Lap of luxury for less

In a good year, more than 50,000 Britons head for the murky twilight of the Arctic Circle for a spectacular choice of adventures, including sleigh rides across the snow with huskies and reindeers, exploring the forest with elves and, most important of all, a personal meeting with the great man himself.

This year is shaping up to be a much tougher market, as soaring bills are forcing many families to cut back. So Thomson Holidays is unveiling a new range, from day trips starting at £319, to seven-night stays, with departures from ten UK airports.

Thomson’s programme is based on three resorts: Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, where Santa Park is packed with things for families to try; Saariselka, close to the Russian border in the north for a glimpse of more traditional Lapland with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, and Kittila.

Thomson has deliberately pitched prices at the lower end of the current market. The £319 day trips to Rovaniemi include return flights ex-Gatwick on December 3, a festive lunch and afternoon tea, and various organised activities either side of a visit to Santa’s Secret Grotto.

For a four-night stay at four-star hotel accommodation in Saariselka, prices start at £549 per adult and £439 per child, also including return flights.

At rival operator Esprit Santa’s Lapland, managing director Andy Perrin says: “Despite the economic gloom, the Santa market looks relatively positive, with weekend departures and the week before Christmas most popular with customers so far.

“Selling best for us is actually a Santa’s Magic two-night break, including return flights ex-Manchester.”

But Perrin recognises that value could be the name of the game – much more so in 2011 than in previous years.

Esprit Santa’s Lapland has deals for midweek departures: for example Santa’s Magic ex-Manchester or Gatwick on December 6 is just £350 per person (enabling a family of four to pay £1,399, saving over £850 per family).

The company also offers Santa’s Christmas Cabins. This is where one of Santa’s helpers looks after families and cooks, cleans and hosts for the duration of your stay.

It’s the gracious way to learn about Lapland and these cabins still have availability over the actual Christmas period, so families might even see Santa on Christmas Day!