Santa Claus Village — Attraction in Rovaniemi sub-region

Oh my gosh, the day I was waiting for over a year. It was absolutely magical. We booked the excursion through Arctic circle snowmobile who collected us from our destination and once again invited us to borrow overalls, gloves and boots for warmth (definitely capitalize on these if you have the option) I believe the Santa village is free to enter but everything inside is additional costs if you want to participate in them. The shops are free to roam around, Santa's visit is free it's the extras that cost. Our trip included a reindeer sleigh ride and husky ride, these were not on this site but we came back. Also included in our ticket price was the use of the children's snowmobile I think this was probably the highlight of my children's visit even over visiting Santa! They were able to ride for 10 minutes I want to say this usually costs €22 for 10 minutes but as previously stated this was my children's favourite part. I would of purchased again just to see my boys smile. The village seems massive there's lots of things to see and do and to be honest we didn't do half of what's there. By the time we had done the rides elsewhere we got about 3 hours in the village and I'm not entirely sure this was long enough. Obviously there is the option of making your own way back to the hotel but the price we paid included a ride back home. As a single parent I wasn't confident using public transport but knowing now how safe I felt I would recommend staying longer ( I wish I had) Oh my gosh where to start, you have the arctic circle crossing which is mad, in one of the little office/shops you can purchase a certificate stating you crossed over additional charge of course they will even laminate think it cost €8 which I didn't think was too sad. You have Santa's post office this was heaving the children/adults scribbing their letters away and sending them off something magical about that place again additional charges. Visiting Santa, was somewhat different to what we expected here in England, we queued for maybe half hour and literally sat down with Santa, he said hello give the boys a present which I paid an additional €30 each for, had a quick photo and was ushered back out the door. He didn't ask my boys what they would like or anything it really felt like a conveyor belt disappointing if I'm honest but is that because my expectations where different I'm not too sure. The gift is optional but you can't go and see Santa in Lapland and not receive a gift. The photos were fantastic again additional costs and there were a few different packages we only took the photo at €35 but your visit is recorded and you can purchase this again at a higher price. Don't be put off by my experience because i think its a must to see Santa I thought he would of at least had a little chat but this place is really busy so maybe at different times your experience maybe completely different. There's lots of different souvenir shops all selling similar things so we'll worth looking about as different in prices too. I spent a huge amount of money here and yes Lapland is expensive (I wouldn't say muchore than London) knowing this and knowing this is a once in a lifetime trip don't hold back! Embrace everything. We didn't see much else there are restaurants on site, reindeer sleigh rides and a lot of other things that we didn't get to see or do. The children found some sleighs so ended up sledging down a huge mound of snow but we definitely had the times of our lives here I'm gutted we didn't stay longer. Once the sun light goes the village is lit us but bulbs and coloured lights it really is beautiful. Definitely recommend and definitely would return if ever I went back to Lapland. Take...

I recently had the joy of visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, and it was an enchanting experience that exceeded all my expectations. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village is a magical destination that brings out the child in everyone and offers a truly unique holiday adventure.

Arrival and First Impressions: From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the village's festive atmosphere. The entrance is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and cheerful holiday displays, setting the tone for an unforgettable visit. The snow-covered landscape added a perfect winter wonderland touch, making the entire setting feel straight out of a fairy tale.

Meeting Santa Claus: The highlight of the visit was, of course, meeting Santa Claus himself. The anticipation built as I walked through the charming Santa Claus Office, which is filled with delightful decorations and a sense of wonder. Meeting Santa was a heartwarming experience; he was incredibly friendly and took the time to chat and take photos. The joy and magic in the room were palpable, making it a moment to cherish.

Santa’s Main Post Office: A visit to Santa's Main Post Office was another delightful experience. Here, I had the chance to send postcards to friends and family, stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark. The post office is a cozy spot filled with Christmas cheer, and it’s fascinating to see letters from children all over the world.

Arctic Circle Crossing: One of the unique attractions in the village is the Arctic Circle line. Crossing this line is a symbolic experience, and the village has markers and signs indicating the exact spot. Visitors can receive a certificate to commemorate the crossing, which is a fun and memorable souvenir.

Activities and Attractions: Santa Claus Village offers a variety of activities for all ages. I enjoyed a husky sled ride, which was an exhilarating way to experience the snowy landscape. The reindeer sleigh ride provided a more serene and traditional experience, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of Lapland in a leisurely manner. The village also has numerous shops selling unique Finnish crafts and holiday items, perfect for finding special gifts.

Dining: The dining options in Santa Claus Village are excellent, with several cozy cafes and restaurants serving delicious Finnish cuisine. I particularly enjoyed the warm and hearty meals, which were perfect after spending time in the chilly outdoors. The Lappish delicacies, such as reindeer stew and salmon soup, were both flavorful and comforting.

Overall Atmosphere and Experience: The overall atmosphere in Santa Claus Village is one of pure magic and joy. The village is meticulously maintained, with every detail contributing to the festive ambiance. The staff and locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, enhancing the overall experience with their warmth and hospitality.

Conclusion: My visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, was truly a dream come true. It’s a destination that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas and offers an immersive experience that is both enchanting and memorable. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, Santa Claus Village is a place that promises joy, wonder, and lasting memories. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience the magic of the holiday season in a unique and...

Visiting Santa Claus Village in Finland was an absolutely magical experience! Stepping across the Arctic Circle in just one step is something truly unique and unforgettable. The entire village feels like a winter fairytale, making it a must-visit destination.

One of the highlights was the reindeer sleigh ride—an incredible experience gliding through the snowy landscape with these majestic animals. We also had a close encounter with the reindeer, which was a special moment on its own.

Of course, the ultimate highlight was meeting Santa Claus in person! It felt like a childhood dream finally coming true. While you can't use your own camera to take a photo with Santa, a professional photographer is there to capture the moment, and you can purchase the photo for about €40. A little pricey, but definitely a once-in-a-lifetime memory worth keeping. I’d recommend going early if you want to meet Santa, as the queue can get quite long during peak hours. We waited about 25 minutes, which wasn’t too bad.

The village has plenty of souvenir shops, so take your time to browse and bring home a special keepsake. However, keep in mind that most shops close between 5 PM to 6 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. For dining, there are various options, with prices being quite standard for Finland. We were hoping to try a dim sum place, but unfortunately, it was mostly reserved for private tour groups.

One thing you shouldn’t miss is staying until nightfall. As the sun sets, the village transforms into a breathtakingly beautiful scene with twinkling lights creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a completely different vibe from the daytime—quieter, more peaceful, and truly enchanting. If time allows, you might even want to return in the evening to experience it again.

Beyond that, there are so many activities to enjoy—attending Elf Academy, meeting Mrs. Claus, sending a postcard from Santa’s official post office, or even arranging for Santa to send you a letter next Christmas. Every corner of the village is filled with festive charm!

If you're visiting Finland in winter, Santa Claus Village is an absolute must. Highly recommended for families, couples, or anyone who wants to experience the true magic...