5 days | Independent | Dec | Pyhä
A festive Lapland stay in a glass-roofed Aurora Suite at Pyhä, pairing all the must-do winter activities with a private visit to Santa, and room for up to five in one suite.
Finnish Lapland is a region of vast forests, snow covered fells, and some of the darkest skies in Europe, creating the perfect setting for a winter escape. Centred around the resort of Pyhä, this trip showcases the region's natural beauty and traditions through a collection of classic Arctic experiences, all while staying in the comfort of an Aurora Suite at Northern Lights Village.
Over five days, you'll discover life in the far north through encounters with reindeer and huskies, learn about local reindeer herding traditions, and travel through the landscape by sleigh and snowmobile. Families can enjoy the festive magic of searching for Santa in the snowy forest, while quieter moments offer time to relax, unwind, and take in the atmosphere of Finnish Lapland. Combining adventure, culture, and comfortable accommodation, this itinerary provides a well-rounded introduction to one of the Nordic region's most memorable winter destinations.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
Local transfers
Arrival at Rovaniemi Airport and shared transfer to Pyhä, a peaceful fell resort in the heart of Finnish Lapland. The transfer from Rovaniemi to Pyhä takes approximately 1.5. Surrounded by vast forests, snow covered landscapes in winter, and the wilderness of Pyhä Luosto National Park, Pyhä offers an authentic Arctic atmosphere far from the crowds. Known for its remarkable nature, dark skies, and strong Sámi and Lapland heritage, it is the perfect setting to begin a journey into the magic of the far north.
After arriving at Northern Lights Village Pyhä, check in to the Aurora Suite. Featuring a private sauna and laser heated glass windows above the bed, the suite offers the opportunity to admire the northern sky from the warmth and privacy of the indoors. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to settle in and relax before enjoying dinner at the village restaurant.
Today is special, the spirit of Christmas comes to life during the Searching for Santa experience. Guided by Santa's cheerful Elves, guests will take part in gingerbread baking and festive crafts before meeting Santa's reindeer and enjoying a short sleigh ride through the winter landscape. The adventure continues with a journey through the forest by heated sleigh in search of Santa's hidden cabin. Families are welcomed for a personal visit with Santa, creating a memorable Lapland experience that captures the magic of the season for both children and adults.
After breakfast, guests will experience one of Lapland's most iconic winter activities on a thrilling husky safari through the snowy wilderness surrounding Pyhä. Following a short transfer to the husky kennel, meet the energetic dogs and learn about life with these remarkable Arctic athletes before setting off on a guided safari through the forest. As the huskies pull the sled across the pristine winter landscape, experience the unique combination of speed, silence, and stunning natural scenery that makes husky sledding such a memorable Lapland experience.
Following the ride, there will be time to meet the dogs and learn more about their training and daily life before warming up with a cup of hot berry juice. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at Northern Lights Village, enjoy the resort facilities such as your sauna, or take in the peaceful surroundings of Finnish Lapland.
Later in the day, visit Kopara Reindeer Farm for an immersive introduction to one of Lapland's most iconic traditions. Hosted by a local reindeer herder, the experience offers insight into the history and culture of reindeer husbandry and its significance to Sámi life. You will have the opportunity to meet and feed the reindeer, learn traditional skills such as lasso throwing, and enjoy a peaceful one-hour reindeer sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest. The experience concludes with a hearty soup lunch served with rye bread, warm berry juice, and sweet treats.
After breakfast, set out on a guided snowmobile safari through the winter landscapes surrounding Pyhä. Travelling along scenic trails around Soutaja Hill, the route winds through snow covered forests and across the rolling fells of the national park, offering a unique perspective of Lapland's Arctic wilderness. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop for photographs, take in the views, and learn about the local environment and wildlife from an experienced guide.
A break during the excursion provides the chance to warm up with a hot berry juice before continuing the journey through the frozen landscape. Combining adventure, spectacular scenery, and the freedom of exploring by snowmobile, this experience offers an unforgettable way to discover the beauty of Finnish Lapland.
After breakfast and check out, enjoy a shared transfer to Rovaniemi Airport for your onward journey.
Standard price, per person twin/double share
Family Triple - 2 adults sharing with 1 child (age 4-14)
Family Quad - 2 adults sharing with 2 children (age 4-14)
Family Quin - 2 adults sharing with 3 children (age 4-14)
Children aged 0 to 3 years travel free of charge.
ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY:
At 50 Degrees North, animal welfare is a top priority during all our tours and packages. We carefully select suppliers who adhere to strict animal welfare standards, ensuring that wildlife interactions are respectful and comply with local, national, and international regulations. We avoid offering excursions that involve captive wildlife, except where they are properly regulated, and all activities are designed to minimise disturbance to natural ecosystems. Our travellers are educated on responsible, including responsible animal interactions, through our 'Responsible Travel Tips' for travellers, and our guides are trained to lead by example, promoting ethical conduct towards both wild and domesticated animals. By prioritising animal welfare in every aspect of our tours, we ensure that your travel experience is both enjoyable and ethically sound. Read our article on Animal Welfare to learn more.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Spend the weeks before Christmas in Lapland with private Santa encounters and snowy family adventures, then continue to a Nordic capital for festive city celebrations and traditional Christmas dining.
This year, consider our tours for a magical White Christmas holiday in Finland. Fully private tours including winter activities can be arranged.
Our range of Lapland family Christmas holidays is built on the memories of our own childhoods: sneaking the neighbour's fir tree, hunting for the blanched almond in the rice pudding...
