Overview
Key facts
- Duration:4 nights
- Suitable for: Anybody aged 4 years or over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Rovaniemi (either direct or via Helsinki). Flight routes subject to change
- Transfers: Return group airport bus transfers
- Accommodation: 4 nights in a Taiga Forest Cabin or Aurora Cabin
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Activities: the following activities are included in the holiday price: Searching for Father Christmas, 10km husky safari, 2 hour snowmobile safari, and a 25 minute reindeer sleigh ride (order of activities subject to change)
- Aurora alert service which you can set to alert you throughout the night or end at a specific time
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Every child’s dream is meeting Father Christmas, and every parent’s delight is to see their children full of festive cheer whilst themselves taking a nostalgic sleigh ride back to their youth… A short break away in the immersive Arctic surroundings of Pyha Northern Light’s Village will leave both parents and children feeling enchanted, merry, and bright, and that’s before they meet the man in red! This festive holiday is a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for all family members. Whilst offering a purely magical and unforgettable Father Christmas experience for the kids, the holiday will promise nothing but nostalgia and serene moments of joy for older family members. Watch your children receive a gift from Santa as you take in the magical sky and surroundings this winter.
The gifts don’t stop there! Meeting Father Christmas is just the tip of the iceberg... after a day of joyous activities and a cosy night under the mesmerising sky, it's time for a husky safari! On day 3 you will get to drive a team of huskies over the white, shimmering fells and forests, an experience that is almost mandatory during a trip to Lapland. The eager dogs run happily along and the sleigh glides effortlessly over the snowy trails. The husky safari takes you on a magical trip through the Finnish wilderness; an experience that you will never forget!
After plenty of activity and adventure, relaxation is key and Pyha Northern Lights Village sure provides it! Let this magical holiday fill your hearts with the spirit of Christmas, leaving lasting smiles and treasured memories.
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Flights, Arrivals and Transfers
After flying north, a scenic 1 hr 30 minutes journey* (approximately) will whisk you away from Rovaniemi airport to the magical Northern Lights Village in the picturesque Pyhä region. After settling you’re your cosy accommodation, whether it’s an inviting Aurora Cabin or if you’ve upgraded to a Sky View Suite, the magic continues. Make your way to the buffet restaurant, where you will get your first taste of lovely local flavours and special delicacies from Lapland and the Barents Sea regions. After dinner, head back to your suite and get some rest before your first day of adventure tomorrow. Sink into plush bedding, and gaze upward with anticipation. With luck, you'll be serenaded to sleep by the dreamy dance of the Northern Lights.
*Please note that the transfers included are shared and grouped together to meet similar flight arrival times.
Included Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 Search for Father Christmas
Today’s the day! After a hearty breakfast, you will collect your cold weather clothing and then it's time to begin the hunt for Santa and immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas at the Northern Lights Village.
The activity will begin by meeting Santa's cheerful Elves who will be your English-speaking guides for a morning of merry experiences, creating lasting memories. Start your magical journey with a heartwarming gingerbread baking session in the elves' cosy hut crafting delicious cookies (Santa’s favourite!) Afterward, you'll follow the elves to meet Santa’s magnificent reindeer, a dream come true for the children. Enjoy a short, yet thrilling sleigh ride, through the snow-covered forest (approximately 10 minutes) pulled by these majestic creatures. The adventure continues with a quest to uncover Santa's hidden cabin. Accompanied by an Elf on a snowmobile, your family will hop into the snowmobile-pulled sleigh and venture into the snow-coated forest. Upon finding the cabin, you'll receive a warm welcome from Santa himself! Engage in an intimate 10-minute conversation with Father Christmas and the children will receive a small gift. This magical journey will certainly bring smiles to both young and old as you experience an unforgettable festive moment.
Following this 3-hour adventure you will have the rest of the day free to do as you please (refer to the ‘personalise’ section to pick an activity if you desire) Perhaps a relaxing session in a traditional Finnish sauna would be the perfect tonic to a day in the snow
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Husky Safari
Today's highlight will be a 10km husky safari, which is open to all ages and is a must-do experience when visiting Lapland. The husky safari adventure kicks off with a short transfer to the starting point. This activity offers a thrilling and family-fun exploration of Lapland's untouched snowscapes, from the fells to the enchanting forests. Driving a team of eager huskies through the shimmering white fells is a truly unforgettable experience. The sheer enthusiasm of these magnificent dogs propels the sleigh forward, effortlessly gliding over the pristine snow. At key crossroads along your journey, the lead husky will look to you for direction – left, or right? With a hearty "Mush!", you guide your trusty team forward, this exhilarating expedition will be an everlasting memory, reminding you of the pure magic that Lapland's winter wonderland has to offer. You will usually travel two people per sled (one driving and one as a passenger in the sled).
With this expedition lasting 2 hours (with approximately 1 hour of sledding), if you want to get the most out of your trip to Lapland, you will have plenty of time for an extra activity today. We recommend engaging further with nature and heading out on a snowshoeing and ice fishing trip, one of the most authentic and wholesome activities Pyha has to offer; or maybe you’d prefer to try your hand at cross-country skiing (visit the personalise section for further details).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Snowmobile Safari and Reindeer Sleigh Ride
On your final day in Finland, you will embark on an exhilarating snowmobiling adventure! A must-do Arctic activity, snowmobiling is on most winter bucket-lists and what better way to experience the thrill in the hands of your expert guide? They’ll give you a briefing and safety talk before heading out two people per snowmobile onto the snowy landscape. You stop along the way to take photos of you and your family and enjoy a hot drink by the fire. A great taster activity for first timers.
Please note: the driver of a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. As a general rule, children (14 years and under) will travel in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children 4 years and under must be accompanied in the sleigh by one parent. Older children (15 years and over) may be able to travel as pillion on the snowmobile, but this is at the discretion of the guide and the child must be at least 140 cm tall. Children will pay the adult price if riding on the snowmobile.
After lunch snuggle together in a cosy sleigh pulled by a majestic reindeer. Before snowmobiles, Laplanders would travel by sleigh pulled by reindeers. Get cosy and hold on tight as you travel two to four people per sled! Nothing epitomises Lapland like these magnificent creates and what a unique experience to get up close whilst taking in the enchanting wilderness. The reindeer ride starts from and end in the reindeer paddock in the Northern Lights Village and lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Departure
Sadly, your snowy getaway has come to an end. It’s time to say farewell to the huskies and the reindeer and return to the airport for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Pyhä Northern Lights Village - Taiga Forest Cabin
Nights: 1-4
One of our very favourite partners, Northern Lights Village launched their brand-new destination in Pyhä in 2023. We have been privileged enough to watch this awesome team create two of our most popular destinations from the initial concept stage right through to the professional operation to which we send hundreds of happy guests each month during the Autumn and Winter seasons.
The small village of Pyhä is around 130km North of the Arctic Circle and around 90 minutes from Rovaniemi airport. The Northern Lights Village is located about 5km from the nearby downhill ski resort. The village is set in a beautiful, picturesque snowy forest and just a very short walk away you can find the frozen Lake Pyhäjärvi.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationFacilities
There is a restaurant and reception building on site where all your meals will be served. At a safari house you will be issued cold weather clothing, and this is the meeting point for your activities. Please note that hot water is limited in all the accommodation types.
There will be four types of accommodation when this new destination opens in 2023.
- Just a short walk from your accommodation, you’ll find the resort’s brand-new restaurant serving up mouth-watering local flavours and special delicacies from Lapland and the Barents Sea regions. With a continental-buffet style breakfast, there’s something for everyone. From nutritious fresh fruit, muesli and yoghurt to sweet treats like pancakes, Karelian pastries and croissants. Lunch and dinner are equally as delicious and varied and there’s plenty of options for those with dietary requirements. Enjoy quality family time around the table surrounded by stylish interiors and luxury furnishings.
- Your friendly guides will be ready to welcome you at the meeting point for all activities in the reception of the main building. Throughout the programme, your guide will also take photos of your family; a special touch offered by the Northern Lights Village to ensure these precious moments are captured forever. Copies of your photographs can be purchased from reception.
- The small village centre is located nearby if you need to purchase any extra items and there’s a ski resort located 5km away. If you and your family are feeling particularly active and want to take to the slopes, the team on reception will be more than happy to organise a transfer for you.
- To alleviate packing and ensure each family member is properly kitted out for the duration of your stay, there is an onsite clothing storage providing cold weather clothing which can be collected after checking in at reception.
- For an extra charge (booked privately) you can relax in the sauna and hot tub after your day exploring the Arctic. If you’re feeling especially brave, there’s also the Ice Pool for you to plunge into.
Taiga Forest Cabin
These two-bedroom idyllic log cabins are nestled amongst the snowy forest. They are ideal for larger families and offer 2 bedrooms and space for 2 more guests to sleep in the lounge area on a sofa bed. There will be 10 in total.
These spacious suites are 60m² and have their own private sauna and electric fireplace. There are fewer places we can imagine being cosier to return to after one of the exciting activities available during your stay.
These cabins effortlessly combine traditional Finnish construction with stylish and modern Scandinavian style. Just steps outside the front door and you can breathe in the crisp forest air and enjoy the peace and tranquillity which is so hard to find in modern life.
Look no further for the epitome of the cosy cabin to be your base for your once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Lapland.
(Please note: The image chosen is to give an indication of the type of cabin. The finished renovation may vary). Image credit: Marijke Jansen-Peper
Other options
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Pyhä Northern Lights Village - Aurora Cabin
The tried, tested and eternally popular Aurora Cabins feature here as at all Northern Lights Villages.
Each of the 15 cabins is 29m² and has a double or twin bed under the heated glass ceiling. Some of the cabins also have a sofa bed which allows up to 4 guests in each cabin (we would recommend a maximum of 3 adults – 4 adults would be very cosy!)
The Aurora cabins have an en-suite toilet and shower room. They have tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer.
Cabins are not cleaned between arrival and departure unless requested from reception. Additionally, towels can be exchanged at reception if required.
Image Credit: Northern Lights Village
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Pyhä Northern Lights Village - Sky View Suites
These are an exciting and innovative new room type for Northern Lights Village Pyhä. Their distinctive design sets them apart from traditional accommodation.
There are 10 in total and at 35 m² they are more spacious than the Aurora Cabins. They have a large, panoramic sloped glass roof looking to the Northern sky which is also heated to melt any snowfall, as well as an electric fireplace.
There is a double or twin bed situated under the glass windows and a sofa bed for 2 additional people. The suites also have a kitchenette and dining table, although all meals are served in the hotel restaurant. They have an en-suite bathroom with shower.
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Pyhä Northern Lights Village - Aurora Suites
There will be 10 Aurora Suites hidden amongst the snowy forest scenery in Pyhä. These suites are more spacious at 44m² and sleep a maximum of 5 people (we would recommend a maximum of 4 adults – 5 adults would be very cosy!). They are being newly built for the Northern Lights Village’s grand opening in December 2023. They will have the iconic glass roof to allow you to (hopefully) lie in bed and enjoy the Aurora dancing overhead.
Complementing the celestial magic, the Aurora Suites provide abundant space and comfort, making them perfect for families seeking an extraordinary getaway. Accommodating up to 5 people and featuring a private sauna, these suites blend luxury and practicality
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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Aurora Hunting in the Wilderness
Aurora Hunting in the Wilderness
Step on board a minibus to a remote camp and get ready for a magical evening. Snuggle up together around the warming fire in a cozy hut with a delicious hot drink and a snack. Look up to the starry scene above and await the Northern Lights. Hopefully you’ll see them twist and twirl across the night sky.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
Minimum age: 4 years and over
From £96 per adult
From £48 per child
Other options
Activities
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Aurora Hunting by Heated Sleigh
Aurora Hunting by Heated Sleigh
Settle into a seat in the cosy heated sleigh as you glide through the breathtaking landscape. Your friendly guide will take you through the snow-capped forest and over the boundless wilderness. Once you reach your destination, your guide will build a fire and you can listen to Nordic tales whilst enjoying hot drinks. With a little bit of luck, the Northern Lights will appear on the horizon and perform a dazzling display. Prepare to capture this phenomenon on camera or savour the experience in the moment.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
Minimum age: 4 years and over
From: £114 per adult
From: £57 per child -
Kid’s Snowmobiling
Kid’s Snowmobiling
Make your child’s holiday unforgettable with this unique, once-in a lifetime experience. They’ll find the activity both enriching and exhilarating and remember it for years to come. A 200-metre track offers a safe environment for children to drive their own snowmobile, that have been specially built for children.
Please note: Parents must supervise this activity and are responsible to ensure their child is following the guide’s instructions safely. There is no age restriction, but children must be 100cm tall or above. Parents must assess whether this activity is suitable for their child’s age.
Choose from a 30-minute or 60-minute session.
Prices:
30 minutes from £33 per child
60 minutes from £66 per child
From: £33 per child -
Cross-country Skiing School
Cross-country Skiing School
From children to grandparents, you will see almost all Finnish people cross-country skiing and this activity gives your family the chance to try it out. It’s a pursuit suitable for all ages and abilities. Your expert guide will teach you all the skills needed before you glide through the snow like a true Laplander.
Duration: approximately 2 hours in total
Minimum age: 4 years and over
From: £53 per adult
From: £27 per child -
Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing
Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing
Grab your snowshoes and your sense of adventure and head out into the shimmering forest to a nearby fell. You and your family will trek through the woodland and your guide will build a fire. Enjoy a hot drink while looking out for Siberian jay, a willow grouse, or a herd of reindeer roaming by. You’ll then continue your trail over a frozen lake. Here, your guide will teach you about the local wildlife and help you to drill a hole through the thick ice. You’ll bait the hook and wait to see who can successfully catch the fish of the day. A great opportunity for some healthy family competition and a chance to experience another unique activity.
Duration: approximately 3 hours in total
Minimum age: 4 years and over
From: £80 per adult
From: £40 per child
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Dates
| Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun 01 Dec 2024
to Tue 31 Dec 2024 |
Adult price (per person):
£2195.00
to £3270.00 |
Child Price (Per Child):
£1195.00
to £1998.00 |
Enquire |
|
Wed 01 Jan 2025
to Sat 01 Feb 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£2045.00
to £2838.00 |
Child Price (Per Child):
£1075.00
to £1542.00 |
Enquire |
|
Sun 02 Feb 2025
to Thu 20 Feb 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£2365.00
to £2838.00 |
Child Price (Per Child):
£1285.00
to £1542.00 |
Enquire |
|
Fri 21 Feb 2025
to Wed 02 Apr 2025 |
Adult price (per person):
£1895.00
to £2442.00 |
Child Price (Per Child):
£1035.00
to £1434.00 |
Enquire |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- Between balance due date and 92 days prior to departure – 50%
- 91 to 24 days prior to departure – 75%
- 23 or less days – 100%
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