best time to visit santa claus village

The Ultimate Guide to visiting Santa Claus village Rovaniemi

What better way to celebrate Christmas than visiting Santa in his office at Santa Claus village Rovaniemi. Lapland in winter is the ultimate Christmas destination.

The small city of Rovaniemi – located on the edge of the Arctic Circle – is the official home of Santa Claus, it is one of the most magical places in the world.

For young and old this is a must when you are visiting Lapland. We were worried that we would be only 30 year old’s walking around without any kids, but we were definitely not alone. It is definitely a place for everyone, no matter your age.

Santa’s Village is full of hot chocolate, fairy lights, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, snow and plenty of Christmas cheer.

So, if you’re planning your next Christmas destination why not head to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Finland.

Are you planning a trip to Lapland? Check out this posts to help you plan your trip

The Dreamiest Hotel in the World: Arctic Treehouse Hotel Rovaniemi The Ultimate Guide to visiting Fi nnish Lapland in Winter Taking the Santa Claus Express Train to Lapland Arctic Fox Igloos: A night in luxury under the stars

Hey There……there is a very good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Winter in Rovaniemi

Whilst winter in Rovaniemi is a dream come to true and the ultimate Christmas destination you need to be prepared for two things! Number one, it is very cold. When we met Santa I mentioned how cold it was (it was minus 8 degrees) and he said it wasn’t cold. Santa things between minus 20 and minus 40 is cold.

Number 2, the day light hours are very limited. Sunrise is at about 10 am and sunset is about 2pm. Luckily, in Lapland, sunrise and sunset last longer than in other countries. We found that it was light from about 8:30 am until 3:30-4pm.

It gets very cold outside and inside it is very warm! I suggest packing lots of layers. Make sure you have a very warm jacket and some sturdy snow boots. Of course, don’t forget your beanie, scarf and gloves!!

Make sure you get some good travel insurance

Part of the excitement of visiting Lapland is participating in snow activities and these can come with some dangers. If you’re me, even just walking around on the ice and snow is a dangerous activity.

So while I would always recommend purchasing some good travel insurance, it is extra important when snow and ice are involved.

Before our four month trip around Europe we purchased travel insurance as soon as we started booking our trip.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

Where is Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

Although the rumours are that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, he actually lives in his village in Lapland, Finland.

Lapland is located in Northern Finland and the village is located in the business capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi.

To be exact, Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi is located right on the arctic circle.

How to get to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

The train between Helsinki and Lapland depart several times a day and takes about 11 hours. I suggest taking the overnight train , you board the train just before bed time and you wake up in a winter wonderland. That is of course, if you are travelling in winter!!

Little fun fact, the train from Helsinki to Lapland is called the Santa Claus Express.  You can read more about the Santa Claus Express here.

Matkahuolto  and  Onnibus  are the two main bus services in Finland. They are a great option for reaching Lapland from Helsinki but also for travelling around Lapland from town to town.

Rovaniemi is easily accessed by car. If you don’t have your own car you can  hire a car .

When driving in Lapland be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in winter and the long distances you need to drive.

The drive from Helsinki to The Arctic Treehouse Hotel Rovaniemi is about 10 hours.

Of course, you can also fly to Rovaniemi. Flights between Helsinki and Lapland go daily, flights between London and Lapland depart on Wednesdays and Sunday’s, and flights between Istanbul and Lapland depart Tuesdays, Thursday and Sundays.

To Santa Claus Village

If you arrive by train, you are staying at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel or you are in city center of Rovaniemi you can board the Santa Claus Express bus. Tickets are 3€ per person.

Unfortunately, if you land at the airport there is no public transport to the Santa Claus Village, however, you can easily catch a taxi.

Things to do at Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus village is full of excitement, Christmas cheer and it just seems to be constantly buzzing.

On first glance, it appears as though it is one big shopping area, and yes, there are plenty of shops (we will come to that in a moment) but if you look a little harder there is actually so much to do.

Santa Claus’ Post Office

On of the things we found most exciting at Santa Claus Village is visiting Santa’s Post Office. The post office is filled with elves but is still a real working post office.

The cool thing about the post office is that you can see the hundreds of letters that are mailed to Santa from all around the world

Can you see your home country?

Post a letter to yourself for next Christmas

When visiting the post office you have to send yourself a post card. All mail sent from the post office are marked with a special Arctic Circle stamp.

You can also purchase a postcard and put it in a mail box and it will be sent to you next year in time for Christmas.

Buy a few a postcards to surprise your friends and family at Christmas next year.

Visit Santa in his office

You can’t have a Christmas getaway to Lapland without visiting Santa himself. Santa is the real deal, he has his Finnish slippers, the most epic beard I have ever seen and he is so tall. I felt like such a child and sat in awe staring at Santa.

It was such a cool experience, he took the time to chat to us and to ask about our holiday and even wished our country well we were in the midst of horrific bush fire season.

You can visit Santa Claus for free but you will need to pay if you want photos or a video. We paid 40€ an digital copy of our photos and the video of our meeting with Santa.

Cross the Arctic Circle

Ever since I heard that crossing the arctic circle was a thing it has been on my bucket list. I thought to cross the Arctic Circle you would have to go to some remote part of the world.

But, how cool is it that the line of the Arctic Circle runs straight through Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi. The Arctic Circle is marked with a row of lanterns and blue lights.

Snowmobiling

Santa Claus Village also has some bigger activities that you can do such as snowmobiling . There really is something for everyone.

Experience the thrill of speeding through Arctic Circle on a snowmobile. Snowmobile rides start at 55€ for thirty minutes. There are also rides available for children – kids can ride a mini snowmobile for 20€ for 10 minutes.

Husky Safari

A trip to Lapland would not be complete without a visit to the Husky park . If taking a Husky Safari is not your thing you can just take some to play with the adorable Huskies.

However, if you are feeling adventurous you can speed through the arctic forest behind a pack of Siberian huskies. You have the choice of a 500 meter Husky ride or an 8km safari.

Reindeer Safari

It is said that there are more Reindeer in Lapland than there are people. Reindeers are really part of Lappish culture and they have been for years. To be me, Reindeers can only be seen on the front of Santa’s sleigh, so of course I had to take the chance to meet some real life Reindeer.

From the middle of Santa’s Village Rovaniemi you can go on a reindeer safari.

If you’re up for a bit of shopping or you’re wanting to pick up some souvenirs then you have plenty of options. There many shops where you can buy Christmas decorations, t-shirts, souvenirs, postcards, chocolate and traditional Lappish items.

Where to stay at Santa Claus Village

If you are after the ultimate Christmas experience you can stay right at Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi at the Santa Claus Holiday Village . There are plenty of accommodation types including cabins including a Sauna, glass igloos and treehouse cabins.

The Arctic Treehouse hotel is located 2 km down the snowy road and is the definition of luxury. We stayed one night at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel and I cannot recommend it enough.

If you are looking for a more budget option – to have a little more money to spend on experiences – I suggest booking a the Arctic Treehouse hotel or Santa Claus village for one night and then a local Airbnb for the rest of your trip.

Is a trip to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi worth it?

If you love Christmas and are looking for an amazing winter wonderland Christmas experience then you can’t go passed Santa Claus Village. It is a magical way to spend the day.

I would recommend to anyone, young or old, to visit Lapland and Santa Claus Village at least once in your life.

Have you been to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi? Let me know in the comments below

Read Next: The Dreamiest Hotel in the World: Arctic Treehouse Hotel Rovaniemi

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi – A Complete Guide

Posted on Last updated: 8 March 2024

Categories Finland

Known as Santa’s official North Pole residence, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is full of Christmas magic. Here’s the info for visiting.

Table of Contents

How To Get To Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is located about 8 km north of the capital city of Rovaniemi in Finland.

Most people choose to use public transport or book tours whilst visiting Finland, especially during the winter.

Bus number 8 runs regularly from Rovaniemi Railway Station to Santa Claus Village.

The journey takes about 20 minutes and a one way ticket is €3.60 adult/€1.80 child.

You can buy your tickets on the bus from the driver.

A taxi from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village will cost you around €25 – €30 euros.

If you do fancy driving yourself around, car hire is available at the airport and also in Rovaniemi. The drive is only 10 minutes from Rovaniemi along the main E75. There is free car parking when you arrive.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are lots more tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

One of the more popular tours that takes you to Santa Claus Village is Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village .

Santa Claus Village Entrance Fee

It is free to visit Santa Claus Village.

There are various fees for different experiences in the village.

Santa Claus Village Opening Times

Monday – Sunday: 9am to 7pm.

Best Time To Visit Santa Claus Village

The perfect time to Visit Santa Claus Village and enjoy the most activities, is when there is snow on the ground and you can get the full magical experience.

Snow usually falls in Finland between the end of November and Mid April.

Obviously Christmas time is a great time to visit for a real Christmas vibe, although I’m pretty sure Santa Claus Village maintains a Christmasy feel all year round.

Also, the Christmas holidays are going to be the busiest time to visit Santa Claus Village, so you may want to avoid this time if you don’t like crowds.

Although the sledding activities are not available in the summer, there are still plenty of outdoor rides and activities available.

If you are hoping to see the Northern Lights whilst you are there, they are usually visible between late August and early April.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Reusable Water Bottle

Knit Gloves

Best Things To Do At Santa Claus Village

You can’t go to Santa Claus Village and not meet the man himself.

It’s honestly one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi and people fly from all over the world to experience it.

Head for Christmas House where admission is free and you can sit and have a chat with the jolly big man.

Also, if you are very good, one of his friendly elves will happily take a photo to capture the moment. A great keepsake of this ‘once in a lifetime’ meeting!

Meet Mrs Claus

To see Mrs Santa Claus, you just pop across to the nearby beautiful, Christmas Cottage, located in the Reindeer Resort.

Surrounded by jolly elves, Mrs Santa Claus enjoys greeting visitors of all ages and sharing her stories about lapland.

If you like meeting the elves the Elf Hat Academy in Santa’s Village might also be fun, especially for children and the young at heart!

Mrs Santa Claus is available to meet with you daily from 1st November to 31st March between 11am and 5pm.

Meeting Santa Claus and Mrs Santa Claus is not to be missed and a fun thing to do whilst visiting the Santa Claus Village.

Visit Santa Claus Main Post Office

Also, don’t miss the Santa Claus Main Post Office. The perfect place to buy a souvenir or sit and write greetings to send home – whatever the time of year!

Once you have chosen what to send and written your messages, the Postal Elves will post your mail for you!

Moreover, if you visit in the summer and want your messages to be held until Christmas, the Postal Elves will put them into a special post box. They then get posted close to Christmas.

Stamped with the special Arctic Circle postmark, I’m sure your friends and family will love receiving your Christmas greetings.

Feed Santa’s Reindeer

Getting up close to these beautiful, gentle animals is an absolute treat. Certainly one of the best things I did during my stay in Rovaniemi.

Costing €5, the visits are available non-stop throughout the day and do not require any pre booking. For this, you get to meet the reindeer and their calves, pet them and feed them.

Reindeers favourite food is lichen and they are very happy to let you feed them this and take photos.

In addition, a friendly and knowledgeable guide will chat to you about the reindeer and reindeer herding.

So, don’t miss out on this lovely activity whilst visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

Additionally, if you enjoy meeting the local wildlife, the Ranua Zoo and Wildlife Park in Rovaniemi is home to lots of arctic animals. All of whom live in a beautifully authentic and spacious environment.

Take A Reindeer Sled Ride

During the winter months, it’s possible to have the magical experience of a reindeer sled ride through the snow covered trees at Santa Claus Village.

Prices vary depending on the length of your ride. This is great if you are on a budget as you can opt for the shorter ride to save money but still get to enjoy the experience.

It’s also possible to get a reindeer driving license and a certificate of crossing the Arctic Circle. A great souvenir of your ride and visit, especially for all the families with young children.

Other activities available at Santa Claus Village include, husky sled rides, snowmobile rides, a Magic Train ride and much more.

Visit The Moomin Shop

Santa Claus Village has a variety of shops selling handicrafts, popular Finnish brands as well as a shop selling everything Moomin!

The Moomin Shop was a real treat for me, as I am somewhat of a fan of this cute little troll family that have large noses.

These lovable characters are featured in a book series and also a comic strip by Swedish-Finn writer and illustrator Tove Jansson.

The Moomin shop in Santa Claus Village is overflowing with Moomin toys, mugs, stationary, gifts and everything Moomin. There really is something for everyone.

So, if you are a Moomin fan like me, a visit to the Moomin shop has to be one of the highlights Santa Claus Village.

Learn About The Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle is an imaginary circle around the North Pole and the northern most part of the planet.

It covers parts of eight different countries – Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and the United States.

To learn more about the Arctic circle and get yourself a photo actually crossing the geographical line, just go to the front of Santa Claus’ Office!

If you prefer everything arranged for you, the Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle tour takes you to meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle line and enjoy a Lappish-style buffet lunch.

Also, you are really interested in learning more about this are the Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi is a great option.

Dine In An Igloo

For a unique dining experience you can have dinner in one of the cosy glass igloos, located on the terrace of the Three Elves Restaurant.

The igloos are available to book from the beginning of September to the end of April every day, at 2pm, 5pm and and 8pm. (Maximum stay 2.5 hours.)

The restaurant serves a variety of local food, including reindeer burgers, grilled salmon, beetroot/cauliflower stew. As well as some delicious desserts like Lapland squeaky cheese or chocolate fondue.

With great views of the starry night sky, you might even get a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights whilst enjoying your meal.

There are also plenty of cosy restaurants and bars to stop and enjoy some delicious local food and drink.

Where To Stay In Rovaniemi

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Santa’s Igloos offer stylish glass-roofed igloos by the Arctic Circle, 5 miles from central Rovaniemi. WiFi and parking are both free.

All air-conditioned igloos at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle have a private bathroom with a rain shower. For extra comfort, sleeping masks, bathrobes and slippers are available. A flat-screen TV and electric kettle are also on offer in the rooms.

Each igloo comes with a tablet through which guest can contact the reception and receive Northern Lights alarms.

Breakfast is available daily at the property.

Arctic Light Hotel

This boutique hotel is 5 miles from Rovaniemi Airport and Santa Claus Village. It features bright, ultra-modern rooms with individually themed décor. WiFi and parking are free.

A flat-screen TV, minibar and tea/coffee facilities are standard at Arctic Light Hotel. Bathrobes and slippers add extra comfort, and some rooms have their own kitchenette. Each room has a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a bath or shower.

Facilities at Arctic Light Hotel include a sauna, a terrace and a lounge bar. Finnish-American TV chef Sara La Fountain creates the healthy, energising breakfast. Staff at the 24-hour reception will gladly recommend local restaurants, attractions or activities.

Motelli Rovaniemi

Located in Rovaniemi, Motelli Rovaniemi provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. With barbecue facilities, the property also features a garden. The property offers a shared lounge.

The units at the motel come with a flat-screen TV. Rooms are complete with a private bathroom and shower, while certain rooms at Motelli Rovaniemi also feature a terrace. All guest rooms will provide guests with a kitchen.

The accommodation offers a sun terrace.

For more places to stay in Rovaniemi, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com .

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile.

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Pin It For Later

Should You Visit Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi Finland?

Planning a visit to Santa Claus Village Finland but don’t know where to start? Here’s everything you need for visiting this Rovaniemi Christmas Village

A visit to Santa Claus Village Finland was one of our top holiday goals for experiencing Christmas in Lapland . We made the flight for a family trip to the northern capital of Rovaniemi from Canada in December. Our boys were incredibly excited aboutthe chance to meet the Finnish Santa Claus, Father Christmas. But we couldn’t have expected just how special meeting Santa at Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi would be.

Santa Claus Village isn’t the only Christmas attraction in Rovaniemi, but it is no doubt the most famous. Not only is it filled with incredible Christmas attractions, but it’s also home to the Santa Claus Main Post Office. This is where the mail from around the world sent to Santa Claus is sorted and delivered. On top of that, the sheer variety of attractions, and its convenient location make Santa’s Village Rovaniemi a top spot to experience Lapland in a weekend.

When families are looking for the best things to do in Rovaniemi, they will inevitably arrive at Santa Village at some point. Santa Claus Village is not just a Santa Claus experience though. There is far more to this destination than meets the eye. And it may not even be what you expect it to be.

What is Santa Claus Village?

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Santa Claus Village is a Christmas village tour park just north of Rovaniemi Finland in Finnish Lapland. The Santa Village itself is a series of privately run stores, attractions, and accommodations set in a Lapland holiday village setting. The village is not a theme park, and there is no admission to enter Santa Claus Village itself. However, the attractions within are privately and independently run.

Within the Lapland Santa Claus Village are many tour operators offering attractions such as snowmobiling, Northern Lights flights or safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and much more. There are countless shops offering a range of authentic Lappish crafts, Finnish souvenirs, and cheap knock-offs. The Rovaniemi Christmas village is one of the easiest places to get a taste of Finnish Christmas festivities in a fun and beautiful location.

Where is Santa Claus Village?

Santa Claus Village is in Lapland. It sits right on the Arctic Circle line. This is the southernmost latitude (66° 33) that experiences at least one full day of the polar night during the winter and one full day of the midnight sun during the summer. The Santa Village in Rovaniemi is located on HWY E4 about 10 minutes north of the city center. We rented a car with Hertz Rovaniemi , so we were able to drive ourselves.

For those with just a day or weekend in Lapland, Santa Claus Village is conveniently located within a 10-minute drive of the Rovaniemi airport. You can get to Santa Claus Village from Rovaniemi by #8 bus from within the city of Rovaniemi . You can find the bus schedule to Santa Claus Village here . Alternatively, you can catch a ride on Santa’s Express which shuttles between the Rovaniemi airport, Arctic Treehouse Hotel, and Santas Igloos Arctic Circle. You find the Santa’s Express shuttle schedule here .

What to See at Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

Santa Claus Village is easy to get around. But it can be a bit confusing and overwhelming when you first arrive. When you first arrive at the parking lot, you’ll be in front of the entrance to the Safari Center and Christmas House. Santa Claus Village Safari Center is the meeting place for most of the Rovaniemi activities that happen off-site of the Santa Claus Village. This is also where registration for Santa Claus Holiday Village, one of the on-site Santa Claus Village accommodations. Christmas House Santa is on the right as you enter, and the villas for Santa Claus Holiday Village is straight ahead. Nearly all the remaining Santa Claus Village attractions are on the left-hand side as you enter the attraction.

Santa Claus Office

Santa Claus Office in the village is considered the official place to meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. The Santa Claus Office building is the main building in Santa Claus Village Finland and it’s impossible to miss. The tall center tower is brightly lit, and the Arctic Circle line runs right through the middle of it. The building has a gift shop, but a large portion of it is dedicated to the experience of meeting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

Meeting Santa Claus At Santa Claus Office

Meeting Santa Claus at the Santa Office Rovaniemi is a treat. The lines are long, but they wind through a magical path through caves and Santa’s workshop. Kids will love the little doors and windows along the way. By looking through the keyholes, kids can see Santa’s elves working away building toys and crafts for kids around the world. Each group is given about 5-minutes with Santa in a fantastic North Pole office setting that will make a believer out of anyone.

The Santa Claus Office experience is free of charge, however, the fee for photo and video packages start at $39€. Visitors are not allowed to film or photograph the Santa experience themselves.

Santa Claus Main Post Office

Santa Claus Main Post Office is the “Official” post office of Santa Claus in Finland. The post office offers a place where visitors can send a letter to family back home or around the world with an official Santa Claus Arctic Circle stamp. Many people come to this fully functional post office with their own letters or postcards pre-written from home and get the official Arctic Circle mark for free. Please note that all mail will need the appropriate postage stamp which can also be purchased at the post office.

If you don’t have your own letters though you can purchase a variety of postcards, paper, and envelopes. Prices for postcards start at just 1 €, but you will also need to purchase postage. There is a lot of tables in a pretty setting to sit down and write your own letters to home. Our boys loved having the chance to send mail to their cousins back home to tell them about their experience.

Christmas House Santa

Christmas House Santa is another spot in Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi for visiting Santa. This Rovaniemi Santa experience tends to be for those who don’t want to wait in the line for the Santa experience at Santa Claus Office. Christmas House is a large gift shop that also includes some Christmas exhibitions. These exhibitions show visitors about Christmas celebrations around the world.

Meeting Santa At Christmas House Santa

Christmas House Santa is generally considered the “other” Santa experience at Santa Claus Village. The queues here are much shorter than those at Santa Claus Office. While Christmas House Santa doesn’t have the full experience that Santa’s office does, it has gotten great reviews from those who have visited it.

Similar to Santa Claus Office, there is no fee for visiting Santa Claus. However, if you would like to purchase the photo packages, they start at 30€. You are not allowed to take photos and videos of the experience yourself.

Arctic Circle Husky Park

Going dog-sledding in the Arctic is on many people’s bucket lists. Dog sledding is something we love to do. We’ve done it in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories , and at Mont Tremblant in Quebec . Yes, it smells like dog farts, but it’s also a whole bunch of fun. The Arctic Circle Husky park has a stable 100 Siberian Huskies who are jumping at the chance to race around the trail. The Santa Claus Village husky rides run every day of the year. You can book a shorter 500 m and 2 km (1.25 mile) rides with no prior reservation. If you want to book longer rides, it’s best to book those rides in advance.

Prices for entrance at the time of our visit: 10 €/adult, 5 €/child (4-12 years), family ticket 20 € (1-2 adults + 1-3 children). This included visiting, photographing, and petting of the Huskies. There are additional costs for the sleigh and carriage rides as well as hiking and snowshoeing with the Huskies. You can see some of their other activities here .

Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park

The Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park is the most popular mini-snowmobile experience and snowmobile safari company at Santa Claus Village. The Santa Claus Village snowmobile park has a mini-snowmobile circuit ride that allows children as young as 4 years old to learn to drive a snowmobile. Our 7-year-old, C, did a more involved experience with Access Lapland while we were looking for things to do in Rovaniemi . But, at 5-years-old, our youngest, D, was too young for that snowmobile experience.

The cost for a 10 minute series of laps around the circuit is 20 €. D was nervous getting on. But, by the time he was finished his first lap, he was trying to coax every ounce of speed out of his snowmobile as possible. Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park also offers longer and more involved Lapland snowmobile experience. These snowmobile adventures range in length from 30-minutes up to full-day programs. You can find their full list of offerings here .

If you have a passion for snowmobiles, you can also check out Santa’s House of Snowmobiles . This is the Arctic Circle Snowmobile museum that showcases the history of snowmobiles in Lapland. Santa’s House of Snowmobiles is at the far end of the park near the Husky Park. In 2019 there was no entrance fee for the museum.

Santa Claus Reindeer Sleigh Rides

If you’re looking for animal attractions, Santa Claus Reindeer Sleigh Rides is one of the most popular activities in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Santa Claus Reindeer offers 400 m and 1 km sleigh rides with Santa’s reindeer. The longer 1 km reindeer rides take you on a loop through the snow-covered Lappish forests surrounding Santa’s village. The 400 m ride runs on a small track near the edge of the village around some the buildings.

Santa Claus Reindeer offers longer, more in-depth experiences at their other location just south of Rovaniemi. You can see their other tours here . The experiences there are much closer to the Lapland reindeer sleigh rides that we did near the town of Saariselka during our Christmas in Finnish Lapland tour . If there is no snow, the Santa Claus reindeer experience runs on wagons rather than sleighs. However, during the summer months, there are no rides. However, it is still possible to meet the reindeer for a small fee.

Other Things To Do At Santa Claus Village Finland

The above are the top things to do at Santa Claus Village Finland, but there are more things to check out as well. Here are some other Santa Claus Village things to do that you might want to consider depending on how much time you have in the area.

Santa Claus Village Lapland Shopping

Santa Claus Village Lapland is primarily set up like an outdoor mall. It’s a pretty mall, but it’s still a mall. Every corner of Santa Claus’ village has been converted into a trinket shop, store, or gift shop. While this does take away from the intimacy that many people are hoping for when they visit Santa’s village, it also makes for some excellent shopping. There is no better one-stop shop for Lapland souvenirs.

You can find everything from handmade knives, antler crafts, t-shirts, artwork, and much, much more in the shops at Santa Claus Village. But, buyer beware. For every authentic Lappish handicraft for sale here, there are 5 cheap knock-offs. If you are looking for something special, make sure you talk to the shopkeepers.

Snowman World Winter Zone

Snowman World Winter Zone has been dubbed the best playground in Santa Claus Village. This winter wonderland is packed with ice slides, snow tubing, ice skating, and lots of snowmen. The 25€ admission to Snowman World gives you access and equipment for all of the activities. Children under 3 are free of charge. The entrance fee to Snowman World also includes access to the Instagrammable ice bar and ice restaurant that are filled with beautiful ice and snow sculptures. You can see all of their attractions here .

SantaPark is a proper theme park set up as the “official workshop for Santa’s Elves”. Where Santa Claus Village is a mall, SantaPark is an immersive Christmas-themed experience that shouldn’t be missed. We spent more time at Santa Park than we did at Santa Claus’ village and had a blast.

From Santa Claus Village it’s just a short drive to SantaPark. And there are regular shuttles to SantaPark as well.

Crossing The Arctic Circle Again And Again And Again

We’ve crossed the Arctic circle countless times. But there’s always something thrilling about crossing this invisible border. Because the Arctic Circle runs right through Santa Claus Office in Santa Claus Village, you can cross as often as you would like. The line is well lit with a series of posts topped by a blue string of lights. But you still couldn’t miss it. Just look for all the families photographing themselves jumping or running across it!

Where To Stay At Santa Claus Village

Because of the Lapland Santa Claus Village’s proximity to Rovaniemi, it’s very easy to stay in the city and make a day trip out to the park. However, if you want to make the most of your Santa Claus Village experience, there are a few unforgettable places to stay in Santa Claus Village that are worth experiencing. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of being able to explore the village at night when no one is around, but the lights and music are still playing.

You can also check out our full list of the best hotels for families in Rovaniemi here .

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

One of the unique hotels near Santa Claus Village is Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle. These glass-roofed accommodations offer the chance to experience the Northern Lights in Lapland. If you’re an insomniac, you can stay here in the summer as well. You can check out the prices and availability of Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle  here .

Santa Claus Holiday Village

For those looking for a cozy Arctic experience, Santa Claus Holiday Village is the place for you. Santa Claus Holiday Village offers a selection of cottages and suites that are perfect for couples or families looking for Santa Claus Village accommodations. You can even schedule a visit from Santa to drop gifts off to your cottage. You can check the prices and availability of Santa Claus Holiday Village here .

Snowman World Glass Resort

Snowman World doesn’t just offer a great winter park at Santa Village Lapland. They also offer gorgeous luxury Lapland accommodations. Their glass-walled apartments give amazing views of the Arctic skies. You can even chill out in one of their hot tub units to enjoy the Aurora. The superior rooms include a living area, kitchenette, upper loft with glass-ceiling and a private hot tub and sauna. You can check the pricing and availability here .

Where To Eat At Santa Claus Village

There are a lot of great options for food at Santa Claus Village. We had a load of leftovers so opted for a winter picnic lunch. But there is food for nearly every taste. Rakas Restaurant and Bar is a popular spot selling local Scandinavian dishes. You can check out their menu here . If you have a big appetite, you can eat at Nova Skyland’s lunch buffet .

For those who opt to visit Snowman World, a pricey, but unforgettable restaurant is the Snowman World ice restaurant . There are few places more beautiful. Otherwise, you can visit the Santa Claus’ Salmon Palace in the wooden teepee near the Santa Claus Village parking lot (near the sign with all the city distance markers) to pick up some fire-grilled salmon dishes. They don’t offer much variety, but they are experts at what they do make.

When Is The Best Time to Visit Santa’s Christmas Village?

Santa Claus’ Christmas Village is open year-round. It has the busiest season at the Christmas Holidays. However, Lapland is a beautiful year-round destination, so expect crowds throughout the year. There is no bad time to visit here, although if you have specific expectations, you may want to schedule around those.

For viewing the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is October-November and March-April. The rest of the year is either too bright or generally cloudy. If you want the full-on winter-Christmas experience, head to Santa’s Village in December-January when temperatures drop and the snow has had a chance to accumulate. If you aren’t a winter person or are coming from a destination that doesn’t experience the deep chill of Arctic winter, you may feel more comfortable here during the summertime when temperatures can reach the mid-30s (Celsius) and the sun stays up deep into the night.

Final Thoughts On The Lapland Christmas Village

Santa Claus Village is a beautiful place. It’s set up as a magical village, and on the surface, it pulls that off. The village is spacious, bright, filled with fun sounds and music, and beautifully lit. There are some great attractions here that make it very easy for people to get a good taste for what the amazing Lapland activities and culture are like.

Santa Claus Village doesn’t offer the most extensive version of each attraction. But, if you are looking for one place where you can do it all as stress-free as possible, this is the place for you. There is simply no other Christmas village in Lapland where you can do this much this easily.

Have you ever visited Santa Claus Village in Lapland? Tell us about it in the comments or swing by our Facebook Page and share a photo of your trip. We would love to share in your travels!

Disclosure: This post was made possible by the support of Visit Rovaniemi . Our views remain our own. Wandering Wagars is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Susan Decoteau-Ferrier

Thursday 31st of January 2019

This looks absolutely magical, especially for kids!!

Kevin Wagar

It is certainly a thrill for families. Although there were many couples traveling through as well!

Lara Dunning

Wednesday 30th of January 2019

This sounds like a kids Christmas paradise! I'd love to do the reindeer and husky rides. Totaly family bucket list experience.

It's a winter wonderland Lara!

James McDonald

Wednesday 16th of January 2019

We were there between 19-23 Dec18. Absolutely amazing place to see and even better as it started to get dark. My 6yr old twins loved it and Santa too time to speak properly with both of them. Happy Memories made for life with my kids. The only thing we never seen was the Northern lights. I recommend going into the Moomin Castle as it has brilliant things to see. If I was to try and sum this place up in 1 word it would be "MAGICAL" . McDonalds from Scotland. Thanks Santa.

Astrid Vinje

Tuesday 15th of January 2019

Ooh, what a cool place! It reminds me of this town called Leavenworth, right near Seattle in the United States! I'm glad that it's open all year round. It's a great way to keep the Christmas spirit alive.

It definitely has the feel of Leavenworth. It's all about keeping that Christmas magic going year-round.

How exciting! Would have been such a thrill visiting this as a kid. Now I hope to take my daughter there some day!

If you love a day of fun-filled activities and you don't mind a little bit of cold, your whole family will love it!

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Santa Claus Village Lapland: Activities & Things to Do

Meeting the "man in the red suit" is a magical moment of whimsical fun that makes for enduring childhood memories. This is why, for children and adults alike, visiting Santa Claus Village in Lapland is a magical experience.

Whether you’re planning an adventurous trip or a family getaway to Lapland, read on to learn more about Santa Claus Village activities and highlights. We’ve put together this short guide to give you some inspiration and helpful information to plan your visit to Santa.

• Browse vacation packages to Santa’s Village, Lapland
• Related:  Lapland for grown-ups: Why Lapland isn’t just for kids

What is the Santa Claus Village?

Santa Claus Village is known as Father Christmas’ official residence in the Arctic Circle. It’s the place to visit to meet him, Mrs Claus, the elves and the reindeer. Expect plenty of fun activities and Christmas spirit!

Where is the Santa Claus Village?

The North Pole, of course!

Okay, you don’t have to go quite so far to visit the official residence of Santa Claus. You only have to travel to the north of Finland, to a region called Lapland. The village is located just inside the Arctic Circle, around 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Rovaniemi.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and considered to be the official hometown of Santa.

When is the best time to visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi?

The village is open all year round, so you could visit whenever suits you best. For the ultimate winter getaway, we recommend a Lapland trip in December , January , February or March . At this time, you can expect a blanket of snow over the stunning landscape.

Visit in the weeks leading up to Christmas to get in the festive spirit. Or how about bringing your children to meet Santa Claus on that special day of the year? It’ll make for a Christmas to remember, that’s for sure!

• Look up Christmas tour packages in Lapland
• Related:  7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

What to do in Santa Claus Village?

First, meet the "big man in red" himself either at the Santa Claus Office or the Christmas House. Make sure to check the opening hours before your visit so you don’t miss him.

Then, pop by Santa’s Post Office to send postcards home to friends and family. The cards will even have the special Arctic Circle postmark. From here, you can also request a letter from Santa to be sent on time for Christmas.

Visit Mrs Claus at her Christmas Cottage where you can meet elves and hear stories about Lapland and Christmas traditions.  Finally, you could also do some shopping for souvenirs or tasty treats and handicraft from local artisans. 

• Check these trips to Rovaniemi  or   Kemi tours in Lapland .
• Related: Chrsitmas in Lapland – Your complete guide

Outdoor activities

As well as these Christmassy activities, there’s plenty of other things to dig your teeth into at the Santa Claus Holiday Village. Not just literally at the many restaurants, cafés and bars, but with fun Arctic rides.

Visit the Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park to take on a snowmobiling excursion in the Lappish wilderness. These are guided tours so you can take in the scenery from a different perspective.

Then why not try reindeer and husky rides? Dog sledding is a traditional mode of winter transport in Lapland, so this is a must-do. Meet the huskies at the kennel and get a brief lesson before trying mushing with your own sled.

If you opt for a reindeer ride, you’ll learn more about reindeer herding and Sami culture before travelling through the snowy woods.

• Browse these Lapland tours with dog sledding
• Enjoy a variety of thrilling outdoor activities as part of a Lapland holiday package

Other fun things to do in Lapland

If you’re staying in Rovaniemi or the nearby town of Kemi, there is a range of other exciting activities to experience. Add one or more of the following to your itinerary to make the most of your Arctic adventure:

• Explore the Ranua Wildlife Park
• Go hunting for the northern lights
• Visit the Arktikum Museum
• Take a tour or stay at the Arctic SnowHotel
• Warm up in a Finnish sauna
• Explore the ice and snow hotel packages in Lapland
• Related: Best ice hotels in Finland

You can cancel your Christmas plans at home and start planning a top winter getaway to Lapland instead with these Santa Claus Village holidays .

Our Finnish Lapland tour packages are partially guided, meaning you’ll have some booked activities as well as time to explore on your own. This is a good balance to make the most of your adventure.

When you book a trip with Nordic Visitor, you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Your dedicated travel expert will take care of all the details for you, from arranging your accommodation to booking your activities. They’ll make sure your itinerary suits you personally.

During your time in Lapland, you also benefit from our 24/7 helpline. Should you need support, you have the peace of mind that we’re only a call away.

Get in touch with our Scandinavian experts to start planning your trip to Lapland. Finland awaits!

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Finland in Winter: What to Do & Where to Go

Lapland for grown-ups: why lapland isn’t just for kids, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter.

Everything about Santa Claus Village in Finland (by a Local)

Everything you need to know about visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. Here are our tips as locals to help you get the best out of your trip.

*We use ads so we can pay for our travels and continue to bring you free travel advice. We also use affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Santa Claus Village is truly a magical place! We have visited multiple times both in winter and summer time, and we have always had so much fun. Kids love it, adults love it, and if nothing else, you will find yourself in true Christmas spirit. Or if you get very lucky you might even see a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi , in Finnish Lapland . It is a quite remote place in the northern part of the country, right at the Artic Circle . Rovaniemi is over 500 miles (833 kilometres) from the capital city of Finland , Helsinki .

Lapland is home to the indigenous Sami people who have been inhabiting the area for thousands of years. Their culture and traditions can be seen in many ways in Lapland, especially in reindeer herding. You might hear them speaking the Sámi language, which is an officially recognized language in Finland. The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish.

Here are some answers to common questions about visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi:

How to get to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

As I mentioned earlier, Rovaniemi is a quite remote place and located in a less populated area of Finland. However, there are many ways to get there depending on your budget.

I would first check if there are any airlines flying directly to Rovaniemi Airport from your country. Or if you are planning to explore Finnish Lapland further, you might be flying to Kittilä , Ivalo or Kuusamo . Most people end up flying to Helsinki and from there to Rovaniemi as the flight time is only about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Another way to get to Rovaniemi from Helsinki is by train. The train ride however, is very long. The normal train will take you there in 8.5 hours, but most people choose the Santa Claus Express which is a night train. The night train takes about 12 hours, but you can get a cabin with a bed and sleep the whole way. If you have a car, you can even bring it with you on the train.

Trains and airplanes in Finland are quite comfortable and mostly run on time. Sometimes during the winter the extremely cold weather might cause some delays. Trains usually have a separate car for kids to play as well as a restaurant car.

When booking a train ticket, make sure to choose the direct train with no transfers, so you don’t have to drag your luggage in and out of the train. Also, you are better off booking your train ticket as early as possible as VR (the local railway company) has adopted a new pricing policy where the tickets now cost more, closer to departure.

Many locals drive to Rovaniemi, but it takes over 10 hours from Helsinki without including any stops. If you are driving during the winter, the speed limits are slower than at summer, and the roads can be icy especially in Lapland. Oh, and watch out for the reindeer on the road! Rental cars are available both in Helsinki and Rovaniemi.

Things to do at Santa Claus Village in Finland

Visit santa.

Isn’t that why we all go there? Santa meets people in his office at the main building of Santa Claus Village. He is there everyday from 9 AM to 6 PM. The hallway leading to Santa’s Office has many things to see. They have decorations, presents and little peak holes on the walls for kids. It’s so fun and exciting for kids!

Meeting Santa in his office is free of charge, but they do sell a photo package after the visit. On our first visit we did purchase the package, but the last time, we chose just to get one photo. The photos were good quality and the package had several of them with the whole family and also just Santa with our kids. It also included some general photos of Santa’s Village and a video of us meeting him.

Meeting Santa has always been very pleasant. We didn’t feel rushed at all, even though the line behind us was long. Santa asked us many questions and we did manage to give our Christmas list to him too. Now, we are just waiting for him to come visit us!

Walk over the Artic Circle line

Santa Claus Village sits right on top of the Arctic Circle at latitude 66°33′45.9″. So one can literally just walk over the Arctic Circle line while visiting Santa. If you visit SantaPark located right next to Santa Claus Village, you will be able to cross the Arctic Circle underground and get a diploma as proof that you did it.

Send a postcard

Santa Claus Village has a post office where you can mail cards and get them stamped with a special Artic Circle postage stamp. It’s a great way to surprise family and friends back home.

I have also heard of people stamping their actual passports with the Artic Circle stamp. It sounds very cool, but I don’t recommend it. Some countries are very specific that passports not have anything in them but official stamps from border control, and might deny you entry based on the extra stamps.

shop some souvenirs

There are many little shops and souvenir stores in Santa’s Village. You can buy things like t-shirts and magnets, but also local crafts and foods. Popular items are reindeer skins, bells and things made out of reindeer horn. If you want to take home some local treats, then Fazer chocolates and candies are the best!

Underneath Santa’s office there is a shop where elves sell all kinds of cute Christmas decorations. And if you like Finnish design, then you should stop at the Iittala , Pentik and Marimekko stores.

Try out Finnish delicacies

There are quite a few restaurants in Santa’s Village to choose from. You can find anything from pizza to Asian food with both casual and fine dining options. Vegetarian food is not difficult to find either and gluten free or lactose free food is served in almost every restaurant.

Some local dishes are reindeer stew or fried vendace served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. You can even find a reindeer burger which is quite delicious! A traditional dessert is oven baked cheese served warm with cloudberries.

The tip is always included on the bill in Finland and the service staff gets paid fairly well compared to most other countries. So in general, you don’t have to tip, but if you are super happy with the service, then the staff will for sure appreciate it.

Pet a reindeer

After meeting Santa and crossing the Arctic Circle, you should head behind the buildings at Santa’s Village and go meet the reindeer. Elf’s Farmyard has many animals such as reindeer, alpacas, sheep, goats and rabbits. You can pet reindeer and also book a forest walk together with them. Or the kids can go riding with ponies.

Santa Claus Reindeer Resort is also a great place to see reindeer and is located right behind Santa’s Office just like Elf’s Farmyard. They offer different kinds of reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobile safaris. For a small fee, you can also pet and take photos with reindeer if you are not interested in the sleigh rides.

Reindeer are fairly calm and docile animals who often let people pet them. While driving around Finnish Lapland, you can sometimes see hundreds of reindeer as they herd freely around the northern parts of Finland.

Ride huskies

Husky rides are a popular activity in Finnish Lapland and there are couple different places at Santa Claus Village to find them. Both Artic Circle Husky Park and Bear Hill Husky Rides organise unforgettable experiences with sleigh rides, hikes and kennel visits. Bear Hill Husky Rides has Alaskan Huskies and Artic Circle Husky Park has Siberian Huskies.

If you want to experience both; reindeer and huskies, this tour is the best!

Meet Mrs. Claus

Behind Santa Claus Village and Santa Claus Reindeer Resort is Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage . There you can meet Mrs. Claus, chat with her and purchase a photo taken together with her.

Mrs. Claus Cottage has a small entrance fee and it is recommended to book your visit before in advance. The cottage is open from November to April. You can make a reservation here .

Visit SantaPark

SantaPark is actually not part of Santa Claus Village, but I want to mention it because we enjoyed it quite a bit. It is a theme park built underground in a huge cavern. There is a fee to get in, but it includes unlimited time to explore everything they have. And I totally thought it was worth the money.

Some of the attractions are the Magic Train, Elf School and Elf Show, crossing the Arctic Circle underground, meeting the Ice Princess at the Ice Gallery, decorating cookies with Mrs. Gingerbread and doing crafts at Elf’s Workshop. Santa Claus himself is of course there too, and they have their own Post Office.

Read more about our visit to SantaPark .

There is so much to do in Finnish Lapland and Santa’s Village is only a small part of it. The most popular activities are husky safaris, northern lights tours and reindeer sleigh rides. Oh, and snow mobiling for sure! Rovaniemi has great trails for snowshoeing and they even have a huge snow hotel you can visit. Arctic SnowHotel has things like an Ice Restaurant, Ice Chapel and even a snow sauna!

This is where you can check out the northern lights forecast .

Best time to visit Santa’s Village

Winter, and especially December must be the most popular time to visit Santa Claus Village. With all the snow and Christmas right around the corner, it is definitely the most magical time at Santa’s office. But it is also the busiest. We did it once and the line to see Santa was TWO HOURS long!

Above the Artic Circle line you can experience a phenomena called Polar night ( kaamos in Finnish), when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon at all. At its longest extent, the Polar night lasts for 52 days, depending on what part of Lapland one is in. So if you are visiting during winter, prepare yourself for the darkness.

January, February and March are also great times to visit. The days will start to get longer and the sun will even come up during the day. There are less tourists which is lovely. And, these are great months for seeing the Northern Lights!

Spring time in Lapland is nice. Even though the sun is up and it’s getting warmer, the last snow doesn’t melt until May. You might still be able to go skiing. Hiking trails are slowly opening and you can see the nature coming back to life after the long, cold winter.

Spring time is probably the slowest time in Lapland when it comes to tourism, so you might get Santa all to yourself.

There are pros and cons to visiting Santa’s Village at summertime. We have been there at least two or three times during summer and it has been great. There are less tourists, no lines and the hotels are much cheaper. June is especially beautiful, because instead of polar night, it is now the opposite: Midnight sun.

Summer of course, is not as Christmassy as winter, but Santa’s Village is always special. It’s warm and the nature in Lapland is just beautiful. It is definitely my favorite time of the year, but be prepared to meet the local air force: mosquitos!

Fall is my least favorite time in Finland, because it is very dark and rainy. However, in Lapland the fall is beautiful. Many people travel there just to be in the nature and see the foliage. The forests are full of blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries and mushrooms, and by Finnish law, everyone has the right to pick them. Don’t forget to bring your rain boots!

What to wear in Finland at winter

The winters in Finnish Lapland can be quite harsh depending on the year. The northern part of Finland usually gets snow at the end of October and it doesn’t start melting until April or May. Temperatures can be anything from 0C to -35C (from 32F to -31F) so bring your warmest clothes with you!

Use layers under your other clothes. As a base layer Finns often use thermal underwear with long sleeves. If you are unable to get thermal underwear, leggings will also do the job. As a mid layer we use warm fleece or wool shirts and sweat pants. This is the layer that other people will see when you go inside and remove your jacket. Your outer layer should be a warm, water proof jacket and pants, or overalls.

The locals often use wool socks (villasukka) inside their shoes to keep their toes warm. They are hand knitted and you can find many different designs sold even at Santa’s Village. On top of their regular gloves they might pull wool mittens (lapanen) or insulated mittens. They are perfect for the cold weather and snow play.

Kids are especially vulnerable to get frostbite, so pay extra attention to their little fingers, toes and ears. When the weather is very cold you can lift the scarf to cover most of their face and add a hoodie, or a second hat on their head. This helps since people lose about 80% of their body heat through their head.

If you are planning a tour such as snowmobiling or dog sledding, they often give you warm overalls to wear.

How much time is needed to the visit Santa’s Village

Santa’s Village is not huge, but you can easily spend a whole day there. Especially during the busiest time, you should be prepared for a wait to see Santa, and sometimes even restaurants too. If you are not interested in the shops at Santa’s Village then half a day might be enough for you.

If you are planning to do all the activities like the reindeer walk, or a visit to SantaPark, it’s better to reserve a whole day at Santa’s Village. You came all this way to meet Santa, so allow yourself some time to explore without being in a rush.

Where to stay at Rovaniemi

There are many great hotels in downtown Rovaniemi. I would recommend Arctic Light Hotel and Arctic City Hotel . We have also stayed at Scandic Pohjanhovi and it was a very nice, basic hotel with a great complimentary breakfast. If you like shopping or exploring restaurants then it is better to stay downtown.

If you want to stay closer to Santa’s Village though, then Santa Claus Holiday Village is perfect! We stayed there one winter and absolutely loved it. They have little cottages that have two separate apartments. We stayed in one and my brother’s family stayed in the other apartment, so we basically had the whole cottage to ourselves.

Most apartments at Santa Claus Holiday Village are for four people but they do have a family suite which accommodates five guests. Every unit has a kitchenette which is great when you are traveling with kids. And the best part is that they all have a sauna. What a luxury! It is part of Finnish culture and something you should try out for sure.

When staying at Santa Claus Holiday Village you can walk to Santa’s Village and restaurants over there in five minutes. The parking is free and their front desk is always open.

If you want to experience something very special then you should try out the Glass Resort . It is located behind Santa Claus Holiday Village, so very close to Santa Claus Village as well. Their apartments have glass walls and ceilings, and are perfect for spotting the Northern Lights! Each unit also has a private sauna and an outdoor hot tub.

Stay right at Santa’s Village! This was our favourite accommodation .

Santa Claus Village in Finland is definitely a place our kids will not forget! We are lucky that we are able to visit there often and enjoy the magic of Christmas no matter what time of the year it is. Meeting Santa is always very special!

Have you been to Santa Claus Village or planning to go? What are your thoughts of it?

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Paula Gaston is an award winning travel blogger, a hospitality management teacher, and the founder of Gone with the Gastons. With a rich background encompassing roles as an educator and consultant within the hospitality industry, as well as in marketing, Paula is not only a devoted mother but also an enthusiastic globetrotter.

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Arctic Circle is my favorite in Finland. You made a great post and presented gorgeous photos. Thank you. Have a good day! Matti

Thank you Matti!

Hi Paula! First of all well done for the blog it’s really nice! Would you recommend a place to have a dinner ( specially a traditional Finnish!) in the centre of Rovaniemi that is not for tourist and overpriced?

Thank you Fernanda.

Hi Fernanda! Thanks for checking out my blog, I’m so glad you like it! There are plenty of restaurants at Rovaniemi that serve traditional Finnish food and the delicates of Lapland, like reindeer. Fish in different forms is popular and I personally would recommend to try smoked fish. Also salmon soup is a traditional dish. Nature is often seen in the menu, since anyone can freely pick up berries and mushroom from the forests. With reindeer, they often serve lingonberries and mushed potatoes, and if you get a change to try out some oven baked squeaky cheese, it often comes with cloudberries. Finns also eat a lot of rye bread. The closer you get to Santa’s Village or Lapland, the more expensive food gets. You could try restaurants like Nili or Artic Boulevard, but if you really want to try something that locals recommend (and is not so pricey), I would go to Ravintola Roka Bistro. They have both international and Finnish foods. Here is a link to their website. http://www.ravintolaroka.fi/en

I hope you enjoy your visit!

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Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle

Magical year-round Christmas Experience in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Rovaniemi is The Official Hometown of Santa Claus , and therefore it is only natural that there is also a small village full of magical Christmas atmosphere in the Arctic Circle.

You can spend a memorable day visiting Santa Claus Village or stay overnight. Santa Claus Village is one of the main attraction and places to visit during wintertime in Rovaniemi, Lapland.

3 facts and tips

• Did you know? Santa Claus Village is visited by more than half a million people every year
• Where is it located? Nearby Rovaniemi City Centre, about 8 km from center at the Arctic Circle.
• How to get to the Santa Claus Village? Bus 8 is taking visitors from City Centre to the Santa Claus Village. Many tours also include a pick-up.

All year round Christmas feeling

The Arctic Circle’s wide range of services has something for all ages and different travel budgets. Please note that not all services are open all year round and some of the activities or services only work during the snowy season or only during the Christmas season.

Santa Claus spends his time in Santa Claus Village year-round and welcomes visitors every day.

Wake up your Christmas spirit

A leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit and decorated Santa Claus Village square while Christmas carols are playing, will surely bring a smile to your face and guarantee that the Christmas spirit will take over. Wander through the alleys to look and admire, stop at the restaurants and cafes serving local delicacies or stop by the boutiques to admire Finnish design and handicrafts.

For all lovers of the Christmas magic, a visit to Santa Claus Village is a dream come true.

4 free attractions

• Cross the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle line is clearly marked in the central square.
• Santa Claus welcomes visitors every day. You can visit Santa Claus for free.
• Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is an attraction in itself and you can visit there to marvel at, for example, the letters sent to Santa Claus. If you wish, you can send mail to your loved ones with the special stamp which is only available at the Arctic Circle.
• In Santa Claus Village you will also find the historic Roosevelt Cottage. The Roosevelt Cottage was completed on June 11, 1950, and it became the first attraction of Santa Claus Village.

Santa Claus Office

Santa Claus Office is the official place to meet Santa in Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle.

Santa Claus’ Main Post Office

Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is the only official post office of Santa Claus. Here you can feel the Christmas spirit every day of the year and be served by the merry post office elves in several languages!

70th anniversary of Roosevelt Cottage, the very first building of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, is today one…

In Santa Claus Main Post Office all letters and cards are stamped with a special Santa Claus postage stamp! Santa Claus Main Post Office Elf

Accommodation in Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Holiday Village

From a classic rooms to families suites build in Lapish cottage style for sure you can find room which will suites your needs.

Johka – Arctic Villas

Stay in our cosy arctic villas and enjoy wonderful Lappish athmosphere!

Nova Skyland Hotel

Nestled in the serene nature of Lapland, Nova Skyland hotel offers a unique experience in high-quality lodgings with friendly and attentive service.

Santa’s Luxury Boutique Villa / Apartments

Modern design and exclusive comfort in the heart of Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, right next to the Santa Claus Office, yet in a quiet spot.

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

The Arctic TreeHouse hotel provides a unique blend of luxury comfort in the heart of Arctic nature, local Lappish traditions and modern Scandinavian design.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, 71 luxurious, spacious glass igloos, reception and Restaurant Arctic Eye are located at the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi.

Glass Resort

Luxury accommodation in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Glass Resort offers a glass igloo type accommodation with more space and luxury feel with private outdoor Hot Spa and Sauna.

Restaurants in Santa Claus Village

Restaurant Arctic Eye

Restaurant Arctic Eye in Rovaniemi offers tastes of Lapland and the North, with an international twist.

Restaurant Gallis

The Glass Restaurant offers pure northern ingredients and flavors of Lapland in an atmospheric and unique setting at the Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi.

Three Elves Restaurant

Three Elves Restaurant offers Lappish cuisine every day of the year. It is situated right at the Arctic Circle, in Santa Claus Village.

Glass igloos – Private Dining in Three Elves Restaurant

If you are looking for a unique place to enjoy an unforgettable meal with your friends, come and enjoy the dinner in our glass igloo.

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi is a charming lunch restaurant located right in Rovaniemi in the well-known Santa Claus Village, just in the backyard of Santa Claus Office.

Café Ensilumi in Snowman World

Café Ensilumi is a warm, peaceful, cozy and spacious café located next to the reception of Snowman World, right next to Santa Claus Village’ Main Square.

Daily fresh coffee, cake and brunch in cozy and friendly atmosphere.

Snow Restaurant in Snowman World

The Snow Restaurant, which is rebuilt every year, is an attraction itself. Snow carvings, amazing lighting and snow and ice sculptures provide you with a feast for the eyes during daily lunch and dinner.

Nova Skyland Hotel and Restaurant

Nova Skyland restaurant serves modern Lappish meals prepared with local ingredients.

Santa’s Pizza & Burger

Santa’s Pizza & Burger is a traditional fast food restaurant in the Arctic Circle. Our menu consists of delicious pizzas and hamburgers made with our own special recipe.

Rakas Restaurant & Bar

Rakas Restaurant & Bar charms with its unique ambiance and menu of meals made from local ingredients prepared with a modern twist.

Ice bar in Snowman World

Inside of Snowman World you can find the coolest bar of Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi!

Santamus Restaurant

At Santamus you can enjoy local culinary creations and be entertained with unforgettable gold panning program

Sights and attractions in Santa Claus Village

SantaPark – the Home Cavern of Santa Claus

Underneath the Arctic Circle, deep beneath the ground, lies Santa’s secret cavern where it’s Christmas all year round!

Santa’s Pets Visit

Meet domestic animals next to the Santa Claus Office. Tickets are valid all day!

Entrance to Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage

Meet Mrs. Santa Claus in her Christmas Cottage

Entrance ticket to Snowman World

Entrance ticket to Snowman World – day ticket

Santa Claus Reindeer

Reindeer rides and experiences with Santa´s reindeer in Santa Claus Village all year round.

Husky Park visit

Come and see the life in Husky Park! You can take photos, visit our beautiful park and meet the genuine Siberian Huskies.

Activities in Santa Claus Village

Arctic Circle Highlights by Minibus

Enjoy a full day of arctic experiences in Rovaniemi with the huskies and reindeers, visit Santa Claus himself, and make unforgettable memories in Rovaniemi!

Cultural e-Fatbike Tour around Rovaniemi & Santa Claus Village

Discover Rovaniemi cultural heritage on an electric biking trip around the city to the Santa Claus! This guided tour on electric fatbikes offers you the opportunity to learn about Rovaniemi while enjoying a gentle outdoor ride in summer / autumn!

Santa Claus Safari 1.12.-6.1., Rovaniemi

An arctic family day of snow fun activities and reindeer sleigh riding completed with meeting Santa

Arctic Delight – Visit to Santa’s Village and snowmobiling to reindeer farm

Discover the secrets of Santa Claus and the reindeer on visit to Santa Claus Village by car and reindeer farm by snowmobile!

Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony

Fascinating ceremony at the Arctic Circle

Autumn Delight – Visit to reindeer, husky and Santa Claus

Discover the secrets of Santa Claus and visit the husky and reindeer farms

Elf Hat Academy in Santas Village

Welcome to the Elf Hat Academy, located near Santa’s main office in the Arctic Circle. Learn the elf wisdom and graduate as an elf in this interactive show!

Story of Finnish Christmas

A Christmas experience where you get to explore finnish christmas traditions and enjoy an unforgettable horse sleigh ride.

Rovaniemi 2 days Adventure Package

Join us for the Rovaniemi 2 day adventure package! Experience the most sought-after Rovaniemi activities from your to-do list!

Santa Claus Safari Summer, Rovaniemi

A joyful day including riverboat cruise to a local reindeer farm and by car to handicraft workshop and Santa Claus Village

Trip to Arctic Circle, Santa Claus’ Village, Santa’s Reindeer and Elf’s Farm Yard

Must in Rovaniemi! During the trip we cross the magical Arctic Circle and visit Santa Claus’ Village where is Christmas all year round!

Husky and Reindeer Farm Visit With Snowmobiling

Experience Reindeer, Huskies, and an Adrenaline-Packed Snowmobile Safari!

The Hidden Place of Santa

Experience the Christmas atmosphere with whole family!

Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour – Summer

The highlight tour takes you to the most unique sights in Rovaniemi. Visit genuine Reindeer and Husky Farms, meet Santa himself in the Santa Claus Village and get your certificate for crossing into the Arctic Circle.

Santa Village and the arctic circle

Let’s go to the most memorable and extraordinary place in Finnish Lapland. To the magical town of Santa Claus to meet the real Santa

Traditional Finnish Christmas Eve, 4 hours (Private Tour)

Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Sauna, Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.

Christmas is Coming! 3 hours (Private Tour)

Experience the excitement of the arriving Christmas and its activities in a traditional way only with your own family.

Santa Claus Safari 7.1.-7.4., Rovaniemi

An arctic day of snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh riding completed with meeting Santa

Summer Delight – Visit to reindeer, husky and Santa Claus

Discover the secrets of Santa Claus and visit the husky and reindeer farms.

Photoshoot in Santa Claus Village

This winter, you have a chance to record your visit in Santa Claus Village by a professional photographer!

Rovaniemi City & Santa Claus Village Tour

Rovaniemi city tour with most popular sightseeings and guided Santa Claus Village tour

Santa Village & Arctic Animals Combo Adventure

What would you do if you wanted to experience an ultimate winter adventure? Well, of course, you would visit Santa’s village and try husky and reindeer sleigh rides!

Private Rovaniemi city & Santa Claus Village Tour

Get to know Rovaniemi city and meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village on family-friendly private tour.

Finnish Christmas with Santa Claus, 3 hours (Private Tour)

Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.

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Santa Claus Village

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Arctic Delight - Visit to Santa's Village and snowmobiling to reindeer farm (From £189.26)
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• Excursion To Santa Claus Village (From £56.58)
• City Tour And Santa Claus Village (From £60.71)
• Arctic Circle Highlights Family Day By Minibus (From £147.97)
• (0.09 mi) Santa Claus Holiday Village
• (0.13 mi) Glass Resort
• (0.14 mi) Nova Skyland Hotel
• (0.38 mi) Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle
• (0.05 mi) Santa's Luxury Boutique Villa / Apartments
• (0.02 mi) Cafe- Restaurant Napatapuli
• (0.03 mi) Loft Cocktail Lounge
• (0.07 mi) Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi
• (0.09 mi) Three Elves Restaurant
• (0.18 mi) Santa's Salmon Place
• (0.01 mi) Christmas House Santa
• (0.01 mi) Santa Claus Office
• (0.02 mi) Valley Shop
• (0.02 mi) Arctic Hall Oy
• (0.03 mi) Arctic Circle Information

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Hop On A Sleigh And Dash Through The Snow At The Santa Claus Village in Finland

From meeting santa claus to going on reindeer excursions and relishing gourmet arctic cuisine, santa claus village is spectacularly dreamy..

By: Trinetra Paul Published: Nov 30, 2022 03:00 PM IST

‘Tis the season of snow, carols and merry-making. ‘Tis the season of Rudolph the reindeer and Santa Claus. As children and adults both rejoice in the festive Christmas spirit with the little ones hanging their socks over the mantle, we wonder what’s brewing at the Santa Claus village in Finland, the land of the midnight sun.

Rovaniemi is the official Santa village, located in Finland, close to the Arctic Circle. And it is Christmas here all year round. This is where Santa Claus stays, packs your gifts and hosts magical Christmas exhibitions and other events for kids and adults on all 365 days. With a mission to spread Christmas love and cheer, amplify the well-being of children and the kindness of elders, the Santa Claus village has various services and major attractions throughout the year making the magical Arctic Circle even more dazzling.

From making paw-some friends at the Arctic Circle Husky Park to petting winter animals at the Elf’s Farmyard Petting Zoo, this is the ideal location to unleash your inner child and spend a jolly good quality time with family. With so many things to take you back to the pages of fairytales, get ready to relive your childhood like never before. While at the Santa Claus village, never find yourself in a dull moment as there are many programme service companies, souvenir shops, numerous cafes and restaurants to satiate your hunger pangs and of course Santa’s Main Post Office — one of the major attractions — in Santa Claus Village.

Planning to visit Rovaniemi? Check out what to do, things to see and other details about the village

Where does santa claus stay.

Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland is all things that dreams are made of. Blanketed with soft willowy snow and air that smells of Christmas from the moment you touch down, this official hometown of the world’s most loved man transports you to the pages of bedtime storybooks that you read on Christmas eve.

At Santa’s village, cross the Arctic Circle Line to meet Father Christmas and his reindeer at their splendid best. Located inside the main village building, the Christmas house is where you can meet Santa all year long. Though entry is free, there are certain opening hours when you can visit. While here, if you wish, pointy red-hatted elves can capture these memories on paper or USB or both.

You can also meet Santa Claus in his main office, situated right in the middle of Rovaniemi. Age is just a number for all those visiting this picturesque place and sharing stories with the red-and-white-clad man. The office has been open since 1992 and reveals some of his mysteries and tricks. One of the most important well-kept secrets is Earth’s rotation speed regulator. The exact address of Christmas House is Joulumaantie 1, Rovaniemi, Finland.

And, while you are busy making such fond memories, the elves can freeze these cherished times. You can purchase them on your way out of the Santa Claus village, and entry is free.

Santa’s main post office

Move over your regular postal orders when you come to meet Santa Claus. Here, at Santa village, the Christmas spirit is in full swing in the post office as well, which makes even the most mundane job so cheerful.

Santa’s main post office is a fully functional post office working all year round, that lets you send letters, gift parcels, cards and postcards right from the Arctic Circle and see a smile on your loved ones’ faces as they receive special Arctic Circle postmark stamped letters, posted by elves right before Christmas. All letters put in the red post box here are held and sent for Christmas itself. And, entry is free.

You can also send a special Santa Claus Letter from the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi which is especially sent by Santa in time for Christmas. If you wish to write to Santa, his official hometown address is Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland. Interestingly, Santa receives over half a million letters from all over the world.

Mrs Claus’ house and reindeer

A visit to Rovaniemi must include stopping by Mrs Claus’ quaint wooden cottage, which is located inside the Santa Claus Reindeer resort. The kind and sweet Mrs Claus is forever ready to welcome guests of all ages with a warm smile and is happy to chat with them. She can gladly whip up a quick batch of gingerbread or Christmas cookies and host events at her breathtaking cottage, while the elves are quick to lend a helping hand.

There is an entry fee to Mrs Claus’ cottage with fixed opening hours. Separate bookings also need to be done to speak and click photos with her. The cottage also provides a scintillating setting to host private events and weddings, and can accommodate about 150 heads. The Santa Claus Reindeer resort is also home to delectable Arctic cuisine and houses the famed Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi.

Visit Santa Claus village and be stunned to see the sheer size of the giant reindeer that call this freezing tundra their home. You can enjoy sleigh rides and reindeer safaris under the theatrical northern lights that dazzle the night sky.

Reindeer Resort, Husky Park and Elf’s Farmyard

Now you can dash through the snow in an open sleigh over the hills, not just in the carol, but in real life too. A trip to Santa Claus village is incomplete without seeing the diverse range of animals such as reindeer, alpaca, huskies and rabbits in their tundra habitat.

At the Santa Claus Reindeer Resort, you can indulge in all sorts of reindeer activities including sleigh rides, safaris under the northern lights and reindeer walks. The resort also operates the Mount Porovaara reindeer farm , located to the south of Rovaniemi about 20 km from the village.

The rides, long safaris and excursions to the countryside are offered in winter and you can actually obtain a reindeer driving licence. But no need to be disheartened if you are coming in summer. You can go on walks with these beasts and enjoy other summertime activities at the farm.

The Arctic Circle Husky Park in Rovaniemi is another unique unmissable attraction here. Operated by a family-run company, the park is home to innumerable Siberian huskies and offers a glimpse of how the huskies are tended, cared and bred. The cute and cuddly furballs are agile and are best fit to tackle subzero temperatures. What’s even better is that they love children and children love them too. Get up close to these animals, hug and pet them, peek into their daily lives, click photos and even go on a sled ride.

Another company service in Santa Claus Village, the Elf’s Farmyard offers a range of fun outdoor activities with the Lappish animals. When visitors from across the globe come here, they forget their age and become kids while around these beautiful animals amid such a breathtaking setting. From taking guided walks in the woods with alpacas and reindeer to grilling sausages and spending quality time with kids, the Elf’s Farmyard ensures you have equal fun and adventures both in December and August.

Santa Park activities and Roosevelt Cottage

It is quite understandable that Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is an entire world in itself, straight out of a postcard. Besides meeting Father Christmas and playing with the animals and marvelling under the northern lights, Santa Park is beaming with activities at every turn.

Visit the Elf Hat Academy, take part in elf school and learn some trade secrets and indulge in some classic snowy adventures such as sleigh pulling, aurora borealis viewing and snow-water dipping. Every resort offers their range of activities and diverse adventure joyrides that will leave you completely spoilt for choice.

At Santa Claus Village you can also get a certificate for crossing the magical Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is a latitude that runs 66°33′45.9″ north of the Equator. It is the southernmost latitude where the sun can remain below or above the horizon for 24 hours, giving rise to the phenomena called the Midnight Sun during summer and the Polar Night (or Kaamos in the local language) during winter .

Interestingly, the entire Santa Claus Village started to grow centering this wooden cabin after the second world war. Built for Eleanor Roosevelt in 1950, the former US First Lady who was the US delegate to the UN General Assembly between 1945 and 1952, this cottage marks the US-Finland ties as it helped in streamlining tourists and boosting the economy after the horrors of the war subsided.

Snowman World Winter Zone and Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park

The fun and frolic don’t end just yet in Santa Claus Village. Enter the Snowman World resort and enjoy all the ice slides and ice skating. The resort also houses a jaw-dropping ice restaurant and ice bar offering exquisite Finnish cuisine and lip-smacking drinks.

Want to try something heart-racing? Get some more adrenaline rushing through your veins as you zoom over vast snow fields on snowmobile vehicles. The Arctic Snowmobile Park is a family-run business that offers safaris through snow-filled forests, hiking to find aurora borealis or seeing the midnight. Their impeccable customer service and personal care is sure to make your trip one of a lifetime.

Dining and shopping

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is also a haven for foodies. The Snow restaurant at the Snowman World serves three-course lunch and dinner daily.

Feast with your eyes too as the place is filled with amazing ice sculptures, rebuilt every year with fresh snow and ice which modifies the decorations adorning the snowy walls. The resort also houses the Ice Disco — an adult-only bar ensuring a groovy party and delicious drinks served in ice glasses. However, if you are in the mood for some light nibbles, head to the warm café Ensilumi.

Other dining options include dining in a glass igloo at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos — one of the world’s biggest snow hotels, about 30 km from the village, and The Glass Restaurant offering fine Lapland flavours with a stunning view of soft pillowy snow falling.

Bring back a slice of Rovaniemi when you shop for souvenirs and small gift items from the various stalls and boutiques inside Santa Claus village. They are abundant in local handicrafts, Finnish jewellery and chocolates as well as have designer labels.

How to reach Santa Claus village, where to stay and the best time to go

Reaching Santa Claus Village is very easy from prominent locations in Lapland, Finland. Located about 8 km from Rovaniemi city centre and 3 km from Rovaniemi airport, the village is situated towards Ivalo on highway 4. One can also avail local bus number 8 to reach the site.

There are a number of stay options close to Santa Claus village.

Book Your Stay At

An apartment next to Santa Claus Village

Nova Skyland Hotel

Villa Lapintiira

Santasport Resort

Tilhi Chalet

Anytime is a good time to visit Rovaniemi as different months offer different kinds of beautiful views and activities.

(Main and feature Image: courtesy Santa Claus Village)

Related: These Destinations In Asia Are A Must-Visit This Holiday Season To Experience A Magical Christmas

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• Santa Claus Village

Trinetra Paul

Trinetra is an ardent foodie and bibliophile who writes about films, travel, food and lifestyle. As a writer and literature student, slam poetry and storytelling are her go to jam. When not working, Trinetra is busy looking for her next place to visit or binge-watching Instagram videos for travel inspiration.

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SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE

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Visiting Santa's Grotto in Rovaniemi, Lapland

Recently updated on August 13th, 2023 at 02:33 pm

Have you ever wondered what Santa does all year when he’s not handing out gifts on Christmas Eve? He heads back to his office at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, where thousands of fans visit him throughout the year. We look at what happens at the most festive destination at the planet.

What is the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi?

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Rovaniemi (@visitrovaniemi) on Nov 10, 2019 at 2:31am PST

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The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, where a real-life Santa receives letters and meets his admiring fans. You can meet Santa Claus at his office and send a letter to family and friends from Santa’s official post office. Santa Claus Village is open every day and draws over 500,000 visitors from around the world each year. The village is located right on the Arctic Circle, and there are plenty of other incredible things to see and do around Rovaniemi, Finland.

What to see at Santa Claus Village?

Santa claus office.

This is the official place to meet Santa Claus. It’s located in a tall, illuminated tower in the centre of the Santa Claus Village, and the Arctic Circle line runs right through it. The line to meet Santa winds through an enchanting pathway through caves and Santa’s workshop. You can look through the keyholes of the little doors to spot Santa’s elves working away to build toys for kids around the world. When it’s your turn to meet Santa, you’ll enter his magical office and spend five minutes with him. Kids love talking to Santa and telling him what they’d like for Christmas… let’s just hope he puts you on his ‘Nice’ list!

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Rovaniemi (@visitrovaniemi) on Nov 11, 2019 at 12:22am PST

Santa Claus Main Post Office

This is the official post office of Santa Claus and is a fully functional post office. Visitors can send a letter back home with an official Santa Claus Arctic Circle stamp. You can come with a pre-written letter and get the Arctic Circle stamp for free, or sit down at the tables in the charming post office to write your letter. The post office receives more than half a million letters each year, with children writing to Santa from all over the world. The village has received mail from over 190 different countries. RELATED CONTENT: Festive traditions around the world

Santa Claus Reindeer Sleigh Rides

Take a thrilling reindeer sleigh ride around the Santa Claus village and through the beautiful forests of Lapland around Rovaniemi, Finland. You can meet the adorable reindeer (maybe even Rudolph!) and experience the wonder of the Arctic wilderness. These rides are only available during the snowy winter months.

Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park & Husky Park

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Rovaniemi (@visitrovaniemi) on Nov 5, 2019 at 12:31pm PST

The Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park in the Santa Claus Village offers you the chance to learn how to drive a snowmobile with their mini-snowmobile experience. You can also embark on a longer snowmobile experience, ranging from 30-minutes to a full day. These adventures take you through the spectacular Lapland wilderness on an exciting snowmobile ride. If you’d like to learn more about snowmobiles, you can also visit Santa’s House of Snowmobiles. This fantastic museum displays the history of snowmobiles in Lapland. There’s also the Arctic Circle Husky Park, home to nearly 100 gorgeous Siberian Huskies living in their natural environment. You can meet the huskies and go on hiking or sledding adventures through the forests with the huskies.

Cross the Arctic Circle

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Rovaniemi (@visitrovaniemi) on Nov 14, 2019 at 9:32am PST

The Arctic Circle is one of two polar circles and marks the southernmost latitude where the sun can stay below or above the horizon for 24 hours. This phenomenon is known as the Midnight Sun in summer and the Polar Night in winter. The circle runs through eight countries including Sweden, Norway, Russia, Denmark, Iceland, Canada and the United States. In Finland, the Arctic Circle runs through the Santa Claus Village and the line is clearly marked. It’s a popular place to cross the Arctic Circle, and you can even get a certificate to confirm you’ve done it.

See the Northern Lights

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Rovaniemi (@visitrovaniemi) on Oct 29, 2019 at 4:41am PDT

The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon visible in the far Northern Hemisphere. These enchanting lights dance through the skies from mid-August to early April each year. They can be witnessed in Rovaniemi 150 nights a year and usually appear between 10 pm and 2 am. The lights can last from a few minutes to several hours, and illuminate the sky in a stunning display of green, pink, red, yellow, violet and blue. RELATED CONTENT: Buy experiences, not things this holiday season

How to get to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is located in Lapland, the northernmost province of Finland. The easiest way to get to Rovaniemi is with a flight from Helsinki. You can also travel overland, with buses and trains taking around nine hours to reach Rovaniemi from Helsinki. The Santa Claus Village is located 8 km north of Rovaniemi. You can find the ‘Santa Express’ bus which departs from Rovaniemi and takes you to the Santa Claus Village. GET INSPIRED: Nordic Adventure

When is the best time to visit Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi?

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Rovaniemi (@visitrovaniemi) on Nov 16, 2019 at 12:45am PST

The Santa Claus Village is open year-round and is busiest around the Christmas holidays. It’s a wonderful destination to visit any time of the year, and the best time depends on what you’d like to see.

If you want the dreamy White Christmas experience, visit the Santa Claus village between December and January, when the landscapes are dusted with snow. If you’d like to see the Northern Lights while visiting Santa, travel between October and November or March and April.

Or, if you’d like to avoid the chill of the Arctic winter, head to Santa’s Village during the summer months from June to August. You’ll also get to experience the magical Midnight Sun when the sun almost never sets. This happens for a few weeks every year and you can make the most of the long daylight hours. Would you like to meet Santa at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland? Let us know in the comments below…

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• Visit The Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi To Celebrate The True Spirit Of Christmas

Do you want to experience the true spirit of Christmas this year? Well, the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi has a score of magical sights and attractions that offer the most authentic Christmas experience that you can ever imagine! Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi which is the capital city of Lapland in Finland. People from across the globe visit the original hometown of Santa Claus to meet him in person and celebrate Christmas in the whimsical wintery surroundings of Rovaniemi. All of the basic amenities are available by the village, making your stay here extremely comfortable and carefree so you can enjoy your time with your loved ones.

Best Time To Visit Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi

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The best time to visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is during Christmas. Winter is an absolute treat for anyone during the months of December until March and perfect for indulging in a range of outdoor and indoor activities. The Northern Lights and the snow conditions are at their peak during this time too, making these months the most ideal time for a magical holiday.

The typical daytime temperatures during the winter month vary greatly from the months of December to March.

Day time temperature during winter: December: -10 to -20 degrees Celsius January: -15 to -30 degrees Celsius February: -15 to -20 degrees Celsius March: -5 to -15degrees Celsius

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How To Reach Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi

If you want to visit Santa Claus right after you land, then you would be happy to know Santa’s Village is just 3 km away from the Rovaniemi Airport. You can also take bus number 8 or Santa’s Express which leaves every hour from Rovaniemi City Center.

Santa Claus Village Opening Hours

The opening hours of the Santa Claus Village vary from time to time, so make sure you double check the timings before your visit.

• May: 26th to 27th (9:30 AM – 5 PM)
• June: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th to 30th (9:30 AM – 5 PM)
• July: 1st to 31st (9:30 AM – 6 PM)
• August: 1st to 26th (9:30 AM – 6 PM); 27th to 31st (9:30 AM – 5 PM)
• September: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th & 30th (9:30 AM – 5 PM)
• October: 6th & 7th (9:30 AM – 6 PM); 20th & 27th (11 AM – 5 PM)
• November: 17th, 23rd & 24th (11 AM – 7 PM); 18th & 25th (11 AM – 6 PM)
• December: 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd (11 AM – 7 PM); 2nd, 9th & 16th (11 AM – 6 PM); 31st (4 PM – 9 PM)

Santa Claus Village Tickets

There is absolutely no ticket fee to enter Santa Claus Village as Santa’s mission is all about spreading goodwill, love and the joyous Christmas spirit to everyone.

Things To Do In Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi

But what to do once you’re here? Fret not. We got you a range of activities you can indulge in once you set foot in this charming hamlet. Scroll down and feast your eyes!

1. Meet and greet Santa Claus

Meeting Santa Claus in his hometown and seeing all his elf helpers is truly magical and it is as much a hit among adults as the kids. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity which will definitely remain as the highlight of your trip as you can personally meet and greet the most famous resident of the village and see him spreading love, joy and Christmas cheer to all his visitors throughout the year.

Must Read: This ‘GoT’ Ice Hotel In Finland Is The Ultimate Place To Live Like The Lady or Lord Of Winterfell

2. Visit the reindeers at a Reindeer Farm

You can ride on a snowmobile and visit Rudolph’s cousins at a reindeer farm where you can spend time in the open countryside. Riding on the winding tracks while making your way to the farm is also a terrific way to explore the Arctic wilderness with your loved ones. And don’t forget to dash through the snow while riding in a reindeer sleigh and experience the true festive spirit on Santa’s favorite ride.

3. Send a letter from Santa’s post office

If you are in Santa Claus Village then you can surprise your loved ones back home by sending them letters from Santa Claus Main Post Office which are delivered by Santa’s elves. If you are visiting Santa’s Village in summer or spring, Santa’s elves will make sure that your letters are delivered just in time for Christmas.

Suggested Read: Quaint Cottages In Finland To Experience A Lavish And Authentic Finnish Stay

4. Pet animals at Elf’s Farmyard Petting Zoo

If you are an animal lover, then you will definitely enjoy visiting the Elf’s Farmyard Petting Zoo which is located on the north side of Santa’s Village. This zoo is home to a few domestic animals such as goats, sheep, rabbits, roosters, and hens. Visiting the petting zoo is also a great opportunity for adults and kids to interact with domestic animals by observing or feeding them little snacks. There is also a small playground for kids where they can spend time or you can also have a small picnic by a campfire at the zoo.

5. See snowmen come to life at Snowman World

Your kids will definitely have a smile on their face when you take them to Snowman World where they get a chance to meet and make friends with cuddly snowmen. While the kids are occupied sliding down ice slides with their new friends you enjoy some alone time at the Ice Restaurant or at the Ice Bar where you can find some amazing ice sculptures. You can also enjoy a scrumptious meal at the restaurant which is known to whip up quality dishes which are prepared with local Lappish ingredients.

Entry fee: Adults: INR 2000 | Children: Free (under 3 years or younger)

Suggested Read: 12 Most Fascinating Places To Visit In Finland, The Unspoilt Paradise

6. See the Moomin Snow and Ice Sculpture Exhibition

Witness this amazing snow and ice sculpture exhibition which is usually opened on December 20th annually. The tickets are inclusive of access to the exhibition, snow slides, the magical forest, ice and snow carving school, and the fun snow maze. When you go inside the snow castle you can spend time here inside a warm cafe, small souvenir shop or sip on an exotic drink at the famous ice bar.

Entry fee: Adults: INR 2405 | Children: INR 1442 (above 11 years of age)

7. Cross the magical Arctic Circle Line

Yes, you can also cross the Arctic Circle every day because the circle runs through the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. The Arctic Circle is a circular latitude which runs through the north of the Equator, making this the southernmost latitude from where the sun stays continuously below or above the horizon for 24-hours. Make sure you take a quirky photo when you are crossing this magical line to keep it as a memory.

Suggested Read: This Sled Hotel In Finland Lets You Move Around For The Best Views Of Northern Lights!

8. Thrill out at Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park

The Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park is a famous Finnish family run business which is situated inside Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. You can choose from the multiple safari programmes which are appropriate for families, individuals, and huge groups too. Whether you drift through the snow-filled forests in the winter or hike under the midnight sun in the summer, you are bound to have a memorable adventure for sure at the Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park.

9. Make new furry friends at the Arctic Circle Husky Park

The Arctic Circle Husky park is located inside the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi where you can see the most charming Siberian Huskies who live in the Husky Park. The Husky is open all year round you can also choose to go on one of the guided tours, go hiking with huskies and also take rides on the summer carriages. During winter time you can either go on the famous husky rides while making your way through the fresh snow or go on a unique husky safari and admire the untouched Arctic wilderness.

Suggested Read: 10 Must-Visit Places For A Finland Honeymoon As Romantic As The Northern Lights!

10. Bring back souvenirs

If you are missing shopping during the festive season don’t worry the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi has a dozen of shops that are filled with local handicrafts and Finnish designer brands. There are also many jewelry stores for you to purchase beautiful pieces for yourself or to gift your loved ones and if your baggage is quite full, then the elves from Santa’s Main Post Office will post your goodies for you which you will receive just in time for Christmas.

Further Read: Experience Christmas In Finland: A Snowy, Sensational, And Snuggly Affair!

So, don’t miss out on your chance to experience the magical spirit of Christmas at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Make the most out of your festive season by booking your trip to Finland via TravelTriangle right away! Got any more information to add to this guide? Let us know in the comments below. Till then, Happy Tripping!

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Visiting Santa’s Village in Lapland: Everything You Need to Know – Part 1

There’s no better way to experience the true magic of Christmas than with a trip to the home of Santa Claus himself. Breath-taking snowy landscapes, delightful wooden lodges and mesmerising dark skies lit up by the spectacular Northern Lights – Lapland is a place where magic comes to life.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner or on a family trip with the kids,  Santa Claus’ Village in Lapland is an unmissable Winter destination. With so much to do, it can be difficult fitting it all in. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to visiting Lapland during the most wonderful time of the year.

In this post – the first in a two-part series – we’re going to be talking planning. Without proper planning (or an agent that takes care of that for you) you risk missing some of the best spots while you’re there. Keep reading to find out how to plan the perfect, unforgettable Christmas in Finland.

A long history

First things first, where did it all begin? Santa Claus’ Village wasn’t born overnight, but it may have felt like it. During World War II, Rovaniemi, Santa’s official hometown, was almost completely destroyed. Eleanor Roosevelt visited the city in 1950 to witness the rebuilding of homes and buildings.

During her visit, she voiced her desire to travel to the Arctic Circle, so officials quickly began building a cabin, 8km north of Rovaniemi. This cabin, which was built in just under 2 weeks, marked the birth of Santa Claus Village, and can still be visited today, standing proudly next to the Santa Claus Main Post Office.

Since the official opening in June 1965, thousands of people have flocked every year to visit Santa just in time for Christmas. These include a number of distinguished figures, heads of state and famous faces, including US President Lyndon B. Johnson, Swedish Prince Carl Gustav and the Shah of Iran. 

Staying warm

It goes without saying, if you’re heading to the incredible Santa’s Village in Lapland, you can expect to be facing some cold weather. With temperatures dropping as low as 30°C during Winter, it’s important to prepare with warm clothing and thermals. Your usual hat, scarf and gloves simply won’t cut it in Lapland. 

If you’re travelling with young children, it’s especially important to remember to pack winter woollies, or hire them when you arrive. Young children can’t regulate their body temperature as easily or as quickly as adults, so they may feel the cold more than you.

When will you travel?

Everyone knows Santa’s home is in Lapland. But what some people don’t know is that you can meet him all year round. There’s no set time to head to the enchanted Arctic Circle, but the Christmas season may be the most magical. Christmas season is officially declared open in Santa Claus Village around a month before the big day, by Santa himself.

The 23 rd of December sees the  Santa is on His Way Event , with crowds of people gathering to watch the magnificent moment that Santa Claus sets off on his journey around the world. If you’re going to be in Lapland around Christmas time, this is an event not to be missed, with children’s smiles beaming from ear to ear.

How long will you stay?

Santa Claus’ Village is a magical experience even if you only have one day to squeeze it in. But if you want to experience everything Lapland has to offer, staying for a few days is best. At Scandi Travel, our  Rovaniemi tours range from unforgettable day trips to enchanting 8 day tours around the top spots in Lapland. So, whatever your preferences and requirements, we can take care of everything for you.

Visiting Santa Claus’ Village is a once in a lifetime trip. Our team will make sure it’s as amazing as it should be. Don’t leave anything up to chance, book a tour through  Scandi Travel to guarantee an unforgettable, stress-free holiday for you and the family.

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CHOOSING THE BEST ROVANIEMI SANTA CLAUS TO VISIT – HELPFUL GUIDE

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Comparison Guide to the Rovaniemi Santa Claus options  

There are at least FIVE different Santas you can meet in Rovaniemi Lapland. 

Maybe more?

Want to know how to prioritise which Santa/s to visit during your Lapland Christmas vacation? 

Take a look at our insider’s guide to choosing the BEST Rovaniemi Santa Claus experience below.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links . If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

THE INSIDE SCOOP: “Which is the best Rovaniemi Santa Claus” Guide 

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome . Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in euro, unless otherwise stated

Let’s start with ELVES. 

Meeting a real life ELF on your way to meet  Santa is an EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS. 

Don’t you think?

Elves definitely sway our ratings guide. Without a doubt.

There’s two ways to meet REAL LIFE ELVES.

• On one of the FOREST OF JOULUKKA tours
• At SantaPark Rovaniemi

The Best Place to Visit Santa in Lapland 

For the money, our bet is on Secret Forest of Joulukka.

Those elves are the real deal.

Totally loveable and in character 100% of the time, wearing adorable outfits full of magical Christmas charm, and if you are lucky enough to meet the elves we did, living large in their elf life.

No wonder Santa employs them! 

With that understood, let’s rate the Santa experiences from 1 to 5. 

No.1: Santa Claus Secret Forest of Joulukka – Santa’s Toy Factory Experience

THIS whole Santa Claus in Finland experience was our family’s favourite adventure on our Christmas trip to Lapland.

(Until we met the Husky dogs of course, but that’s just because Ned is an animal lover.)

The Santa’s Toy Factory tour in Rovaniemi was the best money we spent in Lapland too.

I would pay double for this magical treat, for the joy of reliving the wonder of childhood and sharing that with my boys, and our Roam the Gnome.

This tour takes place OUTSIDE, surrounded by the magnificent snow-topped pine trees, with chances to dance, sing, play, learn from, and cuddle the elves. 

Kids are able to:

• toast marshmallows, and
• drink berry juice, and later,
• take a walk through the forest to the Kota hut for hot chocolate warmed on the fire pit. 

The highlight, without giving too much away, was being SURPRISED by the big man himself on our exit after our elf-led tour of Santa’s Toy Factory.

A bonus surprise was that Santa gave the boys a small soft toy as a gift, something they will have forever to remind them of this adventure. 

The WHOLE experience is what elevates this to the number one spot.

When planning our Lapland holiday , this was always going to our opportunity to meet THE REAL Santa.

Because, as I told the kids, the real Santa is a very busy man, working in the toy factory with the elves to have everything ready on time, and as much as he’d love to, he simply doesn’t have the time to meet EVERYONE. 

You have to make a special appointment months or perhaps a year in advance to visit the forest, and, if you are very lucky , and time permits, Santa may pop his head up from his work to say hello to you.

The secluded location and the ‘North Pole’-like snow-covered landscape lent credibility to my story. 

Save up all your pennies and book it. 

If you are independently wealthy, you can also book a private tour.

But to be honest, going on the bus with others was all I could manage on my budget, and it was perfectly handled so we all had our turn with Santa in private. 

I’d say every single adult would back me when I say that we all shared a deep sense of how privileged we were to have partaken in this spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime meeting with the REAL SANTA.

I cried. 

Other mums did too. 

If it’s beyond your budget, find a way to make it happen. 

Everyone there would agree with me that it’s worth every penny-pinching sacrifice, including saying no to your daily coffee purchase for a while!  

No.2: Santa Claus in the Main Office at Santa Claus Village

This is the Santa most visitors and day trippers to Santa Claus Holiday Village head for.

The location of this Santa is smack bang in the centre of the village, in the MAIN OFFICE building. 

To get there from the car park, you’ll also walk across the Arctic Circle line and see the distinctive pyramid shape roof of the building as you walk up from the bus drop off area.

If you are arriving by bus, the drop off point is at the Information Centre. Walk through the building to the back, and out, and you’ll see the roofline of the Main Office building to your right. 

If you’ve ever looked on Youtube, or have seen pictures of the Santa Claus Village in preparation for your trip, you’ll recognise it straight away. 

Outside the door, there are two Red Gnomes (painted logs) waiting to invite you inside. 

The Santa Claus Main Office opens at 9am.

Be there as close to opening as you can, to avoid the crowds arriving on the day tour buses, and on the Santa Express bus from city hotels and the airport. 

Otherwise, if you are staying on site in the Santa Village Hotel Cottages or Suites, plan your visit for the late afternoon. 

You’ll wander through a winding pathway of interesting Christmas surprises on your way to meet Santa.

Be sure to keep an eye out for interactive spots on the journey. 

Main Office of Santa Claus Finland

We LOVED this Santa because he was warm and friendly, and his room was inviting.

This is also the BEST most unique Santa Photo backdrop, as far as we are concerned. 

And check out his RAINBOW STOCKINGS! 

I mean, he’s simply loveable!  

If you are on a mission to get your Christmas photo in Lapland, don’t miss THIS Santa experience.

Professional photos of your visit are for sale as you leave the office.

Hot tip: You can also buy the digital download so you can share it with friends and family. 

We decided this Santa is the PNP Santa, because he looks just like the Santa who sends the boys a personalised video each year. 

(PNP stands for Portable North Pole . If you don’t know this website yet, you MUST check it out.) 

I also explained the existence of THIS duplicate Santa to my 6 year and 11 year old (who was VERY skeptical about Santa’s existence until we met the REAL Santa in Joulukka the day before) in this way:

• That REAL Santa appointed a very special second-in-charge to help him greet ALL the families who make the trek to Lapland to see him.
• That this Santa is THE Santa who does all the official Santa jobs, such as reading the piles of letters that arrive each year from children from all over the world. 

He also has the task of making and sending out all the videos and handwritten reply letters to children who’ve written to him this year.

They were happy enough with that story. 

RELATED: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to the Santa Claus Main Office & Shop in Santa Claus Village

Image credit: Santa Park Finland Instagram

No.3: Santa Park Santa 

Santa Park is the next most obvious place to meet Santa in real life. 

If you are on a day tour to Lapland, this may be the one you are guided to. 

Santa’s Office in Santa Park sits inside his own little cottage.

The line to enter the cottage is to the right of the Magic Train ride,  or to the left of the Elf Workshop where the craft activity is held. 

This is also a coveted place to have your family Christmas photo taken, as the backdrop behind Santa is a traditional Christmas scene of garlands of greenery, a red brick wall, bright red curtains with sash ties, and frosty windows.

Santa sits on an ornately decorated chair, and invites families – one by one- to sit on leather seats next to him. 

He’s also very friendly, and warm. 

The BIG BONUS here is being able to take as many pictures on your own camera as you like.

You can also buy the official Santa photo if you wish too. 

The downside is it is expensive to enter, and expensive on the inside too. 

Hot tip: This place is better suited for young children only. 

RELATED: Roam the Gnome’s Ultimate Guide to SANTA PARK ROVANIEMI 

No.4: Invite Santa Claus to your cabin

If you are lucky enough to be staying onsite in one of the Classic Cottages, suites or cabins at the Santa Claus Holiday Village hotel , you can arrange to have Santa and a friend visit your kids in your classic SCHV cottage one evening. 

While we didn’t do this, we watched as he was driven in a black van from cabin to cabin around the village, visiting family after family, gifts in tow.

This is one for those families who have a spare 150 Euro up their sleeve, and who want a very special personalised experience with Santa in your own private space.

Santa stays for around 10-15 minutes. 

I think it’s the perfect Santa meet-and-greet for children under 5, especially if you only want to make your ONE Santa experience as magical as can be, and will simply avoid/skip the other ones in town.

(That’s actually quite easy to do, without them knowing.) 

Hot tip: Parents do need to supply the gifts for this experience. Drop your wrapped treasures to the reception before your booking. If you haven’t brought any from home, drop into the Christmas House shop secretly, and pick up a soft toy you can wrap up in a jiffy. 

PS: The answer to ‘Can I hire a Santa in Rovaniemi’ is YES. 

No.5: Christmas House Santa

Options 4 & 5 are interchangeable.

Either of these should be your back-up option if you can’t manage one of the first three options for some reason. 

Christmas House Santa is friendly, and chatty.

But nothing special compared to the others. 

The Christmas Exhibition will fill in some time after a visit to the Christmas House shop, or while you are waiting to be collected for a tour. 

But unless you are stuck, this would not be my first, second or third choice. 

RELATED: Roam the Gnome’s Insider’s Guide to the CHRISTMAS HOUSE SANTA & CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION

Where to see Santa in Lapland? 

So in a nutshell, 

Point 1: Don’t miss Joulukka.

Either the “Dream of Joulukka” or “Santa’s Toy Factory” weekly departure.

This elfin day out to visit Santa Claus is THE best thing you can do in Rovaniemi.

As far as we are concerned, Joulukka is home to the REAL Santa – it’s the only place where you can meet Santa AND his real elf helpers.

Point 2:   The Santa in the Main Office at Santa Claus Holiday Village should be your first alternative if you are not visiting Joulukka. 

Point 3: If either of the two options above are not available, substitute a visit with the Santa Park Santa.

OR, if you are heading to Santa Park on day one of your Lapland trip, and the kids simply can’t wait, join the Santa queue here. 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide where to see Santa in real life! 

Have you met another Santa in Rovaniemi?

Let us know, and we’ll add him to the list. 

Looking for More Things to Do at Santa Claus Holiday Village?

Click the blue links for a sneak peek at these Christmas activities in  Lapland

Ultimate Guide to SANTA CLAUS HOLIDAY VILLAGE Activities, Attractions, Shopping & Dining

The ultimate guide of things to do in rovaniemi lapland, what to wear in lapland in winter, what to buy in rovaniemi at santa village shops.

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Santa Claus Village

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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• Live video webcam
• Opening hours and dates

Activities & Experiences

Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights

The colourful Northern Lights playing in the sky are one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. The geographical location of the Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area makes it a suitable area to encounter the Northern Lights. It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. This means that while there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, the search will be even more exciting!

The Arctic Circle – a Northern Lights hunter’s paradise

According to an old legend, the Northern Lights are created when a fox running through the fells of Lapland sheds sparks from its tail into the northern sky, colouring the streaks of light across the sky. The appearance of the Northern Lights at Arctic Circle latitudes requires a clear sky, suitable space weather, and of course a bit of luck.

Autumn and late winter are the best time to spot the Northern Lights

Northern Lights season on the Arctic Circle begins in late August and continues until early April. The best time to see the Northern Lights is autumn (September and early October) and mid-spring (mainly March.) Statistically, Northern Lights are most visible around the autumn and spring equinoxes. Naturally, the Northern Lights appear regularly in the sky throughout winter. 

Memorable Northern Lights safaris

There are several operators in Santa Claus Village that organize Northern Lights safaris through the nearby nature of the Rovaniemi area. With the help of competent guides, you’ll hunt the Northern Lights in the best possible conditions.

Safari companies and other service providers will take you to places where there is little artificial light and the views to the North are picturesque. The guides will also tell you stories about the Northern Lights and assist with photographing the auroras.

The mysterious and enchanting Northern Lights have inspired people and stories for centuries. 

When are the Northern Lights most visible?

Autumn and late winter are the best time to spot the Northern Lights – at the time of the midnight sun in the summer, you naturally cannot see the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle. The incidence of the Northern Lights also varies with the time of day. On average, their probability of occurrence reaches its peak around 11:30 P.M., or magnetic midnight, and the Earth’s magnetic field disturbances related to auroras are at their highest.

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?

Only a short drive from the Arctic Circle, you’ll find many great destinations for independent travelers to track the Northern Lights. However, in order promote sustainable tourism and in order not to disturb local inhabitants we recommend you to use our local operators of Santa Claus Village, which organise North Lights tours & excursions through the nearby nature of the Rovaniemi area. More information about these companies HERE .

You can also enjoy the Northern Lights in the wonderful glass igloo accommodations . At the edges of Santa Claus Village, there are several glass igloo-type accommodation providers.

See all accommodations

Can you guarantee that I will see the Northern Lights?

Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their visibility depends on many factors, such as space weather and cloudiness. Therefore, Santa Claus Village and its companies (like all tourism companies in Lapland) cannot guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights during your visit.

Useful links for Northern Lights hunters:

Real-time Aurora Alerts Space weather over Finland

How do I photograph the Northern Lights?

Prepare for capturing the Northern Lights before your holidays! Northern Lights photography is especially popular, as the current day and age allows you to display your unforgettable memories at home as well as share them on social media. However, you should carefully prepare for capturing the Northern Lights before coming to Lapland.

Useful tips for capturing Northern Lights

Discover Northern Lights experiences

Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos Rovaniemi

30 km from Santa’s Village, resort provides the luxury of sleeping under a 360º glass roof or in hotel made of snow & ice.

Visit Lapland Tours: Aurora Hunting & Lappish food

Aurora Hunting adventures and Lappish food in the own forest base in Rovaniemi’s country-side.

Sky bar of Arctic SnowHotel

The coolest drink bar in town! Sky Bar is located in the shores of Lake Lehtojärvi, a 30-min drive from Santa Claus Village.

Lapland Deluxe

Welcome to Lapland Deluxe: an authentic 160 years old country estate by the lake Vanttausjärvi around 50 km from Santa Claus Village. Come to relax!

Apukka Resort Rovaniemi

Apukka Resort: an Arctic wilderness resort hotel in the capital of Lapland, surrounded by lakes and magical nature, just 10 min drive from Santa Claus Village!

Restaurant Aitta in Apukka Resort

Restaurant is located in Apukka Resort, 10 km from Santa’s Village. The 100 years old timber log walls have tens of stories to tell.

11 of the best things to do in Lapland

T he modern-day home of Santa Claus, a popular skiing destination and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights , Lapland is at the top of plenty of travellers’ wishlists for a reason.

Many who visit will stop by in the Finnish Lapland capital, Rovaniemi, take to the pistes in Levi or Yllas and save some time for classic activities like husky sledding or snowmobiling.

But this region, which extends through parts of Finland , Norway and Sweden , has a host of other wonders to explore, from vast hiking trails to cultural centres and unique accommodation options.

And although the winter wonders are well-documented here, the sometimes overlooked summer months provide amazing opportunities to see incredible scenery and enjoy outdoor activities, all while basking in the never-ending light of the midnight sun.

Whether you visit for Christmas or in the middle of summer, Lapland will provide an excellent variety of things to do. Below, we’ve collated a list of some of the best.

See the Northern Lights

This area of the Artic Circle is the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights , with towns and cities in all three countries providing a great chance of seeing the aurora if you stay for long enough.

In Norway, the city of Tromso and the more remote Lofoten Islands are the best place to go, while in Finland Saariselka is perhaps the most popular light-spotting destination (though they can be seen throughout, including in Levi, Inari and Rovaniemi).

The top bucket-list destination for seeing the Northern Lights would probably be Abisko, a small village in the north of Sweden. It is home to the Aurora Sky Station, sat at an impressive 900m above sea level, which is self-styled as the ‘best place in the world to see the Northern Lights ’ due to low precipitation rates and its location within the so-called ‘aurora oval’.

This area, surrounded by snow-capped hills and placid lakes, sees the aurora so often that the tourist board website confidently states that anyone staying for four or more nights between September and April is “almost certain” to see the Lights.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Best European holiday destinations to visit by train from London
• The best winter holiday destinations
• Europe’s best road trips to try in your lifetime

Visit Santa Claus

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland – a city of around 60,000 people that is worth visiting for the excellent Arktikum Museum, which explores Lapland’s culture and history, and the plethora of classic Lapland-related activities such as Northern Lights excursions. One particular draw of Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus Village, the official home of the man himself.

If you’ve brought the kids along (and even if you haven’t), you’ll enjoy the magical setting of wooden, Alpine-style buildings adorned with twinkling lights and surrounded by deep snow. Kids can meet Santa Claus, visit his work stations and meet a range of Lappish wildlife, including reindeer and alpacas.

Unsurprisingly for a territory covered in snow, Lapland is home to a handful of popular ski resorts . The main ones are found in Finland , and include Yllas, Levi and Saariselka (most of which are offered as destinations by UK-based ski tour operators such as Crystal Ski and Inghams).

Skiing here is on fells rather than mountains, and overall is more low-key – and far more quiet – than the rest of Europe, with fewer pistes and parties than the Alps or the Dolomites. However, the near-guarantee of a blanket of deep snow, the incredible scenery and a range of activities away from the slopes make Lapland a popular skiing destination. It caters to different abilities too, being a great place for learners, while the presence of floodlit slopes and World Cup runs means more advanced skiers should still be happy enough.

Discover Sami culture in Inari

Inari is a large, remote region that lies around 40 miles from Saariselka, in the north of Finland. While renowned for its magnificent natural beauty, the beautiful Lake inari and a high likelihood of witnessing the Northern Lights (the town lies further north than aforementioned Abisko), it is mainly known as the capital of the indigenous culture of the Sami people.

In the village, Sajos is the people’s cultural and administrative centre, housing the Sami Parliament and promoting and preserving Sami culture, history and tradition. Though primarily for use by Sami people, visitors can attend guided tours that give a respectful introduction to Sami culture.

Husky or reindeer sledding

Husky sledding, reindeer sledding and visits to reindeer farms are all activities that can be done in the majority of Lappish destinations, and are often included in holiday packages if visiting at the right time (usually between November and March).

For reindeer visits and sledding, the obvious destination is Rovaniemi, home to plenty of Santa’s favourite animals and providing the perfect flat, snow-covered plains for an extended, fast-paced journey through the Lappish wilderness. For dog lovers, the town of Kiruna, around one hour south of Abisko, is the centre of husky sledding, where a vast frozen tundra and sections of pine forest provide the ideal terrain for a multi-day trip or a couple-of-hours excursion.

Stay in the Icehotel

Igloos, as well as other unique accommodation such as glass-ceilinged pods, are prevalent throughout Lapland, offering chances to see the Northern Lights and experience a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay. But the most remarkable Lapland accommodation is Sweden’s Icehotel, located in Jukkasjarvi (around 20 minutes from husky sledding capital Kiruna).

Operating for just over three decades, this unique hotel is built anew every winter with ice blocks from the nearby Torne River, with each part providing captivating, fleeting beauty before melting in spring. The rooms, all individual and elaborately designed and carved by ice artists, provide a truly memorable stay in the Arctic wilderness.

Snowshoeing or snowmobiling

Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are another set of activities that are common in most popular Lappish destinations. Many places offer trips combined with Northern Lights tours for the ultimate evening snowmobile or snowshoe experience, but there are plenty of other ways to try out two of Lapland’s most sought-after activities.

Snowshoeing, essentially hiking using special boots to make walking in the snow easier, is popular around the fells and canyons of areas such as Inari and Kainuu, and in national parks like Urho Kekkonen and Salla. The same is true for snowmobiling – as any area of open plains, and many forest areas, are suitable, these excursions are popular from Rovaniemi and Inari to Pyha and Luosto.

Visit Norwegian Lapland

The Norwegian part of Lapland may be less thought of than its Finnish and Swedish counterparts, but this part of the country offers some of the most striking landscapes in all of Norway.

Tromso is the main city in the region, itself a popular Northern Lights spotting destination and a thriving destination that showcases Norwegian culture, history and tradition alongside dramatic fjord scenery and snow-capped mountains. The Lofoten Islands are the other oft-visited location, providing some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe, with their rugged mountains, steep cliffs and serpentine fjords, as well as opportunities to see the aurora and the midnight sun while visiting the many charming fishing villages throughout the archipelago.

Explore a national park

There are a host of national parks in Lapland, but a few stand out for their raw natural beauty, extensive wilderness areas and opportunities for much-loved activities like hiking, ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Some 95 per cent of Sweden’s national park area is found in Swedish Lapland. The Abisko park is most renowned due to its Northern Lights activity, though Unesco-listed Laponia boasts high mountains, primeval forests, vast marshes, beautiful lakes and well-preserved river systems that showcase ongoing geological processes and the ancestral Sami way of life.

Lapland’s most-visited national parks are concentrated in Finland. Urho Kekkonen, Pyha-Luosto and Pallas-Yllastunturi are three of the most popular, replete with snowy hiking trails, dense areas of forest, towering fells and a palpable sense of remoteness.

Discover the region in summer

While the default choice for many coming to Lapland would be to visit for the snowy conditions, the warmer months hold many highlights that are hidden in the winter weather. The midnight sun is perhaps the most striking phenomenon during the summer, with parts of Lapland seeing 24 hours of sunlight from May to August.

Archipelagos like Lulea and Lofoten offer vast spaces for kayaking alongside otters and even whales, while beaches like that at Lake Livojarvi become the epicentre of Lappish leisure in summer.

There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore too, with one of the most famed being the 270-mile Kungsleden trail that runs through the highlights of the Swedish wilderness, taking walkers across rivers, valleys, lakes and the highest peak in the country. In Finland, the Karhunkierros is a legendary 50-mile route through the Oulanka national park, while there are dozens of shorter hikes too, such as the popular five mile route up and down Saana fell.

Drive Sweden’s Wilderness Road

Known in Swedish as the Vildmarksvagen, the 230-mile Wilderness Road is one of Lapland’s longest and loneliest stretches. It runs between the towns of Stromsund and Vilhelmina, and is best driven between June and October, before the snow begins to cover the majority (and leave you even more at the mercy of the elements).

This route contains some of the most striking scenery in Lapland, from the peaks of the Marsfjallen mountains and waterfalls like Hallingsafallet, to sections of undisturbed birch forest and even Sweden’s longest canyon. The area is sparsely populated and home to few accommodation options or petrol stations, so be sure to plan ahead. And look out for Sweden’s largest bear population, who call this region their home.

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