canterbury travel day trips lapland

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

How to visit Lapland in one day

Share the love

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Good news: Santa's snowy Lapland home is an easy day trip from the UK. Cathy Toogood takes her family to Finland to meet Father Christmas, ride in a reindeer sleigh, and witness the magic of the Northern Lights – and still make it back to their own beds at the end of their adventure.

Being picked up from the airport in a sleigh and whizzing through the snow-covered landscape of Enontekiö is certainly an exhilarating way to start a family adventure in Finnish Lapland. We zip past pine trees dusted in snow and emerge into a dazzling white clearing. “Mummy, we’re on top of a frozen lake,” my six-year-old gasps, wide-eyed. And then he squeals delightedly as a chunk of snow is dislodged from the front of our sleigh, spraying us in the face. 

My family and I are on an Enchanting Lapland day trip with Canterbury Travel. The trip departs from more than 10 UK airports, so I travel from Newcastle with my nine-year-old daughter May, six-year-old son Zac and my husband. Having just turned nine, this felt like the last opportunity to get our savvy daughter to fully embrace the magic of Santa’s home.  

READ MORE: The UK's most magical Christmas experiences

Early birds 

We make it our mission to see Father Christmas as early in the day as we can, so we go through passport control and are kitted out in snowsuits, boots and balaclavas as quickly as is possible with two children in tow. Our eagerness is rewarded when we’re greeted by an elf as soon as we step off our sleigh and are ushered straight towards Father Christmas’s chalet.

One adult in every party is given a badge with a number on, which allows Santa Claus and his helpers to identify your group and greet the children with a personalised hello. My kids are impressed when Father Christmas beckons them in by name and makes a pun about our surname – “I hear you’re not only on the good list this year, you’re on the too-good list!” 

He doesn’t bat an eyelid when reading out Zac’s handwritten request for a carbon dating machine – thanks Santa! – and breezily answers sceptical May’s questions about why he’s currently living in Lapland, not the North Pole. “The North Pole is not a nice place to live really, May,” he says. “It’s just a story that I live there all of the time.”  

We leave Santa’s cabin clutching gifts and full of excitement to explore the Narnia-like landscape we find ourselves in. “Head straight to the huskies”, advises a friendly elf. “They are popular, so may be busy later.” 

This proves to be the best advice on our trip, as we are the first family to make it to the dog depot, where a pack of huskies are wrapped up snugly in hot pink and sunflower yellow jackets. Their handler has icicles hanging from his beard. We get a full introduction to the dogs, many of whom are named after biscuits (hello, Hobnob) and stroke them before helping to remove their jackets. 

Undressing them transforms what seemed like a friendly group of dogs eager for a cuddle into a restless pack, barking loudly and ready for a run. Their enthusiasm and speed make our short journey with them feel special. And while hurtling across the snow being pulled by huskies was our favourite way to travel in Lapland, there are plenty of other transport methods available on a day trip, from reindeer sleigh rides and kick-sledges to snowmobiles. 

Small things 

While you are largely left to take the day at your own pace (we arrive at Enontekiö at around 1.30pm and leave at 7pm), there are enthusiastic elves dotted around making sure that families are having fun. One called ‘Quack-Quack’ is energetically somersaulting in the snow as we pass and asks the children to help her make a snowman, while another spots their presents and gushes about how long they took her to wrap and why she chose the glittery paper. 

READ MORE: Europe's best Christmas markets

It’s this level of detail, accompanied by the winter wonderland setting, that will make even the most Scrooge of parents feel just as Christmassy as their children. From carols on the plane on our way out, to the cabin lights being dimmed on the return journey so we could see the green arc of the Northern Lights, we are kept constantly entertained. 

“That was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on”, sighs May on the way home. “And Santa’s beard was definitely real” adds Zac. 

READ MORE: The world's most beautiful winter scenes

How to do Lapland in a day   

Lapland trips are popular and tend to sell out far in advance, so book early to guarantee the exact trip and departure that your family requires. 

Day trips tend to be the cheapest option to see Lapland, but they are long days – you leave the UK between 7am and 8am and land home at around 10pm. Plus, day trips only give you a taster of each activity so if you’d like to try an activity such as husky sledding in more depth, consider a longer trip. 

Pack spare pairs of gloves and hats for each child. They won’t be able to resist throwing a snowball or building a snowman and, once they are wet, they’ll get cold. 

Wear thermals with warm clothes on top underneath your snowsuit. Do check what clothing your company will provide on arrival so you don’t double up. 

Try to see Father Christmas early in the day. You’ll usually be able to arrange a slot on arrival. 

Look at the activities on offer and head to your top choice first, so you can check it off your wishlist. You’ll probably have time to do some activities twice. 

Remember that during winter, there are limited daylight hours this far north – it was dark by 2pm on our trip – so take plenty of photographs early on. 

Don’t forget to regularly eat and drink to keep your energy levels and temperatures up on a long day. Hot berry juice is a must! 

Getting there  

The starting price for Canterbury’s 2023 Enchanting Lapland day trips is £2,668 for a family of four (UK departures). This includes flights, a two-course hot lunch, in-flight meals, snow suits and boots, snowmobile and sleigh transfer from the airport, unlimited husky and reindeer sleigh rides, tobogganing, adult and children’s snowmobiles, an ice igloo, elves and a private meeting with Santa Claus. Departures from a variety of regional UK airports. 

Visit canterburytravel.com for more information.

READ MORE: 31 unexplored destinations you'll want to visit this winter

Main image: Canterbury Travel 

Be the first to comment

Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature

Copyright © loveexploring.com All rights reserved.

• Family Traveller Magazine
• Responsible Travel
• Family Traveller Competitions
• South Africa
• City Breaks
• Staycations
• Summer Mountains
• Northern Ireland
• Lake District

Last chance Lapland: how to do a Finnish day trip with preteens

Searching for Santa on a Lapland holiday is one of those dream family experiences. Jo White and family went to discover if the once in a lifetime trip is worth it with pre-teens or is it too late?

Elves, Santa’s Post Office, Lapland

Real snow quickly sets the Lapland holiday mood

“Eden, look! Proper snow” shouted Logan excitedly. He had just walked off the plane and was somehow already armed with the first of the many snowballs he was going to throw at her that day.

The instant rush of the cold Arctic air had hit us all. It hadn’t felt much like Christmas when we left Gatwick three hours earlier, but now we found ourselves in the global epicentre of Christmas and mere minutes away from Santa’s mystical Lapland home.

I have two step-children, Eden (12) and Logan (10), and I had always dreamed of experiencing this magical break with them. Over the last eight years, I have brought them into my travel world, but when it came to a Lapland holiday, we were running out of time. It was now or never. 

Jo and family with Santa, Lapland holiday

No trouble getting kids to get up early for this adventure

We were on the day trip to Enontekiö , in Finland, with award-winning Canterbury Travel, the Lapland holiday specialists. They offer an impressive collection of day trips and short breaks from a variety of regional airports, so it was a joy to fly from Gatwick, so close to where we live.

It wasn’t difficult to get the kids up at 4.00 a.m. for our journey to the airport. They had received their personal invitation from Santa a few weeks prior, praising them for being good this year, and were counting down the minutes. Their branded backpacks and water bottles were by the front door, and we were on our way on time, for once.

Greeted by friendly festive staff at check-in, we were instantly thrown into a merry frenzy, an energy that would be maintained throughout the day.

The excitement on our festive flight to Enontekiö Airport was out of this world and we were still singing carols as we began our descent over the glistening, frosty Finnish landscape.

Despite the months of waiting, we were finally in the icy winter wonderland: the cold, fresh air made everyone stop in awe at the sparkling vistas that welcomed us. The kids were all eager to get started on their Lapland holiday with a search for the Big Man in Red, and the magnitude of where we all were hit. So we knew it was going to be a very special day.

Traditional transport, Lapland holiday

Speeding through Lapland’s snow covered woodland

Boy were they expecting us at Enontekiö. I have never disembarked a plane so quickly as we did on this Lapland holiday. We were through passport control in minutes and guided by energetic Elves into a separate building where we were all swiftly kitted out in snow suits, hats, gloves and boots. 

Rows of sleighs (pulled by snowmobiles) were already lined up for us and before we knew it, we were snuggled under blankets and whizzing across the endless snowy woodland, the fresh falling snow sprinkling continuously down on us.

I could hear Eden squealing in the back, excited by the pure thrill and speed of the 15-minute journey to Santa’s Village. Although she’s a non-believer now, being almost a teenager, she was instantly swept up into the magic and without her phone (we had left it in our storage sack back at the airport) she was almost childlike again.

Logan and Eden with Santa, Lapland holiday

The search for Santa is the real reason for a Lapland holiday

“It’s your lucky day”, said a cheery Elf as we (I mainly) clambered out of the sleigh. “You are the first family to go and see Santa. Please follow my Best Elf friend here”. 

The suspense was real as we walked up the lantern-lit pathway of steps to Santa’s log cabin. An Elf was waiting by a fire pit, so Logan put the snowball he had been working on down immediately and walked slowly towards the cabin. He opened the door and instantly froze, gazing in astonishment. We had found him! That must be some kind of a Canterbury Travel record for finding Father Christmas.

Sitting either side of Santa in his toasty cabin, the kids delightfully told him how good they have been this year. Even though Eden knows the truth, she still seemed innocently keen to impress Santa. And he had plenty of time for them; softly asking them questions and trying to get to know them a little.

At the end of our time with the star attraction, Santa gifted both of the kids a Christmas present, a cute, cuddly reindeer that they both loved and will cherish forever.

Elfing around in snowy Lapland

A winter playground like we have never seen

We felt like we had ticked off the big bucket list item pretty early on in our day, so the playtime part of our Lapland holiday was now on! But first, we headed into the restaurant that offers unlimited buffet food, pancakes, teas, coffees and hot chocolate all day to warm up a bit. Our menu for the day included delicious vegetable soup and pasta Bolognese.  

Once refuelled, we headed out into the wilderness to tackle the different activities.

Everything was in close proximity to the central hub of the restaurant but even so, everywhere where you went, jovial elves showed you the way – apart from the one that was willingly being buried in the snow by about 10 children.

The children have never seen real snow before, at least snow that has settled. After some obligatory snow angels, both Eden and Logan quickly became obsessed with the Stiga toboggans, which the kids can steer themselves. Neither was brave enough at first to go down by themselves, but following a tandem run, they were up and down like yoyos, dragging their toboggans back up to the top of the hill for another go.

My husband and I also had plenty of turns speeding, and sometimes spinning, down the hill. It was exhilarating! Plus, it was a chance for all the grown ups to be free and connect with their inner child too.

Huskies, Lapland

How much did I love being in charge of a snowmobile

The snowmobile experience was my favourite part of the day, although I think Logan is still slightly traumatised by my driving.

Only adults with full driving licenses can drive them and safety is taken very seriously before you’re let loose to do a lap of an enormous field. After a few kangaroo-jumps, I got to grips with the beast and got slightly braver with the speed as we progressed.

The kids can get a feel for driving them too. In the children’s snowmobile area, there are two zones, each with a snowmobile tied to a central pole that the kids can drive round and round in circles. “Eden, hold the handlebar in!”. “Go faster Eden, it’s easy!”, shrieked Logan. 

The six hours flew by! Logan loved the Reindeer Sleigh Ride and being pulled by Rudolph himself. The snow igloo was spectacular, a place of calm with impressive sculptures, and a bar serving traditional hot berry juice.

Eden’s highlight was definitely the husky sled ride, which ventures into the surrounding wilderness.

We got there just as a new pack of dogs was being led down. They were ready and raring to go, clearly very happy and just wanting to run. The ride was peaceful yet fast and the silence of the tranquil wilderness was a complete contrast to the madness of children laughing and playing we had just left behind. Now we couldn’t hear a sound.

We warmed up after the husky ride in a nearby tipi, roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Perfection.

Toasting marshmallows and being kids, Lapland

Is a Lapland holiday worth it with pre-teens?

Visitors had to queue for most of the attractions, but the longest we waited was for the husky ride, arguably the most popular attraction, and that was only 15 minutes. There was also a fire pit so you could warm up as you waited.

Even though there were a lot of families, we somehow spent a lot of time alone, just the four of us, enjoying the attractions or building a snowman in the woods together. It really was a special bonding experience that as a family we have never done.

The activities were stimulating for children of all ages. Eden found them hardcore and she’s no wimp. Plus, the smile didn’t leave her face all day. You could see how swept up she was in the wonder and excitement of it all. Plus, being the caring soul she is, there were times where she helped some of the little ones there too. Logan, complete with perma-rosy cheeks, was just there for the thrills and he was buzzing with adrenaline all day. He could not get enough of the snow or the fast rides.

In fact the only time they were quiet was when they were showing Santa their best selves. The rest of the day was filled with belly aching laughter and endless ‘wow’ moments. Whatever your family dynamic, if you’re thinking of taking children about the same age, I would highly recommend it. Don’t leave them behind because you think they are too old for a Lapland holiday. Unless they’re on Santa’s Naughty List, of course. 

Santa, Canterbury Travel Lapland holiday

Book your Canterbury Travel Lapland day trip now for 2024

Canterbury Travel’s Enchanting Lapland day trips book out quite far in advance so book now for 2024 to avoid any disappointment. Day trips start from £719 per person. They also offer a collection of three, four and six night short breaks starting from £1455 per person, for those who want to stay longer. 

Find out more and for 2024 now at Canterbury Travel

Related articles, slow train to santa: how to visit finnish lapland with your kids, find the best family winter breaks to enchant your kids this year, best places in europe to see northern lights with kids this year, full disclosure tracy-ann oberman is a moominmamma and she loves finland, ultimate christmas gift: bag lapland holidays for less than £1,000pp, new family traveller magazine with free uk postage, save up to 60% on a winter getaway with tripbeat, discover qatar airways amazing doha stopover deals for 2022, win an all-inclusive luxury family holiday at daios cove in crete, love to travel with your family.

Get inspiration, tips And holiday competitions straight to your inbox!

Hello traveller!