SPEND THE HOLIDAYS AT SANTA'S HOUSE A visit from Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas Eve, a snowmobile excursion to fetch Christmas trees, and rides in horse-drawn sleighs are features of a Christmas program in Finnish Lapland designed for the family by Norvista, Inc. And it is guaranteed to make any child's face light up brighter than a Christmas tree. Lapland, which lies on and around the Arctic Circle, is said to be the home of Santa Claus and the starting place for his annual round-the-world trip with reindeer and sleigh on Christmas Eve. The six-day Christmas program (December 22-27) is based in Rovaniemi, capital of Lapland. Norvista also offers a five-day New Year's package (December 29-January 2) in Lapland. Round-trip Finnair flights from New York are included in prices of both, which are reduced $100 for bookings made by September 30. With the early-booking discount, "Christmas in Lapland" costs $1,899 per person double, $589 for children under four, $1,299 for children four to 11, and $1,419 for children 12 to 14. In addition to air, accommodations and transfers, the cost includes saunas and most meals. Prices for the New Year's program, which also provides most meals and saunas, are $1,499 for adults and $499 to $1,099 for children. The Christmas program starts right on the Arctic Circle with a visit to Santa's Village and the new Santapark, an activities park built into the side of a fell and featuring a "magic sleigh ride". Later, children get their own chef's hats and aprons to bake Finnish gingerbread cookies. Dinner is a buffet for adults and a special children's buffet in the kids' disco. A children's playroom is equipped with video games, toys, drawing paper and crayons. December 24 begins with a snowmobile excursion to fetch Christmas trees that will be decorated in the hotel. At noon, Finland's President declares the Christmas Peace, a centuries-old tradition marked with the ringing of cathedral bells. Christmas Eve is the high point of the holiday: a traditional Finnish buffet and then Santa's arrival with his reindeer and a gift for every child. A church service on Christmas morning is followed by an excursion to a frozen lake for snowmobile driving, lunch, Lapp initiation ceremonies and the presentation of certificates for crossing the Arctic Circle. Children drive mini-snowmobiles. Outdoor activities are scheduled on December 26: a ride in a horse- or snowmobile-drawn sleigh, a tobogganing competition for children, hot soup and coffee around a campfire, and an excursion to a reindeer farm, where Lapp herders demonstrate the fine points of reindeer care, breeding and driving. The reindeer farm and a safari by husky-drawn sleds are included in the New Year's package. New Year's Eve begins with a champagne reception and dinner. As midnight approaches, everyone walks to a frozen river where the Sami (Laplanders) have built a tepee, illuminated by candles and campfires. There, Sami shamans make predictions and fireworks announce the arrival of 1999. Brochures and additional information on this tour can be obtained from FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FINLAND: 212-895-9700 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FINNAIR: 800-950-5000 |
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