Riekko Lodge New Year Break
Riekko Lodge New Year Break
A Family New Year in Finnish Lapland
Celebrate New Year amid the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland, with huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles and a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride. Staying at Riekko, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness while lively Äkäslompolo, with its skiing, restaurants and New Year celebrations, is only around ten minutes away.
27th December – 1st January
Welcome the New Year in the Heart of Lapland
Spend New Year surrounded by snow-covered forests and the peaceful winter landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Based at Riekko, your family can enjoy a carefully planned collection of Arctic experiences, from travelling through the wilderness with an enthusiastic team of huskies to setting out along the snowy trails by snowmobile. Meet the reindeer, enjoy a gentle horse-drawn sleigh ride and gather around the warmth of a traditional kota fire for relaxed family activities.
Riekko offers a quiet and comfortable retreat, while the small but vibrant village of Äkäslompolo is only around ten minutes away. The village comes to life over New Year, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, plenty of fireworks and the ski slopes remaining open until midnight for those who would like to welcome the year on the snow.
With a thoughtful balance of guided adventures, family time and local celebrations, this break offers a memorable way to end one year and begin the next together in Lapland.
What's Included
- direct charter flights with British Airways
- accommodation
- meals on full board basis
- snowshoe walking
- husky safari
- snowmobile safari
- kota activities
- reindeer safari
- transfers
- thermal clothing
Itinerary
Please note that all sample itinerary is intended as a guide only; the order and days of activities may change.
27th December
Welcome to Lapland
On arrival, you will check in to your accommodation and collect the thermal clothing provided for the duration of your stay. With warm outer layers, boots, gloves and other essential winter clothing taken care of, you will be ready to enjoy the snowy surroundings in comfort.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to settle in and begin enjoying the snow at a relaxed pace. Spend some time tobogganing together close to your accommodation, offering a fun and easy introduction to your Lapland surroundings.
28th December
A Gentle Journey with the Reindeer
Transfer to Jänkä Ranch to meet the reindeer and learn a little more about these gentle animals and their importance to life in Lapland. Climb aboard the sleigh for a peaceful reindeer safari through the snowy landscape, travelling at an unhurried pace while taking in the stillness of the winter surroundings.
Time to Relax and Explore at Your Own Pace
Enjoy a leisurely morning with time to relax at your accommodation or head outside to make the most of the snow.
29th December
An Exciting Journey with the Huskies
Transfer to Jänkä Ranch (5 mins), where you will meet the lively and enthusiastic huskies before setting out on your safari. Once the teams are ready, travel along snowy trails and through the peaceful winter forest, experiencing the energy of the dogs and the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Adults get the chance to try their hand at being the musher with a chance to swap drivers half way through. Finish you visit with a warm drink and the chance to ask questions about the lives of the huskies.
Snowmobile Safari
Continue your day with an exciting snowmobile safari through the Lapland landscape starting from the Riekko Lodge itself. Following your guide, travel along forest tracks and across the snow-covered surroundings, with opportunities to take in the quiet scenery and enjoy the thrill of exploring the wilderness by snowmobile. Adults share a snowmobile with the chance to swap drivers whislt the children are pulled in sleighs driven by the guide.
30th December
Kota Activities and Family Fun
Enjoy a relaxed session of family activities around a traditional kota. Gather around the fire to grill sausages or toast marshmallows, try your hand at making festive decorations and spend more time outdoors with tobogganing and snowy activities.
An Afternoon to Enjoy at Your Leisure
Take the afternoon at your own pace, whether relaxing in the comfort of your accommodation or stepping outside to enjoy the peaceful snowy surroundings.
31st December
Snowshoe Expedition
Enjoy a classic winter experience with a guided snowshoe walk in the surroundings of Riekko. Snowshoes make it possible to travel more easily across the deep snow, allowing you to explore quiet woodland trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the winter landscape.
1st January
New Year, Last Day in the Arctic
Spend your final morning relaxing in the comfort of your villa, perhaps enjoying the snowy views with a warm drink, or wrap up and head outside for one last adventure in the snow. There is time for a final toboggan ride, a walk around the ranch or simply a few quiet moments breathing in the crisp Arctic air. After lunch and one last taste of Lapland, transfer to the airport for your journey home, taking plenty of special memories with you.
Find the right place for you
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Lapland breaks, from suitable ages and the weather to travel arrangements and what to expect during your stay.
January is usually the coldest month in Lapland, with temperatures often falling between -20°C and -40°C. Late December can be equally cold, so we recommend this break for children aged 6 and over.
We charter British Airways aircraft to offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Kittilä Airport in Finnish Lapland, with a flight time of approximately three and a half hours. We also pre-allocate seats across the entire aircraft, helping to ensure that families are seated together.
The price of your holiday includes flights, transfers, thermal clothing, local guiding and all of the activities shown in the itinerary for your chosen break. Extras may include alcoholic or additional drinks, souvenirs and any optional activities you decide to add during your stay. These can usually be booked once you are in Lapland, giving you the flexibility to decide whether you would like to include anything further.
Yes, Äkäslompolo usually has a lively atmosphere over New Year, with events such as midnight skiing and celebrations at SnowVillage. Fireworks may also take place around the village at midnight. Events can vary from year to year, and we will share confirmed details with you closer to departure.
We can cater for most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, coeliac and lactose-free diets. Please let us know about any specific requirements at the time of enquiry, and we will be very happy to help. While every reasonable care is taken, we cannot guarantee that food will be completely free from cross-contamination.
For guests with a life-threatening allergy that may require immediate, time-sensitive medical intervention, we do not recommend travelling to the part of Lapland in which we operate. While medical assistance is available locally, the nearest full hospital is in Rovaniemi, approximately 200 kilometres away.