Yllas Holidays

With its lights twinkling on either side of a snow-dusted mountain, Lapland's Yllas is like something from a fairy tale. The setting's frosted pines and iced lakes in Finland's Pallas-Yllas National Park, just down the road from Santa's house. Discover Yllas' cosy bars, top-class skiing and the world's only sauna gondola.

It's easy to see why Yllas is a skiing hub. There are over 300 kilometres of downhill slopes and cross-country trails, and literally topping it off is Finland's highest skiable fell. Pistes here are wide and generally quiet, and there are ski schools to help get you on your way.

Pay old Saint Nick a visit at his original home – Yllas' village of Akaslompolo. Elves full of festive cheer will introduce you to the reindeer team, then get you set up for a dogsled ride. After your journey across the snow, you'll be ready to meet the big man himself.

Forget about cars up here – try flying across the powdery snow in a sleigh pulled by huskies. Join a dogsledding safari where you can take the reins and be the captain of your own pack. If you'd rather keep it modern, you can zip around by snowmobile.

Lapland has a quiet side. Visit the town of Levi and the villages of Yllas and Pallas, and you’ll come across snowy fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, and thick forests that are waiting to be explored. It’s one of the most authentic Lappish experiences you can get.

Fly To Kittila


Day 1 - The Warm-up

When you arrive at the airport, Santa’s elves will greet you and take you to your accommodation. Then you’ve got a free afternoon to get a feel for the place. Strap on some skis and head for the slopes or relax by the fire in your cabin or hotel.

Day 2 - Winter Wonderland

You’ll get a big dose of Lappish culture today at the Snow Village. In the morning you can enjoy a snowmobiling session, where you're pulled on a sledge behind a snow mobile. Then you’ll get to see a traditional Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. You’ll have some free time in the afternoon. Hop into a snowsuit and challenge your family to a snowball fight. Or try your hand at decorating cookies and making Christmas ornaments, zoom through the snow on a toboggan ride, and top off your day with a face to face meeting with Santa himself.

Day 3 - Frosty Fun

You can book onto one of our optional experiences today. You could cruise through the countryside while driving a snowmobile or on the back of a husky-driven sleigh. Or just spend the day nursing a warm wine in a local bar. Guests on a three-night visit will finish their trip with a gala dinner, followed by fireworks.

Day 4 - Festive Fun

Guests on four-night trips will have another day of optional experiences today. Later, you’ll tuck into a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. There'll be fireworks, too.

For these trips, you can stay at any of our hotels in Yllas. We try to pack as much fun as possible into these trips, so activities can differ from the order above. Everything will be included at some point, though. If you want to celebrate Christmas Day in Yllas, book our 4-night trip departing on the 22nd December.