Holiday firm hits out at UK’s ‘winter wonderlands’

Santa’s Lapland specialist Esprit Holidays (SantasLapland.com) has hit out at British ‘Santa-parks’ that claim to offer families the ultimate Christmas experience.

Esprit’s Lapland Head, Melvin Westlake, comments that “Last year, public outcry, widespread press condemnation and the local council forced the early closure of `Lapland New Forest’, leaving thousands of desperately disappointed people out of pocket, amidst scenes of fake snow, unconvincing elves and a few forlornly chained up husky dogs. A similar venue, `Lapland West Midlands’, also promised a winter wonderland, but soon went the same way, leaving muddy fields, empty tents and families trying to rescue their small children’s shattered dreams.

“The UK just doesn’t have the climate or the atmosphere to organize a winter wonderland event that evokes a remotely authentic white Christmas. Children these days are so clued up from what they see on TV and the internet that spending relatively large amounts of money on tickets to see fake snow, fake woodland animals, and reindeer and husky dogs clearly out of their natural environment is a completely false economy and a surefire route to bitter disappointment. And that’s even assuming the venue isn’t closed down prematurely!”

Westlake continued “In complete contrast, Lapland itself has real snow of course, and authentic Santa venues in beautiful woodland scenery. It’s quite literally a winter wonderland. Children can build snowmen, sledge and play in the snow, see reindeer in their natural habitat, and enjoy the excitement of real husky sled and reindeer sleigh rides en route to their private family meeting with Santa.

“The Lapland adventure venues are superbly well set up and highly regulated, and give families fantastic value for money. It’s not a cheap option, but with childhood dreams at stake, it’s money well spent compared with the rip-off venues that have been springing up in Britain in recent years. To do it the other way around is like the Finns acting out the Trooping of the Colour in front of a giant log-cabin, in an attempt to emulate the British heritage experience. It just doesn’t work!”

For further information, visit SantasLapland.com.