35 joyful photos as Northern Ireland children make dream trip to Lapland

The annual Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) initiative brought together families, children and healthcare heroes for an unforgettable journey.

The children, accompanied by a parent or carer, flew to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle. There, they enjoyed an enchanting day featuring reindeer and husky rides, mini skidoo adventures, magic sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and a magical meeting with Santa Claus himself.

Seven-year-old Corrin Kennedy, who has cerebral palsy (left-sided hemiplegia), epilepsy and is registered as visually impaired, was very excited to be going on a blue plane and meeting Santa and his reindeer.

Corrin’s mum Courtney, from Dunloy, Co. Antrim, said: “From the moment I received the email telling us that Corrin had been nominated and selected to go to Lapland, it has felt completely surreal. It’s an opportunity I never imagined we would have, and we are so deeply grateful.

“For families like ours, an adventure like this would be impossible because of our child’s complex medical needs — but thanks to NI Children to Lapland, our dream is becoming a reality. They have thought of every detail, every challenge, every worry, and lifted them from my shoulders so I can simply enjoy the trip of a lifetime with my special boy and make memories to last a lifetime.

"To be able to take Corrin to meet the real Santa is a gift beyond words, an experience both Corrin and I will treasure forever.”

Feedback on the special trip from families has been overwhelmingly positive: “Best day of my life!” – Florrie McKessick (6) from Ballymoney. “Best trip ever!” – Jaxon Millar (5) from Ballymena.

“The most amazing and magical day. Absolutely loved it.” – Grayson Talbot (5) and mum Joanne McVeigh from Bushmills.

“Being normal is one of the most normal things to do – this makes the impossible normal!” – Hugh McCloy and son Hugh (7) from Draperstown.

“A magical trip and precious memories made.”- Chloe Todd and son Ruben McDonnell (10) from Antrim.

“The memories made today will last a lifetime.” – Hugh Neeson and daughter Meabh-Anne (4) from Downpatrick.

“Words can’t describe how amazing this trip to Lapland has been for Teddy and I. We have had an incredible time and we can’t thank you enough!” Penny Bannerman and son Teddy from Coleraine.

Over the years, NICLT has brought the wonder of Lapland to more than 1,800 children. Thanking all the organisations who had helped to make the 2025 journey possible, Colin Barkley, chair of the charity, added: “This is the biggest day of our year and the culmination of 12 months of fundraising and planning. Seeing the joy on the faces of these children and their families makes it all worthwhile and inspires us to do even more for deserving children in the years ahead.”

Departing from Belfast International Airport, the trip was made possible through the support of TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Shell Aviation, Finavia, Rovaniemi Airport, Santa Park and Wild Nordic in Rovaniemi.