Kuusamo Holidays

Nature takes a front seat in this place, whether you’re talking scenery or activities. Walking trails weave through forests of snow-smothered pines and vast frozen lakes. Or, if you want to spend some time indoors, you can visit the Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre. This exhibition hall’s the first of its kind in Finland, and showcases some seriously impressive pictures.

This town offers plenty of opportunities for you to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. You can spend an afternoon visiting a reindeer farm. You’ll get the chance to feed them, and learn all about Santa’s sleigh-pullers. Speaking of Santa, you'll get to meet him on our Lapland Explorer itinerary. This is a group gathering, which means you get more time with him here than at the other Christmas villages.

Kuusamo plays host to some top-drawer natural sights, and Hossa National Park’s one of the best of the bunch. It’s pretty new – this place officially became Finland’s 40th national park in June 2017. Frozen-over rivers, plunging ravines and snow-capped forests are just some of the highlights. The Stone Age Varikallio cave paintings are well worth a visit, too. You’ll find them on rock faces along the edge of Lake Somerjarvi. These paintings of hunting and shamanic rituals were painted at least 3,500 years ago.

Fly to Kuusamo – Stay in Kuusamo & Ruka

DAY 1: Once you’ve landed at Kuusamo Airport, you'll be whisked off to your hotel and provided thermal gear en route. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore – you could opt to grab a toboggan and hit the slopes, or take a stroll through snowy fields and forests. Or book a husky and reindeer combo excursion in the resort.

DAY 2: Your morning’s all about experiencing the landscape. You’ll kick things off with a husky-pulled sleigh ride, so you can sit back and take in the snow-dusted views. Then, have a go at the likes of tobogganing, or help the elves make some snow sculptures. You’ll also get to pet the dogs. There’s also the chance to try curling and snowmobiling – adults get to drive, while kids get pulled along behind on a sledge. Next, you’ll warm up around a roaring campfire with some snacks and hot drinks, listening to Lappish stories.

DAY 3: It’s time for the main event – a trip to meet the man in red. Join a group and listen to Santa tell tales about his life, before he gives you a festive gift. This is the longest meeting with Santa of all our lapland itineraries, thanks to this being a group visit. After that, you’ll have some free time to fill with your choice of activities*, before being whisked off to a Festive Finale in the evening. Here, you’ll dine on a traditional Christmas dinner and watch some glitzy entertainment. This is a great time to wear your Christmas jumper to join in the festivities and keep warm. There’ll be a cash bar for adults.

DAY 4: It's time to say farewell to Lapland for those on a three-night holiday – you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight home. Those of you on a four-night trip have a full day of free time today. You can opt to spend it playing in the snow, or choose to book a place on one of our excursions. Visit www.tui.co.uk/things-to-do/ to find out more.