Overview:
Why not spend a memorable Christmas in snowy Finland? The Arctic atmosphere provides an enchanting backdrop for this magical time of year. Hotel Kalevala in Kajaani offers an authentic Christmas feeling – a landscape of snow, Finnish Christmas traditions and a traditional Christmas cuisine. As well as skiing, guests can enjoy snow-shoeing, ice-fishing, and husky, reindeer or snowmobile safaris. Historic Christmas traditions are appreciated in this Christmas programme and you’ll be able to taste freshly baked cookies, visit Santa Claus, join the search for the perfect Christmas tree and sing some Christmas carols.
Holiday price is from £ 3,395 per person based on availability and two people sharing a standard double/twin room. Upgrade to a superior room (best lake views, tea / coffee making facilities) is available at a cost of £ 160 per person.
Single supplement is £ 200 based on accommodation in a standrad room.
2025 Departure Dates:
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kajaani
- Flight via Helsinki to Kajaani airport. Transfer to Hotel Kalevala, appr. 1.5 – 2.5 hours
- Accommodation at lakeside Hotel Kalevala
- Welcoming drink & dinner in the restaurant
Day 2: Fairytale Starts
- After breakfast, join a guided city tour highlighting nature, history, and culture as well as visiting iconic sites. After the tour you have time to visit a local café or do some shopping for last-minute gifts.
- Lunch
- Later in the afternoon visit Santa Claus: children meet Santa Claus, the real Finnish Joulupukki, who always has time to listen your Christmas wishes and secrets. Tour duration approximately 2 hours
Day 3: Christmas Eve
- After breakfast we’ll make a magical journey across the snowy landscape and bring the Christmas tree inside the restaurant. It is big and important duty for children to decorate the tree
- Traditional Christmas rice porridge and lunch; who finds the almond hidden into the porridge will get a prize
- In the afternoon traditional visit at the church yard of Kuhmo, bus transfer. Everyone can light a candle for their loved ones far away
- Sauna with indoor and outdoor jacuzzis
- In Finland Santa Claus comes traditionally on Christmas Eve. This is the tradition our hotel team very much appreciates and this is what we want to share with our guests also (Possibility for the parents to give their own presents to the reception, 1 per child)
- Christmas Eve with traditional Finnish Christmas buffet
Day 4: Christmas Day
- Breakfast
- Dive into an adventurous Christmas Day with thrilling taster rides: reindeer, husky, and horse-drawn sleighs
- Spend an hour leisurely snowshoeing through the snowy wilderness.
- End the day with an unforgettable evening under the stars, enjoying a campfire picnic while hoping for a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Day 5: Boxing Day
- Breakfast
- Experience the thrill of a snowmobile safari (1h) and in the afternoon you have time to explore optional activities like rapid swimming or cross-country skiing.
- Later in the afternoon unwind in the traditional smoke sauna, embracing true Finnish relaxation.
Day 6: Lentuankoski Rapids
- Breakfast
- Join a guided excursion to Lentuankoski Rapids to spot rare white-throated dippers, truly a unique winter birdwatching experience amidst the stunning rapids! Snacks are enjoyed by open fire.
- Rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Join optional activities or enjoy the snow-covered nature with rental snowshoes or cross country skis.
- Farewell dinner at Santa’s residence
Day 7: Flight to Helsinki
- Breakfast
- Transfer back to Kajaani airport
- Flight to Helsinki where you'll spend the night at a comfortable airport hotel
Day 8: Farewell Finland
- Breakfast
- Morning at your leisure to explore Helsinki or relax before your return flight
Package Includes:
- Flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Kajaani and return
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
- Airport transfers in Kajaani
- 6 nights' accommodation at Hotel Kalevala incl. full board
- Evening sauna & jacuzzis daily
- Christmas program (see the itinerary)
- Free use of kick-sledges, toboggans, children playroom, Wi-Fi, board games, drying closet for outdoor clothes at the lobby games, drying closet for outdoor clothes at the lobby
- 1 night's accommdoation at an airport hotel at Helsinki Airport incl. breakfast
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
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Car Rental
You can rent a car, as long as you have a valid EU or international driver's license. Most cars will have manual transmission.
Transportation
Railway mostly serves domestic routes and is used as an easy and quick way to get from the capital to major cities of the country. There are some international routes, like to Moscow and St. Petersburg, but time spent on the way will be quite long.
Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltic States. Eurolines will get you between Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. One way tickets will cost £ 15 - £ 20 and approximate travel time is 5 hours between the cities. Ticket reservations in advance are recommended.
Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way of travelling round the city. You'll find them located close to the main hotels. Usually it's quite easy to catch a taxi on the street, however, it's much better and safer to order one by phone. Taxi costs in all of the Baltic countries and Poland are approximately the same and a ride in the centre of the city will cost you approx £ 5 - £ 7. Taxis in Finland and Russia are considerably more expensive. It is always a good idea to get your hotel to book a taxi for you and ask approximately how much the trip will cost before you get in.
We would not recommend you to take public transportation within the city, as it's usually crowded and it may cause you unnecessary anxiety about where to stop.