slopes) which means that all of the amenities, shops, cafes and local restaurants are within easy reach.
- During most activities, an expert guide will take pictures which can be purchased in the days following your activity (this is an additional charge payable locally) on your return to the village.
- For all of your provided winter clothing, simply go to the onsite Safari House where overalls, gloves, boots, skis and snowshoes are stored for easy access.
- Guests can pay extra to use the hot tub, sauna and ice pool.
Personalise This Tour
You can hire cross-country skis for some independent exploration. Talk to the staff at the hotel for trail guides and the best locations.
Rental per day
You can hire snowshoes for some independent exploration. Talk to the staff at the hotel for trail guides and the best locations.
Rental per day
This snowmobile-pulled sleigh journey is one of the most innovative ways we have found to search for the Northern Lights. The sleigh is enclosed and heated, insulating you from the sub-zero temperatures outside. With approximately 8 passengers per sled, the guide will lead the way on his or her snowmobile, pulling the sled up to the top of a local fell and far from any light pollution.
Fells provide uninterrupted views of the night sky and provide excellent Aurora viewing should conditions be favourable.
Your guide will get a fire burning and warm your cockles with hot drinks and snacks as you wait for a first glimpse of the Northern Lights. Displays can emerge very slowly from the inky blackness of the Lappish sky or suddenly appear out of nowhere so be sure to keep your eyes fixed firmly skywards.
All of the Aurora guides from the Northern Lights Village have expert knowledge about how to capture the Aurora on camera and they’ll help you compose your shots.
Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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| Tour Loaction: | Saariselka,Finland |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions click here
Payment and Cancellation Terms:
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
– Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure – 60%
– 42 to 16 days prior to departure – 85%
– 15 or less days – 100%?
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
