The Real Magic: My Christmas Eve Dash to Lapland ❄️✨

Nothing Ventured
Dec 27, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 2

Well, what can I say? I’ve finally caught up with myself after the most magical Christmas Eve imaginable. While most people were finishing their last-minute wrapping, Mr. Lee and I were touching down on a snow-filled runway in the Arctic Circle.

If you’ve ever wondered if those "Day Trips to Lapland" are worth it, the answer is a resounding YES. Here is the lowdown on our recent adventure with Transun and why you need to get this on your bucket list for 2026.

The Logistics: From Gatwick to the North Pole (Local Airports available)

We chose Transun for this trip, and honestly, the value was incredible. For £649pp (with a manageable £200pp deposit), we secured a Christmas Eve memory that will last a lifetime.

The Early Start: We arrived at Gatwick at 4:00 AM for our 6:55 AM flight.
The Flight: Enter Air really got into the spirit! The staff were kitted out in Santa hats, and we were served breakfast to fuel us for the sub-zero temperatures ahead.
Top Tip for Parents/ Carers: The flight is about 3.5 hours. While it was lovely, I’d recommend packing a little "Santa Goody Bag" with crayons and stickers for the little ones to keep the excitement levels high!

Arrival in Enontekiö: Tears & The "Polar Express"

Landing on a runway filled with snow and ice is an experience in itself! The airport is tiny and charming. Within minutes of clearing passport control (where my reindeer earmuffs were a huge hit!), we were met by the Transun team and directed to our coach.

We were lucky enough to be on the Polar Express. Looking out at the landscape from the car park, I actually cried. It was so breathtakingly beautiful that I couldn't believe I was finally there. Yet another reason I am so grateful to have started my travel career!

You could almost just stay at the airport all day with these views!

🧥 The "Suits & Boots" Survival Guide

Before the fun starts, you get kitted out.

Pro Tip: The snow suit pants unzip all the way up the leg! Trust me, this "ingenious invention" makes getting in and out of your gear a breeze.

I wore thermal leggings, loose trousers, and a Christmas jumper. Even at -7°C, I was perfectly toasty (and sometimes even too hot!). I'd packed my 5kg backpack with several layers but hadn't needed any of them. You will if you get wet from the snow though!

Kitted up and very excited! Even Mr Lee has started to crack a smile 😁

Adrenaline & Arctic Adventures

The site is organised perfectly. To ensure it never feels overcrowded, groups are split up to enjoy different activities. Here was our highlight reel:

🐕 The Husky Sleds

Imagine soaring across a frozen lake behind a team of energetic huskies! It was fast, bumpy, and exhilarating.

Fair warning: If you’re like Mr. Lee and have a "bony butt," you might want to sit on your gloves, it can be a bit of a bouncy ride over the lake ice!

🏎️ Snowmobiling

I was nervous, but the team was fantastic. We showed our licenses (don't forget these!), and I even braved the driver's seat. Mr. Lee looked a little terrified with me at the helm, but it was brilliant fun!

About to drive the snowmobile with Mr Lee as a terrified passanger princess!

🦌 Reindeer & Marshmallows

We took a peaceful sleigh ride guided by a reindeer (who Mr. Lee got very well acquainted with, watch out for those antlers!). We finished by foraging for sticks in the woods to toast marshmallows over an open fire.

The Big Moment: Meeting the Man in Red 🎅

The path to Santa is lit by lanterns and candles in the snow, just magical. An Elf greeted us with stories and "icicle sticks" for more marshmallow toasting, before escorting us to Santa’s private wooden cabin.

Even as two adults and with no kids, Santa was incredible. He was funny, charming, and took my hand delivered letter from my goddaughter. He even made a video for her to prove she was on the "Nice List." It was pure, unadulterated magic. And YES, I did sit on his knee!

Is an Extreme Day Trip (EDT) Worth It?

By 10:15 PM, we were back in Surbiton, sitting with family and sharing stories of our day. We didn't have to worry about hotels or long stays, just one perfectly executed, magical day.

The Verdict: This was the BEST EDT I’ve done so far. Even Mr Lee has agreed to go back and he's all about a hot holiday!

Ready to go in 2026?

I’m already looking at dates for 2026 and 2027 for my clients. Booking early means you can:

Secure your spot (these Christmas Eve dates sell out fast!).
Spread the cost with a payment plan.
Get my advice on everything from thermal underwear to the best tour operators.