As Christmas fast approaches, going away to see Santa is on many children’s and families’ minds — but you don’t have to spend thousands on heading to Lapland.

The average family trip to Lapland in Finland, costs a family between £4,000 and £7,000 from the UK. For such a price, many families feel like meeting Santa will only ever remain a pipe dream. However, there are several cheaper, and just as magical, European destinations which families can visit this December, where you can still Mr Claus and celebrate unique Christmas traditions.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange said: “Whilst a trip to Lapland is the ultimate Christmas dream for many families, the incredibly high price can make it simply unaffordable.

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“However, if you’re after some traditional Christmas charm and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives across Europe that both parents and children will love. There are lots of magical Christmas memories to be had, and they don’t have to be in Lapland!”

Here, Laura shares her top cheaper alternative Lapland destinations:

Korvatunturi, Finland

“Whilst it’s not as well-known as Lapland, legend has it that Korvatunturi (Ear Fell) is the ‘true’ home of Santa Claus. Here, there are 12 times as many reindeer as there are people,” said Laura. “The village, which sits on the southern side of the ‘Ear Mountain’, is decorated with nearly a hundred metres of ear-shaped rock formations, providing its obscure name.

“Korvantunturi is the location of Santa’s secret workshop, so it makes for a much cheaper yet still authentic Christmas experience. There are opportunities to visit the iconic workshop and you can also send a letter to Santa at his main post office.

“Given the village’s remote location, it’s a great spot for witnessing the Northern Lights too.”

Direct return flights from Liverpool to Rovaniemi cost from £57 per person. Alternatively, flights are available from London to Rovaniemi from £98 per person. Accommodation is also relatively cheap, costing around £230 for an Airbnb for a family of four, for three nights.

In total, Laura claims families could save up to £3,500 compared to a trip to Lapland.

Himmelpfort, Germany

“This small village, a short train ride from Berlin, is home to one of the most famous ‘Christmas Angel Post Offices’ in the world,” revealed Laura. “Its post office workers are dressed as angels, and they respond to over 300,000 children’s letters every year. Each letter receives a personalised response.

“The entire village transforms into a beautiful Germanic Christmas wonderland every year, with homes and shops featuring elaborate festive displays, and a small but authentic German Christmas market with local crafts, regional specialities and Glühwein (mulled wine) on offer.”

Direct return flights from Edinburgh to Berlin cost from £46 per person. Alternatively, from London airports to Berlin it costs from £78 per person. Airbnb accommodation for a family of four, for threes nights costs from £252. Overall, compared to a Lapland holiday, heading to Berlin could save families up to £3,564.

Hallstatt, Austria

“This charming Alpine village in Austria transforms into a magical festive destination during the winter months. Pure white snow drapes over its old wooden houses and the surrounding mountains, which overlook a stunning glassy lake. It’s a truly authentic festive destination,” added Laura.

“Here, you can explore the beautiful traditional ‘Mountain Christmas Market’, where you can also visit Santa Claus, go ice skating, and even visit a ‘Silent Night’ museum to learn about the famous Christmas carol.”

Direct return flights from London airports to Salzburg from £46 per person. Alternatively, you can head out from Bristol, to Salzburg from £95 per person. Flights are also available from Manchester to Salzburg from £95 per person.

Accommodation costs around £351, for a family of four, for three nights. Overall, a trip to Hallstatt could save you up to £3,465, compared to a trip to Lapland.

Gothenburg, Sweden

“Every year, the city of Gothenburg in Sweden hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Scandinavia. Here, you’ll find a sustainable market, a vegan market and even a market at an art school.

‘The traditional Swedish festive atmosphere will instantly give you that warm ‘Christmassy’ feeling. You can visit Santa at Liseberg Amusement Park and at the ‘Tomtebyn’ (Santa’s village), plus there’s ice-skating and beautiful outdoor winter carousels to have a go on”.

Direct return flights from London airports to Gothenburg Landvetter cost from £30 per person, or Manchester to Gothenburg Landvetter costs from £58 per person. Accommodation is also cheap, costing around £184 for a family of four, for three nights. Overall, you could save up to £3,396 compared to a family holiday to Lapland.

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