In Lapland, you can meet Santa Claus: what a trip to a winter fairy tale looks like.

According to The Sun: We’re speeding along in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile, sitting on reindeer skins and wrapped in blankets, while my children, Poppy (six years old) and Raffi (four years old), are amazed by everything that’s happening.

We’re on a short trip from Enontekiö airport, racing through the Arctic Circle of Finnish Lapland less than four hours after leaving gray, rainy London.

Racing through the Arctic Circle of Finnish Lapland on sleds pulled by huskies Meet Santa Claus himself at his headquarters in Lapland Catherine Bennion Pedley Enjoy snowmobiling Tiina Törmänen

We stop at a frozen lake, where an elf signals us to board another sled to meet the main character — Santa Claus.

After a short walk through the snow, among shimmering pines that look as if they are covered in ice, we arrive at Santa Claus’s lovely cabin.

Knocking on the door, we are greeted by a man in red with a huge smile. He finds the letters we sent home through the chimney and reads them aloud — both children listen in delight, and he praises them even for their dubious drawings.

Santa also mentions that he remembers what my husband Andy and I did when we were little, and the gift — a plush reindeer wrapped in shiny paper — is the cherry on top, hinting that it’s time for us to go.

Elf Fun

After completing our most important mission, we are now free to explore the activity village.

The longest queues are for the snowmobiles, but the elves by the fire keep the children occupied with snowball fights to distract them from the biting -10ºC cold.

Each guest is dressed in snowboarding suits and boots immediately after passport control, ready for adventure.

A few weeks ago, we also received a package with welcome invitations, backpacks, water bottles, and wind scarves for the little ones.

However, the piercing cold proves to be a true test of endurance.

Luckily, the free hot soup, baked potatoes, and a large helping of pasta help us warm up in the village restaurant, and I quickly become addicted to freshly made pancakes with sweet cream and strawberry jam.

id='6356416895112' data-video-id='6356416895112' data-account='5067014667001' data-player='default' data-usage='cms:WordPress:6.5.6:2.8.6:javascript' data-embed='default' class='video-js' data-application-id=''\ controls style='width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;'>

Hot chocolate and berry juice also do wonders for lifting the spirits.

Love at First Freeze

Back in the winter fairy tale, Poppy speeds down the kids' snowmobile track several times, and we all enjoy sliding down hills until stars appear in the sky — in this part of the world, there are only three hours of light in December!

A ride on reindeer sleds through the forests is also delightful, and the ice igloo with frozen sculptures and elves handing out candy adds charm.

Our six hours in Finnish Lapland pass quickly, and soon we board a bus to return to the airport.

Proudly holding certificates that say 'We met Santa', Poppy and Raffi fall asleep before the food is served on the plane, dreaming of their most magical day.

As in the song 'Wizard', they wish every day could be Christmas.

Stroll through a wonderful winter wonderland Explore the activity village in Lapland Supplied by PR The highlighted trip to Finnish Lapland reveals not only the beauty of winter nature but also the magical world of Santa Claus. The hospitality and fairy-tale atmosphere leave unforgettable impressions in the hearts of the little ones. This experience becomes an important part of family memories, filled with warmth and joy.