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Christmas in Finland
Enjoy an authentic Christmas experience with your family in Finland. We all love the thrill of showing our kids the best that life can be and this is one tradition we can ham it up for them. A landscape of snow, Finnish Christmas traditions and cuisine combined with Santa and his elves will set their imagination soaring. We provide snow, great family friendly accommodation, fun activities and simple pleasures such as singing around a tree, freshly baked biscuits and promenading in the forest looking for Christmas trees, you just need to provide the children and your time.
This trip runs on specific dates and books up early. The first day is the 21st December and the last day is the 28th December.
Some feedback from 2011 Christmas from Ken: "I have to tell you we had an absolutely wonderful time staying at the Kalevala Hotel. From the "elves" meeting us at the airport to bidding farewell to a lot of new friends this trip was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed watching and participating in all the Christmas activities - all the children there had a really magical experience.Guests at the hotel were from all over Europe, UK along with a few Aussies.
Hotel staff could not have been more attentive and helpful and the planned activities were all good fun. I can't think of any negatives other than the weather was quite mild - only -5 to -10 degrees. We had psyched ourselves up for -20 to -30 !! Maybe next time. Even though this type of trip is ideal for families, I would be happy to recommend this trip to anyone looking for something different to an Aussie Christmas."
Arrive Helsinki - 21st December
Fairy tale day with outside activities and Christmas concert.
Visit the local village and enjoy the lights of Christmas
Christmas Eve - Santa's arrival, traditional buffet, Christmas eve church service.
Christmas Day - relax and enjoy.
'Boxing Day' by the lake - selection of local outdoor experiences for the family.
Final day to relax and explore.
Depart Kajaani
Countries visited
Transportation
Local buses, dog sleds, snow mobile safaris and transfer from local airport, Kajaani.
Included In Price
7 nights accommodation, return transfer from Kajaani airport, evening saunas and jacuzzi's daily, all breakfasts, 7 dinners, 7 lunches and 1 Christmas Eve Gala dinner. All activities listed in the itinerary: Fairy Tale Christmas tour in Christmas village, Christmas concert,Santa's visit, short husky dog sleigh drive, horse sleigh drive, reindeer sledge and snow mobile sleigh drive.Children's activities at the hotel such as DVD movies, Playstation and Nintendo WII games, Children's playroom, wireless internet, boardgames and library are also included.
Meals Included
This tour includes 20 meals; 7 breakfasts 6 lunches 7 dinners
Not Included In Price
Optional cost of AUD$214 to rent warm clothes for the complete holiday per adult.
Important Information
There are special rates for children, depending on their age and their accommodation needs. There are many rooms in this hotel with interconnecting rooms.We can help you organize your train or air tickets to Kajaani.
| Start | End | Twin share | Single Supp | |
| 21 Dec 2012 | 28 Dec 2012 | AU$ 1610 | AU$ 200 | |
| Rates for children: 4 - 12 year old - 50% reduction, 0-3 yr olds free of charge. | ||||
Day 1 Arrive Helsinki - 21st December
Arrive at Kajaani Airport (appr. 18.35) and transfer to your hotel. Look for an elf! It is an 1.5hr drive to the hotel from the airport but you will be served some traditional warm wine and gingerbread as you travel. Your room, as you might expect, will be decorated in traditional Christmas paraphernalia. Dinner is served in the restaurant this evening. Food during this week accommodates children's more refined tastes as well as adults - plenty of meatballs and pasta.
Accommodation
Kalevala Hotel
Transportation Times
1.5 hours transfer and 40 min flight from Helsinki to Kajaani
Meals Included
Dinners1
Day 2 Fairy tale day with outside activities and Christmas concert.
After breakfast, there is time for a short get together with the hosts about the Christmas program and then the fun begins. The morning is spent running a muck outside - tobogganing, kick-sledding and the like. We have a light lunch mid-action and there are opportunities for optional activities.
During the afternoon, baking Christmas pastries with Christmas elves can be enjoyed by the family.
Back to the hotel for a relax in the jacuzzi before a Christmas concert at the local arts centre. Young musicians from the local school help create a real and relaxed Christmas atmosphere. We transfer to this arts centre by bus.
Dinner is at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation
Kalevala Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 3 Visit the local village and enjoy the lights of Christmas
After breakfast children will make their own Christmas Exhibition by drawing etc with our guide. This is a good time for parents to spend time together!
We will enjoy visiting the village, aglow with open fires, candles surrounded by a winter wonderland. Children will play with elves who guide them through the activities. Baking Christmas biscults, decorating the Pohjola House and stories with Santa. Each child meets Santa and receives a small gift from him.
Accommodation
Kalevala Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 4 Christmas Eve - Santa's arrival, traditional buffet, Christmas eve church service.
After breakfast we’ll make a magical journey across the snowy landscape and bring the Christmas tree and decorate it. Traditional Christmas rice-porridge and lunch at the hotel; who finds the almond hidden into the porridge will get a prize.
Finally, Santa Claus arrives with Rudolf, unlike Australia, Santa arrives on Christmas Eve in Scandinavian countries. Once presents have been enjoyed, it is time for the sauna and jacuzzi and prepare for this evening's Traditional buffet. We get together around the fire this evening to relax before heading to the Christmas church service followed by an evening snack at midnight.
Accommodation
Kalevala Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 5 Christmas Day - relax and enjoy.
Scandinavians enjoy Christmas Day differently to Australians. They relax. All the celebrations take place on Christmas eve so today is a family day. Enjoy it at your leisure - either more optional activities outside, playing with those new toys or enjoying a winter wonderland walk.
There will be traditional dancing at the hotel this evening.
Accommodation
Kalevala Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 6 'Boxing Day' by the lake - selection of local outdoor experiences for the family.
After breakfast, we head out to the lake to experience all that is fun about the snow, Scandinavia and children. There are lots of 'tasters' - perfect for younger children. They can try a husky dog sleigh ride, reindeer sledge, horse sleigh and snowmobile sleigh rides. An open fire will be lit and children can enjoy a hot drink around the fire.
After lunch, it is a free afternoon that can be enjoyed with optional activities such as cross country skiing. Again, this evening starts with a Jacuzzi and finnish sauna and dinner.
After dinner, a special traditional rite will enthrall you. Sitting outside around the fire, we will be visited by a Samporite. During this Sampo rite, you will hear the story of Sampo - the unknown thing which brought a lot of happiness and richness to the people in Nordland.
Accommodation
Kalevala Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 7 Final day to relax and explore.
Today is a free day to enjoy Finland. You can do more optional activities or just shop, walk, relax.
Accommodation
Kalevala Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 8 Depart Kajaani
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.
Transportation Times
1.5 hours
Meals Included
Breakfasts1