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Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, is a magical destination that brings the enchantment of Christmas to life year-round. Nestled in the Arctic Circle, this iconic village is where visitors from around the world come to meet Santa Claus, experience traditional Finnish winter activities, and immerse themselves in holiday cheer.
Here are things you can expect to see and do while visiting Santa Claus Village.
- Meet Santa Claus The highlight of any visit to Santa Claus Village is the opportunity to meet Santa himself. Santa is available to greet visitors every day of the year, making this the ultimate Christmas experience. You’ll find Santa Claus in his cozy office, where you can take a photo and share your holiday wishes. This magical moment is a dream come true for children and adults alike.
- Cross the Arctic Circle One of the unique aspects of Santa Claus Village is that it sits directly on the Arctic Circle. Visitors can officially cross the Arctic Circle line, which is marked within the village. You can even receive a certificate marking your crossing as a special keepsake.
- Santa Claus Main Post Office At the Santa Claus Main Post Office, visitors can send postcards and letters to loved ones with a special Arctic Circle postmark. This post office also receives letters from children around the world addressed to Santa. It’s a charming stop where you can browse festive cards and gifts and send your holiday greetings straight from the heart of the Christmas capital.
- Reindeer Rides and Husky Dogsledding Santa Claus Village offers unforgettable experiences with Finland’s iconic animals. You can embark on a reindeer sleigh ride, where you’ll glide through the snowy landscapes of Lapland, just as Santa’s reindeer do on Christmas Eve. In the winter, husky sledding is also a popular activity. The adrenaline of a husky ride through the Arctic wilderness is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
- Snow Activities Depending on the season, Santa Claus Village offers a range of winter activities. During the snowy months, visitors can try ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. For those visiting during the holiday season, the entire village transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with festive lights, snow sculptures, and holiday decorations.
- Santa Park Located near the village, Santa Park is an underground Christmas theme park where you can experience even more holiday magic. You can tour Santa’s workshop, learn how to make gingerbread cookies, and enjoy live performances. The park is designed to make visitors feel like they’ve entered the enchanted world of Santa’s elves.
- Northern Lights Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, and Santa Claus Village is no exception. Visitors who stay overnight in the winter months may be lucky enough to see the aurora borealis dance across the sky, creating an unforgettable sight in this already magical setting.
- Arctic Circle Shopping The village is home to a number of shops offering locally made handicrafts, Christmas decorations, souvenirs, and Lapland-themed gifts. From wool sweaters to reindeer antler carvings, these shops provide a great opportunity to bring a piece of Lapland home with you.
Whether you visit during the winter for the full snowy experience or in the summer to enjoy the midnight sun, Santa Claus Village offers a magical escape filled with holiday joy and Arctic adventure.