Yllas Holidays

This Lapland resort in northern Finland is split into two villages on either side of a mountain. There’s just a smattering of shops and restaurants here – and that’s exactly the appeal. As for the setting, you’re surrounded by the vast Pallas-Yllas National Park, a fairytale landscape of frozen lakes and snow-covered forests.

Yllas is considered to be Father Christmas’s original home. The bearded one lives in a house in Akaslompolo, one of the two villages here. On a visit, the elves introduce everybody to the reindeer, then there’s a short ride with the huskies before meeting Mr Claus himself. There’s a restaurant and gift shop onsite, too.

Between November and May, Yllas is a sought-after ski resort. Round here you’ve got some 300 kilometres of downhill and cross-country trails, many of which are floodlit into the evening. Pistes are wide and quiet, with the cold weather making for powder-perfect conditions. It’s generally better for beginners and intermediates, with a ski school available in case you need a confidence booster.

The Yllas fell, or mountain, is the ideal spot to try a new winter sport, such as driving a snowmobile, or husky sledding. Husky safaris allow you to drive a team of dogs – it’s one of the fastest ways to travel around these parts, and there are no speed limits.

Lapland has a quiet side. Visit the town of Levi and the villages of Yllas and Pallas, and you’ll come across snowy fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, and thick forests that are waiting to be explored. It’s one of the most authentic Lappish experiences you can get.

Fly To Kittila


Day 1 - The Warm-up

When you arrive at the airport, Santa’s elves will greet you and take you to your accommodation. Then you’ve got a free afternoon to get a feel for the place. Strap on some skis and head for the slopes or relax by the fire in your cabin or hotel.

Day 2 - Winter Wonderland

You’ll get a big dose of Lappish culture today at the Snow Village. In the morning you can enjoy a snowmobiling session, where you're pulled on a sledge behind a snow mobile. Then you’ll get to see a traditional Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. You’ll have some free time in the afternoon. Hop into a snowsuit and challenge your family to a snowball fight. Or try your hand at decorating cookies and making Christmas ornaments, zoom through the snow on a toboggan ride, and top off your day with a face to face meeting with Santa himself.

Day 3 - Frosty Fun

You can book onto one of our optional experiences today. You could cruise through the countryside while driving a snowmobile or on the back of a husky-driven sleigh. Or just spend the day nursing a warm wine in a local bar. Guests on a three-night visit will finish their trip with a gala dinner, followed by fireworks.

Day 4 - Festive Fun

Guests on four-night trips will have another day of optional experiences today. Later, you’ll tuck into a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. There'll be fireworks, too.

For these trips, you can stay at any of our hotels in Yllas. We try to pack as much fun as possible into these trips, so activities can differ from the order above. Everything will be included at some point, though. If you want to celebrate Christmas Day in Yllas, book our 4-night trip departing on the 22nd December.