Eight little reindeer pull a sleigh, carrying a man with a long white beard donning a red and white suit. It’s dear old Santa Claus - in the flesh!
Meeting Santa isn’t a hallucination in your living room, eating the cookies and drinking the milk you have left before bed as a child. It’s feasible when you explore the Jolly Old Man’s official home, Santa Claus Village.
The in-demand land of wonders is situated in Rovaniemi, Finland, right on the Arctic Circle.
This guaranteed magical experience is a cosy winter retreat and a great base to explore the Arctic.
It is especially swarmed by tourists in winter (December to February) when it’s at its most magical allure covered in snow, embellished by Christmas festivities and activities such as husky safaris and reindeer rides.
However, the midnight sun is also a phenomenon worth for you to rejoice in. When the days are longer in summer, between June and August, Santa Claus Village presents a one-of-a-kind experience.
You must have a list of questions in your mind. Scroll below to get your answers.
What visa do I need?
Depends on your nationality.
You may need a visa to visit Finland as it’s part of the Schengen Area. Those holding a non-Schengen country passport must ensure to have the necessary travel documents. Indonesian nationals, for example, require a visa.
How can I get to Santa Claus Village?
First, hop on a plane to Finland. Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland in the northern area of the country. Depending on where you’re flying from, the most convenient way to reach Santa Claus Village is by flying into the nearest airport to the village, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). Rovaniemi is well connected to several European cities such as Stockholm, London, Berlin, and Paris, especially during the peak tourist seasons in winter. Or else, fly to Helsinki Airport (HEL) where daily flights to Rovaniemi, lasting about one hour and 15 minutes, are available.
Rovaniemi is accessible by train as well. Travellers within Finland or other nearby countries can take Finland’s VR (Finnish Railways), which connects the major cities of Helsinki, Tampere, and Oulu to Rovaniemi. The train journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes around eight to nine hours.
Now that you’re in Rovaniemi, you can either hail a cab for five minutes from the airport or a local bus (Bus 8) from the city centre for 15-20 minutes.
What can I do at Santa Claus Village?
Santa Claus Village is open year-round. It is home to Santa Claus after all, so you can meet him in his official office typically open daily. Inside, you can take photos, share your Christmas wishes with Santa, and even send postcards stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark.
But the Village is so much more than that. You can cross the iconic Arctic Circle, which will be a great photo opportunity and a symbolic part of your trip. Moreover, Lapland’s wilderness is a snowy adventure inclusive of reindeer and husky safaris. Tours through snow-covered forests as well as snowmobile rides and ice fishing are also recommended for a truly authentic Arctic experience.
More so are the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi is one of the top places to witness the Aurora Borealis. Check the weather forecast and keep an eye out for this stunning natural phenomenon during the freezing days, from late September to early March.
History buffs can delight in Lapland’s culture and history at the Arktikum Museum. Insights into Arctic science, nature, and the history of Lapland are all found here.
Where can I stay?
A plethora of accommodation options are available to cater to everyone’s differing styles, ranging from cosy cabins with their own saunas to modern hotels and resorts. Want a true Arctic stay experience? Consider booking at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos Rovaniemi nearby, where you can sleep under the northern lights.
What can I eat and shop at Santa Claus Village?
Amidst all of the exploring, you must tend to your appetite. A variety of dining options, from traditional Finnish meals such as salmon soup to quick snacks and coffee, are found at the Village’s restaurants and cafes. Santa’s Salmon Place, for example, presents authentic Arctic food experiences.
Souvenir shops occupy most stores on the street. Think Christmas-themed gifts, Finnish handicrafts, and local products such as reindeer hides, woollen goods, and Finnish chocolates.
How can I get around?
The village is compact and convenient to explore on foot. Walking is the best way for you to get around, yet public transportation also has a well-connected bus and taxi system. Taxis and shuttle buses can help you get to the village easily in case you choose accommodation further away.
Renting a car is another good option if you want to explore the wider Lapland region and nearby attractions, such as Korouoma National Park, Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Rovaniemi City Center, Rovaniemi Arctic Center, Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, and Ounasvaara Ski Resort.
Is there anything else I should know?
Finnish is primarily spoken in Santa Claus Village and Rovaniem. However, most of the locals in the tourist industry speak English. It won’t be one of those places you visit where you have to heavily depend on Google Translate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. It’s always a good idea to have enough euros in hand, though. You never know what might go downhill (except for the skiing).
One more! Prepare for cold temperatures during winter. Pack warm, layered clothing, including thermal wear, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots.
All images are courtesy of Instagram @santaclausvillageofficial