Lapland, known as Finland’s winter wonderland and the fabled abode of Santa Claus, is a top destination for children who adore Father Christmas. Its enchanting snowy forests and roaming reindeer create a picturesque Christmas setting.
A family recently experienced this magic firsthand with a rapid seven-hour day trip to Lapland on a private jet. Karianne Brown, along with her husband Allen and their eight-year-old daughter Jessica, joined 189 others on this adventurous journey to Santa’s homeland. The excursion was coordinated through the “Extreme Day Trips” Facebook group, founded by Michael Cracknell, which specializes in organizing day trips from the UK to various European locations.
Chartering a private plane for the Lapland adventure proved to be a cost-effective solution with 189 participants. On November 29, 2025, Karianne, her family, and the other travelers departed from Gatwick Airport to Finland. The private flight included a delicious breakfast served onboard, featuring scrambled eggs, ham, mushrooms, and potato-onion rosti.
The group opted to explore the less crowded Enontekiö area in Lapland instead of the popular Rovaniemi. Upon arrival at around 2 pm local time, they headed to the small village of Hetta in Enontekiö for a range of activities, including meeting Santa, husky rides, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, downhill sledging, and snowball fights.
The travelers were provided with thermal gear for the day and enjoyed leisure activities like tobogganing and shopping at the gift store. A hearty dinner of salad, bread, pasta with minced-meat bolognese, warm berry juice, and biscuits was served in a cozy canteen setting. The day was filled with memorable experiences, offering a perfect balance of activities for all participants.
Reflecting on the trip, Karianne expressed her delight at the well-organized and enjoyable adventure, emphasizing the unique and magical moments shared with her family. The return journey to Gatwick Airport concluded the unforgettable Lapland experience, leaving all participants with cherished memories of their Arctic escapade.
Karianne, an avid traveler and administrator of the Extreme Day Trips group, has embarked on various day trips across Europe, with plans for more exciting adventures in the future. The group’s flexible travel options cater to a diverse range of travelers, making it an accessible and affordable way to explore new destinations, even on weekends and during school holidays.