The ultimate European Christmas break

In some ways the ultimate family Christmas break has to be a visit to the home of Santa Claus, Lapland in Finland.

Located in the far north of Finland, a trip to Lapland guarantees lots of snow, as well as offering many different experiences, from reindeer and husky sleigh rides to sightings of the northern lights and a chance to learn about the local culture.

While the idea of venturing out into temperatures that drop to a chilling minus ten degrees may seem tough, many tour operators will provide all the extra clothing you may need for the outdoor activities you want to try.

The largest city in Lapland, Rovaniemi, is located right on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

And though Santa Claus can be visited across Lapland, Rovaniemi stakes a claim to be his official home.

The city has its own Santa Claus Village, which includes a post office handling the children’s letters dispatched from all over the world.

In the village, kids will also get the opportunity to meet Santa and have their photo taken in his grotto. And for kids that want even more Santa-fun there is a special theme park - SantaPark.

However, there is more to Lapland than just Santa.

Adventurous families can also take a tour by snowmobile, reindeer or dog-sled, visit the valley forests, and see or even stay the night in an igloo.

For accommodation of a more conventional variety, there are hotels, log cabins and chalets on offer.

Typical Finnish festive foods include Christmas cakes spiced with cinnamon, ginger clove, orange peel and cardamom, gingerbreads, mulled wine and prune-filled pastries.

Favourite savoury items include simply cooked venison, fresh fish and vegetable dishes.

Lapland is well-integrated into Finland's road, rail and air networks, and can be reached easily from Helsinki, as well as there being an international airport in Rovaniemi.

Among the tour operators with packages to Lapland are First Choice, Activities Abroad, Arctic Experience and Cosmos Holidays.

For more general information on Finland visit www.visitfinland.com