**TUI to Launch Direct Lapland Day Trips from Cardiff Airport from 2026**
Cardiff Airport is set to bring a touch of Nordic magic to Welsh families, as leading travel company TUI announces new day trips to Lapland in their festive holiday line-up for winter 2026. The initiative forms part of TUI’s broader “magical Lapland day trip programme”, which is expanding to cover a total of eleven UK and Irish regional airports, signalling a clear intent to bring the wonders of the Arctic Circle closer to more homes.
For the first time, those living in Wales will be able to embark on a specially organised day trip straight from Cardiff Airport to Kittilä in Finland, Lapland’s gateway. The programme, known as the ‘Search for Santa’ adventure, promises families the rare opportunity to meet Father Christmas in his snowy homeland and still return home to their own beds that very night. Departures from Cardiff are slated for 11 December 2026.
Packages for this extraordinary experience start at £750 per person. Travellers can expect comprehensive offerings: return flights complete with in-flight meals, including a traditional roast dinner on the way back, a private encounter with Santa Claus, and a Christmas gift for every child on board. In what’s likely to be a major draw for parents, TUI is also providing thermal clothing for all guests to keep warm in the frosty conditions of Lapland, along with a hot lunch at Santa’s Village and seamless transfers throughout the region.
Lee Smith, Head of Business Development at Cardiff Airport, expressed his excitement at the announcement. “We’re absolutely delighted that TUI is bringing the magic of Lapland to families across Wales next year, thanks to a special Christmas flight from Cardiff Airport,” he commented. He added, “This gives our customers the chance to experience the wonders of the Arctic Circle – from meeting Santa and his elves, to exploring snow-covered landscapes. It’s a truly unforgettable Christmas adventure.”
The Lapland experience is packed with festive activities. Children and their families will be whisked off to Kittilä’s famed Snow Village, boasting an ice hotel, ornate igloo-style rooms, an ice bar, and striking ice sculptures. The itinerary continues with traditional holiday experiences such as reindeer-drawn sleigh rides through wintry forests, husky dog adventures, short snowmobiling journeys across the wilderness, and interactive Arctic storytelling sessions—delivering a real taste of Lappish folklore.
Arguably, the highlight for many will be a magical skidoo ride through snowy woodlands to meet Santa Claus, guided by his elves, who also teach visiting children how to greet Father Christmas in Finnish. The festivities are rounded off with classic snow play—including sledging, snowball fights, and snowman-building—before warming up by a campfire with hot berry juice.
Those returning from the one-day adventure will enjoy a Christmas dinner at altitude, served on the evening flight back to Cardiff. It’s these small touches, part of the full package, that TUI hopes will create unforgettable holiday memories for families.
Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK, says the expanded programme is a response to strong demand. “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,” he said. He emphasised the increased convenience, adding, “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.”
This announcement reinforces Cardiff Airport’s role in connecting Wales to fresh destinations and unique experiences. It also marks the return of similar flights from other locations, including Dublin and Bournemouth (the latter resuming operations for the first time since 2019).
The festive Lapland day trips, with their blend of tradition and adventure, are likely to appeal to families seeking to make the 2026 holiday season one to remember. The move reflects a broader trend across the travel industry, offering highly curated experiences that can fit neatly into even the busiest of family schedules.
For those eager to swap the usual Christmas routine for a whirlwind journey to the snowy north, the debut of TUI’s Lapland flights from Cardiff could mark the beginning of a new Welsh tradition for seasonal travel.