Lapland Magic
Stunning, unspoiled scenery, snow clad pines and pinky skies; and fabulous fun in this snowy paradise – where better than Lapland for a truly magical winter break?
A once-in-a-lifetime holiday that will be remembered forever, Lapland really is the place where winter dreams are made.
We’ve a fun packed itinerary for this holiday – reindeer safaris, husky sleigh rides, tobogganing, ice and snow fun and of course a Christmas holiday simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to see Santa too, in his very own home.
All of our excursions are custom arranged for our group so we’re guaranteed a personal, magical and totally non-commercial experience. No theme parks or big bus tours, instead Father Christmas welcomes us to his home, spending time with the children and leaving them with memories to last a lifetime.
Where We're Staying
We’re heading to an are between Ruka and Kuusamo, an area of outstanding natural beauty just below the Arctic Circle. Known as the “Gateway to Lapland” , Ruka was recently voted as one of Finland’s best resort and is the ultimate place to experience a wide range of fantastic winter activities.
The area resembles Narnia – a real winter wonderland with an abundance of frozen lakes and snow-clad forests. Due to it’s northern location you may also be lucky enough to see the breath-taking Northern Lights.
The resort offers unmissable opportunities for reindeer, husky or snowmobile safaris through the forests. In Lapland, even the darkness is unique, with blue polar light and the chance to experience the mystic Northern lights first hand.
Family Ages
Ruka/Kuusamo is a family friendly resort and we’ve chosen a lovely, centrally located hotel for children. Because of the temperatures and the excursions, this holiday is best suited to families with children aged 4 or over.
Dates & Flights
Dates and flights for 2020 will be confirmed shortly. We will have group flights from Heathrow for this holiday
Your Holiday Protection
At Single With Kids we realise how important it is to have reassurance that your holiday money is safe.
All our overseas holidays are provided by My Holiday Tribe Ltd, who are bonded by the Travel Trust Association (Q5042), meaning your holiday payments are protected until you return from holiday.
All overseas packages are also protected by ATOL (no. 1300) ensuring you can book with full confidence.
Visit the Your Financial Protection page for more information.
22nd December 2020
Accommodation
A fabulous resort and a great, child friendly hotel
We’ve a fun packed itinerary for this holiday – reindeer safaris, husky sleigh rides, tobogganing, ice and snow fun and of course a Christmas holiday simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to see Santa too, in his very own home.
Our Hotel
Our hotel is the most central in Ruka! It’s located right in the heart of this lovely small town, near the slopes and lake too. The ski slopes are withing walking distance, in fact you’ve views over the slopes from the lovely restaurant. (Ideal for a bit of sledging for the kids, or skiing on the uncrowded slopes) .
· All bedrooms have radio, cable TV, hairdryer, safe.
· Two restaurants, and 3 bars and lounges.
· The hotel has a sauna to relax in after a day out in the snow. The Day Spa offers a range of beauty and health treatments (additional cost for treatments).
· Hotel entertainment – a disco and occasional live music
· Free Wi-Fi
· A gym and bowling can be found right next door to the hotel.
· Hot and cold buffet breakfasts, 3 course evening dinners
Itinerary
Proposed itinerary 2019!
23rd December
Fly to Helsinki for your connecting short flight to Kuusammo, where you’ll come out of the airport to be greeted by Narnia – or as close as you can get ! There’s a short transfer to the hotel after which you’ll be kitted out with thermal suits and boots (all provided with thermal socks, gloves and balaclavas)
24th December
Today you’ll travel to Santa’s House – meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus in their very own house in the forest!. Toboggan down the snowy slopes, eat in their ‘Kota’ (barbecue hut) until the elves ring a bell and you join Father Christmas indoors. The day follows with lots of stories, the chance for the children to chat to Father Christmas individually; baking with Mrs Claus and singing a Finnish song with the Chief Elf.
This is not a commercial and impersonal theme park, but instead a very personal experience. Do take tissues though, the adults always end up choked in tears as it’s such an amazing experience!
In the afternoon you’ll you’ll travel to the Reindeer Farm to meet Santa’s trust helpers. The farm has been in the same family for centuries and as well as learning about these lovely creatures, you can ride on a reindeer sleigh. The trip finishes off with hot juice (Glurgi) and sausages in their Kota, before we head back to the hotel.
In the evening there’ll be a special Christmas Dinner (Lapp style!)
25th December
Today you’ll head off to the Husky Farm for an exhilarating sleigh ride around the tracks – each family has their own sleigh and you’re given instructions on how to manage your very own husky team (who you’ll find very friendly and bounding with energy). As an added bonus, after your sleigh ride, you’ll have a chance to see the husky puppies, often with the chance of a cuddle too.
After the trip, the group will return to the hotel, where we can then go tobogganing and walk through the lovely scenery.
In the evening we will go on the “Lapland Express Under a Starlit Sky” When night falls you’ll start your journey in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile over the snowy hills and into the evening light. During the trip you’re served coffee and can roast your own traditional Finnish “makkara” sausage by a campfire.
26th December
An optional snowmobiling trip for those that fancy the adrenaline of driving over frozen lakes and through snow clad forests, or a visit to a local snow park .
Evening meal at the hotel, and then we checkout and depart on the 23:20 flight to Helsinki where you will stay the last night with your new friends in a lovely airport hotel before you fly home the next morning, refreshed, happy and with memories to last you a life time!
Optional Excursions
If you want to squeeze extra excursions onto your itinerary, there are other options:
The Snow Mobile Safari is an exhilarating way to see the beauty of Ruka’s varied terrain. During the safari a stop is made to marvel the magical wilderness of Kuusamo. Please note – the driver of the snow mobile must hold a valid driving licence. Children under 110cm are not allowed to ride on the snowmobiles but will follow in a sleigh behind.
Our hotel is also right beside the Ruka Ski Slopes, ideal for anyone keen to ski. The slopes are less crowded than many main central European resorts and a great place to learn too.
Previous trips
We’ve run this holiday for a number of years now, and Christmas has been an unforgettable experience for a number of families. See our testimonials page for details, or our photos from one of our holidays here.
Photos
Santa spends individual time with all
Santa spends time with adults and kids
A visit to the husky farm
Ride a husky sleigh
Hit the tracks on a snow mobile
Enjoy a peaceful reindeer sleigh
Prices & Booking
A holiday of a lifetime - with all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas!
Your Holiday Price Includes:
Flights and transfers to resort. Prices are based on Finnair flights from Heathrow. Regional flights are also available from some airports, please contact us for details. Please note, regional flight supplements are much lower if you book early!
* Flights from London to Kuusamo, via Helsinki with transfers to our resort
* Half board accommodation in Ruka
* Full thermal clothing – suit, hats, gloves, boots
* Activities: Santa Fun Day, Reindeer Farm, Husky Safari, Starlit Express. Optional excursions (Snow Mobiling, Skiing or Snow Park ) available at a supplement.
Instalments
If you book this holiday at least 6 months before departure you can pay with a lower deposit and in monthly instalments. Please contact us for details.
Early Booking Discounts
he earlier you book, the cheaper your holiday will be:
Early Bird Price: Book before 31st May 2020 and save £150 per FAMILY
Slow Bird Price: Book before 31st July 2020 and save £75 per FAMILY
Late Bird Price: Any bookings from 1st August 2020
Availability
2020 HOLIDAY DATES AND PRICES COMING SOON!
Testimonials
Keri, Tallula 10 and Summer 9 - (Lapland 2019)
" Great way to spend Christmas! Myself and my two daughters had a great time. Favourite day – definitely Christmas Day with the huskies, what a great buzz doing the sledges. Was great to meet new friends also. There was a lovely group of people who were really friendly and great fun. Many thanks.
"
Sophie 9 - (Lapland 2019)
" I loved every part of it especially the huskies.
"
Tallula 10 - (Lapland 2019)
" Hi I’m Tallula and me and my mum and my sister had an amazing time. I think my favourite part of this journey was probably the safari as the snow was so high. I also enjoyed meeting new people on this journey and I have made loads of friends.
"
Summer 9 - (Lapland 2019)
" It was so fun being pulled by huskies. I loved all of it and the hotel rooms were very spacious.
"
Simone 11 - (Lapland 2019)
" Had a great time on the starlight.
"
Emer and Simone 11 - (Lapland 2019)
" Myself and Simone had a fantastic four days in Lapland. Was great to holiday with such a lovely bunch of people, completely made our Christmas for 2019. The holiday was the perfect combination of fun activities and relaxed socialising. Lots of really lovely memories for years to come. Great organisation on Sophie’s part. Thanks a million to all for such a lovely Christmas.
"
Tracey and Maraki 8 - (Lapland 2018)
" Myself and my 8 year old daughter have just returned from 5 nights in Lapland over the Christmas period with Single With Kids. We have had the most wonderful time. My daughter says that this is the best holiday that she has ever had.
Single with Kids has planned this holiday seamlessly, with attention to every detail, from the thermal suits to the variety of activities, and the result is a break which is entirley about relaxing, having fun and looking forward to the next adventure.
We shared our time with the most wonderful group of people, who we plan to meet up with again, and that includes our coordinator Sandra and her lovely daughter Ana, without whom, things could not have run so smoothly as they did. "
Jason, Taran 9 and Ruan 4 - (Lapland 2017)
" A great Christmas experience for parents and kids alike.
"
Dawn & Riley 5 - (Lapland 2017)
" The value for money and ease in not having to deal with any planning or worry about anything other than being ready on time was an exceptional deal overall!
"
Hannah & Alicia 10 - (Lapland 2017)
" Sandra, the coordinator was absolutely brilliant. Her daughter Ana also a delight. An absolutely amazing holiday - thank you for organising.
"
Imogen, Abby 11 and Cara 8 - (Lapland 2017)
" We were there as we recently lost my husband and it was the best thing we could have done to be with other families with only one parent meant my children didn’t feel out of place and everyone looked out for one another. I felt very supported and our co-ordinator was excellent!
"
Sharon and Hannah 7 - (Lapland 2016)
" Thank you SWK, Sarah and Jay for helping us to enjoy a truly magical Christmas holiday. It was all I hoped for and more. Both for Hannah and me. It’s certainly been a packed holiday and we are feeling a little dazed now as we’re very tired. I’m looking forward to sharing all the photos with everyone to help us relive the memories. I think meeting Santa was the most magical experience but for me personally the snowmobile adventure was the most exciting. Thanks again and well done on holding us together.
Thank you to Sarah and Jay for the magic and amazing holiday. I loved all the activities from when we first got there and back home. My two favourite parts were swimming and playing in the snow. Plus I loved making friends.
Hannah (7)
"
Alison, William 8 and Alfred 6 - (Lapland 2016)
" This was my third SWK holiday. They keep getting better! This was awesome. Sarah has been amazing. The tours/trips were brilliant. Best Xmas ever. Thank you SWK.
Thank you very much Sarah and Jay for making this a magical and amazing holiday. I loved it when we went sledging down really steep hills. I can’t imagine if we fell in the freezing water!
Will 8 "
Annie, William (8) and Millie (5) - (Lapland 2016)
" Thank you Sarah and Jay for making this such a fantastic holiday. Our first Xmas without my husband and it has been truly magical. Everything so well organised and a fantastic group to spend time with. The highlight for me was the husky ride.
I liked it when I saw the snowman. I liked the sledging.
William (8) "
Rujula and Ruhani 5 - (Lapland 2016)
" It turned out to be a really good idea to come with SWK for the Lapland over Christmas. The place was magical; the excursions were amazing and well planned. But the best bit was the group. The kids had company and the grownups had company and we were all there for each other and together. It was so much fun. I got really sick one of the days and one of the parents offered to take my daughter along for the excursion while I rested at the hotel room. If I had just come on my own that would have been a disastrous scenario.
When Santa Claus came to the holiday club. "
Bill and Katie 8 - (Lapland 2016)
" This has been a truly wonderful experience and a very large part of that has been down to Sarah who has been organised, informative and above all super. It has been a fantastic group of people and all the visits were as good as we could possibly have wanted. Thank you so much.
"
Micha and Holly 7 - (Lapland 2016)
" Lapland 2016 was a well organised, fun packed, wonderful Christmas holiday. The activities weren’t rushed and there was something for all ages especially the “big kids” (parents). It will be a shame to leave. Sarah was a great coordinator, relaxed and engaging and we’d love to come back again.
"
Linda, Il - (Lapland 2016)
" It was the best decision ever to book my first SWK holiday. I didn’t know what to expect and nervous about the group and if we would fit in. All my anxious feelings disappeared as soon as I met everyone and Sarah put everyone at ease. I’m so glad and relieved to have such a bubbly, friendly host that really helped in the entire trip. The best day was at the reindeer farm and husky trip. My kids loved Jay and had a great time in all the trips, there was definitely enough to do. This will hopefully not be my last SWK trip. I will miss everyone so much. It has been the best Xmas ever. Thank you to Sarah for coordinating so efficiently but keeping it relaxed as well.
I have had fun in Lapland. I enjoyed getting pulled by the fluffy huskies and the big reindeers. I had fun seeing Santa and Mrs Claus. Sledging was great when we went down the hill and swimming was better than my local swimming pool.
Oliver (10)
"
Susan and Finn (8) - (Lapland 2016)
" What an incredible first experience with SWK. Finn and I had such a magical Christmas. All the activities were so well planned and organised for everyone to have maximum fun. Sarah was an incredible coordinator. So friendly and so much fun. I had a problem with my back and she made sure I didn’t miss out on any of the fun activities because of it. The group was excellent. Everyone clicked and got on and the kids were so well matched in age groups. This was such an amazing, unforgettable trip. Truly are memories for life and fantastic. We will be back on another trip for sure. Fun for kids and some downtime for parents. Ace!
Thanks for making the awesome, incredible holiday. I loved the snow mobiles and sledging. I just loved everything on this holiday.
Finn
"
Jean and Luke (4) - (Lapland 2016)
" This was my first SWK holiday and I honestly don’t think I can go back to ‘normal’ holidays. Sarah has been more than just a coordinator; she has been so incredibly supportive, helpful and caring not just in aspects to do with making it run smoothly but in helping all of us with our kids. She has honestly been wonderful from start to finish. Jay (the first mate) has been so wonderful with the kids (and the grownups). Luke has had an amazing time. There has been so much to do and we have memories and pictures that will last a life time. I honestly cannot fault this holiday in any way, shape or form. It’s been amazing. Thank you so much Sarah/SWK. Most aesthetically pleasing Christmas ever.
"
Jane & Lucy 7, William 5 - (Lapland 2015)
" A most memorable holiday filled with magical memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The thrill of husky riding, sledging and our snowmobile ride through the Finnish forest will stay with us forever. Claire was a great coordinator. We leave with memories and new friends. Thank you.
Thank you very much Sarah and Jay for making this a magical and amazing holiday. I loved it when we went sledging down really steep hills. I can’t imagine if we fell in the freezing water!
Thank you very much Sarah and Jay for making this a magical and amazing holiday. I loved it when we went sledging down really steep hills. I can’t imagine if we fell in the freezing water!
I liked the husky safari ride and the sledge ride.
Lucy 7 "
Daniela & Draek 3 - (Lapland 2015)
" This was the first Xmas of Draek and I away from the family. It was also one of the funniest of all. Claire was amazing and always on top of things. "
Anna, Bella 11, Alex 6 - (Lapland 2015)
" This holiday has been an amazing experience. It was the best decision I made booking this trip. I can't decide on my best trip, they have all been magical - huskies, Starlight and just playing in the snow. Claire has been amazing, including everyone. An experience the three of us will never forget. "
Paul & Bethany 5 - (Lapland 2015)
" Truly magical experience with memories to last a lifetime. "
Jacqui & Leonie 12 - (Lapland 2015)
" Wonderful memories, fabulous experience and so many new friends made. A holiday that we never, ever forget. "
Leonie 12 - (Lapland 2015)
" I enjoyed the whole holiday but my favourite part was meeting Santa at his house. It was so fun because we got to play in the snow and the pool and slide. "
Delphine & Brandon 6 - (Lapland 2015)
" Magical experience, the Lapland trip will leave long lasting fond memories for my son and I. We enjoyed the activities and the group and Claire coordinated excellently the whole trip. Many thanks for everything! "
Irena & Zinta 9 - (Lapland 2015)
" Absolutely great. Thank you Claire for being a lovely coordinator. The meal at the Wilderness Lodge was inspired. Loved the huskies. Loved the reindeer. Thank you everyone. "
Marcia & Ronnie 6 - (Lapland 2015)
" Far exceeded my expectations - it was magical & a fantastic experience for me and my son. Each trip excelled itself and Claire was fantastic. "
Ann & Ryan 7 - (Lapland 2015)
" We had an AMAZING time - it's not often the real things exceed the picture promise, but on this occasion it has. Everything has been very well organised. "
Lisa & Tegan 7 - (Lapland 2015)
" What a wonderful time - such lovely people and memories to last a lifetime. "
Anonymous - (Lapland 2014)
" The holiday was a fairytale come true for my then 5yo son. The pure rapture on his face when he met Santa - or Joulupukki as he's known in Finland - was amazing. It made me want to cry with happiness. Then Santa came to the hotel to deliver his present and he whooped for joy when he unwrapped his most wanted present. That experience was priceless and worth every penny. the memory will last a lifetime for me and for many years to come for my son. Sarah was an excellent co-ordinator. I don't know how she remains so cheerful, upbeat and in control all the time :) "
Kerry & Luke 11 - (Lapland 2014)
" The scenery was completely breathtaking and the hotel and excursions were superb. We all feel extremely lucky to have had such an amazing opportunity with SWK. "
Nicole & Theo 10 - (Lapland 2014)
" Overall a perfect holiday - Sarah was a really wonderful coordinator and the balance between activities and downtime was just right for this sort of trip. Loved the Santa trip and dinner on Christmas evening at the wilderness hut was great. "
Emer & Simone 6 - (Lapland 2014)
" Really lovely group of people and Sarah was a fantastic coordinator. She was so friendly and helpful all of the time. I'd highly recommend this holiday to other single parents. "
Sandra & Ananstasia 10 - (Lapland 2014)
" A holiday of a lifetime. I have to say that I was sceptical about Santa Claus before this holiday, but now I totally believe! "
Helen & Lauren 9 - (Lapland 2014)
" The 3 hours with Santa was worth the cost of the holiday - I believe now :-) He was amazing and the whole thing was totally magical. Sarah was wonderful and it was an amazing crowd. "
Jan and Nicole, 10 - (Lapland 2013)
" A magical holiday. Each day brought a new and fantastic experience. Great group of new friends. Completely chilled, and Nicole loved the husky ride. "
Gary and Emilia, 6 - (Lapland 2013)
" I echo the sentiments of the rest of the group. Absolutely fantastic experience, which will remain with both Emilia and I for so many years. Happy Xmas and looking forward to another holiday with SWK! "
Jordan, Georgia, 7 and Tallulah, 7 - (Lapland 2013)
" So wonderful to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, and the husky ride was the best ever! Thanks for the wonderful memories! "
Abi and Matilda, 5 - (Lapland 2013)
" Best holiday ever! I cried at Father Christmas' house, Tilly swam and huskies on Boxing Day was magical. "
Shaun and Paris, 7 - (Lapland 2013)
" Amazing holiday, fantastic group - a real magical Christmas! "
Amanda and Callum, 9 - (Lapland 2013)
" Lapland and the group surpassed all of my expectations. I've been overwhelmed so many times - peace and joy as well as laughter and singing. Absolutely the holiday of a lifetime - beautiful people who've given me beautiful memories. "
Fiona and Spencer, 6 - (Lapland 2013)
" What an amazing holiday - thank you SWK! A great group of people who helped to make this an experience Spencer and I will never forget - life long memories! Thank you to you all, both big and small. A magical very happy Christmas! "
Fiona, Ellen, Matthew and George - (Lapland 2012)
" Wow! what an amazing holiday. this has certainly been a Christmas to remember. the magical visit to see Father Christmas is one that will stay with us always. also the adventures with reindeer, huskies and snowmobiles. we've met some great people and have enjoyed having good company to share it all with. Hopefully we will manage another holiday with swk but it will take allot to beat this one! thank you. "
Ellen,8 - (Lapland 2012)
" I really enjoyed Going to Father Christmas' cottage and making bread and ginger bread with Mrs Christmas. we got a toy reindeer from Father Christmas. I liked seeing the husky puppies at the husky safari.Ii held a blonde one and a black one and he was the smallest and youngest. I liked playing in the snow and making new friends and there names where: Willow, Kiera, Ellen, Sophia, Matthew, Ellen and Ellie "
Willow, 12 - (Lapland 2012)
" It was a great Christmas thank you. "
Deborah - (Lapland 2012)
" Fabulous! lovely group, happy children. Memorable trips. Enjoyed them all especially the huskies. FC (Father Christmas) was just as I imagined him to be. Great Hotel Spa pool!Liked the hydro massages, slide and jacuzzi. Thank you for a wonderful week and your super company.
"
Sandy and Ellen - (Lapland 2012)
" What an absolutely amazing holiday. E very experience we have had has been truly magical-but the visit to Father Christmas and the husky ride tops it all. This is a holiday that we will remember forever. Lovely people and good company, very sad to leave. "
Ellen, 6 - (Lapland 2012)
" It was a brilynt holiday and met some new frends. They were Ellie, Willow, Ellen, Matthew, Keira and Sophiea. We visited a raindear farm we got a raindear driving licenc. I loved it! "
Victoria and Ellie - (Lapland 2012)
" Thank you so much for an amazing magical holiday. Its been the best holiday ever and I don't think we'll top this Xmas. Lots of memories and photos! See you soon for the next experience. "
