The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is definitely one of the TOP highlights in Finnish Lapland. Here, you can not only experience the Christmas spirit all year round, but also meet Santa Claus and his elves himself. The Santa Claus Village is located right on the Arctic Circle in northern Finland and awaits you with a very special atmosphere and great activities.
In addition to meeting Santa Claus and exploring the village, you can enjoy various winter activities such as reindeer sleigh rides, husky sleigh rides, snowmobile rides, and even Northern Lights tours, depending on the season, of course. In the following article, we’ll show you what to expect during your winter holiday in Lapland at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
- Vacation in the Santa Claus Village
- What to expect at the Santa Claus Village
- Highlights in the Santa Claus Village
- Winter activities
- General travel tips
- Our conclusion
- Santa Claus Village FAQ
Vacation in the Santa Claus Village
Vacation at the Arctic Circle in the Santa Claus Village? Here in Finnish Lapland, you have the opportunity to do so. Santa Claus Village is located just 8 kilometers north of the city of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus’s official hometown.
The short winter days, icy temperatures, and meters of snow create the perfect Christmas atmosphere. The village is not only festively decorated, but also plays Christmas music 365 days a year.
Explore the village’s various facilities, pick up some Christmas souvenirs, enjoy Finnish specialties, and let cute huskies pull you through the snowy winter landscape.
What awaits you in Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus: The main attraction of the village is, of course, Santa Claus himself! Meet Santa Claus himself, chat with him, and have a souvenir photo taken. He is a very, very nice and warm man! We promise!
Main Post Office: The village is also home to Santa Claus’s official main post office. Here you can send your Christmas greetings to your loved ones and have postcards stamped with the famous Arctic Circle special postmark.
Arctic Circle: The Arctic Circle line runs directly through Santa Claus Village. You can cross the magic line at the main square.
Reindeer: Reindeer are simply a part of Santa Claus. In Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa’s faithful companions and even take a sleigh ride with them.
Winter Activities: Santa Claus Village offers a variety of winter activities, including ice skating, snowmobiling, husky sleigh rides, and reindeer safaris.
Christmas Shopping: Of course, you can also buy plenty of Christmas items and souvenirs on site. The village has numerous shops where you can buy clothing, handicrafts, decorations, and gift items.
❄️ Christmas Atmosphere: Do you love Christmas and everything that goes with it? The entire village is festively decorated with lights, fir trees, and decorated buildings 365 days a year. Christmas music also plays around the clock.
Highlights in Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is open all year round and awaits you with numerous highlights. In addition to Santa Claus’s Chamber, there is also Mrs. Claus’s House, the official post office, Snowman World, and the Elf Academy.
Santa Claus Office
First official act in Santa Claus Village: Meet the “real” Santa Claus. 365 days a year, you have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and his faithful helpers in person. In Santa’s office, you can have a quick chat with him in a wonderful Christmas atmosphere and have his elves take a souvenir photo.
But be careful: cell phones and cameras are not allowed in his office! The elves take photos and videos, which you can purchase afterward (but you don’t have to!). During the winter season, there can be long lines in front of his office. We were there about an hour before closing (March) and only had to wait in line for 5 minutes (during opening hours).
Santa Claus Office – Current Prices:
- Admission: free
- Printed photo: €35
- Download link for photo & Video: €50
- Combo of both: €80
Main Post Office
Another highlight in Santa Claus Village is certainly the official main post office of Santa Claus. This is urgently needed, as Santa Claus receives around half a million letters from young and old every year. In a super cozy atmosphere, you can write postcards here and send them to your family and friends. Your cards will even be stamped with the special Arctic Circle postmark.
There is a red mailbox (“for Christmas”) on site. If you drop your letters and cards here, they will be delivered in time for Christmas. You can even order a Santa Claus letter and have Santa Claus personally deliver it before Christmas. The postage costs are the same as in other parts of Finland. We paid €2.50 per card.
Mrs. Santa’s House
The large grounds also house the pretty Mrs. Santa’s House. It is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings in Santa Claus Village. Here you can meet Mrs. Santa, who loves to tell stories in a cozy atmosphere.
If you would like to meet Mrs. Santa Claus, it’s best to book your ticket in advance: Book your ticket here. In winter, reindeer excursions, reindeer safaris, and Northern Lights safaris are offered, while in summer, reindeer visits are offered. There’s also Mrs. Claus’s Café on site (free entry).
Mrs. Santa Claus House – Current Prices:
- Admission: free
- Certificate of visit: €5
- Printed photo: €30
- Digital photo: €20
- Combo of both: €40
Main Square with Live Cam
What not everyone knows: In Santa Claus Village, there’s a live video webcam right in the main square. You can watch Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle line from the comfort of your sofa. And when you’re there in person, you should venture in front of this camera and let your loved ones at home know. They can then see you here on YouTube. We thought it was really funny, and so did our family!
Crossing the Arctic Circle
What is the Arctic Circle? The Arctic Circle is a circle of latitude located 66°33′45.9″ north of the equator. It marks the southernmost latitude where the polar night prevails during the winter and the midnight sun can be observed during the summer. The term “Arctic Circle” refers to the fact that it marks the boundary of the polar regions where these phenomena occur.
And did you know that the Arctic Circle runs right through Santa Claus Village? The Arctic Circle line is marked on the main square. Cross the magical Arctic Circle and be sure to take a souvenir photo for your family. You can also purchase a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle on site (e.g., at the Arctic Circle Tourist Information Center).
Elf Academy
In the Elf Academy, children learn more about the tricks and wisdom of the little elf helpers. They get an insight into the everyday life of an elf and experience the preparations for Christmas. All participants receive a special elf badge and a diploma from the Elf Academy at the end. Book your ticket here*.
Santa’s Pets
In Santa Claus Village, there are not only reindeer and huskies, but also alpacas, donkeys, ponies, sheep, and goats. You can visit these animals in winter and also feed them. Walks with ponies, alpacas, and reindeer are also offered on site. The entrance fee also includes access to the kota with a campfire.
- Opening hours: daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission prices: €15 adults, €10 children
- Activity prices: see homepage
Winter Activities
In addition to meeting Santa Claus and exploring the village, you can enjoy various winter activities such as reindeer and husky sleigh rides, snowmobile rides, and even Northern Lights tours, depending on the Season. We’ve listed the most popular activities below:
Husky Park in Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is home to the popular Husky Park with over 100 Siberian huskies. Every day, you can visit the huskies in their kennels, take a sleigh ride, go hiking with them, and learn more about the dogs and the work in the park. The dogs roam freely in a fenced area, where you can play with them and pet them.
- Opening hours: see website
- Admission prices: €10 adults, €5 children (4-12 years)
- Tours: short sleigh rides on site from €45 (2 km or 5 km)
- Husky Hugging: 30 minutes for €15 per person
Guided husky tours
Various other Husky tours are offered. Transfers to and from the hotel are usually included, as are warm clothing, cookies, and tea. We’ve selected the most popular offers for you.
Trial ride (2 km)
Short trial ride through the forest in Santa Claus Village, including hot berry juice and cookies. The ride takes 8 to 12 minutes.
☞ Book a husky safari here*
Husky sleigh ride (5 km)
30-minute sleigh ride and play with huskies on a farm in the middle of the forest, including hot drinks, overalls, and transfer. You can drive the sleigh yourself!
☞ Book a husky safari here*
Husky sleigh ride (10 km)
Adventure at a family-run husky farm near Rovaniemi. 8 to 10 km sleigh ride including a campfire, hot drinks & transfer. You can drive the sleigh yourself!
☞ Book a husky safari here*
Visit the reindeer farm
Right behind Santa Claus’s office, reindeer rides are offered in winter and spring. At the Santa Claus Reindeer Resort, you can join two short tours without a reservation: 5 to 7 minutes (village) or 10 to 15 minutes (village + forest). The resort also operates the Porovaara Hill Reindeer Farm in the Lapland wilderness, just 25 minutes from Santa Claus Village. You can take part in longer excursions there. Learn more here.
Guided Reindeer Sleigh Rides
Various other reindeer sleigh rides are also offered around the Christmas Village. Most include transfers to and from the hotel, as well as warm clothing, cookies, and tea. We’ve selected the most popular options for you.
Reindeer Farm & Short Sleigh Ride
On this tour, you’ll travel to a traditional reindeer farm. There, you can feed the animals and take a 400-meter sleigh ride. As always, hot drinks and cookies are served at the end.
Book your reindeer farm visit here*
Reindeer farm & longer sleigh ride
A 2- to 4-kilometer reindeer sleigh ride takes you through the winter landscape. Afterwards, you can relax with a hot drink and listen to stories about reindeer herding.
Book your reindeer farm visit here*
Big Combo Deal
This tour includes a snowmobile ride, a short reindeer sleigh ride, a husky sleigh ride, winter clothing, transfers, hot drinks, and cookies.
Book your big combo tour here*
Snowmobile Rides
Would you like to experience Lapland’s untouched winter landscape on a snowmobile safari? The Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park offers various tours for beginners and advanced riders. The 30-minute introductory tour is available for just €65 per person, and the 2-hour tour for €140 per person. Mini snowmobiles for children are also available. More about it here: Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park.
Guided Snowmobile Ride (1 Hour)
Explore the nearby countryside as you drive through the snow and admire the picturesque scenery. The tour includes winter clothing and transfers. A driver’s license is required!
Book your snowmobile safari here*
Guided Snowmobile Ride (2 Hour)
We took this tour and whizzed through the countryside around Rovaniemi for 2 hours. The tour includes winter clothing, transfers, and hot drinks. You need a driver’s license if you want to drive.
Book your snowmobile safari here*
Snowmobile ride and ice fishing
30–40 km snowmobile ride includes transfer, winter clothing, ice fishing, lunch, and hot drinks. A driver’s license is required if you want to drive yourself.
Book your snowmobile safari here*
Snowman World
A special highlight for children is the Snowman World in Santa Claus Village. Numerous cool winter activities await you here, such as ice skating and sledding. There is also a snow labyrinth, unique snow and ice sculptures, varied snow games, an ice disco, a snow restaurant, and a cool ice bar. Book your ticket here*.
Observe the Northern Lights
A trip to Lapland without the Northern Lights? That doesn’t seem right. In the months from September to March, you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Of course, your luck ultimately depends on the weather. To see the Northern Lights, dark and clear skies are necessary. Santa Claus Village has several operators offering tours through the nearby nature.
Northern Lights Sleigh Ride
This 2-hour sleigh ride takes you out into the icy nature of Lapland to hunt for the Northern Lights. The price includes transfers, winter clothing, safety equipment, and the 2-hour sleigh ride.
Book your tour here*
Snowmobile Safari
Or would you rather go snowmobiling to search for the Northern Lights? A guided tour takes you through the landscape around Rovaniemi for an hour. The price includes transfers, equipment, a 2-hour snowmobile ride, and a BBQ around the campfire.
Book the tour here*
Lakeside Sauna
We booked this fantastic tour. We had our own little sauna on a lake, complete with an ice hole for cooling off. To top it all off, we even saw the Northern Lights on the horizon. The price includes transfers, hot drinks, a bathrobe, slippers, and towels.
Book your tour here*
General travel tips
Getting there
By plane: From Germany, you can fly to Rovaniemi in 2.5 hours. The airport is just a stone’s throw away from Santa Claus Village.
By car: From Rovaniemi, it is only 8 km to Santa Claus Village. You can reach the village in just a few minutes via the E75. Signs will guide you along the way.
By bus: From Rovaniemi, you can travel by bus. Line 8 runs between the city center, the airport, and Santa Claus Village (timetable here).
Opening Hours & Prices
Santa Claus Village is open year-round and admission is free. The exact opening hours vary by month and can be found on the website. Activities such as snowmobile rides or reindeer sleigh rides cost extra. Click here for an overview map of the village.
- Address: Santa Claus Village, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Napapiiri (Arctic Circle)
- GPS coordinates: +66° 32′ 37.11″, +25° 50′ 51.44
Accommodations in Santa Claus Village
The village offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, cottages, and apartments. Many of these accommodations are designed in the traditional Finnish style (wooden cabins) and offer a super cozy atmosphere. Of course, there are also super chic glass igloos, which give you an unrestricted view of the winter starry sky.
- Santa Claus Holiday Village*
- Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle*
- Arctic Snow Hotel*
- Nova Skyland Hotel*
- Nova Galaxy Village*
- Apukka Resort Rovaniemi*
Restaurants & Cafés
Your physical well-being is also taken care of here in the far north at the Arctic Circle. In Santa Claus Village, there are numerous restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy local and international dishes. Sample the Nordic flavors and traditional specialties. Alternatively, you can also get pasta, pizza, burgers, and more at Santa Claus Village.
- Restaurant Santamus
- Santa’s Pizza & Burgers
- Santa’s Salmon Place
- Gallis Restaurant
- Napatapuli Café-Restaurant
- Santa’s Cuisine Restaurant
- Ensilumi Café
- Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi
- Santa Claus’s Café
- Nova Skyland Restaurant
- Arctic Eye Restaurant
- Loft Café
- Golden Bowl Dim Sum Restaurant
- Three Elves Restaurant
Shopping in Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village has numerous shops where you can buy souvenirs and Christmas items. Whether it’s Christmas tree baubles, postcards, stuffed animals, pendants, magnets, ceramics, sweaters, sweets, mugs, hats, or pens – you can find absolutely everything Christmas-related here. On site, you’ll also find specialty shops selling a wide variety of handicrafts, such as knives, clothing, ceramics, and personalized Lapland souvenirs.
Cool Events in Santa Claus Village
Arctic Art Festival: The most recent Arctic Art Festival took place in January 2024 at the Arctic SnowHotel. Fascinating ice sculptures and fire shows were presented. An international snow sculpture competition was also held.
Christmas Season Opening: The official Christmas opening takes place annually in November in the central square of Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. This year, the grand opening will take place on November 3, 2024. Santa Claus himself even gives a speech.
Santa’s “ON HIS WAY” Event: Every year on December 23rd, people gather at Santa Claus Village to witness Santa Claus’s annual journey live. The free event is also streamed online.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Santa Claus Village depends on your preferences and interests. Many visitors come to Santa Claus Village, especially around Christmas time (December). We find the winter months (December – March) to be the best time to visit, as the deep snowfall and low temperatures are simply the best.
Santa Claus Village is open 365 days a year and offers numerous activities and attractions even in summer. While you can experience the midnight sun in summer, you have the chance to see the breathtaking Northern Lights in winter.
Our Conclusion
Santa Claus Village is very commercial and touristy. But that probably doesn’t bother the little ones among us much. A visit to Santa Claus Village is a great highlight, especially for children. They can meet Santa Claus, talk to elves, and experience some of the animals up close. The entire village was built with great attention to detail, and anyone who loves Christmas and everything that goes with it will definitely get their money’s worth.
Since there is no admission charge for a visit, you have nothing to lose. However, the prices on site for activities, souvenirs, and food are quite high. We wouldn’t recommend a tour to Santa Claus Village either. Simply take bus number 8, a taxi, or your rental car and explore the village on your own. In our opinion, you really don’t need a guide to explore the village.
Santa Claus Village FAQ
Where is Santa Claus Village? How long is the flight to Santa Claus Village? How much does Santa Claus Village cost? Is there snow in Santa Claus Village? When is the opening ceremony for the Christmas season?