Santa Claus Village

Rovaniemi featuring a square or plaza
Rovaniemi showing signage
Rovaniemi showing signage
Santa Claus Village
Rovaniemi showing a small town or village, a square or plaza and signage


Meet jolly old St. Nick in his homeland of Rovaniemi at a meticulously detailed attraction dedicated to all things Santa.

Spend some time with everyone’s favourite festive figure in Santa Claus Village. The magical attraction is in Rovaniemi, the self-proclaimed home of Father Christmas. Here, it’s December 25 year-round and you can meet Santa on any day. This multifaceted attraction also features snow rides, restaurants and accommodation for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, even in July.

The village started out as a home for Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1950s, as she sought a place to stay just above the Arctic Circle. Visit today to see how it has become the official worldwide home of Santa Claus.

Wander around a main village square decorated with traditional buildings. In summer, when there are fewer visitors, you can experience the thrill of seeing the midnight sun over this picturesque themed village.

Meet the man himself in the Santa Claus Office, where you get to talk to the bearded benefactor on any day of the year. Read some of the letters sent to Santa at the Main Post Office, which is staffed by postal elves. This is a working post office, so send off some letters here and get a unique Arctic Circle post stamp.

Stop by some of the other attractions in the village, including husky and reindeer parks and a theme park with wintry rides. Stroll along the main street to pick up some gifts from the Arctic Circle in souvenir stores and handicraft shops. End your day by eating in one of the restaurants in the village, which offer hearty meals in atmospheric log cabins.

Although it’s festive throughout the year at Santa Claus Village, the Christmas season does bring extra joys. A month before Christmas, Santa himself declares the Christmas season open. Two days before the big day, watch as the gift-giver sets off on his journey around the world.

Take one of the local buses from Rovaniemi town centre to Santa Claus Village or drive here and park outside the attraction.

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Things to do near Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village offers a wealth of activities suitable for all ages, including exhilarating safaris, scenic tours, and thrilling snowmobile rides. Visitors can also explore nearby Saariselkä for additional adventures, while Santa Claus Village itself features unique experiences like meeting Santa, visiting his post office, and enjoying recreational activities such as husky sledding and reindeer rides, ensuring an unforgettable holiday in the heart of Lapland.

Shopping

In Santa Claus Village, enjoy shopping at Sampokeskus Shopping Centre, located 6.4km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and boutiques. Revontuli Shopping Center, 8.0km away, also provides a delightful shopping experience with family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, visit Rovaniemi's larger malls for more variety.

Recreation

At Arctic Golf Finland, enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning landscapes, just 4.8km from Santa Claus Village. For sports enthusiasts, Lappi Areena and Rovaniemi Stadium, located 4 and 8.0km away respectively, offer vibrant atmospheres for various sporting events and activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Ounasvaara Ski Resort, located 4.8km from Santa Claus Village. Embrace adventure with outdoor activities surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, perfect for both skiing enthusiasts and those seeking a winter wonderland experience.

Nightlife

In Santa Claus Village, the Rovaniemi Theater offers a cultural and romantic atmosphere, just a short drive away, perfect for family entertainment. Meanwhile, the Maxim Movie Theater Complex provides a charming cinema experience, ideal for a cosy night out with loved ones, also located nearby.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveller. Explore the enchanting theme parks, enjoy winter sports at nearby ski resorts, or take in stunning views from lookout points. The area is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, or simply a unique experience in the heart of Lapland. Your visit promises to be memorable, filled with activities that capture the magic of this festive destination.

  • SantaPark: Experience the magic of Christmas all year round at SantaPark, a captivating theme park located a mile from Santa Claus Village. Enjoy festive attractions, interactive activities, and enchanting performances that bring the holiday spirit to life for the whole family.
  • Ounasvaara: Just three miles away, Ounasvaara ski resort offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding adventures amidst stunning natural landscapes. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the slopes provide excitement and breathtaking views, making it a perfect outdoor escape.
  • Syvasenvaara Fell: Located two miles from Santa Claus Village, Syvasenvaara Fell is a romantic lookout that offers panoramic vistas of the Arctic wilderness. Ideal for nature lovers, this spot is perfect for hiking and enjoying serene moments surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Best time to go to Santa Claus Village

The best time to visit Santa Claus Village is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is very cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January12.0°F (-11.1°C)No RainVery CloudyModerately HighModerately High
February14.4°F (-9.8°C)No RainVery CloudyAverageModerately High
March20.8°F (-6.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April30.7°F (-0.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
May43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
June54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
July60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
September46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November25.2°F (-3.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
December17.2°F (-8.2°C)No RainVery CloudyModerately HighModerately High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Claus Village

To save money while visiting Santa Claus Village, plan your trip between May to June or August, when hotel prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance often yields the best rates, while Friday stays are cheapest and Sundays the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia can lead to significant savings. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals for further discounts.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Santa Claus Village is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Santa Claus Village are May to June and August, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Santa Claus Village about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Claus Village is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Claus Village is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for Santa Claus Village with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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