Finland

Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a unique destination that offers stunning natural wonders, rich cultural traditions, lively urban life, and numerous accessible activities. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, this city is a hotspot for arctic adventures, cultural experiences, and natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. It’s easily accessible on Google Maps.

Located in northern Finland, Rovaniemi serves as the regional capital of Lapland, with a population of around 65,000 people, while the surrounding area has about 69,000 residents. It ranks as the 17th largest municipality and the 12th largest urban area in Finland. The city’s airport, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), is only 10 km from the city center, offering flights from Helsinki and major European cities. Buses and trains also connect Rovaniemi with Helsinki and other major Finnish cities. Visitors have options for taxis, car rentals, and public transport, all widely available. The currency used is the Euro (EUR), with card payments and ATMs also accessible.

According to Santa Claus Village, about a century ago, tales began circulating about a place called Ear Mountain in Finnish Lapland and its mysterious inhabitants. To protect his secret sanctuary, Santa came up with a clever plan, allowing him to meet Christmas lovers and his friends. Around 50 years ago, he began making regular visits to the Arctic Circle, close to Rovaniemi’s center. Since the early 2000s, Santa Claus Village has become a top Christmas destination, drawing in more visitors each year, with international numbers quadrupling and total visitors now exceeding half a million annually. The village’s main attractions offer something magical for every visitor.

• Santa Claus Office:
  The Santa Claus Office is the main attraction, where visitors can meet Santa himself in person. Open daily throughout the year, it offers free entry for meeting Santa (though photos and videos come at an additional cost).

• Santa Claus Main Post Office:
  At the "Santa Claus Post Office," visitors can send postcards and letters featuring a special Arctic Circle postmark. The post office receives millions of letters from children around the world addressed to Santa. There is also a large selection of Christmas-themed gifts and souvenirs.

• Santa Claus Reindeer:
  Visitors can enjoy reindeer rides, with options for short rides or longer safaris, and experience the traditional transport of the indigenous Sami people.

• Elf’s Farm Yard:
  This family-friendly spot allows guests to meet and feed domestic animals, such as goats, sheep, and rabbits.

Santa Claus Village offers a variety of seasonal activities, including snowmobiling, husky safaris, ice fishing, and the unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. Viewing tours for the Northern Lights, visible from late August through April, are especially popular. Guests can stay at Santa Claus Holiday Village, which provides cottages and special Aurora cabins designed for optimal Northern Lights viewing.