During December it is normally about –12°C but can reach -30°. These temperatures are perfectly manageable, however, with the thermal suits and boots we provide free of charge. Our activity providers reserve the right to amend itineraries if weather conditions dictate.

You will be north of the Arctic Circle and the cold is not to be taken lightly, so the right clothing makes all the difference in keeping you and your children warm, happy and having fun. Along with your complimentary thermal outer suit you will be provided with cosy woollen socks, snow boots, outer gloves and hats. We recommend you also bring additional gloves to be worn next to the skin and balaclavas or scarves to cover your face if necessary. Hats must have flaps or be able to be pulled down to cover your ears.

Several layers are far more insulating than one or two thick items, so the best bet is thermal undies, shirt or roll-neck fleece and jacket/anorak under your suit when outdoors.

No problem - but please tell us at the time of booking so we can advise our equipment partners in resort.

4½-5hrs in December, with about 2-3 hours of ‘grey light’ either side, rather like twilight in UK.

Yes, most people in Saariselkä and Rovaniemi speak English extremely well.

The Euro is used in Lapland, and there are banks in Rovaniemi and one ATM in Saariselkä. If this is malfunctioning there is nowhere else, so ensure you take enough with you. Hotels will take major credit cards, and because our prices include meals and activities as specified you will only need money for drinks and souvenirs. Credit cards can be used in local restaurants, and for booking our ‘Optional Adventures’ locally.

Our hotels all serve an extensive buffet breakfast, with a simpler breakfast available in our chalets. Lunches are served on-site at the activity locations, and are simple and sustaining rather than 'haute cuisine'! Dinner in our chalets comprises a set three course menu, while the hotels provide a buffet-style choice of international cuisine with some Lapp specialities and standard children's options.

We do not recommend these trips for children under 2 years of age. Toddlers of 3-4 years generally love the excitement and magic of it all, but they will not be able to benefit fully from all the activities available.

Yes indeed, subject to common sense considerations of mobility in cold and sometimes slippery conditions. Many grandparents have joined over the last few years and thoroughly enjoyed the activities themselves, not to mention the joy of watching their grandchildren having fun!

Full details and special writing paper will be supplied with your pre-departure pack.

Yes - as one of your optional activities when your itinerary allows for some free time.

20 kilos per person, plus 5 kilos hand-luggage. For guests on Santa’s Delight day-trips only hand-luggage is permitted and a rucksack should suffice, as you must keep it with you all day.

Yes – see itineraries for free “fun-time”. There are several souvenir shops in both Rovaniemi and Saarsielkä and the supermarkets also sell traditional Lappish goodies. Both airports have a small selection of souvenirs.

Usually on the second afternoon or evening of your stay or on departure morning, depending on availability. Although you can normally book Optional Adventures in resort, pre-booking is the only way to guarantee your reservation.

No, we know exactly what you have booked and all this information is sent directly to resort

Meeting Santa and all our included activities are not set up as a ‘Santa theme-park’ experience. On the contrary, we and our Lapland partners focus on the true spirit of Christmas, set in the unspoilt wilderness of Lapland, where each family’s private meeting with the ‘real’ Santa Claus is deliberately less commercialised for example than a department-store ‘grotto’ in the UK. Rovaniemi is the larger of our two resorts, with more to choose from in the way of shops etc, while Saariselkä offers an even more traditional winter wonderland feel.

The Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon caused by solar particles colliding with the earth's magnetic field. No one can predict or guarantee their appearance during your stay, but December is one of the best times to see them, and Saariselkä is an ideal location, being one of Lapland’s most northerly resorts.

Yes - there will be so many magical moments to capture! However, extreme cold can adversely affect some photographic equipment, so advice is to check manufacturers’ guidelines. Camera batteries discharge very quickly in the cold, so bring plenty of spares! Also be aware of the “twilight zones” when flash photography is necessary.

We regret that we cannot offer one-to-one care, as our resort team does not have this capacity, but we will do everything in our power to accommodate a special needs child. Please be aware that we do not have lifts in all our accommodation, but we do have ground floor rooms available in selected properties. The snow vovreed ground can also be quite difficult for wheelchairs. Please ring 01252 618300 to discuss your individual requirements.

See synopsis of cover for full details on the Travel/Insurance page. All our included activities are fully covered for medical costs (up to the insurance limit). The snowmobile supplier’s insurance also covers damage to the snowmobile (subject to a €500 excess if you do not have Esprit insurance.)

In the unlikely event of there being little or no snow and ice, alternative activities will be laid on and naturally Santa Claus will still be available for our guests to visit. Poor weather conditions do not constitute a valid reason to cancel.

Yes, both resorts have pools, so don't forget your swimsuits! In Saariselkä the pool is in Hotel Holiday Club, free for Holiday Club guests, with a special reduced rate for other Esprit guests. In Rovaniemi, Hotel Cumulus has a pool, free for its own guests, and other guests can use the pool at the 'Santasport' Leisure centre.

Chalets and many hotel suites have private saunas, so the choice is yours. However please note that in communal saunas many other nationalities go naked.

Lapland is 2 hours ahead of UK time in December (GMT + 2)