LaplandUK tickets are now on sale – but is it actually cheaper to visit the real deal in Finland?

For many families, a trip to LaplandUK has become an essential Christmas activity to do during the festive period. 

Hosted in Manchester and Ascot, the immersive experience has attracted famous guests over the years including Prince William and Princess Catherine, as well as Sir Elton John and the Beckhams. 

Tickets for this year went on sale today, March 27, at 10am and the magical event will run from November 7 to Christmas Eve.

As one of the most anticipated events it’s often quite a battle to get tickets. 

Last year, a record-breaking 750,000 people joined the virtual queue which saw them sell out within hours. 

Prices range from £60 to £150 and those who manage to secure bookings will receive freezable personalised invitations to start the magic. 

There is also a £4.95 booking fee per ticket, as well as a £5.95 postage fee per booking. 

Lapland UK is a huge operation, with over 2,000 members of staff working across both sites. 

The experience is based on eight best-selling books, written by founders Mike and Alison Battle, and will offer guests an enchanting way to kick off Christmas. 

Guests can fully immerse themselves into the festive world, from helping elves make toys for Father Christmas’ sleigh to decorating gingerbread with Mrs Claus.

A 90-minute show typically takes place and visitors end the journey by meeting Father Christmas, where he will give children a Golden Bell to become an ‘Honorary Elf’ and a husky soft toy.

There is also ice skating on ‘Father Christmas’s Frozen Pond’ and a number of activities in the Elven World for families.

Many revisit the attraction multiple times over the years, including Kerrie Thomas, 47, from South Wales intends to make her 25th visit this year. 

‘The adrenaline of getting tickets to LaplandUK is literally like trying to get tickets to Glastonbury or Adele,’ she says. 

‘We have everything ready before the sale opens, and get friends and family involved too. It really is worth it to see my daughter’s face when she steps into LaplandUK, it is just so magical. It has become an unmissable Christmas tradition in our household.’’

But, with the cost of travelling, the ticket itself, booking fees and any food and accommodation needed – could a trip to the real snowy world be cheaper?

The Daily Mail previously pointed out that a few days in the real Lapland , in northern Finland, can cost in the region of £600, while families of four were paying £745 for a day at the UK version last year

One person posted on X, formerly Twitter, this morning: ‘Bread and water for the next month after purchasing LaplandUK tickets.’

Last year, others said: ‘Just went to book a family ticket to the Lapland UK experience in Manchester on the 20th December. £745 for two adults and two children. Absolute madness.’

In the thread, one user replied: ‘First reading of this I thought it wasn’t too bad for a family of four to Lapland, then I realised it was Manchester! Bonkers!’ 

The Daily Mail previously revealed how a few days in the real Lapland, in northern Finland, can cost in the region of £600. 

A last-minute trip there came to £566 per person in December 2025, including a four-night stay and return flights form Manchester, transfers and breakfast.