Arctic Sky Santa Getaway, Saariselkä

Highlights

  • Take a sleigh ride to Santa’s hidden forest cabin — a moment of pure, intimate magic.
  • Drive your own husky team across silent, snow-softened trails
  • Meet reindeer in the heart of the forest and glide with them through old Lappish landscapes
  • Sleep beneath Arctic skies in luxurious wilderness accommodation
From £2491 pp*
Trip Dates
Please select
Trip Dates
Please select
Guests
Please select
Room #
Adults
15+
- +
Children
3-14
- +
Infants
0-2 (please read FAQs)
- +
Guests
Please select
Check Price

3 Nights

Trip Dates
Instant Book Request Availability

Don't have your preferred dates? Enquire now

Please select

Don't have your preferred dates? Enquire now

Guests

Room #
Adults
15+
- +
Children
3-14
- +
Infants
0-2 (please read FAQs)
- +

What you'll do

Overview

This three-night Arctic Santa break brings together genuine Lapland experiences with the refined comfort of this resorts luxury accommodations. Set on the edge of the fells, the hotel offers direct access to winter trails while giving you the space to unwind in design-led Arctic Sky Suites and Villas, complete with saunas, fireplaces, and wide panoramic windows facing the winter landscape.

Read More

This three-night Arctic Santa break brings together genuine Lapland experiences with the refined comfort of this resorts luxury accommodations. Set on the edge of the fells, the hotel offers direct access to winter trails while giving you the space to unwind in design-led Arctic Sky Suites and Villas, complete with saunas, fireplaces, and wide panoramic windows facing the winter landscape.

Across your stay, you take part in key Lapland activities that capture both the tradition and natural beauty of the region. You will drive your own husky team through the forests, meet reindeer and enjoy a short sleigh ride, and follow quiet tracks into the trees for a private visit with Santa in his hidden forest cabin. Each experience is run in small groups, making the encounters feel personal and unrushed.

Between activities, there is time to enjoy the facilities and setting of the hotel. Winter clothing is provided throughout, giving you the freedom to explore the nearby trails or simply step outside to watch the sky for the aurora. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with Scandinavian interiors, open fires, and attentive hospitality that emphasises comfort without losing the sense of being in true wilderness.

Dining is included throughout, with meals served in the main restaurant. Expect high-quality seasonal dishes influenced by local produce, offering a balance of familiar flavours and regional touches. After dinner, many guests head straight into the cold evening air, where the remote location offers excellent chances for northern lights viewing on clear nights.

This trip suits families and couples looking for a high-quality Arctic short break that blends luxury accommodation, well-run activities, and the essential Lapland experiences — all delivered in a relaxed, scenic setting just moments from Saariselkä’s fellside trails.

*Per person cost based on 2 arriving in Early December

A full example itinerary is detailed below, activity timings can differ slightly, your own personal schedule will be given to you upon check in.

Arrival Day

Land in Ivalo airport, where you will be met and taken directly to your accommodation for the duration of your Christmas holiday. Drive through the ethereal pine forest, and arrive at your very own cabin, nestled within the still, white forest.

Take some time to settle in, unpack or explore, then you can enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

You will be staying in a luxurious cabin, which provides panoramic surroundings of this winter wonderland and the pitch black polar night sky. With any luck, you’ll be able to witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights on your very first night in Lapland.

Husky trails & Reindeer stories

After breakfast, you head to the safari house to collect your winter clothing and prepare for your Husky Safari. The guides introduce you to the dogs and explain how to steer the sled before you set off. Once the team starts running, you follow forest tracks that cut through quiet stretches of snow-covered pine, switching drivers halfway so both of you get the chance to experience the feel of the sled. The route offers a mix of open scenery and sheltered woodland, giving you a clear sense of the Lapland environment without feeling rushed.

Returning to the hotel, you have time to warm up, enjoy a hot drink, or relax back in your suite or villa before the afternoon activity begins. Later, you visit a traditional reindeer camp, where local herders explain the importance of reindeer in Sámi culture and daily life. After meeting the animals and hearing about the herding traditions, you settle into a gentle reindeer sleigh ride, moving slowly through the trees in the soft daylight. It’s a quieter, slower-paced experience than the huskies — ideal for taking in the landscape and capturing photos.

Back at the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. Some guests choose to walk the nearby winter trails, while others unwind in their accommodation, making use of saunas, fireplaces or simply enjoying the snowy views. Dinner is served in the main restaurant, rounding off the day with hearty regional dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Santa’s Secret Forest Cabin

After breakfast, the morning begins gently, with time to explore the snowy trails around the hotel or relax in your suite or villa. Throughout your stay, the Host quietly prepares for the most anticipated moment of the trip. When you checked in, you were invited to hand over your children’s letters to Santa, along with a short form about their home life — their favourite hobbies, pets, school details, and anything that might make their meeting more personal. This information is passed discreetly to Santa so he can greet each child as though he’s known them for years.

When the time comes, the children are approached by an elf, who appears in the forest cabins and huts of Saariselkä with a sense of quiet purpose. The elf leans in and asks, almost conspiratorially, whether they would like to go and see Santa. It’s presented as an invitation just for them — a secret chosen moment — and parents can keep the experience completely hidden until it unfolds.

You are then led to a waiting sleigh, and together you travel through the snowy forest in complete privacy. No other families are seen along the way, and the route is designed so the children believe they’re being taken somewhere truly hidden. The stillness of the journey, the soft crunch of the runners on snow, and the lanterns along the trail all add to the sense of something magical happening just for them.

Eventually, the sleigh stops outside a small wooden cottage glowing softly with fairy lights. Inside, Santa is waiting by the fire. He already knows the children’s names, their favourite things, and the little details parents shared, making the conversation feel personal and genuine. During the visit, he gives each child a small gift, while parents may also bring their own present to be handed over.

The encounter lasts long enough to feel meaningful but never rushed, and because no other families are visible before or after your visit, children come away believing they were specially chosen to meet Santa alone.

Returning to the resort, the afternoon is your own — time for a warm drink, a walk along the fell, or simply a few quiet moments reflecting on a highlight your children will likely remember for years. Dinner is served in the restaurant, rounding off a day that blends thoughtful planning with pure, heartfelt magic.

Farewell

Your final morning in the Lapland. Wake up at a leisurely time  (check-out isn’t until 11 AM), and enjoy a final breakfast by the log fire as you reflect on the wonderful adventure you’ve had with us.

We’ll transfer you back to the airport, and look forward to maybe seeing you again!

Snowmobile Safari (3 Hours)

Perfect for guests who want a taste of snowmobiling without committing to a full-day adventure, this three-hour safari offers an exciting introduction to one of Lapland’s most iconic winter experiences.

You begin by meeting the guide, who provides full safety instructions and a practical driving lesson so everyone can get comfortable handling the snowmobile. Once ready, you set off across the nearby trails, travelling through forests, open fells, and snow-covered landscapes that reveal the true scale and quiet beauty of the Arctic. It’s a fast, fun way to soak in the surroundings, with plenty of time to enjoy the thrill of the ride and the crisp winter air.

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. Children under 15 travel safely in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile, making this excursion suitable for mixed-age families.

Includes:

Shared snowmobile (2 persons per vehicle)
Helmets and safety equipment
Introductory snowmobile driving lesson
English-speaking guide

What's included

Included

  • 3 nights’ accommodation in chosen room type
  • Shared Transfers to and from Ivalo airport
  • Full board meals at the onsite restaurant (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Guide for all organised activities
  • Snowsuits, gloves and boots for the duration of your stay
  • Husky Safari (2.5 hours)
  • Meet the Reindeer with Sleigh Ride (2 hours)
  • Santa Visit in the Forest (1 hour) - Private Santa meet, sleigh ride and small gift included

Accommodation

Arctic Sky Suite Arctic Sky Villa

Arctic Sky Suite

The Arctic Sky Suite is a stylish, semi-detached suite designed for couples or small families seeking a blend of comfort and contemporary Nordic design. Large windows draw in the soft Arctic light, while natural materials and warm tones create a calm retreat after a day in the snow. Inside, you’ll find a cosy sleeping area, an inviting fireplace, and a bathroom featuring both a bathtub and a shower. A private sauna completes the suite, offering a peaceful way to unwind as the winter evening settles across the fells.

Facilities

Panorama Window Maximum occupancy 2 Sauna Fireplace

Arctic Sky Villa

The Arctic Sky Villa offers one of the most luxurious stays in Saariselkä — a private, standalone villa designed for guests who want space, comfort and a touch of Nordic elegance. It features a separate bedroom with a double bed, a spacious living room with a glowing fireplace, and large windows that draw in the soft Arctic light. The bathroom includes both a bathtub and a shower, giving you the choice between a long, warming soak or a refreshing start to the day.

The villa’s private sauna adds a distinctly Finnish layer of relaxation, while the outdoor terrace — complete with its own jacuzzi — invites you to step outside and enjoy the stillness of the surrounding fell landscape. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of activities or settling in for an evening of northern sky watching, the villa creates a calm, indulgent setting perfectly suited to a luxurious Arctic escape.

Facilities

Maximum occupancy 4 Panorama Window Sauna Jacuzzi
Your local host

Maaret and Team

Our hotels are in nature´s most beautiful places: by lakes and rivers, away from light pollution and busy city life.

We value nature, good service and quality in everything we do. We want our guests to feel special during their stay with us. We serve our guests every step of the way, helping with airport transfers and offering high-quality accommodation, tasty meals and a great variety of activities both in summer and winter. Come and feel the magic of the wilderness with us!

Our hotels are in nature´s most beautiful places: by lakes and rivers, away from light pollution and busy city life.

We value nature, good service and quality in everything we do. We want our guests to feel special during their stay with us. We serve our guests every step of the way, helping with airport transfers and offering high-quality accommodation, tasty meals and a great variety of activities both in summer and winter. Come and feel the magic of the wilderness with us!

Location

You’ll fly into Ivalo Airport. From the airport, it’s a 35–45 minute transfer by road to the hotel.

The property is located approximately 15 minutes beyond Saariselkä town centre, set deep within the forest for a secluded and peaceful stay.

Situated far above the Arctic Circle, the resort is surrounded by vast pine and taiga forests — home to reindeer, golden eagles, wolverines, and, on rare occasions, bears. The pristine landscape offers a truly immersive Arctic experience, with dark winter skies ideal for aurora viewing and bright summers alive with natural light.

The resort offers a boutique-style retreat with a strong focus on personal service and comfort. Accommodation includes Arctic Sky Suites (for two guests) and Arctic Sky Villas (for up to four guests), each thoughtfully designed with panoramic windows, private saunas, and high-quality finishes — perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the wilderness.

FAQs

When can I go?

Family Xmas trip which include meeting Santa run from 1st Dec until 6th January.

I have an infant, can they participate in the activities?

Minimum age for children on the activities is 3 years old. Unfortunately 2 years old or younger cannot take part. Our host can arrange to split the group for activities to assist with childcare, so everyone gets the opportunity to experience each activity.

What ages do the child prices apply to?

Child pricing applies to ages 3-14 years. Ages of 15+ will be classed as an adult.

Is thermal clothing provided for guests?

Thermal overalls, boots and gloves are included in all our packages. Unfortunately the resort does not offer winter clothing options for infants.

When will I do all of my activities?

Upon check in at your resort you will be given your full schedule of exciting activities.

Will I be woken up when the Aurora Borealis are visible?

You can hire a Aurora alarm for the duration of your stay, at a small charge

Is there Internet available at the Resort?

Yes! WiFi is a complimentary service of the resort. The Wi-Fi works in lobby and restaurant area.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 11:00

The resort can storage your luggage in the reception while you’re waiting for check-in or while you’re waiting for transportation after check-out.

When are the meals served?

Breakfast Buffet 8:00-10:00*
Lunch Buffet 12:00-14:00*
Dinner Buffet 18:00-20:00*

Buffet times may vary during the seasons and between the destinations. The reception will inform you the specific times upon arrival.

Join our community

Get off the beaten track and support local communities that you visit.

Sign up for inspiriation for your itinerary, new experiences and special offers.