Santa Claus Village

Where does Santa Claus actually live? We can reveal it to you: In the beautiful Santa Claus Village near the Finnish town of Rovaniemi. Join us on a journey to the Arctic Circle in this magical winter wonderland and meet Santa Claus in person.

He really exists! We saw him with our own eyes, shook his hand, and felt his beard. Who are we talking about? Of course, Santa Claus! Not far from the Finnish town of Rovaniemi, it's Christmas 365 days a year, because this is where Santa Claus lives and operates. Today, we are taking you to the Arctic Circle and revealing what awaits you in Santa Claus Village.

During an adventurous journey to the far North of Finland, you must visit the real Santa Claus in his workshops, the Santa Claus Village. The festive spirit prevails here year-round, so even the biggest Christmas grinch can hardly wait for the holidays.

It's the perfect place to meet Santa Claus, buy festive souvenirs, and send your Christmas mail. Explore the various buildings, such as the Christmas post office, Santa's chamber, and the Christmas House, which features souvenir shops, Christmas exhibitions, and restaurants. By the way, you can visit the village for free, but additional activities like a reindeer sleigh ride or a snowmobile ride cost extra. Some visitors even come here to stay for one or two nights, as it's also possible in Santa Claus Village. A night in a Classic Cottage for two people can be booked from €99. The great thing is: Guests of the hotel can benefit from a free transfer to and from Rovaniemi Airport.

Santa Claus Village is located in the far North at the latitude of the Arctic Circle, about seven kilometers from the town of Rovaniemi. In Finnish Lapland, the days are very short in winter, the snow is high, and the temperatures are cold - making it the perfect environment to get into the Christmas spirit. Upon arriving at the Christmas Village, you'll notice a line on the ground that shows you where the Arctic Circle runs. When there's heavy snow, lanterns will guide you along the path of this famous latitude. Step over and you're officially in polar territory!

What would a visit to the home of Santa Claus be without paying him a personal visit? His office is located in the most beautiful building of Santa Claus Village, adorned with wonderfully decorated wooden facades. In his private quarters, Santa hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. During the winter months, be prepared for some waiting time. When it's your turn, an elf will first ask you what language Santa should speak with you. In his office, with wood paneling and a cozy fireplace, children take a seat while adults shake his hand and take a memorable photo. Unfortunately, you cannot take your own photos in Santa's quarters. However, you can buy pictures from the Christmas Village after your visit, costing about €25 to €40.

This is the mysterious place where children's wish lists from all over the world arrive. On a wooden wall stands a giant red shelf with many small compartments where hopeful letters are sorted by country. Santa's post office receives half a million letters each year. Perhaps children will even receive a response?

Santa Claus' Address:

Santa Claus' Main Post Office

96930 Napapiiri

Finland

In this cozy hut, young and old can write their very special Christmas mail - be it summer or winter. Buy beautiful Christmas cards and write your Christmas greetings together with other tourists at large wooden tables. The special thing here is that there's a unique stamp and the famous postmark straight from Santa's Post Office. You then get to choose whether your mail should be sent immediately or if the diligent elves will wait and send it just in time for Christmas. By the way: The postage costs the same as in other parts of Finland.

Just a few steps away from Santa Claus Village, you will find a husky farm. Here, for a small entrance fee, you can meet the dogs or book a husky safari. In the city of Rovaniemi, which with 60,000 residents is the largest town near the northern Arctic Circle, you'll find the Science Center and Museum Arktikum. We promise you that a visit here is really interesting, as you learn all about life north of the Arctic Circle, how the Northern Lights are created, and more about the wildlife in these latitudes.

If you're spending a few days in this fairy-tale landscape, you should definitely go hiking with large snowshoes, sledding, and take a reindeer safari. In Rovaniemi, you can plan thrilling snowmobile safaris with numerous tour operators, which is truly a special experience as you speed through untouched snowy landscapes. With a bit of luck, you might even witness the unique natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

After demanding and eventful days in the snow, tourists can, of course, also sleep in Santa Claus Village. Stay in one of the charming wooden cabins just behind the official Santa Claus office. Two nights for two in one of the cabins in this winter wonderland start at €200. You can book them directly, including flights.

Accommodations in Finnish Lapland

Since it gets dark so early in Lapland during winter, small lights twinkle on house facades and festively decorated trees everywhere. Snow lies on the roofs, and slowly even the biggest Christmas grinch gets into the spirit. Santa Claus Village is the perfect travel destination for those counting the days until Christmas.

Love from Finland