Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled in the picturesque Lapland region of northern Finland, Santa Claus Village is a magical winter wonderland destination perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. As the official hometown of Santa Claus, this village offers visitors young and old the chance to explore the magic of Christmas year-round. From reindeer sleigh rides to crossing the iconic Arctic Circle line, Santa Claus Village packs plenty of festive fun into one unforgettable Arctic location. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to this iconic Finnish destination.
Getting to Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Village is located just outside the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi, which serves as the gateway for visiting this festive locale. There are a few easy ways to get to Rovaniemi to start your Santa Claus Village adventure:
Flying into Rovaniemi Airport
If coming from outside Finland, consider flying directly into Rovaniemi Airport, which offers connections from Helsinki and other major European hubs. The airport is just a short drive from the city center.
Taking the train from Helsinki
The scenic overnight train from Helsinki takes about 10 hours to reach Rovaniemi, making train travel a comfortable and relaxing option. You can book private sleeper cabins for the overnight journey.
Driving from other parts of Finland
Rovaniemi is also reachable by car from other cities like Oulu, Tampere and Kuusamo. The drive takes about 7-8 hours from Helsinki and makes a nice northern Finland road trip.
About Santa Claus Village
History and origins
Santa Claus Village first opened its festive gates in 1985 when Finland wanted to establish an official hometown for Santa. The village is built right on the Arctic Circle line, cementing its wintry, Christmas vibe. Over the decades it has expanded into a bustling Arctic wonderland.
Key attractions
- Santa’s Office – Step into the main office of Mr. Claus himself, where you can meet Santa and snap that perfect photo.
- Reindeer encounters – Meet and feed Santa’s trusty reindeer or take a sleigh ride through the snowy woods.
- Santa Claus Post Office – Send a letter to your loved ones back home with the special Santa Claus Village postmark.
- Shops and restaurants – The village has a nice array of shops selling handcrafted souvenirs, clothing and Christmas decorations. You can also enjoy Finnish delicacies in the cozy restaurants.
Visiting in different seasons
One of the best aspects of Santa Claus Village is that it’s open year-round. While winter provides that magical holiday atmosphere, the village takes on new life in spring, summer and fall as well, with autumn colors and midnight sun in the summer.
Top Things To Do
Meet Santa Claus
Meeting Santa in his official office should top any visitor’s list! You can chat with Santa, snap photos and share your Christmas wishes. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir certificate verifying your visit.
Cross the Arctic Circle
Stand with one foot in the Arctic Circle and one foot out and get an Arctic Circle crossing certificate. There’s even an Arctic Circle viewing deck.
Send letters from the post office
At Santa’s post office, you can send special Christmas-themed postcards and letters postmarked from Santa’s official hometown. It’s a fun way to spread holiday cheer.
Ride snowmobiles
If visiting in winter, snowmobile through the snowy forests on an exciting guided tour. Riding a snowmobile is a classic Arctic activity.
Try Arctic cuisine
Sample Finnish delicacies like reindeer, smoked salmon, cloudberries and hot berry juice. The Arctic Restaurant is a great spot for a tasty Finnish meal.
Visit Ranua Wildlife Park
This zoo highlights Arctic animals like polar bears, wolverines, lynx, wolves and more. It’s a great family-friendly excursion just an hour from Santa’s Village.
See the Northern Lights
With its prime northern location, Rovaniemi offers amazing Aurora Borealis viewing opportunities in the winter. Chase the dancing lights on a guided Aurora tour.
Nearby Areas to Explore
Santa’s Village makes a great home base for exploring the surrounding Arctic regions:
- Ranua – This town south of Rovaniemi has a wildlife park and opportunities to go husky sledding.
- Saariselkä – A popular ski resort town with miles of trails and cozy après-ski locales.
- Ivalo – The northernmost inland town in Finland, Ivalo offers more secluded Arctic wilderness.
- Luosto – Home to a ski resort and Finland’s highest fell, the Luosto area has superb outdoor recreation.
- Kemi – On the Gulf of Bothnia, Kemi is known for its snow castle and icebreaker tours.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your Santa Claus Village trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Best times to visit – For the full Christmas vibe, visit in November and December. But spring, summer and fall have perks too!
- Recommended length – Plan at least 1-3 days to see the main attractions. 1 week allows a more thorough Lapland experience.
- Where to stay – Rovaniemi has a range of nice hotels or you can stay in a glass igloo!
- Getting around – Walking, taxis and local buses cover Santa’s Village. Having a car helps explore farther.
FAQs
Is Santa Claus Village open year-round?
Yes! It’s open daily throughout the year, so you can experience the Arctic magic anytime.
Do you need a visa to visit?
Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, UK and Australia do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.
What’s the weather like?
Winters are cold and snowy, with average highs around -5°C. Summers are mild, with average highs of 16°C. Dress warmly!
What currency do they use?
Finland uses the Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are widely accepted.
What language do they speak?
The main languages are Finnish and Northern Sámi. Many people also speak English.
Exploring the one-of-a-kind Santa Claus Village should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its festive atmosphere, fun activities, and Arctic magic, this Finnish village will fill you with Christmas spirit any time of year. Ho ho ho and happy travels!