In the heart of Finnish Lapland lies the Santa Claus Village, where Christmas magic lives every day. Sometimes called the Lapland Village, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa and attracts travelers of all ages. With a fairytale landscape and the elusive Northern Lights across the polar skies, it feels like a real-life Christmas card. This enchanting destination promises unforgettable moments year-round for couples, families with kids, and groups of friends. Let’s discover everything that Santa Claus Village in Finland has to offer and get ready to be swept into a world of wonders and Arctic adventures this Christmas season!
Where is Santa Claus Village?
Located just 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is one of the most enchanting destinations on earth. Officially opened in 1985, this iconic village serves as the revered hometown of Santa Claus. Unlike a fleeting seasonal attraction, Santa Claus Village welcomes guests year-round. It offers a unique blend of festive cheer and Arctic experiences regardless of the calendar month. There is no entrance fee to the village itself, though individual attractions and activities may have their own costs. Here, amidst charming boutiques, local handicraft shops, and cozy cafes, the spirit of Christmas thrives 365 days a year.
How to reach: The village is about 4 kilometers away from Rovaniemi Airport, which takes just 7 to 10 minutes. Use Bus 8 or taxis to get there.
Activities to Try at Santa Claus Village in Finland
Lapland Village in Finland offers an array of activities and tours that cater to every dream of an Arctic adventure, ensuring a rich and varied experience. These include:
- Meet Santa at Roosevelt Cottage
The highlight of Laland Village is a personal encounter with Santa Claus at Roosevelt Cottage. This experience isn't just a December delight, but Santa welcomes visitors every day of the year. It was the first building in the Arctic Circle, built to welcome Eleanor Roosevelt in 1950. Today, it houses a small souvenir shop that sells vibrant Christmas gifts to carry home.
- Explore Santa's Main Post Office and Cross the Arctic Circle
Send postcards stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark to loved ones from Santa Claus's official Main Post Office, where busy elves process mail from around the world. A truly unique geographical marker of the Arctic Circle runs directly through Santa Claus Village. You can easily spot the clearly marked line in the central square, and many visitors enjoy the tradition of crossing it. You can even get an Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate to commemorate your journey into the Arctic region.
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- Take Reindeer Sleigh Rides and Husky Safaris
Experience the quintessential winter in Lapland with a traditional reindeer sleigh ride through snow-covered forests or a traditional Sami-owned farm like Kotahovi Reindeer Park. Alternatively, you can embark on an exhilarating husky safari, where you can even learn to drive your own dog sled team. These activities are best enjoyed when there is ample snow, typically from December to April. Some tours, like those offered by Nordic Odyssey, provide longer sleigh rides and authentic farm visits.
- Indulge in Snowmobiling Adventure
For a little thrill, go on a snowmobile safari through the Arctic wilderness. Various tours are available for different skill levels, allowing you to choose what suits you the best. It is an exciting way to explore the snowy landscapes of Rovaniemi. You can learn about the history and evolution of snowmobiles at Santa's House of Snowmobiles.
- Enjoy a unique stay experience in Igloos
To enjoy a winter wonderland experience, consider staying in an igloo. Located within the Santa Claus Village, Snowman World is a popular choice, offering ice slides, an ice maze, and ice skating, along with an ice bar and restaurant. For a truly unique stay or dining experience, consider visiting nearby ice hotels, which are built new each November and usually remain open until March or April.
- Indulge in a traditional dining experience
For an authentic experience, dine at Santa's Salmon Place in Santa Claus Village. The restaurant is known for its traditional kota structure (Finnish tepee built of wood), where fresh salmon is cooked in an open fire right in front of you. It also serves several snacks, desserts, and drinks to enjoy with salmon.
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- Spend a day at SantaPark
Just a short distance from Santa Claus Village, SantaPark offers an underground Christmas theme park experience. Open for its winter season from 25 November 2025 to 10 January 2026, SantaPark provides attractions like Elf School, Mrs. Gingerbread's Bakery, and the Magic Train Ride. It is also popular for the unique opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle underground.
Visiting Hours (December):
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee:
- Adults – €35 to €58
- Children – €29 to €51
Best Time to Visit Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is a year-round destination, each season offering a different charm.
Winter (December to February)
This is the peak season for the quintessential festive experience. Expect snow-covered landscapes, reindeer, husky safaris, and Christmas celebrations in full swing, especially in December. Temperatures typically range from -10°C to -30°C.
Autumn (September to November)
A peaceful time with crisp air and changing autumn colors (ruska). While there's no snow yet, it's an excellent period for Northern Lights sightings and quiet walks. November marks a magical prelude to Christmas, with moderate crowds and good aurora viewing potential.
Spring (March to May)
This period offers longer daylight hours and softer snow for skiing and thawing rivers. Prices of accommodations and activities may be lower, and crowds are smaller than in peak winter.
Summer (June to August)
Experience the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets. There is no snowfall or Northern Lights during this season, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring Lapland's pristine nature.
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Where to Stay Near Santa Claus Village, Finland
Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget, many providing unique Arctic experiences.
- Glass Igloos
For a truly magical experience, consider staying in a glass igloo. Places like Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle, located directly in Santa Claus Village, allow you to gaze at the starry sky and potentially the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos and Snowman World Igloo Hotel are the other popular stays that offer ultimate luxury.
- Hotels and Resorts
Numerous hotels are available both within Santa Claus Village and in Rovaniemi city center. Options range from the family-friendly Santa Claus Holiday Village right in the heart of the action to high-class establishments like Nova Skyland Hotel in the village or the uniquely designed Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (also offering unique accommodation) for a blend of luxury and nature. Other options include Arctic Light Hotel and Santa's Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.
- Cottages and Villas
An array of cottages and luxurious villas is available in and around the Lapland Village, promising a more secluded or spacious stay experience for the visitors. Top accommodations of this category include Santa's Cottage, Villa Sieripirtti, and Aava Sky Village.
- Apartments and Hostels
For those seeking budget-friendly accommodations, there are several holiday apartments and hostels that offer self-catering options. You can choose to stay at properties like Hostel Café Koti and Hostel Ibedcity.
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Things to Do in Rovaniemi Beyond the Lapland Village
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, offers a wealth of attractions and activities beyond Santa Claus Village.
- Go on a guided tour to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
- Explore Arctic history, culture, and nature at the Arktikum Museum
- See polar bears and other Arctic animals in their natural habitats at Ranua Wildlife Park
- Enjoy sports like skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing at Ounasvaara Ski Resort
- Embrace Finnish culture with a traditional sauna followed by a refreshing dip in a frozen lake or river
- Savor local Lapland delicacies like reindeer stew, smoked salmon, and berry-based treats
- Take photos at Lordi Square in downtown Rovaniemi, named after Finland's Eurovision-winning monster rock band
- Explore the vast wilderness of Lapland through numerous hiking and cycling trails in warm weather
Travel Tips for Your Visit to Santa Claus Village in Finland
- Dress in warm layers, especially in winter
- Book accommodations and tours in advance
- Consider thermal clothing for outdoor activities
- Bring a good camera to capture the Northern Lights
- Stay hydrated in the cold weather
- Carry power banks to keep your electronic gadgets fully charged
- Be mindful of local culture and traditions
As the magical glow of Lapland Village in Finland fades into cherished memories, you'll carry with you the warmth of Christmas spirit, the thrill of Arctic adventures, and the breathtaking beauty of Europe’s snowy wilderness. Whether you are seeking a romantic escape, a memorable family vacation, or an exciting trip with friends, Lapland Village in Rovaniemi promises an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Start planning your journey to this extraordinary destination with our Finland tour packages and let the magic of Lapland captivate your heart!
FAQ’s - Santa Claus Village in Finland
Yes, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, is open throughout the year, making it ideal for visiting during any season.
The best time to visit Lapland to witness the Northern Lights is from late August to early April. Peak months are September, October, February and March.
Yes, a marked line lets you cross and get a certificate.
Husky and reindeer safaris are primarily available in Lapland Village when snow is present from December to April.
Glass igloos, hotels, cottages, and holiday apartments are popular accommodation choices near Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
No, entry to Santa Claus Village is free. However, some attractions within the village charge separately.
Santa Claus Village is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of Rovaniemi city center.
SantaPark is an underground Christmas theme park in Rovaniemi with elf activities, unlike the open-air village.
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