Last week I visited a pop-up igloo erected by Monarch, just outside King’s Cross station. With the Northern Lights projected on the inside, it was designed to bring the best of Lapland to one of London’s busiest transport hubs for one day only.

The promotion was intended to raise awareness among trade and consumers about Monarch’s new three and four-night Arctic Experiences, which are on sale for select dates in January and February.

Sales director Gary Anslow said: “We’re known for our Santa breaks, but this is something a little bit different. It gives our customers the chance to try multiple winter taster activities – and priced from £399 for three nights’ accommodation and flights, it’s outstanding value.”

Lapland product manager Denise Hodge explained how the taster sessions work: “On the first morning, you can sample reindeer sleigh and snowmobile rides, husky sledding and snowshoe walking. These mini-experiences are included in the price, and you can then choose to pay for a full session if you wish. It’s especially good for families – you don’t have to commit the money until you’re sure.

There are two Finnish locations on offer, both accessed via direct Monarch flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Kittila airport. One is Levi Fell, the other is Yllas. “They are both ski resorts,” Hodge said. “Levi is more compact. All the hotels and bars are close together and you can walk to the slopes. Yllas is more spread out and there’s a bus to the ski slopes. They turn the street lights off at 10pm in Yllas, so you have a better chance to see the Northern Lights there.”

Anslow offered me a drink and snack – the igloo was stocked with provisions from Monarch’s onboard menu, such as Brew Dog beer, prosecco, popcorn and crisps – and my eyes were drawn upwards to the Northern Lights darting across the ceiling of the igloo.

The best chance to see the actual Aurora Borealis is afforded by an evening excursion to a remote snow village, he said. “The entire village is carved from snow and ice and there’s no light pollution.”

But he warned agents not to sell the lights as a guarantee.

“The prospect of seeing the lights draws people in, but you have to treat them as a bonus.”

But when you do see them, it’s a “brilliant” experience, he admitted: “Two years ago, I was in Levi Fell. It was Christmas night and my wife and I saw them from our balcony. She was just amazed. I was a little more blase… until it sunk in that it truly was a one-off experience.”