Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled in the snowy wilderness of Finnish Lapland lies a magical place that brings the spirit of Christmas alive year-round. This is the enchanting Santa Claus Village, located just north of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. With its picturesque log cabins, reindeer sleigh rides, and of course, Santa himself, it’s no wonder Santa Claus Village is one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions.
The story of Santa Claus Village begins in 1950 when Finnish radio journalist Markus Rautio broadcasted his radio show live from Korvatunturi, or “Ear Fell” in Finnish, which is said to be Santa’s home. This sparked the idea of building a Santa Claus-themed attraction in Lapland, eventually leading to the opening of Santa Claus Village in 1985. Today, over 400,000 visitors from all over the world make the journey every year to this little slice of North Pole heaven.
Main Attractions
One of the highlights of Santa Claus Village is the massive Santa Claus Post Office. Here you can have your postcards and letters stamped with a special Santa Claus postmark before they get delivered to your loved ones. It’s the only post office in the world authorized to use Santa’s official postal code, ROVANIEMI NAPA 999.
No trip to the village would be complete without meeting Santa himself. In Santa’s Main Office, you can chat with Jolly Old St. Nick, take photos, and share your Christmas wish list. Don’t forget to peek into Santa’s Magic Mirror to see if you’re on the naughty or nice list!
For kids, the Elf School provides a chance to take elf training, listen to stories read by Santa’s helpers, and even meet some of Santa’s reindeer. At the end, each child receives an elf diploma for completing their courses in Christmas knowledge.
Speaking of reindeer, reindeer sleigh rides are another quintessential Santa Claus Village experience. The reindeer are incredibly gentle as you get whisked through the snowy woods. For those seeking more excitement, husky safaris allow you to zip through the wilderness on a sled pulled by energetic husky dogs.
Inside the Santa Park located under the Village, an underground cavern transforms into a magical Christmas world. After riding down in an old mining lift, get ready to stroll through the halls of Santa’s home and meet the Christmas characters.
Shops and Restaurants
Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen serves up piping hot glasses of warm berry juice along with traditional delicacies like reindeer stew and cloudberry mousse. The shops sell all kinds of Christmas-themed trinkets and souvenirs to take home, from handmade dolls to tree decorations. Local handicrafts and delicacies like smoked reindeer meat and Arctic raspberry jam make for tasty edible souvenirs.
Other Activities
Adventurous visitors can hop on a snowmobile or fat bike to explore the Arctic terrain. Guided northern lights tours take you away from the village lights to get the best views of the dancing green auroras across the night sky. There are also options to go downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding on the surrounding fells.
Animal lovers can head to the reindeer farm to learn about reindeer herding and feed the calves. Getting to feed and pet these gentle creatures is a rewarding cultural experience.
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Right beside Santa’s Village lies the iconic Arctic Circle, marked by a white line across the snow. Make sure to take part in the Arctic Circle ceremony where you walk across the line and receive a personalized certificate verifying you crossed the Arctic Circle. It’s a memorable moment and photo op!
Conclusion
With its festive atmosphere and wide range of activities, Santa Claus Village allows you to celebrate the magic of Christmas no matter what time of year you visit. From the Christmas cheer that permeates every cabin to the friendly animals and natural winter beauty, Lapland’s Santa Claus Village is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure for all ages. Visitors leave with spirits rejuvenated and memories to last a lifetime. If you ever travel to northern Finland, this enchanting Arctic wonderland is an unmissable and heartwarming destination guaranteed to ignite your inner child’s belief in the Christmas spirit.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Santa Claus Village?
The winter months from November to January are the most atmospheric time to visit when everything is covered in snow. However, Santa Claus Village is open year-round. Summer offers long days and is great for activities like hiking.
How do you get to Santa Claus Village?
Santa Claus Village is located about 8 km north of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. It can be reached by car, bus, or taxi from Rovaniemi. Organized tours are also available from Rovaniemi.
What is there to do at Santa Claus Village besides meet Santa?
Some top activities include reindeer and husky rides, snowmobiling and skiing, visiting the Santa Park, shopping, sending postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, and participating in the Arctic Circle ceremony.
Can you stay overnight at Santa Claus Village?
Yes, Santa’s Igloos arctic glass cabins provide a magical overnight experience inside the village. There are also many hotels and lodges located close by.
Is Santa Claus Village only for kids?
Definitely not – Santa Claus Village is enjoyable for visitors of all ages! There are fun activities for kids but also lots to appreciate as an adult, like learning about Lappish culture and exploring the scenic Arctic nature.