10 Top things not to miss

NORTHERN LIGHTS SKI-DOO TRIP

Zoom away from the resort’s bright lights to hunt out the best vantage points from which to see the Northern Lights.

LUNCH AT THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ACTIVITY CENTRE

Take a break from the outdoors with lunch in a log cabin. There’s only spag bol – but there’s as much of it as you can eat.

SOFT PLAY ZONE

Let your little ones run riot in this expansive, indoor play centre at Santa’s Hotel Holiday Club.

MINI SKI BUGGIES FOR KIDS

Great fun for children – a chance to drive a tethered Ski-Doo.

ICE FISHING

Ok, so we didn’t catch anything. But it’s great fun being shown how to drill a hole in the ice before lowering your bait.

PANCAKE YURTS

Another great way to warm up. Basically, imagine a giant wigwam, with a log-burning brazier. Oh, and a bar providing pancakes, jam and cream.

SECRET SANTA

If your children have ever wondered what happens to the secret lists and letters they send to the man with the beard, THIS is where they’ll find out.

HOT CHOCOLATE

One aroma came to define our stay in northern Finland: the intoxicating smell of melting chocolate. They do hot choccie like the Italians do coffee.

THE GALA DINNER

Fine buffet dining, Finnish-style: smoked salmon and a mountain of Christmas gateaux. Not good for the waist but brilliant washed down with cold, Finnish vodka.

SNOW ANGELS

Get on your back, pretend you’re five and wave your arms and legs around like a fool while watching the Northern Lights in the clearest, pollution-free, star-studded sky you’ll ever see.