A short season of Santa packages to Finland’s Arctic Lakeland are being introduced by Tui from Manchester airport.
The new offering to an alternative destination to Lapland will see Tui become the first UK operator to offer direct flights to Kajaani (pictured) in December.
Flights will run twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays from Manchester, providing customers with three- or four-night package options and flexible travel dates.
The season will run from December 3-28.
The operator is featuring four hotels with wellness centres.
Skiing is offered at Vuokatti, 30 minutes away from Kajaani.
Tui UK & Ireland commercial director Chris Logan said: “We are thrilled to be opening Artic Lakeland to the UK and offering families a unique Christmas experience at a lower price point.
“Our Lapland holidays are the most magical trips, and they sell out every year.
“With demand growing, we saw an incredible opportunity to open this hidden gem to UK holidaymakers delivering everything families love about Lapland – from husky sledding and reindeer rides to meeting Santa himself
“By securing exclusive direct flights and working with fantastic hotels in Kajaani and Vuokatti, we’re making the magic of a winter wonderland more accessible and affordable than ever. And we’re confident Arctic Lakeland is set to become a new favourite for festive getaways”.
Aija Laukkanen, chief executive of Vuokatti Tourism, added: “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. We look forward to welcoming our first UK guests in December.”