Grandma surprises granddaughter with budget Lapland trip to meet Santa

In November 2024, Siobhan Cucina, a 55-year-old grandmother from Little Canfield, Essex, took her granddaughter, Grace, on an exciting overnight trip to Lapland, Finland, to meet Santa Claus. The journey began with their departure from Stansted airport at 6:30 AM on November 19, where the two enjoyed a two-hour flight before arriving at Rovaniemi airport at 11:50 AM local time. Siobhan had booked the tickets in October, always dreaming of taking Grace to experience the magic of Santa's Village, located within the Arctic Circle. During their time in Lapland, Siobhan and Grace explored the Santa Claus Village, which is celebrated as Santa's official residence. This popular destination offered various activities, including a reindeer sledge ride that cost £50, which Siobhan described as her favorite part of the trip. The travelers were also treated to numerous hot chocolates and visited an animal park to see reindeers while enjoying the picturesque snowy landscape. The trip perfectly embodied the spirit of Christmas, prompting Grace's excitement to build up even several days before their departure. As the pair crossed the Arctic Circle, they received certificates commemorating the occasion, enhancing the magic of the experience. They also spent £65 on food and drink, £50 on gifts, and £35 to see Santa, totaling a remarkably budget-friendly £420 for their entire trip. Completing their adventure, Siobhan and Grace returned to London late at night on November 20. Siobhan expressed her intention to book the trip again next year, stating that it was truly magical and exceeded all her expectations. Her successful planning and budgeting strategies allowed them to enjoy a memorable experience while saving money, which serves as an inspiration for similar trips for families in the future.