Just outside Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, you can visit the most magical place on Earth: Santa Claus Village. Typically, the idea of meeting Santa conjures up images of screaming kids sitting on a jolly man’s lap in a mall. But this is a real, snow-covered village you can walk through, providing tons of family fun. Plus, we have you covered with some of the most unique hotels in the world just minutes from this quaint little Christmas village. Keep reading to see how you can plan the best Christmas trip to Santa Claus Village.
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Where Is Santa Claus Village?
Santa Claus Village is about 8 kilometers / 5 miles north of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Rovaniemi Airport. There are tons of seasonal flights from several European cities over the winter. From the airport, it’s just a short drive to the village.
Rovaniemi is also where you’ll base yourself for Northern Lights tours, husky sledding, snowmobiling, and a night in a glass igloo, so this trip isn’t just for the kiddos; it’s also for the kids at heart.
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What to Do at Santa Claus Village
Meet Santa
As we mentioned, this place has a very different feeling from going to meet a mall Santa. Here, you can walk into Santa’s office, sit down, and actually talk to him, and of course, get some amazing photos. The outdoor setting of snow settling on the windows and the nearby Christmas market is so atmospheric that it’ll all start to feel very real. Santa’s office is open year-round, but December is truly the best time to go to really conjure up the Christmas spirit. It’s the most magical during the holiday season.
Reindeer Sleigh Rides
Our favorite activity in all of Rovaniemi is the reindeer sleigh ride. Not only is it an absolute blast, it’s an incredible way to explore the nature around you. Plus it’s tied to Sami culture, rather than just being a tourist activity. It’s slower than a snowmobile and quieter than a husky sled, which is part of the appeal.
Santa’s Post Office
Thousands of letters addressed to Santa arrive here every year from kids around the world. You can send your own postcard from the village with an official Arctic Circle postmark. It’s an easy, low-effort souvenir.
The Northern Lights
For the best chance at glimpsing the Northern Lights, you’ll want to join a tour that takes you away from the village and any nearby light pollution. A tour is highly recommended so you don’t have to worry about the logistics, and you can rely on someone who knows all the best spots to hit to up your chances of seeing the lights.
The Christmas Market
We’re suckers for Christmas markets no matter where we go. Here you’ll find Finnish souvenirs, local goods, and delicious treats.
Our Lapland Winter Packing Essentials
Planning a Trip to Lapland
When to Go
Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi is surprisingly open year-round, meaning you can enjoy some Christmas spirit even in the middle of summer. But December is our favorite time to go to really feel the magic of Christmas. The energy is just different there at that time of year. But be advised, it is peak season, so it’s also when the most people will be there. January through March still delivers a proper winter wonderland, with fewer crowds and better odds for Northern Lights tours. November is quieter, before the holiday crowds show up, though snow isn’t guaranteed yet. If seeing snow is the priority, aim for December through March.
How Long to Stay
Most people spend 3 to 5 days in Rovaniemi, which is enough time to see the village, get through a couple of Arctic activities, and not feel rushed. Here’s a sample Rovaniemi itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive, visit Santa Claus Village
- Day 2: Reindeer ride, Northern Lights tour
- Day 3: Husky safari
- Day 4: Snowmobiling or a sauna day
- Day 5: Depart
Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
Since you’re already planning a trip to such a unique destination, skip the generic resorts and book a stay you’ll remember forever at one of these arctic escapes.
Glass Resort – If you want to be close to the action of Santa Claus Village and don’t want to have to trek between your hotel and the festivities, a stay at Glass Resort is the perfect option. This resort is located inside Santa Claus Village, and offers private outdoor hot tubs and saunas, and glass walls to take in the Northern Lights.
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – Similarly to Glass Resort, this hotel is located right in Santa Claus Village. These glass igloos make it easy to pop over to the Christmas market or book nearby activities.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – This hotel is made up of modern treehouses tucked away in the forest. It has the feeling of a hidden cabin, more so than a hotel, making it feel really remote and cozy, despite still being near the village.
Halo Igloos Resort – This resort sits further out from the village, so it’s perfect for couples looking for some privacy. We love the panoramic glass ceilings, which allow you to glimpse the Northern Lights without getting out of bed.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Here you can opt to spend a night in a room made entirely of snow and ice, or stay in a warm igloo meant for Northern Lights viewing. This property is the furthest from Santa Claus Village (about 30 minutes away), but so worth spending a night at.
A trip to Santa Claus Village is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for couples looking for a romantic getaway, families sharing the magic of Christmas with their kids, or adventurers looking for a destination with dog sledding, sleigh rides, and Northern Lights visibility. We hope we’ve inspired you to visit, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments below!
