Christmas in Finland - 6 Days

Christmas in Finland - 6 Days

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Christmas in Finland - 6 Days

6 Days Starting and ending in Kuhmo, Finland

Visiting: Kuhmo

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 38

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

4-12

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Trip Styles:

Special Events

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Experience the magic of Christmas in Finland with a 6-day adventure in the enchanting winter wonderland of Kuhmo. This small group tour offers a unique opportunity to meet Santa Claus, the real Finnish Joulupokki, and partake in a variety of winter activities. Enjoy a snowshoe tour through the snowy Taiga forest, and spend your free time tobogganing and sledding with your family. Stay at the cozy Hotel Kalevala, where you'll indulge in festive meals, including a traditional Christmas Eve Gala Dinner. Delight in daily evening saunas and jacuzzis, and create cherished memories as you collect and decorate a Christmas tree. With a mix of guided activities and leisure time, this tour promises a magical holiday experience for all ages.

Highlights

  • Spend Christmas Day in the magical winter wonderland of Kuhmo, Finland.

  • Meet Santa Claus, the real Finnish Joulupukki, in his home country.

  • Enjoy a snowshoe tour through the snowy Taiga forest.

  • Experience tobogganing and sledding in the great outdoors.

  • Join in the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree with children.

  • Embark on a husky sleigh ride or a reindeer sleigh adventure.

  • Relax in a traditional Finnish smoke sauna or jacuzzi.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Kuhmo

Location: Kuhmo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalevala

Meals Included: Dinner

22nd December 2024. Upon your arrival at Kajaani Airport, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Kalevala. The scenic drive, spanning about an hour, will treat you to the breathtaking snowy landscapes of the Finnish countryside. Upon reaching the hotel, a refreshing Welcome Drink will be served before you check in.





As the evening unfolds, we come together for our first dinner, marking the beginning of our adventures in this winter wonderland.

Day 2: Kuhmo

Location: Kuhmo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalevala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with breakfast, followed by a leisurely one-hour snowshoe tour through the enchanting snowy taiga forest. Accompanied by knowledgeable wilderness guides, immerse yourself in the beauty of the winter landscape. Families with small children can join in the fun with toboggans, ensuring everyone can be part of this snowy adventure.





Following the snowshoe tour, the area becomes your playground. Explore with kick sledges and toboggans at your disposal, offering endless opportunities for winter fun. Why not opt to create snow angels or visit and feed the hotel's resident reindeers?





Later in the afternoon, an eagerly awaited encounter awaits as we meet Santa Claus, known as Joulupukki in Finnish tradition. Children can share their Christmas wishes and secrets with Santa during this magical visit. As the day winds down, we return to our hotel for dinner and the chance to unwind in the onsite saunas and jacuzzis.

Day 3: Kuhmo

Location: Kuhmo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalevala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we journey across the picturesque snowy landscape of Kuhmo. The day takes a festive turn as we embark on a special experience: venturing out to fetch our Christmas tree. Once back at the restaurant, we'll join together to decorate it, a cherished tradition where children play a significant role in bringing the tree to life.





In Finland, decorating the Christmas tree is a momentous duty, and today, our group will continue this heartwarming tradition. Lunch will feature Christmas rice porridge, a beloved and traditional dish across Scandinavia during this joyous season. In Finland, the rice porridge holds a special place, especially for the children, as finding the hidden almond promises a prize.





This afternoon, we visit the churchyard at Kuhmo. Here, you'll have the opportunity to light a candle for your loved ones, both near and far. As the day progresses, we gather for an authentic Finnish buffet dinner.

Day 4: Kuhmo

Location: Kuhmo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalevala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Merry Christmas! Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a Christmas breakfast, followed by special Christmas day drives. Take your pick from exciting options: embark on a short husky sleigh ride, enjoy the charm of a reindeer sleigh adventure, or feel the thrill of a snowmobile sleigh drive. Afterwards, enjoy a magical Christmas lunch.





This evening, relax in the traditional Finnish smoke sauna or jacuzzi before feasting on a Christmas dinner with live music.



Day 5: Kuhmo

Location: Kuhmo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalevala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace or engage in optional activities. Enjoy lunch and consider unwinding in the hotel's traditional Finnish smoke sauna or rejuvenating jacuzzi.





As the day concludes, join us for a special farewell dinner at none other than Santa's residence, creating a magical and memorable ending to your time here. Enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories at our enchanting atmosphere Christmas retreat.

Day 6: Kuhmo

Location: Kuhmo

Meals Included: Breakfast

27th December 2024. Our amazing Christmas in Finland comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. There is a transfer included back to Kajaani airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 star

  • 5 nights at the Hotel Kalevala (3 star)

  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners (inclusive of a Christmas Eve Traditional Gala Dinner)

  • Welcome drink

  • Arrival and departure transfer from Kajaani airport on days 1 and 6

  • Visit to Santa Claus at his local home

  • Journey to collect the Christmas tree to bring to the restaurant for the children to decorate

  • Leisure Snowshoe tour with wilderness guide (approx. 1 hour)

  • Free use of kick-sledges, toboggans, DVDs, Playstation2 and Nintendo WII games, Wi-Fi and board games

  • Daily evening saunas and jacuzzis

What's Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature and additional meals

  • International flights to/from our tour start/end points and visas

  • Tipping - An entirely personal gesture

  • Optional excursions

Age Policy

Children can travel at the child price if between 4 – 12 years old. Children are charged at 50% of the adult rate.0 – 3 years old are FoC  and will be baby cot, baby bed or extra bedIf there is one child travelling with 2adults then they can share the room with an extra roll-away bed. If there are 2children then you can either ask if any of the family rooms are available or upgrade to a suite – make sure with the suite that you ask for the extra bedotherwise they will put the children on one sofa bed which isn’t acceptable. If there is one child with one adult travelling then the normal 2 adult rate per room applies, there is no discount applicable for the child. 

Mode of Transport

The tour includes arrival and departure transfers from Kajaani airport on days 1 and 6. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Finnish countryside to reach your accommodation, setting the tone for a magical winter experience.

Accommodation

Enjoy a cozy stay at the 3-star Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo, Finland, for 5 nights. The hotel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with daily evening saunas and jacuzzis, ensuring a relaxing retreat after a day of winter activities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What activities are available for families with small children during the tour?

    Families with small children can enjoy tobogganing, creating snow angels, and visiting the hotel's resident reindeers. There are also opportunities to meet Santa Claus, known as Joulupukki, where children can share their Christmas wishes.

  • What special experiences are included on Christmas Day?

    On Christmas Day, you can enjoy a Christmas breakfast followed by special Christmas day drives, including options for a husky sleigh ride, a reindeer sleigh adventure, or a snowmobile sleigh drive. The day also includes a magical Christmas lunch and a Christmas dinner with live music.

  • What is the significance of the Christmas tree activity during the tour?

    The Christmas tree activity involves venturing out to fetch a Christmas tree, which is then decorated by the group, especially the children. This is a cherished tradition in Finland, and decorating the tree is considered a momentous duty.

  • Are there any traditional Finnish experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes traditional Finnish experiences such as enjoying a Finnish buffet dinner, participating in a Christmas tree decoration, and relaxing in a traditional Finnish smoke sauna or jacuzzi.

  • What is included in the meals during the tour?

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners, which feature a Christmas Eve Traditional Gala Dinner. Meals also include a Christmas lunch and dinner with live music.

  • Is there any leisure time during the tour for personal activities?

    Yes, on Day 5, after breakfast, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace or engage in optional activities. You can also unwind in the hotel's traditional Finnish smoke sauna or rejuvenating jacuzzi.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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