Santa Claus Village
Rovaniemi, Finland, 96930
The city of Rovaniemi, in Lapland, is home to Santa Claus Village, a unique theme park located right on the Arctic Circle—complete with a line to cross. The ultimate destination for kids looking for a private word with Father Christmas, the park includes Santa’s office, reindeer rides, a petting zoo, gift shops, an elf academy, and Santa’s official post office, as well as the opportunity to go ice-karting.
The Basics
Children are sure to be swept up in the magic of Christmas when they explore workshops ( where Santa’s elves are hard at work), pet Nordic reindeer, and have their photo taken with Father Christmas himself. The entire family can get in the festive spirit by exploring a series of Christmas-themed exhibits, shopping for gifts at Santa’s official souvenir shop, and taking a snapshot on the white line running through the village that denotes the border of the Arctic Circle.
For extra wintery fun, you can pair your visit to Santa Claus Village with an excursion into the surrounding countryside by husky sled, snowmobile, or reindeer sleigh. Alternatively, opt for a guided tour of Rovaniemi, or a visit to the Arctic Snow Hotel.
Things to Know Before You Go
Souvenir photos and videos of each child’s meeting with Santa are available for purchase.
Don’t forget to send a letter home from Santa’s official post office; it will be hand-stamped with the special Santa Claus postmark.
Temperatures can be grueling in the Arctic Circle in the winter months, so bring plenty of warm clothing.
The complex is fully accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors with special needs.
How to Get There
Santa Claus Village is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside Rovaniemi, on the border of the Arctic Circle, in southern Lapland. The park can be reached by shuttle or car from the city center; for a hassle-free visit, choose a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Santa Claus Village comes alive over the Christmas holidays, when seasonal events and activities are in full swing and the park is crowded with families meeting Santa Claus. Santa is in residence year round, however, so summer visitors also have a chance to meet with St. Nick.
Rovaniemi’s Arktikum Museum
After visiting Santa Claus Village, head to Arktikum, a family-friendly museum in Rovaniemi focused on Lapland’s and the Arctic’s history and culture. Peruse exhibits dedicated to the history of Rovaniemi and the Sámi people, and try to spot the northern lights from the museum’s glass tunnel, which runs between the main building and Ounasjoki River.
Ways to explore
Children are sure to be swept up in the magic of Christmas at Santa Claus Village, but tour packages offer fun for all the family, all year round—as well as sparing novices the challenges of driving in icy conditions. Pair your visit to Santa Claus Village with an excursion into the surrounding countryside by husky sled, snowmobile, or reindeer sleigh—or even (in summer) Finnish horses. Animal-loving kids will enjoy tours that also visit the zoo, while festive completists will find appeal by adding a visit to SantaPark, an underground Christmas theme park.
Accessibility
Snow and ice may make the park challenging for wheelchair users.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Bring Christmas cards to send from Santa’s official post office.
What to wear
Temperatures can be grueling in the Arctic Circle during the winter months and regularly drop to 5°F (-15°C) around Christmas. Even if you’re renting outside layers, bring plenty of warm inside layers.
Not allowed
Be careful that older children don’t spill Santa’s secret and spoil it for the younger ones.
Amenities
Restrooms, shops, restaurants, post office
AddressÂ
Santa Claus Village is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) northeast of Rovaniemi, on the border of the Arctic Circle in southern Lapland.
Driving
Santa Claus Village is right on the E75 highway: Just head north out of Rovaniemi and follow the signs.
Public transportation
A number of buses and shuttle services serve the main road and stop at Santa Claus Village. Public buses leave from Rovaniemi Lapinkavijantie bus stop year-round, with shuttle services operating in winter.
Best times to visit
Different parts of the park have different opening hours, and some elements are only open during the busy Christmas season. If visiting during winter, come at a time that will include both dark and light periods so you can soak up the atmosphere day and night.
Best days to visit
Plan your visit for midweek if you can.
Best months to visit
Although Santa is in residence year-round, Santa Claus Village comes alive over the Christmas holidays, when seasonal events and activities are in full swing and the park is crowded with families meeting Santa Claus.
Special events
The Christmas season starts with a special event, Countdown to Christmas, generally in late October.
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