29 June 2023 , 09:49
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The sun may be shining and the cricket on, but that doesn't meant it's too early to book a holiday to a capital of Christmas.
TUI has launched its Lapland Winter 2024 programme earlier than ever before, due to increased customer demand over the past few years.
Festive fans who want an authentic taste of the action can head on three-and four-night breaks to Kittila, Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kuusamo which are nestled in the snowy climbs of Finland.
Not only will you be able to meet the big festive man yourself, there is a more than decent chance the the Nordic night sky will break into the Northern Lights.
Those looking to get in the full Christmas spirit can opt for a four-night trip departing on the 22 December, which allows customers to experience the magic of Christmas Day in Lapland. TUI is also offering Lapland day trips to Kittilia.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
You could find yourself whizzing through the Artic tundra (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)Those travelling to the most Christmassy place on earth can choose from a range of stand-out festive resorts, including the SnowClubs Snowy Wilderness Lodge and Lapland Hotel Hetta.
Then there is our Glass Resort, which is tucked away in the forest of Rovaniemi and has tepee-shaped apartments made of glass, letting customers easily see panoramic views of the snow-covered landscape.
Flights to Lapland will be available through TUI from Gatwick, Birmingham, East Midlands, Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow and Manchester.
The cost of the different trips and when they are running varies quite a bit, so make sure to check out all of the details on the TUI website before they start selling out.
A three night holiday to Rovanemi in Lapland, including at stay at the 3T+ Santasport Hotel, costs from £825 per person, with flights departing from London Gatwick on 1 December 2023, with 15kg hold luggage per person and transfers.
A Search for Santa day trip for Bristol and Manchester on the 19 December can be bagged from £939 per adult and £909 per child.
The most famous part of Lapland is in the north of Finland, on the Arctic Circle - so unsurprisingly, it boasts plenty of snow-covered landscapes. There is also part of it in Sweden, Russia and Norway as well.
You could meet the festive man himself (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)For example there's Lapland's capital Rovaniemi with its lively bars and restaurants, not to mention Santa's village just 8km away, or the more remote village of Levi which is a hit with skiers and snowboarders.
Richard Sofer, business development and commercial director for TUI, said: "Lapland has always been an important destination for TUI, and even more so because we know how much this magical destination means to our customers.
"At TUI we like to make dreams such as seeing the Northern Lights, meeting Santa in his home, and husky sleigh-riding in the snow, become a reality, and ensure that families make memories that will last a lifetime."
Weather maps forecast 750-mile blizzard dropping three inches of snow next week
TUI isn't the only firm opening bookings early for the enchanting getaway.
First Choice was offering Lapland holidays from £880pp based on a family of four in December 2022. There were also day trips available from £51pp if you want to visit Lapland as part of a wider holiday.
Inghams offered Santa breaks from £949pp which include a private meeting with Santa, games with the elves, a festive feast for guests and optional extras such as husky sledding excursions.
Canterbury Travel offers packages including half price places for children, with packages including all your food, travel and accommodation. Prices start from £1,029pp per adult.