Dancing with Elves - 3 nights

Santas Cabin

Santas Cabin

Visit Father Christmas in Lapland

The Santa Shuttle

The Santa Shuttle

Search for Santa by reindeer sleigh in Lapland

Santas Reindeer

Santas Reindeer

Meet Rudolph, Dancer, Prancer and all the other reindeer

Christmas Northern Lights

Christmas Northern Lights

Take the opportunity to search for the Christmas Northern Lights

Father Christmas

Father Christmas

Meet Santa in his cabin at Harriniva

Dancing with Elves - 3 nights

Harriniva Wilderness Lodge is set in the heart of Finnish Lapland, nestled on the banks of the frozen Muonio River.  Wrapped in a cloak of pristine white snow this informal, friendly family run lodge offers you the warmest of welcomes.  Home to its own husky kennnels and reindeer corral, this is a fairy-tale setting for a magical Father Christmas experience.

DAY 1: Leave for Lapland
Fly from London Heathrow to Kittila (via Helsinki). On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and will transfer by coach to Harriniva Hotel. Check-in and head to your room, where your thermal clothing will be ready. Enjoy a welcome drink and evening meal upon arrival.
 
DAY 2: Reindeer & Snowmobiling
Enjoy a full breakfast buffet before taking your first steps into the Arctic Wilderness. Today you will meet some of Father Christmas's reindeer, taking a short ride in a traditional reindeer sleigh.
After lunch the whole family will enjoy a thrilling snowmobile ride into the Arctic forest before testing your skills at wooden elf making and making a last Christmas wish!
An evening meal will be seved back at the hotel, after which it's time to decorate gingerbread houses before retiring to bed after a long day.
 
DAY 3: Huskies & Father Christmas
After breakfast you will meet the excited Harriniva Huskies. This 400-strong family all have their own names and are eager to start the morning run. The only sounds that break the snowy silence are the panting of the dogs and enthusiastic calls of the musher. On returning to the kennels, meet some of the dogs and then head back to the hotel for some well earned lunch.
Each family will then take a memorable journey out into the forest by snowtrain where you will be directed by elves along a trail marked by lanterns, to a giant log cabin where Santa lives. Whilst waiting for your sleigh to arrive, enjoy Christmas activities including baking traditional gingerbreak cookies. You will then have the opportunity to try cross-country skiing and test your balancing skills whilst snowshoeing. There are mini snowmobiles for the children to try, and the toboggan and kick-sled runs are enjoyed by people of all ages.
 
DAY 4: Return to the UK
After breakfast, if there's time, enjoy a one last toboggan or snowball fight before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
 
Temperatures can vary at this time between 0°c and -30°c. as such local conditions can mean that the itinerary, location, duration and order of excursions may change. Any decision to do this is to ensure your comfort, enjoyment and safety in the resort.
Harriniva Wilderness Lodge
Harriniva Wilderness Lodge

Harriniva Wilderness Lodge stands alongside the frozen Muonio River,  marking the border between Finnish and Swedish Lapland. Here, the Pietikainen family have offered hospitality for over 25 years to travellers, fishermen, skiers and adventurers. Comfortable and versatile accommodation includes 46 pine-clad rooms, all with private WC/shower.

 

In addition, there are 6 larger rooms with private saunas and 12 duplex, apartment-style rooms, ideal for larger families. Close by are Harriniva’s latest innovation, a small intimate snow hotel and Aurora Domes.

 

Harriniva’s cosy bar offers a warm welcome after the day’s exertions with coffee/tea and snacks served throughout the day. The lively restaurant has a wide choice of meals, and successfully combines local specialities with international cuisine, whilst the sauna is a perfect place to relax and recharge.

 

Harriniva is also home to the largest Siberian husky breeding kennels in Lapland. Situated a short walk from the lodge, the 400-strong pack are lovingly reared and all individually named. A tour of the farm often includes a visit to any new additions to the fold.