East Midlands will be one of 11 regional airports flying to Lapland in 2026

East Midlands Airport will be one of 11 regional UK airports used by TUI to operate daytrips to Lapland in winter 2026, it’s been confirmed.

Starting at £750 per person, the ‘Search for Santa’ daytrips include return flights with in-flight meals including a roast dinner on the return flight, a private meeting with Santa Claus and a gift for every child.

The flights will land in the Kittila region of Finland, where average daytime highs during December are just -6C.

Activities at the Snow Village in Kittila include husky and reindeer sleigh rides, mini skidoo adventures for children and tobogganing.

The 2026 Lapland schedule will see TUI flying to the area from Cardiff Airport for the first time.

‘Search for Santa’ tour itinerary

Fly to Kittila – Customers will get a traditional cooked English breakfast on the flight, before landing and heading to pick up the included snowsuit and boots.

Snow Village – Kittila’s Snow Village is home to an ice hotel with igloo-like rooms, an ice bar and ice sculptures.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride – Climb into a sleigh and let Rudolph and co guide the way through snow-covered forests.

Husky Adventures – Hop on the back of a husky-led sleigh and to be whisked off on a short ride around the Lappish countryside.

Snowmobiling – After learning how to ride, head off on a short ride to explore the winter wilderness.

Arctic Storytelling – Get a real taste of tradition when meeting one of the Lapland locals and listen to age old stories and legends about Lapland.

Meet Santa – Hop on a skidoo and travel through the snowy woodland to meet Santa, where his elves will teach families how to say hello in Finnish.

Snow Fun – It’s not Lapland without playing in the snow, so start a friendly snowball fight, ride a sledge or build a snowman and then warm up by the campfire with a hot berry juice.

Home Time – After the day at Snow Village has finished, Santa’s elves will take customers back to the airport where you will get a Christmas dinner in the sky on the flight back home.

TUI UK Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “Our much-loved festive Search for Santa day trips are back, and we’re making it easier than ever for families across the UK to experience the magic of Lapland.

“Now with flights from 11 regional airports, families have the ease of flying from their local airport to meet Santa and create unforgettable memories together.”