Santa Breaks in Ylläs

3 & 4 night holidays to meet Santa in Lapland

  • Located in the Arctic Circle 
  • Traditional Lappish cabins and cosy apartments
  • Pre-booked activities and excursions
  • 3 or 4 night holidays 

Ylläs is an idyllic unspoiled area of Lapland with marvellous scenery and high-quality cosy log cabins dotted around the woods. This resort really allows you to appreciate the true beauty of nature that Lapland has to offer - the skies here are especially clear, ideal for witnessing the magical Northern Lights and you may even spot wild reindeer roaming around. Our Ylläs Santa Break trips allow you to enjoy an unforgettable short break in December to get the whole family well and truly into the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas!

A true taste of the Arctic wilderness

Ylläs is situated in the western part of Lapland, approximately 150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. It encompasses three villages, Äkäslompolo, Ylläsrinne and Ylläsjärvi, which are surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The landscape is dominated by vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling fells (their equivalent to mountains) making this resort a haven for nature lovers. The region also has a rich indigenous Samí heritage, and you'll have the chance to learn about Samí culture, traditions, and history during your stay.

Meet Santa

All of our three and four night Santa Breaks include a visit to Santa's Elves Hideaway, which is a short drive from resort. Santa's Elves Hideaway is tucked away in a whimsical, snow-covered forest, adorned with twinkling candlelight. It's a magical place where the whole family can immerse themselves in an enchanting atmosphere. Join the fun at one of Santa's magical workshops and make delicious gingerbread with Santa's friendly elves, or make join in the crafts and make a souvenir which will last a lifetime, you can even meet Santa's reindeer. There will also be plenty of exciting snow games for you to enjoy including tobogganing. The highlight of the day is meeting Santa in his cosy grotto - each family will have a private meeting with Santa and children will receive a present during the visit.

Arctic Activities 

Your Lapland holiday wouldn't be complete without some exciting winter excursions. We have a range of activities available to pre-book which allow you to engage in the unique Lappish culture and traditions of the region. You can race across frozen lakes and snowy landscapes on a husky sleigh ride, cosy up under a blanket and enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride through the scenic forests or whiz your way through the fells on an exhilarating snowmobile safari. Aspiring skiers and boarders are also in luck as you can add on a 'Ski Taster' package on our four night stays, which include lift passes, equipment and lessons. Ylläs is a great ski resort offering pistes for all abilities, with some fantastic beginner slopes, small classes and friendly English-speaking ski instructors. 

What's included in an Inghams Santa Break to Ylläs 

On an Ingham's Santa Breaks holiday you'll have your flights, transfers and accommodation, a farewell feast and a visit to Santa's Elves Hideaway including private meeting with Santa, included within your package. All you'll need to do is decide which arctic activities you want to add on and there are plenty of options. We also include arctic thermal suits and warm snow boots for all adults and children (3 years and over - as these breaks are not recommended for infants), meaning you can 'come as you are' with your normal winter outdoor clothing, and we'll do the rest, so you can relax and enjoy snowy Lapland. Our Inghams Destination Experts based in Ylläs are also on hand to ensure you make the most of your Lapland holiday - if you need any advice, tips or assistance while you're away, they're more than happy help. 

Where to stay in Ylläs

Ylläs is centred around a large fell and we have accommodation situated on both sides. The main village is Äkäslompolo where you will find the majority of our accommodation including log cabins like the Villa Armas Cabins and Ylläs Log Cabins, as well as cosy apartments like our Akäs Apartments. Throughout Äkäslompolo there are also a handful of shops, colourful local bars, restaurants and an excellent, large supermarket.

If you'd prefer to head further into the remote Lappish wilderness, we'd recommend staying in one of our Ylläsrinne cabins which are located in the area of Ylläsrinne, on the other side of the fell to Äkäslompolo. These cabins are traditional Finnish log cabins and offer unspoiled natural scenery that'll allow you to really experience a winter wonderland like no other.

Still got a question? See our Santa Break FAQs.

  • from£1547pp
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    4 Rating

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Lintie Exterior

The Ylläsrinne Cabins are the perfect base for a family holiday to Lapland. These cabins are located in a stunning setting surrounded by snowy trees in the Arctic Circle. Stay in a cosy cabin, with breakfast and dinner included in the half board basis. 

  • from£1279pp
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    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

finland_lapland_yllas_yllas_log_cabin_exterior2.jpg

The Yllas Log Cabins offer a selection of high quality, well equipped log cabins dotted around the traditional village of Äkäslompolo, with many of the cabins have a sauna, fireplace and views of the artic landscape. These cabins are offered on a self catering of half board basis.

  • from£1269pp
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    3.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 10 rooms
finland_lapland_yllas_villa_armas_cabins_exterior.jpg

Conveniently located, excellent value, well-equipped  semi-detached cabins within easy walking distance of Äkäs Hotel (150-250m) where all Santa Break excursions depart from, and where guests have the option of taking pre-bookable half board meals or self-catering.

  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 72 rooms
finland_lapland_yllas_Äkäs_alp_apartments_behind-hotel.jpg

An atmospheric family-friendly Apartments conveniently situated in the heart of this traditional unspoilt Lappish community. It's the perfect choice for an activity filled holiday to Lapland. These apartments are offered on a self catering board basis with the option to upgrade to half board. 

Your Itinerary

3 nights Sunday to Wednesday. 

4 nights Wednesday to Sunday.

DAY 1

Your Inghams Santa Breaks Reps will be waiting at Kittilä airport to warmly welcome you to Lapland and bring you, by coach, to your accommodation. Shortly after arriving in Ylläs, you will collect your complimentary thermal suits and boots, which you will keep for the duration of your stay. Our team will welcome you to the resort and are on hand to help you plan your activities for the next few days - see below for options.

DAY 2 

Today is the day! The time has come to meet the big man himself. A magical jaunt is in store with a visit to Santa's Elves Hideaway. Here each family will enjoy an exclusive private meeting with Santa - make sure you’ve written your letters! You can also take part in supervised festive games, cook sausages on an open fire, help the elves bake gingerbread biscuits and try making your own decorations in Elf School. Outdoors you can catch the snowmobile train (on the hunt to find Santa) or have great fun tobogganing in the snow. All children will receive a small gift - souvenirs that can be treasured for years.

DAY 3 

Make the most of your stay by booking our exciting optional excursions. Perhaps a combined husky and reindeer farm visit (or Husky Safari if you're staying in the Ylläsrinne Cabins) with sleigh rides in the morning, followed by an exhilarating family-friendly snowmobile safari in the afternoon. Alternatively, wander around the local shops collecting souvenirs or relax and enjoy a sauna at your accommodation in true Finnish style!

On Your Last Night 

Get ready for a Festive Feast! An evening of party games, music and festive food. Tuck into a buffet of traditional roast turkey Christmas dinner plus Lappish specialities.

Please note that the Festive Feast takes place on Day 4 for guests staying 4 nights.

DAY 4 (for 4 night guests only!)

Today you can choose whether to book additional winter activities and safaris or try a few hours skiing on the wide, uncrowded Ylläs slopes. Pre-book our exclusive Inghams 'ski taster' package (not available for Ylläsrinne guests) to give it a go. Perhaps you would prefer to wander around the local craft shops (if staying in Äkäslompolo) or simply play in the snow. Then get ready for your Festive Feast in the evening (see Day 3 for details). After dinner, perhaps the Northern Lights will appear for that perfect end to your holiday.

DAY 5 (or DAY 4 for 3 night guests)

After a magical few days, it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends before being transferred by coach to the airport for your flight home.

Please note the above itinerary may vary according to arrival and departure times. Pre-booked excursion itineraries and timings will be advised on arrival in the resort. Other activities such as horse-sleigh rides and visits to the Snow Hotel (from mid-Dec) may also be available locally.

Excursions

Combined 2km Husky & 1km Reindeer Safari (excludes Ylläsrinne)

An animal lover’s dream and a great value excursion that makes the most of your valuable holiday time. Meet some of Santa's reindeer deep in their silent forest hideaway. Learn about their way of life from colourful local Sámi herders and enjoy a romantic reindeer sleigh ride for 1km across the snowy landscape. Warm up in the Kota with hot berry juice and biscuits. Next it’s time to visit the huskies in their nearby cosy wilderness home. Learn about their way of life while huddled around a campfire inside a traditional Lappish Kota hut. Visit the huskies and enjoy a 2km dog-sled ride through the sparkling winter landscape.

Total excursion duration approx. 2½hrs.

Husky Safari (Ylläsrinne only)

Take a 5km husky safari through the beautiful snow covered woodland. You’ll have the chance to learn all about the dogs and how to drive the sleds yourself. A great experience for the whole family! Warm up after around the crackling fire with hot berry juice and biscuits. 

Total excursion duration approx. 2½hrs

Snowmobile Safari

Experience an exhilarating 25km ride through beautiful scenery, snow-laden forests and frozen lakes. Snowmobiles are fun and easy to ride on your own or sharing with a passenger. Children either share with an adult (over 11 years and 140cm only) or are towed in a sleigh or pod behind the guide.

Total excursion duration approx 2½hrs.

Ski Taster Package

(For 4 night complete beginner guests only)
An opportunity for guests who have never skied before to try the wonderful world of skiing. Conditions are ideal for learning to ski with empty slopes and friendly English speaking instructors. 

But beware, you may enjoy yourself so much that you will want to return to experience one of our 7 night holidays.

  • Ski tuition for 1½ hours
  • Skis & boots hire all day
  • Free use of beginner lifts all day

Please note:

Ski Taster Package is for guests 6yrs or older. We act as at all times as the selling agent for the supplier of excursions and activities. Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Ylläsrinne guests can book onto the ski taster locally.

Husky and Reindeer Safaris: Exclude Ylläsrinne guests. Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Safari child age 4-12yrs. Children 0-3yrs free (transport must be pre-booked). In Ylläs customers will drive the husky sled themselves, where as in Levi customers will be driven.

Snowmobile Safaris: Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Snowmobile Safari child age 4-10yrs and will be towed behind the guide in a sleigh or pod. Children must be aged 11 yrs or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile. Snowmobile drivers must be 18yrs and bring a full, photographic driver's licence with them. Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available. 

Travel insurance is a condition of booking with us, and you should ensure that your chosen policy covers the activities that you plan to take part in during your holiday. Your policy should provide cover for your own personal and medical expenses, however individual policies will not cover damage to snowmobiles or skidoos and a compulsory excess will be payable directly to the supplier of the snowmobile/skidoo excursion.

Travel and Transportation

Direct exclusive charter flights to Kittilä airport departing on Sundays for 3 nights and Wednesdays for 4 nights from:

  • Gatwick 
  • Bristol
  • Manchester 

Flight supplements may apply.

Airport Transfer Time - approx. 55 minutes - 1 hour 15 minutes by coach

Good to know

  • Sledges are donated and adopted constantly- find one during your stay and enjoy all the snow fun!
  • Beautiful log cabins dotted around the forest 
  • Visit the amazing Ice Hotel (arrange locally)
  • Inghams Destination Expert based in resort
  • Price match promise – If you're yet to book, and you find your Inghams Lapland holiday cheaper elsewhere, we’ll price match it

Santa Breaks in Yllas FAQs

What makes Santa Breaks in Yllas special?

On a Santa Break to Yllas you'll stay in an idyllic unspoiled Lappish village with marvellous scenery, where you'll have a special meeting with Santa included in your package. Enjoy the ultimate Lapland experience staying in a cosy log cabin in the pristine wilderness or choose a comfortable apartment in the village.

Can I meet Santa Claus in Yllas during my Santa Breaks holiday?

Yes, you'll have a special private meeting with Santa during your holiday to Yllas included in your 3 or 4 night Santa Break.

What activities and excursions are available in Yllas?

An exciting excursion to visit Santa is included as part of your Santa Breaks package to Yllas. You'll also have the choice to add other activities like snowmobiling, husky sledding and a reindeer sleigh ride to your holiday.

Is a Santa Breaks holiday in Yllas suitable for families with children?

Santa Breaks to Yllas are the perfect choice for a special family holiday with children. The whole family will have the chance to experience the excitement of meeting Santa in Lapland. We offer accommodation choices suitable for families with children and extended families. Santa Breaks are not recommended for very small infants under 3 years of age.

What does a Santa Breaks holiday in Yllas include?

An Inghams Santa Breaks holiday to Yllas includes a special meeting with Santa, flights, transfers and accommodation, Arctic thermal suits and boots (3 years and over) and a Festive Feast. Our Inghams representatives will also be on hand throughout your stay to help make your holiday as magical as possible!

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