As temperatures climb on what is set to be one of the hottest days of the year so far, award-winning Lapland specialist Canterbury Travel is inviting families to pause and picture something altogether different, the crisp crunch of fresh snow underfoot, frosted trees glistening in the Arctic light and the unmistakable magic of Christmas drawing closer.
With just 183 sleeps until the big day, now is the perfect time to start counting down to the festive season. The milestone comes as demand for Lapland holidays continues to grow, with more than half of Canterbury Travel’s 2026 Lapland programme already booked and many departures nearing sell-out.
From festive short breaks to magical Christmas Day escapes, families can choose from a range of unforgettable experiences throughout December, including the opportunity to spend Christmas Day in the Arctic Circle with Santa Claus himself. Each carefully curated holiday brings Christmas to life with husky and reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile adventures, festive activities with Santa’s elves, tobogganing and plenty of snow-filled fun. Every trip culminates in a private meeting with Santa in his cosy log cabin, creating memories families will treasure for years to come.
With departures from 15 airports across the UK and Ireland, including Gatwick, Birmingham, Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin, experiencing the magic of Lapland has never been easier.
Nicola Blair, General Manager at Canterbury Travel, said:“It may be halfway to Christmas, but with just 183 sleeps to go, the excitement is already building. We’re seeing that reflected in the strong demand for Lapland holidays, with more than half of our 2026 programme already booked and some departures now close to selling out. There is something truly magical about Christmas in Lapland. Whether it’s the beauty of the Arctic landscape, the excitement of meeting Santa, or spending quality time together as a family, it’s an experience that creates memories to last a lifetime.”
Families hoping to experience the magic of Lapland this Christmas are encouraged to book soon to secure their preferred departure date and avoid disappointment.
The following festive day trips and short breaks are available to book now:
Enchanting Lapland (day trip) – 27 November 2026 – 23 December 2026)
Limited availability remains on selected departures from Belfast International, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted, with families encouraged to book soon to secure their preferred airport and travel date
Day trip from £649 per person. All meals and activities included.
https://www.canterburytravel.com/lapland-holidays/enchanting-lapland
Magical Moments (two nights) – 8 December – 18 December)
Departing from: Belfast International, Dublin, London Gatwick, Manchester and London Stansted.
Gatwick, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted.
Two nights from £1200 per person. Full board. All activities included.
https://www.canterburytravel.com/lapland-holidays/magical-moments
Magical Interlude (three nights) – departures between 26 November 2026 – 20 December 2026
Departing from: Belfast International, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted.
Three nights from £1415 per person. Full board. All activities included.
Full itinerary here: www.canterburytravel.com/lapland-holidays/magical-interlude
Christmas in Luosto (four nights) – departing 23 December 2026
Departing from: Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester.
Four nights from £2160 per person. Full board. All activities included.
Full itinerary here: www.canterburytravel.com/lapland-holidays/christmas-at-luosto
Christmas at Ruka (four nights) – departing 23 December 2026
Departing London Gatwick Airport.
Four nights from £2090 per person for four nights. Full board. All activities included.
Full itinerary here: https://www.canterburytravel.com/lapland-holidays/christmas-at-ruka
Christmas at Suomu (four nights) – departing 23 December 2026
Departing Stansted Airport.
Four nights from £1990 per person for four nights. Full board. All activities included.
Full itinerary here: https://www.canterburytravel.com/lapland-holidays/christmas-at-suomu
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hzv4x2ub21cl3g046yufg/h?rlkey=p195ump28ltwq2cwqsmpkhnea&e=2&dl=0
Video: https://youtu.be/kj2trB6e7a0?si=cB75Ek72UjI9ioMG
To book, visit www.canterburytravel.com or call 0800 270 0150