Enchanted Christmas Adventure in Nellim

Your festive adventure begins as you touch down in Ivalo, one of the most northerly airports in Europe. From here, you will travel through the frozen forests and snow-laden wilderness of Finnish Lapland by shared transfer to reach the peaceful village of Nellim. Just minutes from the Russian border and nestled beside the vast Lake Inari, Nellim is a tranquil base where Sámi culture, Arctic nature and seasonal magic converge.

Your family will check into a private log suite cabin at Wilderness Hotel Nellim, your home for the next four nights. Cosy and characterful, the suite features wooden interiors, a private sauna, and a sleeping loft that children will love. After collecting your Arctic clothing package—thermal snowsuits, boots and gloves—you’ll be free to explore the snowy surroundings, take in the stillness, and let the excitement build.

Dinner this evening is served in the hotel’s rustic restaurant, with a welcoming buffet of warm, hearty dishes made from seasonal ingredients. After your meal, retreat to your cabin and settle in for your first night under the Lapland sky. With no light pollution and a location far from the crowds, this remote corner of the north offers one of the best chances to see the Northern Lights shimmering overhead.

After breakfast, your first full day in the Arctic begins with a visit to the hotel’s kennels where a team of friendly, eager huskies are waiting to meet you. These high-energy dogs are bred for Arctic travel and thrive in the cold, snowy terrain. After a short briefing, you will climb into a sled and set off across the frozen landscape with your musher leading the way. Listen to the runners gliding across the snow and feel the rush of wind and excitement as you move through forests and across open fields. This experience is thrilling for adults and children alike, and the chance to interact with the dogs before and after the ride is always a highlight.

Later in the day, set off on a guided snowshoe walk through the surrounding forests. Using wide-footed snowshoes to float above the powder, you will follow your guide into a quiet world of animal tracks, snow-covered trees and Arctic stillness. Along the way, you will stop for warm drinks and storytelling beside a fire, learning about the wildlife and the ways local people have lived in harmony with nature for generations.

Back at the lodge, enjoy a hot sauna and hearty evening meal before watching the skies for a glimpse of the Aurora once again.

This day is packed with magic, tradition and hands-on Arctic experiences. Begin the morning with a visit to a local reindeer enclosure, where you will have the chance to meet and feed these gentle, iconic animals. Reindeer are central to Sámi culture and Christmas folklore alike, and this hands-on visit offers wonderful moments for children to learn and connect. Guides will explain how the reindeer are cared for, how they adapt to Arctic conditions, and their role in Sámi history and daily life.

Next, try your hand at ice fishing, a peaceful and meditative experience rooted in Arctic tradition. After being shown how to drill through the thick ice, you will drop a line and wait patiently for a nibble, surrounded by the stillness of frozen Lake Inari. It’s a perfect opportunity to slow the pace and appreciate the quiet beauty of your surroundings.

In the afternoon, the day’s most anticipated moment arrives. Climb aboard a sleigh pulled by snowmobile and journey deep into the forest, where a hidden log cabin awaits. Inside, by firelight, Santa Claus will greet your family for a private meeting. Children can hand over their letters, receive small gifts, and spend time with Santa in a calm, personal setting—no queues, no crowds, just pure festive magic.

Today is your last full day in Nellim and offers time to enjoy more of the snowy wilderness at your family’s own pace. You may choose to revisit your favourite activity, build snowmen outside your cabin or simply enjoy the sauna and snowy views from the comfort of your log suite. Optional excursions such as cross-country skiing or cultural visits to Sámi heritage centres can also be arranged in advance.

In the evening, you will be taken to a specially chosen Aurora Camp far from artificial lights. Travel in a warm sled pulled by snowmobile to a traditional wooden hut or open-fire shelter nestled in the forest. Here, you’ll gather around the flames with hot drinks and wait for nature’s greatest light show. Guides will share tips for spotting and photographing the Aurora, and with clear skies, you’ll have a strong chance of seeing green ribbons and colourful arcs dancing silently above.

This is a powerful moment to reflect on your time in Lapland—the soft crunch of snow underfoot, the warmth of family dinners, and the childlike wonder of reindeer, huskies and Santa. Return to the lodge for your final night in the Arctic, hearts full and cheeks glowing from the cold.

This morning, after a relaxed breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your Arctic home. After returning your winter clothing, you will be transferred to Ivalo Airport for your flight to Helsinki. On arrival in the Finnish capital, a private car will meet you at the airport and take you into the heart of the city. Check in at Hotel Lilla Roberts, a beautifully styled boutique hotel offering two interconnecting rooms for your family’s comfort.

After the rustic charm of Nellim, Helsinki provides a delightful contrast—urban, elegant and full of festive sparkle. You might choose to stretch your legs with a short walk around the nearby Design District or warm up with hot chocolate in a cosy café. With your evening at leisure, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance where you can enjoy relaxed dining and reflect on the magical days you have just experienced.

Wake up in the capital city of Finland and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the chic surroundings of your hotel. The day is yours to explore Helsinki at your own pace. Head to Senate Square, where the city’s main Christmas Market glows with wooden chalets, fairy lights and the scent of mulled wine in the air. Children can ride the carousel while you browse stalls selling Finnish crafts, handmade ornaments and sweet treats.

Stroll through Esplanade Park, visit Helsinki Cathedral, or step inside one of the design shops and galleries for which the city is famous. For families interested in culture, the Natural History Museum or the Helsinki City Museum are wonderful options. Your hotel concierge can help book an optional private walking tour or festive food experience if desired.

Whether exploring the streets or simply enjoying the relaxed city atmosphere, this final full day offers a memorable and contrasting end to your Arctic journey.

Your adventure concludes this morning with a private transfer to Helsinki Airport. After breakfast and checkout, your driver will ensure a smooth and timely journey to begin your flight home. Depart Finland with wonderful family memories: dogsledding and reindeer feeding, snowshoe treks and Northern Lights, Santa Claus in a hidden forest cabin, and the glow of Christmas markets in the capital. This has been a celebration of the season at its most magical—where wild landscapes and cherished traditions come together in one unforgettable festive experience.