TUI launches ‘extreme day trips' to Lapland from 11 UK airports – including first-time regional base
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TUI has launched a new 'extreme day trip' to Lapland for winter 2026.
Flying from 11 airports, families can head to Lapland and back with TUI in just a day.
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TUI has launched an 'extreme day trip' to Lapland
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Throughout the day, families get to go on sleigh rides and meet Santa
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Then on the plane back they even get a Christmas dinner
Credit: Getty
There will be flights from Cardiff for the first time to Kittila, Finland, and day trips from Bournemouth airport will be returning for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 'Search for Santa' day trip will see families fly to Kittila, with a traditional cooked English breakfast served to you on the flight.
After landing at midday, you'll grab your snowsuit and boots before heading to the Snow Village.
At the Snow Village you will be able to see an ice hotel with igloo-inspired rooms, an ice bar, ice chapel and numerous ice sculptures.
Families will then hop onto a sleigh ride led by Rudolph.
After this, you'll head off on another animal-based adventure with a husky-led sleigh ride.
And if those rides weren't enough, you'll then be able to explore the snow wonderland more by learning to drive your own snowmobile.
Away from the different 'rides', you'll get to meet one of the Lapland locals and listen to stories and legends about the area.
For kids, there are some arts and crafts too.
Then the big moment of the day arrives with a magical journey through a snow-covered woodland to meet Santa.
My trip to Lapland with TUI
Once you have met with Santa and his elves, you'll head back into the snow where you will have some time to build a snowman, ride a sleigh or even start a snowball fight.
A little chilly? Well, there is a campfire to heat you up with hot berry juice available.
At the end of your 'extreme day trip', you will then be delivered back to the airport by Santa's elves and once airbourne, you will have a Christmas dinner in the sky as you fly home.
Flights will run between December 5 and 23, 2026 with departures from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cardiff and Dublin.
Tickets to see Mr Christmas himself don't come cheap though, starting at £750 per person.
But every child does get a gift and the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.
What is LaplandUK like?
The Sun's Caroline Iggulden headed to LaplandUK last Christmas - here's what she thought...
LaplandUK promises to transport children on a magical Christmas adventure without need of a plane or even flying sleigh.
Nestled in Whitmoor Forest near Ascot, Berkshire, even the walk through the car park manages to be exciting with lights twinkling in the trees as you approach the cluster of Finnish-style cabins at this magical destination in the woods.
It is the fine details that really set this woodland wonderland apart.
From the miniature doorways, just for 'small folk' to use, to the beautifully fashioned individualised costumes worn by all the elves- and the big man himself-details are styled to perfection.
And the experience of meeting Father Christmas is a far cry from a quick grip and grin at the shopping centre.
It was pure joy to watch their jaws drop when Santa started congratulating them on recent achievements and quoting small details about them, thanks to an online form you fill in about each child before you go.
Whilst LaplandUK is not a cheap day out, it certainly comprises many activities which would add up considerably for a family of five if you did them separately over the holidays.
We enjoyed a top-notch theatre show experience, crafting, skating, a grotto visit and the children came away with two beautiful toys and a lot of amazing memories.
There is also a bucket list Christmas family holiday with a surprisingly affordable price tag.
Plus, why you should have a Christmas holiday in your caravan this year.
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