Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi: A Magical Destination for All Ages

Located just 8 km from Rovaniemi city center, this enchanting village attracts travelers of all ages who want to experience the magic of Christmas in the Arctic Circle.

This guide explores the best attractions and experiences at Santa Claus Village, ensuring a memorable visit for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.

Meet Santa Claus in His Official Home

One of the highlights of visiting Santa Claus Village is the chance to meet Santa Claus in person. He welcomes visitors every day in his official Santa Claus Office, where guests can chat with him and take memorable photos.

What to Expect:

• Personal meeting with Santa Claus (free entry, photo packages available for purchase).
• Hear stories from Santa about Lapland and the Arctic Circle.
• Visit Santa’s main post office, where letters from around the world arrive for Santa each year.

Best Time to Visit: While the village is open year-round, visiting during December adds extra magic with snow-covered landscapes and festive decorations.

Cross the Arctic Circle

Santa Claus Village sits right on the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places in the world where visitors can physically cross this famous latitude. A special white line marks the Arctic Circle, and visitors receive an official certificate for crossing it.

Experience Highlights:

• Stand on the Arctic Circle and take a once-in-a-lifetime photo.
• Get an official Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate as a souvenir.
• In winter, witness the Northern Lights and experience the Polar Night.

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer for 24-hour daylight under the Midnight Sun.
• Winter for snowy landscapes and a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Winter Activities: Reindeer, Huskies, and Snow Fun

No trip to Santa Claus Village is complete without Lapland’s iconic winter experiences, including reindeer rides, husky safaris, and snowmobile adventures.

Top Winter Activities:

• Reindeer Sleigh Ride – Experience a traditional reindeer safari guided by Sámi herders.
• Husky Sledding – Feel the thrill of a huskies-led sleigh ride through snowy forests.
• Snowmobile Tours – Explore the Arctic wilderness on a guided snowmobile adventure.

Best Time to Visit: December to March for the best snow conditions and winter activities.

Santa Claus Post Office: Send a Letter from the Arctic Circle

The Santa Claus Main Post Office is one of the most unique places in the village. This is where millions of letters from children worldwide arrive every year, and visitors can send postcards with the official Arctic Circle postmark.

What to Do:

• Send a postcard with a special Arctic Circle stamp.
• Explore letters received from children around the world.
• Buy exclusive Christmas souvenirs and gifts.

Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, but it is extra special during the Christmas season.

Experience Christmas Magic All Year Round

Unlike anywhere else in the world, Santa Claus Village celebrates Christmas every day. Even in summer, visitors can see Christmas lights, hear festive music, and enjoy snowy landscapes (thanks to artificial snow zones in warmer months).

Fun Attractions:

• Visit Christmas House, an exhibition about holiday traditions.
• Enjoy a Christmas-themed meal at a local restaurant.
• Explore the Santa Park underground amusement center.

Best Time to Visit: December for an authentic Christmas atmosphere, but enjoyable all year round.

Where to Stay: Unique Accommodation Options

For those who want to stay overnight in Santa Claus Village, there are many cozy and unique accommodations offering an unforgettable Arctic experience.

Best Accommodation Options:

• Glass Igloos – Sleep under the Northern Lights at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle.
• SnowHotel – Stay in a hotel made entirely of ice and snow.
• Santa Claus Holiday Village Cabins – Cozy cottages designed for families and couples.

Best Time to Visit: Winter for a snow-covered wonderland or summer for the Midnight Sun.