
Special New Year: Ruka Villas
Start the year surrounded by the dazzling white snow. Ski in the northernmost part of the world and enjoy outdoor walks amidst its incredible luminous phenomena and subarctic landscapes. Discover the home of Santa Claus and observe his reindeer in their natural habitat. Lapland will surprise you with its magnificent landscapes worthy of Christmas tales.
New Year in Lapland: Snow, Adventure & Pure Magic for the Whole Family Say goodbye to the year in a way you’ll never forget — surrounded by wild nature, sparkling snow, and the warm glow of a crackling fireplace inside your own private wooden cabin. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure in Ruka Villas, right in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Drive your own husky sled, race snow karts over frozen tracks, fish on icy lakes, hike through snowy forests on snowshoes, ride snowmobiles and reindeer sleighs... and, of course, experience the most magical moment of all: a personal visit to Santa Claus' house. Because in Lapland, the magic doesn't end with Christmas — it lasts until the very last day of the year.
Luxury private cabins, Arctic landscapes, authentic adventures, a Spanish-speaking guide, and a carefully crafted itinerary designed to bring families closer together. With #SantaClausInLapland, the true experts in Lapland family travel, this New Year’s escape will become a story your family tells for years to come.
Day 1 Spain - Kuusamo - Ruka
Arrival at the airport. Meet with Catai staff who will assist you with the simple check-in procedures. Departure on a direct charter flight to Kuusamo. Snack on board included. Meet your guide and transfer to our cabin (approx. 30 minutes), with a stop to collect thermal suits to use throughout your stay. Once settled, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (Transfers included). Accommodation.
Day 2 Ruka. Authentic Husky Safari and Ice Karting
Breakfast provided as catering delivered to your cabin. We will begin our adventure in Lapland with an excursion that will leave a lasting memory, as we have the opportunity to drive a sled pulled by a team of husky dogs like real mushers. Well-trained huskies can pull up to seven times their own weight. Their trainers will share many more interesting facts with us before we embark on the ride. We will enjoy a light lunch during the excursion. After lunch, we will be transferred to the karting circuit, where we will experience something completely new: driving special karts designed for snow or ice surfaces. Driving the karts is easy, and this activity is suitable for both adults and children with a minimum height of 150 cm (required to reach the accelerator and brake pedals). Children who cannot drive the karts will have the opportunity to drive a mini snowmobile, an experience that will surely be unforgettable. Return to your cabin and free time until dinner. Dinner at a local restaurant with transfers included. Accommodation.
Day 3 – Deep Nature: Ice Fishing and Snowshoeing in the Forest
After breakfast, we’ll dive into a genuine Nordic tradition: ice fishing on a frozen lake. A local fisherman will teach us how to drill through the ice and try our luck catching perch, pike, or arctic whitefish. Later, we’ll strap on snowshoes and head out into the silent, snow-covered forests around Ruka, where each step brings us closer to nature’s essence. The light lunch will be served during the excursion, and the afternoon is free to relax in the cabin, play in the snow, or even hit the slopes at the nearby Ruka ski resort. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in our cozy cabin.
Day 4 – Winter Wonderland: Oulanka National Park Adventure
Today we visit one of the most spectacular landscapes in Finland — the Oulanka National Park. After breakfast, we’ll head to this protected area, famous for its waterfalls and the dramatic Myllykoski rapids. Our guide will share fascinating stories about local wildlife — reindeer, moose, arctic foxes — and the resilient plants that survive Lapland’s extreme winter. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch by a campfire, surrounded by nature in its purest form. Then it’s time to grab our snowshoes again and explore deeper into this magical landscape. The afternoon is yours to ski, play, or simply unwind. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Ruka Villas.
Day 5 – A Day of Magic: Snowmobiles, Reindeer & Santa Claus
We start with an exhilarating snowmobile safari through Lapland’s snowy trails. Our local guides will provide safety instructions, and children will ride in a special sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. After a scenic ride, we’ll arrive at a reindeer farm, where Sami herders will introduce us to their beloved animals. Did you know each reindeer has its own name and that its coat changes color in winter? We’ll enjoy a peaceful ride in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer — a perfect moment to take photos and soak in the surroundings. After lunch, we head to the highlight of the trip: a visit to Santa Claus’ house in the charming village of Vuotunki, by a frozen lake. There, children and adults alike will enjoy natural snow slides before being welcomed inside by a friendly elf. In the warmth of Santa’s cozy home, we’ll hear stories and songs, and Mrs. Claus will share her famous cookie recipe, which we’ll bake in the traditional wood oven. Dinner will be served in Santa’s house, and every child will receive a personal gift from Santa himself — a heartwarming memory that will last forever. We return to our accommodation for a well-earned rest.
Day 6 – Until Next Time, Lapland: Sauna and Farewell
Our final morning begins with a peaceful breakfast. Before we leave, there’s time for one last Finnish tradition: the sauna. With nearly one sauna for every two people, it’s a central part of Finnish life — a moment of quiet, warmth, and renewal. Later, we transfer to Kuusamo Airport, check in, and board our direct flight back to Spain, with a snack served on board. We return home not only with photos and souvenirs but with something far more valuable: memories of joy, wonder, and family connection in the most magical place on Earth.
A Journey You’ll Treasure Forever This New Year’s trip to Lapland is more than just a getaway — it’s a beautifully crafted experience designed to awaken emotion, bring families closer, and create lifelong memories. From the moment you step onto the snowy paths of Ruka to that magical encounter where Santa Claus gives a personal gift to each child, every detail is meant to immerse you in the true magic of the Arctic We’ve driven husky sleds, explored frozen forests on snowmobiles, fished on icy lakes, and walked through postcard-worthy landscapes. We’ve laughed, learned, disconnected from the noise — and most importantly, reconnected as a family. This program was created especially for Spanish families, with Spanish-speaking guides, full board, carefully selected activities, and luxurious, fully equipped cabins surrounded by peaceful Lapland nature. Every detail matters, because we understand that traveling with children means more than moving — it’s about sharing, discovering, and living something truly magical together. With #SantaClausInLapland, the trusted experts in family travel to Lapland, you’re in the hands of passionate professionals who know exactly how to make this journey unforgettable.
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