Lapland Christmas Holidays

It’s official – the countdown to Christmas has begun with Season’s Greetings cards in the shops and bumper biscuit boxes and chocolates lining the shelves and just 86 days to go! So get even more in the Christmas Spirit by booking a magical holiday to Lapland to see Santa this winter.

With fairy-tale landscapes, Christmas attractions and magic in the air, it’s little surprise Santa Claus chose the snowy wilderness of Lapland to be his home. But with so much else to see and do, it’s not all about the big man. You can hitch a ride with a husky, visit the Ice Hotel, speed on a snowmobile, enrol at Elf school, sleigh with Rudolph, check out the slopes and if you’re really lucky, catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis – the spectacular Northern Lights. That’s before you indulge in some snowman building and mammoth snowball fights.

One company offering a range of Lapland Holidays is First Choice with something to suit everybody, ranging from day trips to one week New Years Eve holidays.

Whistle stop Santa tour

For those interested in going for the day, First Choice has two magical day trips to choose from. Santa’s Secret Grotto in Rovaniemi operates from 14 UK departure airports and Search for Santa in Kittila departs from London Gatwick, East Midlands and Manchester airports so there’s never to far to go to start your adventure.

First Choice offers the Search for Santa and Santa’s Secret Grotto day trips to Lapland from £439 per adult and £244 per child, departing on the 13th December 2009 from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi Airport.

Mini-break with your little helpers

Those looking for a longer adventure can opt for three or four night stays, with a choice of 17 properties across four resorts including Levi, Yllas and Pallas, as well as Rovaniemi. Each trip includes detailed itineraries to keep you busy, including free tasters on snowmobiles, husky and reindeer rides plus an activity morning and gala dinner where there’ll be the chance to meet the big man himself.  First Choice offers three night holidays in Lapland staying at the 3 Snowflake Hotel Snow Princess on a full board basis from £641 per adult and from £535 per child, departing from East Midlands to Kittila Airport on 6th December 2009.

New Year Spectacular

And finally, there’s the option of spending a magical New Years Eve with a super seven night’s stay. Enjoy a wide range of activities before celebrating on New Year’s Eve with a festive gala dinner and a glass of bubbly, followed by a starlit firework display. On the first day of the New Year visit the Snow Ice Park, where you explore the amazing ice hotel and admire the chilled surroundings of the incredible ice bar. Other activities include husky dog sleighs; snowmobiling and meeting Santa and the elves. What could be more perfect than bringing in the New Year with the ones you love in your own winter wonderland?

For further information on any Lapland holiday, go to www.firstchoice.co.uk/lapland or call 0871 200 4455.

Magic of Christmas at Hever Castle

Between 29th November and 21st December you can experience the magic of Christmas at Hever Castle, in Kent.

With Father Christmas, carols and music, husky rides, fairytale lighting, Christmas food and gifts – there’s something for everyone this Christmas at Hever Castle.

For the children, Father Christmas will be taking up residence, for the first time ever, in a snow covered log cabin, in the magical gardens. And, if they’ve been a good boy or girl, they will receive a special gift from Father Christmas! There will also be the opportunity to enjoy an enchanting husky ride in the exquisite gardens of Hever Castle.

For the adults, there will be a unique opportunity to view Hever Castle by moonlight, as the castle will be adorned with traditionally decorated Christmas trees and the gardens will be spot lit with magical lighting, which is sponsored this year by the electrical specialists, Philips. Carols and music will flood the castle and the gift shop will be crammed with gorgeous decorations and wonderful gift ideas for Christmas.

Visitors to Hever Castle can enjoy a taste of Christmas too, as the restaurants at the castle will be serving festive favourites including hot chestnuts, gingerbread men, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

• Hever Castle is open 12 – 6pm Thursday – Sunday from 1st December until 21st December, 2008; Entry from £6
• Thursday 18th December – extended opening until 8.30pm
• Father Christmas’ Grotto – pre-booked activity only/Weekends and Thursday 18th December only/chargeable event
• Husky rides – Weekends only
• Choirs – Weekends and Thursday 18th December only
• Tel: 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk