Northern Lights Village Saariselkä -Enchanting Search for Father Christmas over Christmas & New Year
- Details
Details
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
After your flight to the far north of Finland, enjoy a scenic transfer of approximately 30 minutes* from Ivalo Airport to the enchanting Northern Lights Village Saariselkä. Once you have settled into your cosy Aurora accommodation, your Lapland adventure can truly begin.
This evening, head to the restaurant to enjoy dinner featuring a selection of local and international flavours and regional specialities inspired by Lapland and the Barents Sea. Afterwards, return to your glass-roofed cabin and relax beneath the Arctic sky. As night falls, keep watch for the magical Northern Lights, which may appear dancing overhead as you settle in for your first night in the wilderness.
*Please note that the transfers included are shared and grouped to align with similar flight arrival times.
Included Meals: Dinner
Please note that the following schedule is an example itinerary and a full timetable will be provided upon arrival at the resort.
Today will either be Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, making it one of the most magical days of your Lapland adventure. The highlight of today’s activities is an unforgettable 5km husky safari, one of the true must-do experiences when visiting the Arctic.
You will meet the eager team of huskies before setting off through the pristine snowy wilderness. Travelling by sled through frozen forests and across beautiful fell landscapes, you will quickly understand why husky safaris are such a memorable part of any Lapland holiday. Along the trail, the lead husky will often look back for direction and, with a confident “Mush!”, you will help guide your team through the Arctic scenery. Each sled is shared between two guests, with one person driving and the other riding as a passenger, with opportunities to switch during the excursion.
Following lunch, younger guests can enjoy an exciting mini snowmobile experience designed especially for children. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, this fun activity gives children the chance to drive their very own miniature snowmobile around a dedicated track under the supervision of experienced guides. Please note that children must be at least 6 years old and over 100cm tall to participate, with a maximum height of 155cm. Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring children follow all safety instructions provided by the guides. For children under 6 years old or below the height requirement, an alternative activity may be arranged if required.
This evening also brings a special festive celebration. Depending on your departure date, you will either enjoy a traditional Finnish Christmas buffet, as Christmas is celebrated in Finland on 24th December, or welcome in the New Year with an upgraded celebratory dinner and evening festivities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another exciting Arctic adventure awaits as you and your family experience the thrill of snowmobiling through Lapland’s spectacular winter landscapes. Following a full briefing and safety demonstration from your expert guide, you will set off across the snowy wilderness, travelling two people per snowmobile. Along the route, there will be opportunities to stop for photographs and warm up beside the fire with a hot drink, making this an ideal introduction for first-time snowmobilers.
Please note that drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a full valid driving licence. Children aged 14 years and under will usually travel in a sleigh pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile. Children aged 4 years and under must travel in the sleigh accompanied by one parent. Older children aged 15 years and above may be permitted to ride as a passenger on the snowmobile, subject to the guide’s discretion and provided they are at least 140cm tall. Children travelling as snowmobile passengers will be charged at the adult rate. You will be out for approximately 2 hours, including instruction and breaks.
Following lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy quality family time in the snow. You may choose to relax at the resort, play in the winter surroundings or book an additional optional activity such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
As evening falls once more, there will be another opportunity to keep watch on the Arctic skies in the hope that the Northern Lights make another magical appearance overhead.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note that your Father Christmas experience can take place before, during, or after Christmas Day, rest assured it will be a magical experience on any day!
The festive spirit truly comes alive as you enjoy a magical Christmas adventure at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä. Following breakfast, you will be welcomed by Santa’s friendly English-speaking Elves, who will accompany you throughout this unforgettable Arctic experience.
Your adventure begins in the cosy elves’ cabin, where you will take part in a traditional gingerbread baking session and create some of Santa’s favourite festive treats. Afterwards, you will meet Santa’s reindeer and enjoy a short sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest, offering a wonderfully peaceful glimpse into the magic of Lapland.
The excitement then builds as you set off in search of Santa’s hidden cabin deep within the Arctic wilderness. Travelling by sleigh pulled behind a snowmobile and guided by one of Santa’s Elves, you will journey through the snowy landscape until you finally arrive at the secret cabin itself. Here, you will enjoy a special private meeting with Father Christmas, with time to chat together whilst children receive a small gift from Santa. The meeting with Father Christmas will last approximately 10 minutes. This enchanting three-hour experience is sure to create treasured memories for both children and adults alike.
Following your festive adventure, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or perhaps enjoy one of the optional activities available at the village before returning for dinner this evening. You may also wish to head into the nearby ski village of Saariselkä with various shops and cafes, as well as a small ski hill and Northern Europe’s longest toboggan run.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you will experience another traditional part of life in Finnish Lapland as you enjoy a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy wilderness. Travelling two to four people per sled, you will glide quietly through the enchanting Arctic scenery whilst being pulled by these gentle and majestic animals. This traditional mode of transport offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the winter landscape and admire the beauty of the surrounding forest. The approximately 25-minute ride both begins and ends at the reindeer paddock within Northern Lights Village.
After your morning excursion, lunch will be served at the restaurant before the afternoon is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the slower pace of Arctic life. One of the most authentic Finnish experiences awaits as you unwind in a traditional sauna, followed by time in a soothing outdoor hot tub surrounded by the snowy wilderness. There is no better way to relax after several days of Arctic adventures than embracing this much-loved Finnish tradition and you will have the use of both facilities privately for 1 hour.
This evening, enjoy your final dinner at the resort before spending one last night beneath the Arctic skies. With the Northern Lights frequently visible in this remote wilderness location, there is still every chance that your Lapland adventure may end with one final magical Aurora display overhead.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today it will be time to say goodbye to Saariselkä and the unforgettable experiences of Lapland. Bid farewell to the friendly huskies, gentle reindeer and snow-covered landscapes as you transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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: Direct return flights from London Gatwick to Ivalo (flight routes are subject to change)
- Transfers: Return group airport bus transfers
- Accommodation: 5 nights in an Aurora Cabin
- Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners (including an upgraded Festive Dinner)
- Searching for Father Christmas
- 5km husky safari
- 2 hour snowmobile safari
- 25 minute reindeer sleigh ride
- 30 Minutes children’s snowmobiles (6yrs+, minimum height 100cm, maximum height 155cm)
- 1 hour sauna and hot tub session
- 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
Accommodation
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Located in far Northeast Finland, the Northern Lights Village sits on the outskirts of the ski resort of Saariselka. Tucked away from the town, 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!
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.
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). There’s also a large bar and lounge area.
- The Northern Lights Village has an onsite reindeer paddock and all activities start in the village so there is no need for transfers.
- 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.
- Guests can pay extra to use the hot tub, sauna and ice pool.
Aurora Cabin
The Aurora Cabins have a half-glass roof which is laser heated to keep it clear of ice, and they all face the Northern sky.
Each cabin has a double (separate duvets) or twin beds and some have an additional sofa bed, suitable for an additional adult or two small children. There is a shower room (with underfloor heating) and a toilet, as well as a luggage storage area, Tea and coffee-making facilities, free WiFi, a hairdryer and a minibar (payable locally) are also included.
Importantly for duvet-based Aurora hunting, a timer switch can be used to heat the glass roof should your view be obscured by snowfall. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to heat and melt the snow so there’s no need to go and sweep the roof in your pyjamas!
A few housekeeping notes we always like guests to be aware of – cabins are not cleaned between arrival and departure unless requested from reception. Additionally, towels can be exchanged at reception if required. The hot water is plentiful, but not unlimited (10-15 minutes per half hour), so please bear this in mind.
Polar Sky Suites
There are 16 Polar Sky Suites situated at the top of Kaunispää Hill with expansive views of frozen lakes and forests stretching to the horizon.
Each suite has a half-glass roof, allowing you to look up into the sky in search of the Northern Lights and out across the snow-covered fells. The suites are located on the southern slopes of the Kaunispää Hill, close to Saariselkä’s ski slopes and above the tree line. The suites have an open-plan design, consisting of twin beds (made into a double), a kitchenette area, dining table, TV, and a sofa that converts into a sleeping space for up to two extra people. There is a separate bathroom with a toilet, shower and sauna.
When staying in the Polar Sky Suites, complimentary shuttles between the suites and Northern Lights Village Saariselkä are included. The regular shuttle service will take you to the Northern Lights Village for all of your meals, as well as your activity starting points; the journey time is approximately 5 minutes one-way and operates hourly.
Please note that 8 of the suites will be newly built for Winter 2025-26 and therefore their inclusions and layout may differ from the description above and the images displayed.
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
| 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
Adult (15+) price is based on 2 persons sharing an aurora cabin
Child (4-14) price is based on sharing with 2 adults in an aurora cabin
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.
If you are travelling between, and including, the dates of 20.12-07.01 and 05.02-20.02, the following cancellation terms apply:
– 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 the flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– between the balance due date and 98 days before departure – 60%
– 97 to 64 days before departure – 80%
– 63 days or less before departure – 100%
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
