Tui launches flights to 'alternative Lapland' - offering husky sledging and Santa meetings with none of the crowds

TUI is set to launch flights to a quieter Lapland destination where guests can still meet Santa but in a much 'more intimate setting'.

The holiday company has announced it is launching flights from Manchester to Kajaani in Finland for the 2026/2027 winter season.

Kajaani is located in Arctic Lakeland and its introduction follows huge demand for 'traditional Lapland holidays' from TUI customers.

Lapland holidays usually take place in Rovaniemi but Britons who opt for Kajaani are likely to enjoy a much less crowded experience.

TUI reveals: 'Arctic Lakeland offers everything families love about a Finnish Christmas experience, from husky sledding and reindeer rides to personal Santa meetings, but in a more intimate setting from £1,000 per person.'

Flights to Kajaani will run twice a week from Manchester.

Earlier this year, Aija Laukkanen, chief executive of Vuokatti Tourism, the region where Kajaani is located, said: 'Our winter offers you a chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy Finnish winter activities in snowy forests - and meet the Santa, of course.

'We commend TUI UK for their decision to initiate these flights and appreciate their confidence in Kajaani and Vuokatti as winter holiday destinations.

'Arctic Lakeland is a perfect destination for a Christmas break, as it combines the arctic and lakeside sides of Finland in wintertime.'

TUI adds that the region's lakes are 'glassy with a sapphire-tinted glow' in winter while the landscape is blanketed with 'icing powder'.

And if you're after sunshine instead, holidaymakers will also be offered more options for winter rays with TUI also boosting flight capacity to destinations such as the Canary Islands and Egypt.

It is launching a new route from East Midlands Airport to Antalya, one of Turkey's top spots for winter sun. The airport will also get a new route to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt.

TUI will also launch flights from Cardiff Airport to Hurghada in Egypt.

London Gatwick will get an additional weekly flight to Montego Bay in Jamaica and TUI will also offer Thailand wedding packages for the first time ever in winter.

The 2026/2027 season will see the launch of three new concept TUI hotels, the TUI Blue Yaramar in the Costa del Sol, the TUI Magic Life Redsina in Sharm El Sheikh and the Holiday Village Skanes Resort in Tunisia.

Chris Logan, commercial director at TUI UK, says: 'Our Winter 2026 programme is designed with great value at its core.

'We understand that Brits are looking for both affordability and exceptional experiences, which is why we've expanded our range of destinations and included some great value getaways to choose from.

'We're making winter getaways more accessible than ever before, whether it's a week of winter sun in the Canaries or a dream holiday to the Caribbean, there really is something for everyone.'

And if you're looking for winter sun inspiration, leading travel experts have just revealed their favourite European beaches.

From Devon to the Algarve, these beaches are sure to leave you feeling inspired to book a break by the sea.