Harriniva – Father Christmas Festive Hideaway
- Details
Details
Experience the magic of December in Finnish Lapland, where vast white tundra, frozen lakes, and snow-capped forests glisten under the soft blue glow of the Polar Night. This enchanting three-night festive getaway is designed to fill every moment with unforgettable Arctic adventures, with the option to extend to four nights for those who wish to linger a little longer.
Meet the gentle animals of the North on a visit to a traditional reindeer farm. Learn to throw a Lappish lasso and glide through the snowy landscape on a peaceful reindeer-drawn sleigh ride. Feel the thrill of a husky safari as you guide your eager team of dogs through pristine wilderness trails, their excitement echoing through the crisp winter air.
Embrace the exhilaration of a snowmobile safari, travelling two per vehicle across the vast, frozen wilderness. Then comes the highlight of your trip, a private visit to meet Father Christmas himself. Your family will enjoy a personal, heart-warming encounter as the children share their hopes and dreams for Christmas and the year ahead, a moment parents will treasure forever.
Each evening, step outside and look to the sky for a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Harriniva sits in prime Aurora territory, making it one of the best places on Earth to experience this natural wonder. Guests choosing the four-night option will also enjoy a guided Aurora Walk for an even deeper connection to this Arctic phenomenon.
Discover the spirit of Christmas in the pure beauty of Lapland on this magical filled break.
Image credits: Harriniva Hotels & Safaris
Important Information
Itinerary
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
Upon arrival at Kittilä Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver before being transferred to your accommodation. Located high above the Arctic in the far northwest corner of Finland, the backdrop here is a stunning array of forest-covered fells and frozen lakes.
Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.
Included Meals: Dinner
Today is all about the animals of the Arctic. After breakfast in the hotel, you will meet your guide for a short transfer to a local reindeer farm.
Reindeer are fundamental to the region, holding great traditional and economic importance and herding is still an essential part of the way of life here. A herder will take you through the skills and customs of herding and answer any questions you may have about the animals. You will also enjoy a short ride on a reindeer-pulled sleigh through the forest and learn to throw the Finnish Lasso.
Lunch is included and will be served at the hotel’s restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will head to a nearby husky farm where the sled dogs will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. Full driving instructions and a safety briefing will be given by your musher before setting off on your short but exciting safari. You will travel two per sled and will cover around 6km in total.
Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. Afterwards, you may wish to take a quiet evening stroll through the winter wonderland, watching for the magical Northern Lights, or book an optional excursion to round off your day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, and after a full safety briefing with driving instructions, you will head out on the fells for your snowmobile adventure. Please note that drivers must be over 18 and hold a full driving licence.
In convoy, you will follow the marked trails through the winter landscape and will get a sense of just how big the wilderness is. You will travel around 10-15km in total.
After lunch at the hotel restaurant, it’s time for the most magical moment of your trip, your meeting with Father Christmas. The excitement begins in the snow fun area, where a variety of activities await. Try your hand at cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, enjoy a friendly game of snowy football, and watch the children delight in riding a mini skidoo (age and size restrictions apply).From here, you’ll board a snowmobile-pulled sled that will glide through the snow to the edge of a peaceful forest. Each family will then follow a candlelit, snow-covered path leading to a secluded log cabin, where the magic truly comes alive. Inside, you’ll enjoy a private audience with Father Christmas, who will take time to listen to each child’s wishes. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs to capture this unforgettable family experience.
After dinner at the hotel restaurant, wrap up warmly and take one last evening walk through the snow. With a little luck, you might catch sight of the Northern Lights shimmering above – a magical way to end your Arctic adventure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will bid farewell to Lapland as you return to the airport for your flights home. There is also the option to extend to a four-night stay for those who would like a little longer.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Book with confidence – Our flight inclusive packages are fully financially ATOL-protected and guaranteed by a trusted and fully regulated UK operator
- Flights: Return flights from London to Kittilä (either direct or via Helsinki) (flight routes are subject to change)
- Transfers: Return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a standard double/twin room (room upgrades available on request)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Soft drink wrist band for children
- Visit the Reindeer and short sled ride
- Snowmobile Safari
- Snow Fun
- Private Father Christmas Visit
- Husky Safari
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Accommodation
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Ideally located in the north-west corner of Finland, high above the Arctic Circle and in the very heart of the Aurora Zone, Harriniva Adventure Resort serves as a perfect base for your adventure holiday.
Welcoming guests for over 50 years now, the hotel has developed a growing reputation for its warm ambience and the large range of enjoyable activities on offer.
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a range of facilities that have been designed to make your stay here as enjoyable as possible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout the main building for guest use, in our experience, we have found it works best in the main reception and dining area
- The hotel restaurant has a lively, buzzing atmosphere as people excitedly discuss the adventures they have taken part in that day. The meals are served in either buffet style or with some courses served to the table. The food here is hearty and wholesome
- The hotel also has a pub serving a range of beers, wines and spirits – this is the perfect place to unwind and relax with your fellow guests in the evening
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- In the main reception area of the hotel, you will find a small gift shop selling a range of postcards, soft toys and handcrafted products. There is also a selection of snacks that can be purchased
- A sauna is available for guest use with separate facilities for men and women. This is free of charge and is heated every evening for around three hours
- The hotel also has an Aurora Wellness Centre (situated a short walk away on the riverbank), where you can enjoy a range of therapies such as facials or massages. A real treat after a day of soaking up the pristine wilderness! During peak periods, we would strongly recommend booking therapies in advance through reception (all payable locally and we recommend booking in advance if possible)
- Snowshoes and cross country skis are available to hire for a small charge and there are marked trails surrounding the hotel for those with some experience. For those interested in downhill skiing, reception will be able to arrange a taxi to the nearby ski resort of Olos (payable locally)
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Standard Twin/Double Room
Harriniva has 64 guest bedrooms which consist of twin or double rooms. Triple rooms are also available on request. Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, all rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer.
Wilderness Twin/Double Room
Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, these bedrooms were refurbished in 2018. The rooms include double/twin beds and an unfolding sofa suitable for 1 adult or 2 children. All rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer, as well as a small seating area.
Wilderness Room With Loft
Spacious wilderness style room, decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, these rooms were refurbished in 2018. Located on the ground floor, close to reception these rooms include double/twin beds on a mezzanine and an unfolding sofa suitable for 2 adult or 3 children. All rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer, as well as a small seating area with mini fridge.
Sauna Room
Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, these bedrooms were refurbished in 2018. The room includes a double bed and unfolding sofa suitable for 2 adult or 3 children. All rooms have an en-suite shower room with sauna and a hairdryer as well as a small seating area.
Arctic Log Cabin
Set in a picturesque, riverside location and ranging from 39m² to 47m², Harriniva’s Riverside Cabins are ideal for larger groups, or those wanting a little more space and privacy during their trip. There is a bedroom with 2 beds downstairs, 2 beds on a mezzanine and an unfolding sofa suitable for 1 adult or 2 children. Each cabin sleeps five to six people in total.
Arctic Glass Suite
NEW for 2025 these elegant glass suites offer the perfect blend of modern accommodation, wilderness charm, and a prime location on the banks of the Muonionjoki river. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows open to the vast Arctic sky and with luck a front row seat to nature’s most spectacular show, the Northern Lights. Each suite offers a double bed, living area and a sofa bed for 1 adult or 2 children. All suites have an ensuite bathroom with shower and private sauna.
Tour Map
Additional Info
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
