Our Lapland UK experience

Ever since I learned of its existence a couple of years ago, I have been yearning to take Ava to Lapland UK. Having seen many pictures from others who have been, it looked like such a wonderful place and a perfect magical Christmas experience.

Before our visit, Ava received a gorgeous personalised letter from Father Christmas, complete with posh wax seal.  It was an invitation for her to join Santa in Lapland to help the elves makes to Christmas toys. This was such a wonderful addition to the trip. Our elf (who arrived on 1st December) bought the invitation with him.

As soon as we arrived and got out of the car the magic started. Twinkly lights everywhere, elves and signs pointing us to the Enchanted Forest.

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When we arrived in the central marquee (which was also packed with lights and magic) I went to the check in desk. Sometimes when you review days out, it can be a pain. Often they can’t find our tickets and there’s a delay. However, not at Lapland UK, everything was dealt with very quickly and easily.

Ava received her Elf Passport, which she had to get stamped after each activity before taking it to Father Christmas. We were also allocated a sticker, we were Reindeers. The other group (Huskys) did the activities in the opposite order. We also bought some Elf Jingles, which is the currency used in the village (although cards are accepted as well!). The Jingles were given to us in a little velvet pouch.

We arrived a little early and so we had about 30 minutes to wait before our allotted 2pm tour time. Inside the marquee were lots of tables and chairs and a  cafe, where you could indulge in bacon rolls, cakes and pick up a hot drink.

Then the tour master addressed the waiting crowd and went through what would happen. The two teams went through a different door following an elf into Lapland. The elves explained a bit more about Lapland UK and told the children that they have an important job to do, which was to help Santa. Through the doors we were greeted by snowy paths and a twinkly light canopy. It did feel extremely magical.

We were led into a beautiful area and were seated on benches. The two characters in the centre of the room explained all about Lapland and then the Husky and Reindeer leaders came to collect their respective teams.

Our first stop was Father Christmas’ toy factory. The little folk had to enter through a small round door and the big folk through a normal door (thankfully!). Inside were more elves, who explained that the children would be making lots of Rudolph toys to help Santa.

Ava received a box with the reindeer component parts in it and she set to work building her Rudolph. She had to put the heart in and then give him a cuddle, before he was ready to hand over.

The elves then asked the children if they could help to make some wooden teddies and the process was repeated and another box given to Ava. I loved watching her built this one. She kept looking at the large teddy at the front of the room and used it as a reference as she added parts to her own.

When all the toys were made, and a song or two sang, it was off down more snowy paths to help Mother Christmas in the kitchen. Here their task (after a story) was to decorate a gingerbread man biscuit with icing and sweets. Ava loved this, especially the chefs hat and little apron she was given to wear. There was time for another story before we said goodbye to Mrs Christmas.

We wandered out into the Elf Village as we then had 90 minutes of free time to explore by ourselves. As soon as Ava heard someone mention ice rink, she was desperate to try to skate. I haven’t skated since I was a kid (a LONG time ago), neither had Hubby and as a consequence he stayed on for about 10 minutes clutching the side, before he headed for stable ground. Ava and I stayed on for ages and in the end I had to bribe her to get her to leave the ice. She totally adored it.

The Elf Village oozed magic, with its hot drink stand, cafe, bauble shop, gift shop, sweet shop and restaurant. There is also a Post Office where all the little ones go to write their letters to Father Christmas. Their letters are sealed with a wax stamp, before they post them in the special letter boxes. The last stamp is then gained in their passport.

It was then our turn to go to meet Father Christmas. We were led by an Elf down more wintery tracks to Father Christmas’ house. Ava’s little face was a picture as she waited outside his house for her turn. Ava has never gone anywhere near a Father Christmas before, so I was so relieved when she went into the room. We took a seat and chatted to him. Ava was amazed that her knew her friends name and all about Sali the pony. She wasn’t super confident, but for her it was a miracle to get as close as she did. He checked his book and to our relief she was on the Nice list and so would receive a present.

Hands down he was the best, kindest, warmest Santa that we have ever met. He took out her present, which was a stunning husky toy and she couldn’t believe it! Love at first sight. We had a few pictures taken and then it was time to say goodbye.

We all adored Lapland UK, the magic created was amazing and I loved how they did their utmost to protect the children from all the adult details. The staff were amazing across the board, all so friendly and helpful. Each doing their best the ensure all the children had an unforgettable experience.

We were very lucky to be invited to review the experience. If we’d bought tickets for the day that we went it would have cost £278 (2 adults and one child). All activities and parking is included; the toy making, biscuit decorating, ice skating, writing a letter to Father Christmas, his gift and one picture of us and Santa. It’s not cheap, but it’s certainly an experience which can’t be rivalled in the UK.

Have you been to Lapland UK? What did you think?

Disclosure: Thanks to Lapland UK for inviting us along to review the experience.