Santa Claus Village is a holiday village located 10 km outside of Rovaniemi, Finland. It is a perfect destination for families and those who still admire the Christmas spirit. It is, without a doubt, the most visited place in Finnish Lapland and one of the best places to see in Finland.
You can meet with the real Santa Claus, participate in reindeer and husky safaris, enjoy the wintery scenery, hunt for northern lights, and visit several different shops that offer crafts and souvenirs from Lapland and Finland.
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Santa Claus Village Finland – Joulupukin Pajakylä
How to get to Santa Claus Village from Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Village is a couple of kilometers away from the city center of Rovaniemi. There are several options to get to the village.
By Public Transport
Take bus 8 (public pub) or Santa’s Express (tourist bus, runs more frequently, and the ticket prices are almost the same.
Cost: ~ 5€ per person (children has discounted tickets on the public bus
By Taxi
Cost: ~ 30-60€ depending on the pickup location, the number of people, and the time of the day.
By Car
One of the most cost-efficient ways of visiting Santa Claus Village is by own or rental car. Having a car is extremely helpful if you would like to visit other cities or national parks near Rovaniemi or explore Lapland or Finland on a road trip.
Santa Claus Village opening hours
The village itself is open all the time, but most shops and attractions are closed after 5 PM (summer) or 7 PM (winter).
Opening hours of Santa Claus Office
If you want to visit Santa, the opening hours are the following:
| 26th AUG – 30th NOV | Mon-Sun 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. |
| 1st DEC – 6th JAN | Mon-Sun 9 A.M. – 7 P.M. |
| 7th JAN – 31st MAY | Mon-Sun 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. |
| 1st JUN – 25th AUG | Mon-Sun 9.00 A.M. – 6 P.M. |
Santa Claus Village Summer
It Village is not only a winter attraction, but you can also walk around and visit Santa during the summer as well (see above when). Where else would he be during the summer? 😉 The opening hours are shorter, and due to the lack of snow, fewer activities are available, but it’s still special to be in Rovaniemi in summer.
My first ever time in Santa Village was during a late night in July 2011. I still remember the Christmas melody from the loudspeakers while we walked around the not so deserted place. At least 2 busses and a couple of other visitors were strolling between the buildings and taking photos at the Arctic Circle, in front of Santa’s Office. The midnight sun made sure there was still enough natural light. Lapland is magical in summer too.
Winter Visit
The village is full of Christmas themed shops and activities, for example, snowmobile and reindeer tours, husky safari organizers, playground for kids, etc. Santa is there all year round. But the real Christmas feeling comes when the surrounding is covered with fluffy white snow.
What to do in Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi
We list the most popular activities and not-to-miss places.
Reindeer Farm Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Reindeer is in the middle of the village. They offer different short and long rides and reindeer safaris in Rovaniemi. The prices start from 15-20€. If you opt for a long ride with a 3-hour full program, book it in advance.
The reindeer safaris are offered from the first permanent snow in early winter (usually from mid-November). Reindeer sled is quite slow as you will have only one animal in front.
Personally, we were not a fan of these kinds of tours, but you can imagine how important part of life and transportation these animals were in the far north, including Lapland.
The prices of the short rides:
- Reindeer Path ~5 minutes Children: 14 €/person Adults: 18 €/person
- Forest Path ~15 minutes Children: 23 €/person Adults: 29 €/person
- Winter Adventure ~35 minutes Children: 55 €/person Adults: 70 €/person
Look for discounted long reindeer rides here.
Reindeer ride: 18€+
Husky Park Santa Claus Village
Besides reindeer, you will meet with huskies as well in the Santa Claus Village. Husky safari is a very popular winter activity in Lapland.
You will be seated (more like in laying position) in a sled, and the animals will be attached in front. The sled will have a driver, so don’t worry, you don’t need to control half a dozen cute animals. The sled will speed across the snowy forest, rivers, or fells.
Besides Husky Park, you can visit Bearhill Husky as well, where you can see the dogs for free if you don’t want to pay for a husky safari. For longer and more adventurous programs (for example, hunting for northern lights), check the offers.
Husky ride: 40€+
Meeting with huskies at Santa Clause Village: 0-10€
Santa Claus Office
Please don’t leave the village without saying hi to its most important inhabitant, the Santa Claus! If you travel with kids, this will probably be one of your first things to do, but I’d recommend everyone visit his home at the Santa Claus Village.
Meeting with Santa Claus is a FREE activity. You go into the building where his elves greet you. They help and guide you through the cute wooden manor and finally let you into the Office.
Santa sits in his big chair and happily greets every child and adult. You can talk with him and take a picture, and then say goodbye. You cannot take a picture inside with your own camera, but an elf takes pictures with you. Your whole visit to the office is recorded.
After exiting, you can check the photographs and buy them in print or electronic format. Probably you won’t leave without this great Christmas themed picture(s). In case you would like to take some little presents for your friends and family back home, there is a Santa’s shop as well. Everything white and red and of course Christmas related.
Book a time (on-site)
Suppose you visit Santa during the peak tourist season (late November to 6 Jan), first head to the Office where you will get a time for your visit. Instead of waiting in the queue, you can spend a couple of hours exploring the Village.
Costs: Free entrance to Santa.
Pictures: 30-60€
Walk Across the Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle crosses the village where you can snap photos and selfies any time of the day all year round. There is a live webcam next to the Arctic Circle so that you can wave to your friends back at home 🙂
The photo above is from Christmas Eve, while at the bottom, you will find summer and autumn photos.
Santa’s Post Office – Send a Christmas Postcard
The other cool place in the village is Santa’s Post Office. The Post Office is just a minute walk away. Actually, everything is nearby in Santa Claus Village. You will find plenty of winter and Christmas themed postcards, but other unique ones can be discovered as well. Our favorite was Santa picking blueberries in summer! It will be hard to choose.
You will get a special stamp (if you want to buy stamps too), and then you can post your cards. There will be two post boxes: one, a normal mailbox where you put in your letter and posted the same day. The second box is a special one. The postcards will be delivered for the upcoming Christmas. Isn’t it a super idea?
Costs: ~5€
Drive a Kids’ Snowmobile or an Adult One
Bigger kids (5 years old and older) can drive a small-size snowmobile on a track, but you can go on snowmobile safaris as well.
Go for an Aurora Hunt
You can book the activity on the spot (the tourist information desk assists you) if you haven’t arranged anything earlier. Read more about our Northern Lights Guide.
Hotels Near Santa Claus Village Finland
We collected the best luxury hotels, igloos, and resorts in Rovaniemi, but you can browse this map for more budget options.
Santa Claus Village Restaurants & Other Activities
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Eat, rest and go shopping
After checking out the outdoor attractions, head inside and check out some souvenir shops or grab warm food. Reindeer kebab is waiting for you!
Budget meals
There are cheaper meal options, as well. For 10-15€ you can get a menu from the fast-food restaurant near the Arctic Circle.
Lunch experience at Snowman’s World
Have a unique meal at Snowman’s World. They serve a lovely local lunch: salmon soup with house bread complemented with arctic berry dessert in the Ice Restaurant. Besides the beautiful snow and ice sculptures, you can explore the magical Snowman World Winter Zone too. The Winter Zone ticket is valid all day (11 AM – 5 PM) and costs 49€ for adults and 36€ under 12. The place is open from early December until late March.
Travel Resources
There is nothing better than a relaxed holiday. To ensure your rest, make sure you reserve and book your accommodation and transportation in advance of your trip.
- Don’t forget to insure yourself during your travels: SafetyWing. Check out their policies HERE. It also covers several virus-related expenses.
- Look for the best prices on flight tickets, hotels, and car rentals: Expedia
- Car rental: SIXt
- Accommodation: Booking.com, Agoda or Hostelworld if you travel on a budget. Don’t forget that you can search for Apartments also on Booking.
- Activities: GetYourGuide
- Opinions on hotels and restaurants: TripAdvisor
- Was your flight canceled or delayed? Get up to 600€ back with the help of Compansair!
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About the Author
Katalin
Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV.
Read more about her adventures and the blog.
I had no idea it was such a big thing! I had heard of the village, but not that it was open all year round and that there was so much to do! Thanks for sharing!
Wow that’s a beautiful place ,love the festive moods