TUI announces 'extreme day trip' to Lapland from multiple UK airports

TUI has launched a new "extreme day trip" to Lapland for the Winter 2026 travel season. Families can now visit the northernmost region in Finland conveniently from 11 different airports - and return the same day. The carrier has announced a run of flights from Cardiff for the very first time to Kittila, in Finland.

Additionally, TUI will resume operation of day trips from Bournemouth Airport for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubbed the “Search for Santa” day trip, the offering includes family flights to Kittila, as well as an in-flight meal consisting of a traditional English breakfast.

After landing around mid-day, families will be whisked to Kittila’s Snow Village for a packed day of snow-filled adventure. Activities range from sleigh rides, snow slides and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself.

The Snow Village is also home to an ice hotel with igloo-inspired rooms, an ice bar, an ice chapel and carved ice sculptures. TUI confirms that lunch and all activities are included in the price of your trip. However, the carrier suggests bringing extra euros for other food, drinks and souvenirs.

The Search for Santa trip also includes a reindeer sleigh ride though snow-covered forests, followed by a husky-led sleigh ride around the Lappish countryside. Here, travellers will also be educated about how the dogs are trained and hear a tale about heroic huskies from Santa’s elves. Snowmobiling is also available so adults can get in on the winter fun.

The trip also includes an opportunity to engage with Lapland locals - hearing their stories and legends. For kids, arts and crafts activities will also take place.

The Search of Santa would not be complete without a visit with the legend himself. After a short skidoo ride, kids will be invited to meet Santa before warming up by the campfire with hot berry juice.

The “extreme day trip” ends when travellers are delivered back to the airport for their flight home the same evening - enjoying an in-flight Christmas dinner in the air.

Flights will run between December 5 and 23, 2026 with departures from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cardiff and Dublin.

Tickets start at a steep £750 per person. But again, all activities and meals mentioned above are included - as well as flights. On the other hand, if you can’t wait until 2026 for this unique opportunity, you will be happy to learn about a similar experience taking place this December.

Inverness Airport will host a one-day trip to Lapland on December 13, 2025 created and operated by Murray Travel. Passengers will depart from Inverness in the morning and return the same day, experiencing husky rides and ice skating in Lapland in-between.

Graeme Bell, Inverness Airport's general manager, said: "It’s a truly unforgettable adventure for families, offering the chance to meet Santa, enjoy exhilarating winter activities, and explore the stunning Arctic landscapes. It’s going to be an incredible day."