Pause for Claus is over — Lapland trips entice kids (and parents) again

Ho ho ho — trips to Lapland to see Santa Claus have taken off again.

Sunway Holidays has confirmed it has added three additional flights, including a direct flight from Cork for the first time, to cater for demand.

The company started the magical adventures to meet Santa and his helpers in 2006 and, by 2008, was carrying 650 passengers on three flights.

The recession impacted on sales, and, in 2010 and 2011, Sunway experienced difficulty filling all the seats. However, general manager Mary Denton said there was an upsurge in interest last year after it featured on the Late Late Toy Show.

This year is the company’s busiest; it has added two extra Dublin flights and one from Cork. There is limited availability left for 2014, with the one-night break from Cork already sold out.

Ms Denton said the trip has been transformed since 2008, with many new features, including Santa Park.

“It’s an altogether different experience from what we offered in 2008,” Ms Denton said. “Also, almost everything is included in the price so there’s very little spending money needed.”

The budget option (a cool €629 per adult and €349 for children) is a day trip with Falcon Holidays. It includes elf school, a winter wonderland, a visit to an ice bar and Mrs Claus’s bakery, as well as the all-important date with the man himself. Flights depart early from Dublin and Belfast.

The Sunway two-day, one-night trip from Cork departs on December 13. It’s priced at €799 per adult and €699 per child, covering flights, accommodation, tours, some meals, and snow gear.

The two-night trip departs from Dublin on five dates in December with Sunway.

There is also a four-day, three-night premium option with visitsanta.ie. This option is priced at €1,290 per child and €1,390 per adult.