Here is the wonderful story of your stay....
Day 1
After a long but exciting wait, this day has finally arrived. It's time to see the forests and snow-covered mountains of Lapland and join Santa's team of little helpers. As you step off the plane, you will be greeted by Grand Master Elf Pippuri (Pepper). He is so happy to finally meet you, having heard so much about you from the scout elves.
Pepper will take you to Octola, a large house set in wild and magical nature, where you will spend the week helping Santa Claus and the elf helpers prepare for Santa's journey around the world. If you wish, you can hop onto a sledge and cover the last part of the journey to Octola by reindeer sleigh. Wrapped up warm and snug, you will begin crossing a forest that looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Day 2
Forests cover around 75% of Finland's land area, leaving plenty of room for spruce trees to grow. One of the oldest Christmas traditions in Finland is heading out to a nearby forest in December to choose the best Christmas tree as a family.
Today, the forest elf Muskottipähkinä takes you into a magical winter forest filled with Christmas trees.
With her help, and snowshoes on your feet, you will walk among the snow-covered trees and choose your favourite spruce. You might also spot some wild animals and other forest dwellers - wait, is that a troll hiding behind the tree?
Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus and the elves know so much about you?
Scout elf Kardemumma (Cardamom) has years and years of experience watching over children and adults all around the world.
She will teach you some of the oldest tricks and the newest tips in scouting. She may also show you some of the magical gadgets she uses on her scouting trips.
As day turns to evening and the magical blue light of the polar night fades into darkness, it is time to head back inside to enjoy a tasty dinner prepared by your own chef.
After dinner, you can help Muskottipähkinä decorate the Christmas tree. He has prepared a large bag filled with special Christmas decorations,
lights and garlands.
Day 3
On the second day of your adventure, you will wake up to the inviting smell of a fresh breakfast prepared by your chef.
Then it will be time to meet the elf Piparminttu (Peppermint), who is in charge of Santa's kitchen. She loves barley sugar and other sweets,
and you can always catch the smell of warm treats, fresh out of the oven, coming from her kitchen. Peppermint knows every trick and tip in baking. She might even reveal what makes her mini pies so delicious, or her secret gingerbread recipe.
During the morning (and the afternoon too, if you wish), she will teach you how to prepare delicious Christmas treats for Santa's journey around the world. You will discover the favourite recipes of the elves and of Santa himself, and how to make them.
Christmas truly is the most magical time of year. In Lapland, that magic is in the air all year round.
Christmas magic can make reindeer fly, wishes come true and trees sparkle all around you!
Today you will learn how to light up Christmas trees using that very magic.
The elves also love bathing in Lapland's clear waters during winter! You can try one of Finland's most popular winter activities, ice swimming! The secret of plunging into icy water lies in the feeling that washes over your body once you step back out.
After this experience, you can warm up in the gentle heat of a Finnish sauna. If you wish, one of Santa's little helpers will swim with you.
Day 4
Did you know that Santa Claus has received nearly 20 million letters from around 200 countries? During the busiest time of the holiday season, Santa receives close to 30,000 letters a day! That's 30,000 - stacks and stacks of letters! No wonder postal elf Kaneli (Cinnamon) really needs your help sorting the mail.
People of all ages from all over the world write to Santa, sending their Christmas wishes, sharing their thoughts on life, and
asking the old wise man for advice. Santa receives letters of every size, kind and language, which is why the post office elves speak several languages. Cinnamon knows so much about the wishes of every child and adult, so don't forget to ask what the greatest Christmas wish of all time has been.
A snowmobile ride is a highlight of any Arctic adventure, not to be missed.
After a brief safety and driving introduction, it will be time to head out on our latest “skidoos” for a tailor-made excursion through the Arctic wilderness, across forests and over snow-covered hills. You will venture deep into the wild, where few people have been. You will get the chance to experience speed on a frozen lake and feel the freedom and adrenaline rush that only comes from these exciting machines roaring across the snow.
A driving licence is required to operate a snowmobile.
Children and those without a licence can be pulled along in a sledge.
Adults and older children can also share a snowmobile with the driver.
After experiencing the thrill of being pulled in a sledge, it will be time to take the controls.
We have a designated track for mini-skidoos where children can try driving their own machine. Our staff will be on hand to keep the young drivers safe.
This experience gives youngsters the chance to enjoy the thrill in complete safety. While the children try their hand at driving, the adults can enjoy warm snacks around the campfire.
Day 5
Today, you will visit one of the most enchanting and secretive places, Santa's secret workshop!
This is where the magic comes to life, where toys are created using special technology. Artist elf Neilikka (Clove) has years (perhaps even centuries) of experience making the most sought-after toys. With Clove's help, you will learn how to make toys for children and adults around the world.
Day 6
Have you ever wondered who is in charge of planning Santa's route?
Inkivääri (Ginger) is the head of reindeer traffic. His tasks are many, but above all he looks after Santa's travel companions, the reindeer. Today, you will help him feed them so they are in top shape for the long journey.
Then, the long-awaited moment will finally arrive: all the preparations for Santa's journey around the world will be complete.
Before hopping onto a sleigh, Santa will meet you in his secret cabin. You might enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and some treats while going over the travel route and your plans for tomorrow. Once all the enormous gift sacks have been loaded onto the sleigh, it will be time for Santa to set off on his journey with all the elves, and you will wish him a safe trip!
Elves love Christmas music, so it is no surprise to hear Peppermint and Clove singing, “You better watch out, you better not cry, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town...”
Day 7
Today, you will get to try one of the elves' favourite winter activities: turning a block of snow into a beautiful sculpture. Forest elf Laakerinlehti (Bay Leaf) will show you how to use different tools to create your own snow artwork and reveal the secrets of sculpting techniques. The snow sculptures will welcome Santa back from his journey and decorate the spot where the “afterparty” will take place later that evening.
After an exciting morning with Laakerinlehti, it will be time to meet the adorable husky dogs!
At the kennel, you will meet the dogs, their excited barking filling the air. You will be given all the necessary equipment, and the adults will learn how to drive a dog sled. Wrapped up warm in blankets on the sleigh, off you go! As you glide across the snow through the wilderness, the dogs' barking will fade away, and all you will hear is the pounding of paws and the sound of the sled gliding over the snow. The magical white landscape will rush by as the dogs pick up speed. Their joy at pulling the sled is contagious, and you will see wide, happy smiles on everyone's faces.
Afterwards, you will have time at the kennel to visit the other dogs and their puppies before heading back to the lodge to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner and get ready for the evening.
Day has turned to night, the stars are shining in the sky, and everything is ready for Santa's arrival and the Afterparty. Lanterns, outdoor candles and a large campfire light up the yard with a warm glow. The mouth-watering aroma of various treats prepared in
Santa's kitchen drifts through the air. Christmas music plays in the background, and some elves are already dancing and jumping along to the rhythm.
Suddenly, you hear the faint sound of sleigh bells. A familiar face in a red coat approaches. The guest of honour has arrived, and the party is ready to begin!
Day 8
The sun rises on your last day in Lapland, but the crisp Arctic air and the memories of your journey will stay with you for many years to come.
After a delicious breakfast, you will meet Grand Master Elf Pepper, who wishes to thank you and your family for the invaluable help you have given over the past few days. It is always sad to see people leave.
You will receive a handmade photo album in which the elves have gathered beautiful pictures from your stay.
