Christmas with Santa in Hetta
Christmas never seems to come soon enough. The countdown, the excitement, the daily thrill of opening advent calendar doors, it’s a season full of anticipation. But instead of getting swept up in the festive hustle, why not escape to the calm and wonder of Lapland?
From the moment you arrive in this remote northern landscape, on the edge of Europe’s last untouched wilderness, it feels like stepping into a Christmas card, with endless blankets of snow stretching in every direction.
Christmas is a time for creating lasting family memories, and what could be more magical than spending it in Santa’s very own homeland? A short break in Lapland offers the perfect blend of traditional Christmas spirit and unforgettable Arctic adventures. Glide across frozen rivers on a snowmobile, journey through snowy forests on a reindeer sleigh, or steer a team of eager huskies through powdery trails, all part of the experience.
And of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to the REAL Father Christmas. Hidden away in a cozy cabin deep within the snow-covered woods, he’s waiting to meet you—perhaps with a little help from a friendly reindeer guide.
4
Full Board
London Gatwick
22nd December 2026 from £1479 per adult
Hetan Majatalo
£200pp
Return flights with hot meals on board, 18kg hold & 5kg hand luggage, transfers
A stay of 3 or 4 nights at one of the resorts
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner at the resort)
Full-length snowmobile safari, full-length reindeer sleigh ride, full-length husky sled safari
Private family meeting with Santa including a small gift given to each child, Santa's Wishlist
Loan of thermal suit & boots
The holiday begins with a morning flight to the very north of Finland, in True Lapland, so-called because of its authentic, picture-perfect landscapes, exactly as you imagined them: vast swathes of pristine snow stretching to the horizon and beyond.
In the midst of these wintry snowscapes lies Hetta, a quaint village that's home to less than a thousand people, which forms the setting for this festive holiday. A million miles away from the commercial mass-market resorts of Rovaniemi or Saariselka, Hetta offers peace and tranquillity amid the excitement of Lapland’s festivities.
Your stay at the Hetan Majatalo will be on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch and dinner being served buffet-style. With over 100 years of welcoming guests to Lapland, you’re assured of a warm reception at this family-run hotel.
Thermal suits and boots are included for the duration of your stay, but remember to bring hats, scarves, gloves and many pairs of socks.
This special Christmas holiday includes the activities set out below, which ensure you’re simply having a wonderful Christmastime!
At Hetan Majatalo, a warm and genuine welcome awaits you.
This family-run hotel has been hosting guests in the heart of True Lapland since 1924. Now in its fourth generation, Hetan Majatalo is a cornerstone of Arctic hospitality, offering calm and comfort amidst the thrill of snow-filled adventures. Tucked behind a peaceful forest and set back from the main road, the hotel enjoys a quiet yet central location in the picturesque village of Hetta.
With 27 cosy rooms accommodating between one and six guests, the hotel is ideal for solo travellers, couples, families, and small groups. Many rooms feature a loft or mezzanine level with a skylight window in addition to the ground-floor view, perfect for stargazing or even catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. All rooms include en suite showers and modern conveniences such as a TV, radio, mini fridge, drying closet, kettle, and hair dryer.
The on-site restaurant serves hearty, home-cooked dishes inspired by traditional Lapland cuisine. After a day in the snow, relax in the inviting lounge and lobby area, whether you're sharing stories with fellow travellers, reading by the fire, watching television or enjoying a drink. The hotel also offers saunas to warm up after Arctic excursions, along with a small library, souvenir shop and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Located on the edge of Pallas-Ylläs National Park, Hetan Majatalo is a fantastic base for Northern Lights hunters. With vast open surroundings and virtually no light pollution, it occupies a prime position within the Nordic region's famous Northern Lights Belt.
Currently rated among the top accommodation choices in Enontekiö on TripAdvisor, Hetan Majatalo is a trusted favourite for travellers seeking an authentic and memorable Lapland escape.
Exclusive Direct Charter Flights
Travel directly to the heart of Finnish Lapland with exclusive charter flights from selected UK airports. With a flight time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to Enontekiö Airport, there are no lengthy stopovers or airport changes in cities such as Helsinki or Stockholm, allowing you to start your Lapland adventure sooner.
Luggage Allowance
Your holiday includes a generous luggage allowance of: 18kg checked luggage per person 5kg cabin baggage per person Perfect for packing all your winter clothing and festive essentials.
Transfers
Enjoy hassle-free travel throughout your holiday with included motorcoach transfers between Enontekiö Airport and your resort. Transportation to and from included activities is also provided, ensuring a smooth and stress-free Lapland experience from arrival to departure.
Family Meeting with Santa
No visit to Lapland is complete without meeting Santa himself – after all, you've travelled a long way to see him! But where is he hiding? Perhaps some helpful elves can point you in the right direction as you set off on a magical festive adventure.
Snowmobile Safari
Follow scenic trails beneath a canopy of towering, snow-covered pine trees on an unforgettable snowmobile adventure. Adults share a snowmobile and swap drivers during the excursion, while children travel comfortably in a sled pulled behind, allowing the whole family to enjoy the stunning Arctic scenery.
Husky Sled Safari
Feel the excitement as a team of eager huskies bursts into action, pulling you across the breathtaking Arctic wilderness. This thrilling journey offers one of the most authentic and memorable ways to experience the beauty of Lapland, guided by your energetic four-legged companions.
Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Travel through a magical winter wonderland behind Santa's faithful reindeer. Glide peacefully through snow-covered forests and towering pine trees as your sleigh carries you towards Santa's hidden cabin, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Will We Be Able to Give Santa a Personal Message?
Yes. Prior to your holiday, you can complete Santa's Wishlist, allowing Santa to learn a little about the children in your party before your visit. This should be completed no later than five days before your departure date.
Is This Suitable for Infants and Toddlers?
Due to the extreme winter temperatures, these trips are not recommended for infants under two years old. Children aged three and four years typically love the magical atmosphere and festive experiences, although some activities may have age restrictions and may not be suitable for very young children.
What Should I Wear?
Winter temperatures in Lapland can fall as low as -40°C, so dressing appropriately is essential. A thermal all-in-one snow suit and snow boots are provided on arrival, but guests should also bring:
Thermal base layers
Warm jumpers or fleeces
Hat and scarf
Waterproof gloves or mittens
Multiple pairs of warm socks
Layering is the best way to stay comfortable in Arctic conditions, particularly for children spending extended periods outdoors.
Can Our Group See Santa at the Same Time?
Santa's cosy log cabin can accommodate a maximum of seven guests at one time. Larger groups may therefore need to be divided into smaller parties for their visit. If you are travelling with other families but would prefer separate visits with Santa, this must be requested at the time of booking or at least two weeks before departure. Requests cannot be guaranteed if made after arrival in resort.
Follidays is affiliated with InteleTravel whom hold ABTA – P7384.
InteleTravel are appointed agents with Transun for this package that hold ATOL.