Santa's Lapland Reviews 745

From start to finish, our Santa Lapland experience was truly magical. Everything was extremely well organised and thoughtfully designed to create unforgettable memories, especially for the children. Meeting Santa was personal and unhurried, the activities were immersive, and the whole atmosphere felt special and authentic rather than rushed or commercial.

All of the staff and reps were fantastic – friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in making the trip memorable. It’s genuinely hard to single anyone out as they were all exceptional.

We chose to pay extra for the Star Arctic venue, and it made a real difference. The experience felt far more exclusive and personal, with fewer families, which meant you could truly relax and enjoy every moment and feel you were getting the full experience. As a bucket-list trip, it was absolutely worth the extra cost.

There were only a few very minor points for improvement. The scenic window in our room was covered in snow and, combined with the ambient lighting, made it difficult to fully enjoy the view. The return journey was also challenging due to how busy the airport was, which meant getting through security and border control felt rushed, although this was largely outside of Santa Lapland’s control.

Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that felt incredibly well looked after and thoughtfully run. I would wholeheartedly recommend Santa Lapland to anyone considering a truly special Christmas trip.

What a magical trip. The staff went out of their way to continue the magic and ensure everything ran smoothly. The Kontio room we stayed in was perfect and the holiday overall was perfect. We he food is fine, not to the standard you might expect but enough sustenance to keep you full for fun and sledging. We did 2 nights and would love to have stayed a third! Highly recommend.

This was such a brilliant holiday. Everything was expertly arranged, staff were really kind and helpful. I can't recommend more highly! We did the 3 night trip and if you can stretch to it, I would definitely recommend the extra day for more play! Not inexpensive, but worth every penny!

Overall it was a good trip, these guys have it running like a well oiled machine. Can’t fault the organisation or the content.

Only thing that spoiled it was the terrible hotel Tunturi and the poor food.

Otherwise, very well organised

An absolutely magical holiday from start to finish! I travelled with my daughter and my mum, just the three of us, and it was perfect. Everything was exceptionally well organised, and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming, which made the whole experience even more special.

From start to finish truly an amazing experience. Santa Lapland plane with songs, quizzes and talent show. Greeted from the plane, fun and games from the naughty elves for the children while waiting for luggage collection. Coach transfer very comfortable, collection of thermal suits organised, we were waiting on the coach for ten minutes but rather be in the warm sitting down than waiting in a queue. Santa’s Hotel Tunturi the room was bigger than expected, it’s basic but had everything we needed and the first hotel I’ve stayed at where I couldn’t hear sound from either rooms joining. We made the most of the first night after the dinner buffet with a walk to the Aurora Day Hut up in the woods, WOW we saw the Northern lights and then toasted our marshmallows on the fires nearby. The hut is also a place in daylight, if you’re quiet, to feed birds from your hands. Breakfast/dinner were a short walk from our room so we didn’t wear the thermal suits, only winter coats & thermal boots, to the main reception where the restaurants were. The town of Saariselka is lovely, lots of souvenir shops and a supermarket with an amazing cafe for lunch if needed. Booked the snowmobile ride which was fabulous, you don’t go too fast which suited us, make sure the heated handles are switch on but have hand and foot warmers too. The local bus was €6 for all day and we went up Kaunispaa or locals say up to the ‘fell’, amazing seeing sunrise and sunset in opposite directions, we didn’t actually see the sun! The restaurant was very good and not overpriced. We booked a sauna experience in the Northern Lights Village, walkable from town, looking out from the igloo windows was magical and outdoor hot tub. Santa’s Lapland at the Arctic Circle Centre the next day was everything and more, Huskies, Reindeer sleigh rides, so many more activities too. Lovely warming teepee tents and log cabins with free hot berry juice and biscuits, dotted around on both sides of the woods. The big man himself, well that experience was very well planned and how he knew our names and what we wanted is still a mystery, but it was him so must be magic! All the Santa Lapland staff were so friendly and helpful, a real credit to the company, thank you. Sorry for the rather long review but if you’re going hopefully there’s some bits that will be of help 🎄enjoy x

There was a lot of confusion and it often seemed chaotic. The digital guide added to the confusion, with the Santa's Lapland map, we thought that was for the resort, there was no explanation?. My grandkids missed out on the reindeer because we were told reindeer or husky ride not both. We arrived really late at Santa's Lapland and spent the day queuing and failed to visit all the attractions, we did not get there till 12. To be fair the Santa was brilliant. However, The food at the hotel was average at best. We must have had the smallest bathroom ever, I've stayed at a lot of hotels. Its a lot of money for this 3 day trip, we could have gone somewhere for 14 days for same price. The Aurora was the only thing that saved the trip from my point view.

Just got back from a 3 day trip with Santas Lapland Aurora package , wow it’s worth the extra money for no queues and that extra special feel . Search for Santa day was magical and memories we will remember forever . Every trip was so well organised and you could tell the staff actually cared . Sam and Ben made our holiday and so good with my little one , 100 percent reccomend.

I cannot recommend Santas Lapland enough. For two adults, one child two nights in Dec 25 £3,300, it was worth every penny. Accommodation was budget but fine-clean, safe and functional with comfy beds. Food was great and unlimited. Surroundings have so many places to wander and sledge.

Staff always gave 110% and it was all organised really well with short journeys and minimal waiting.

It seemed too good to be true, but EVERYTHING is included! 5-10 min reindeer sleigh ride, husky ride you drive yourself, snow mobile sleigh, Santa with gift, magical igloo entertainment, sledges, mini skidoos, hockey, golf, loads more.

Bring layers and hand warmers, it gets extremely cold.

What an experience it was!
Yes there's one or two things that could be improved/changed, for example with the festive meal, 1 soft drink could be included per person. I think maybe a token could be provided that can be redeemed.

When going to get our thermals, 3 out of 5 of us, didn't have suits that fitted, however the team were great and helpful with exchanging these.

Rooms aren't amazing, but you aren't In them enough to actually care.

Maybe the hotels could have a bit more decoration I.e put a few decorations up in the lobby. Although this is not a major thing, because you go outside and the place was covered in snow which made it magical.

The reps/Rangers that were around on hand were extremely helpful, answered any questions that we had.

Searching for santa day! Wow! Again rangers were amazing. They provided the "Christmas spirit" and we're very on hand with great advice.
Getting children and adults involved with the jingles, songs and games was amazing.

Just bare in mind, the plane journey to and from is extremely loud with children and adults being excited, but the cabin crew were incredible!

What an incredibly well organised family adventure. There was fun right from the start, santaLapland was well set out with plenty of room for everyone without it being crowded and loosing the magic and the hotels are well situated to being able to do other activities like sledging In the time you have either side of your visit. Super organised coach connections.
Really great holiday.

Just back from a magical three day trip.. very very well organised from start to finish the staff go above and beyond and a super friendly the atmosphere is nothing but magical my children have core memories for life I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anybody... brilliant Santa's lapland

The most AMAZING experience for children and adults. Booking this trip was honestly the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t describe the feeling of seeing your children’s faces constantly light up from the minute they board a Santas Lapland plane to leaving. It is the most magical experience that I don’t think can ever be topped. One holiday you will never forget.

Fantastically, magical trip that was superbly well organised. Well done Santa’s Lapland! Memories to cherish forever.

Santa’s Lapland is the most magical experience of mine, my wife’s and kids life.
We always knew it was going to be a trip of a life time but still exceeded all expectations.

No stone is left unturned, from the moment we got on the plane in England to the moment we got back home we were very well looked after.

Saariselkä is a beautiful little town, not commercialised one bit but still has the most beautiful stunning views.

The toboggan run was Amazing and a family favourite for all of us. Hotel Kieppi was truly stunning, the food and overall warm feel of the hotel was incredible and I would highly recommend it.

For the Santa’s Lapland experience itself, putting into words how truly magical and stunning it was is very difficult. It was truly incredible and the most Amazing thing I have ever experienced. The highlight of the day was the husky ride, absolutely unforgettable!!!

10/10 doesn’t really cut it, we have created memories that will last a lifetime

Absolutely brilliant from boarding the plane to leaving the airport. On the flight the crew got everyone singing having fun, playing games, then at the airport there were elves playing and hiding from the kids. Reps were great and Santa's lapland day was truly magical we couldn't have asked for a better experience.

What can we say other than wow! From start to finish, our experience with Santa’s Lapland was incredibly well organised and ticked every box for our family of six.

I first made an enquiry online and quickly received a range of quotes. This was followed by a call where I could talk through ideas, and we decided on Saariselkä for its magical scenery and authenticity.

About a month before the trip, we received an email requesting advanced passenger information so the company could handle check-in for us. Then, a week or two before departure, we received letters from Santa, letter templates for the children to send to Santa, and detailed trip information.

The airport experience alone set the tone for the magic ahead—everything was incredibly organised, and the staff were attentive, offering treats and building up excitement. On board the flight, there were songs, games, and festive fun.

Upon arrival, the elves greeted us, and the team were brilliant at continuing the magical pretence—two little elves even jumped out to surprise us! We were quickly suited and booted at the kit store and then made our way to the hotel.

There was a welcome meeting for one parent, while the rest of us enjoyed the abundance of snow. Sledges were always available, and dinner that evening was family-friendly and excellent quality.

The main event was extraordinary—emotional, magical, and unforgettable.
Food and warm drinks were included throughout, with crepes and treats always on hand. There were fires for warming up and toasting marshmallows, and every activity you can imagine:
• Husky sleigh pulling (a huge highlight!)
• Reindeer sleigh rides
• Snowmobiles
• Sledging
• Skiing
• Snow scooters
• Snow crazy golf
• Ice bars
• Real igloos
• And of course… a magical, personal visit to Santa, who had the children’s letters and gave each of them his full attention.

We were even lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in full display (first week of December), followed by a superb traditional Finnish Christmas meal. The food throughout the trip was consistently high quality, and the entertainment for the children was nonstop.

The following day, we enjoyed even more snow fun before heading home.

I would absolutely recommend this company. I’m just sad we’ve already experienced the magic—because we would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Great holiday, great customer service, great touches along the way, even down to the plane branding.

Holiday club, Sarriselka was nice, clean and tidy, food was limited but nice, so it didn’t bother us for such a short stay.

Festive dinner was nice… beware it’s not ‘British’ festive… which is fine for us as we like to eat how the locals may eat, but I’d say it’s a Finnish festive dinner so prepare yourself.

My one bad thing would say is that anyone looking to do the snowmobile excursion, don’t bother. I paid in the region of £350 and didn’t exceed 15kph. It’s not fun in any way, shape or form. They will tell you they go up to 45kph but they absolutely don’t.

My daughter is 8, she loved the whole holiday, and although she still fairly believes, the magic wasn’t there so I’d say it’s more for under her ages group in my opinion.

I can now honestly say, what is the price of a 7 day family holiday crammed into a 3 days and 2 night trip to Santas Lapland was just fantastic! To see the complete innocence of joy, make believe and excitement on our grandchildren’s faces was absolutely priceless and now justifies every hard earned penny spent. My parents could never afford such a trip so to be able to see both our daughters and our grandchildren experience this wonderful adventure meant more than every holiday we have ever had!
Santa’s Lapland is also were adults can escape the ever demanding pressures of life in a world of uncertainty. You really can make dreams happen even if it’s only briefly… now book it.
PS. Sincere apologies as I forgot to add, the staff across every sector of Santas Lapland were simply outstanding from the minute you land to the final minute your sad little face realises you’re in the departure lounge going back to a depressing UK reality. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail was just as magical as Santa himself…

We travelled to Santa’s Lapland in Saariselkä with the hope of giving our child a magical experience. We left feeling that the trip had quietly exceeded expectations for all three of us.

Airport & Arrival
Birmingham check-in was organised and festive, with stickers, chocolate and a Jet2 crew who made the flight feel special without being over the top. Ivalo Airport was efficient and unexpectedly charming thanks to the elves greeting families around the luggage belts. The short transfer offered our first glimpse of the snowy wilderness.

Hotel (Gielas Building, Santa’s Hotels Tunturi)
Our Superior room was warm, spacious and genuinely family-friendly, with a private sauna that became essential after time outdoors. The hotel’s location was ideal, just minutes from the main toboggan run, excursion pickup point and supermarket. Staff were helpful and spoke excellent English, and the atmosphere felt relaxed rather than commercial.

Food
Breakfast and dinner were simple but well suited to children and fussy eaters. The included hot drinks helped after sub-zero temperatures, and we never had to queue for seating.

Optional Adventures
The husky tour and snowmobile safari were well organised and memorable, with friendly guides and good safety coaching. Free tobogganing in the resort became a surprise highlight and cost only €10 to rent a sledge for the entire stay.

Search for Santa Day
The Arctic Activity Centre was easy to navigate, with minimal queues and lots of staff keeping everyone safe and engaged. The snowmobile sleigh ride across a frozen lake led to a private cabin that looked as if it had come from a Christmas storybook. The elves were playful and brilliant at handling shy children. Santa was patient and authentic, reading our son’s letter aloud and giving a thoughtful souvenir gift. Unlimited photographs made the moment even more special. Reindeer rides, mini-skidoos, ice hockey and warm berry juice rounded off the day perfectly.

Only Improvement
Collecting snow suits before the hotel meant carrying extra bags unnecessarily. Collecting after check-in (or delivering to rooms) would make arrival easier. Once fitted correctly, the suits were excellent quality and ideal for the weather.

Final Thoughts
This trip balances organisation with authentic magic. It wasn’t loud or overly staged — just well-run activities, friendly staff and a real sense of wonder. We expected a once-in-a-lifetime holiday and instead left hoping to return. Highly recommended, especially for children young enough to believe.