TUI Unveils “Search for Santa” Day‑Trips to Lapland from 11 UK Airports – A 24‑Hour Festive Adventure
TUI has launched a brand new festive offering: “Search for Santa” extreme day trips to Kittilä, Finland, departing from 11 UK airports between December 5 and 23, 2026 . Marketed as a 24‑hour holiday with no hotel stay, this experience aims to give families a taste of Lapland magic—before bedtime back home.
Flights depart early in the morning and return in the evening, including in‑flight English breakfasts and on‑site meals . On arrival, passengers receive thermal clothing and can participate in festive activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer sleigh rides. A private meeting with Santa and a hot lunch in Santa’s Village are also part of the itinerary, followed by an onboard full Christmas dinner on the return journey . TUI UK’s commercial director, Chris Logan, described the package as “making it easier than ever for families across the UK to experience the magic of Lapland” .
Departing airports include London Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow, as well as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Dublin . Prices start from around £750 per person for flights, thermal gear, meals and ground transfers to Santa’s Village .
What’s driving the extreme day‑trip trend?
Fuelled by cheap budget flights and minimal planning, short overnight or same‑day hop trips—known as extreme day trips—have surged in popularity. Enthusiasts regularly fly to European cities like Amsterdam, Palma and Prague for a full day, returning in time for bed in the UK . TUI’s launch taps directly into this growing demand, offering a packaged festive experience designed for families.
Backlash from climate campaigners
Not all reactions have been positive. Flight Free UK director Anna Hughes criticised the Lapland day trip, calling it “very worrying for the climate.” She argued that such fleeting trips encourage more frequent air travel, increasing emissions regardless of the total duration of stay. She added that flying to Lapland feels particularly insensitive given the region’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, such as poor snow cover and record high temperatures . Hughes pointed to alternatives like sleeper‑train travel to continental cities (Berlin, Prague) as eco‑friendlier yet equally adventurous options .
Is it worth it?
From a marketing perspective, the “Search for Santa” day trip is pitch‑perfect for families seeking holiday cheer without booking multiple nights. The all‑inclusive nature—flights, clothing, meals, festive activities—makes planning simple. Yet environmental concerns underscore the broader cost of such short‑haul travel.
Analysts suggest that while convenience and novelty drive demand, sustainability questions may increasingly affect consumer appetite.
TUI has positioned this as a premium festive fling—a flash of magic at a premium price. Whether families embrace it or skepticism prevails over the carbon cost may define the next season’s customer demand.
For booking details, availability updates, or itinerary options from your nearest airport, visit TUI’s official website or sign up for their winter holiday announcements.
