A Journey to Christmas Magic: Our Family’s Adventure to Lapland UK

Today marked a truly magical experience for our family—a visit to Lapland UK. From the moment we left home, the excitement of the journey and the wonder of the destination came together to create a Christmas memory we’ll treasure forever.

We decided to leave a little earlier than usual yesterday, taking the kids out of school just after lunch to avoid the dreaded M4 rush. Setting off at 1 pm turned out to be a smart move. The drive, although long, was made easier by the surprisingly quiet roads and the kids keeping themselves entertained with their tablets and a mountain of snacks. By the time we arrived at our overnight hotel, it felt like we’d already had a little adventure.

The hotel itself was nothing fancy but ticked all the boxes—clean, spacious, and ideal for a family stopover. Unpacking the car and settling into our room was a bit chaotic but filled with laughter, as the kids claimed their beds and debated who had the biggest. After a few festive games, we headed down for dinner. Thankfully, Mrs W had thought ahead and booked a table, sparing us the chaos of the busy restaurant.

Dinner was simple but did the job—chicken nuggets for the youngest, a burger and chips for our older one, and something slightly more grown-up for us. The service wasn’t exactly memorable, but it was efficient enough. By the time we got back to our room, we were ready to settle down for the night. Or so we thought. The kids’ excitement for the following day bubbled over, and after a bit of giggling and chatting (and possibly a sugar rush), they eventually fell asleep, leaving us parents to follow shortly after.

This morning, despite a somewhat restless night, we woke full of anticipation. After a quick breakfast, we set off for Lapland UK, just a short 15-minute drive away. As we arrived, we were immediately transported to a winter wonderland. The snow-covered trees, twinkling lights, and enchanting atmosphere were like something out of a Christmas storybook.

The experience began with a cheerful welcome from the elves, who guided us through Elf Passport Control and introduced us to the magical world of Lapland. The storytelling in the forest was captivating, setting the scene perfectly before we made our way to the elf workshop. Here, the kids had the chance to make their own toys—a hands-on activity that had them grinning from ear to ear.

Next, we visited Mrs Claus’s kitchen, where we decorated gingerbread men under her cheerful supervision. The sweet smell of spices and the festive chatter in the room made it feel like we’d stepped into a scene from a Christmas film. From there, we wandered into the Elf Village, a bustling hub of festive fun.

We tried ice-skating, sipped steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and even visited the elf post office to check our letters to Santa. The kids loved exploring the sweetshop, picking out magical treats, and navigating the Christmas tree maze. Everywhere we turned, there was something new to see or do, and the level of detail was simply extraordinary.

The highlight of the day, though, was our private meeting with Santa. As we walked into his cosy grotto, the kids’ faces lit up with wonder. He greeted them by name and seemed to know all about their lives—their hobbies, favourite toys, and even special moments from the year. His warmth and kindness were so genuine that it felt as though we’d met the real Santa. With a few kind words, a photo, and a small pre-Christmas gift, he sent us on our way, leaving us all a little star-struck.

As we left Lapland, there was a sense of contentment and joy that made the long drive and restless night completely worth it. Watching the kids’ excitement and seeing their belief in the magic of Christmas was a reminder of how special these family moments are. Lapland UK exceeded every expectation, and I know we’ll be talking about this day for years to come.

@worldmappin - [//]:# (!worldmappin 51.40818 lat -0.70856 long Off to see santa! d3scr)