Know Before You Go: Visiting Lapland and Santa’s Village

Santa Claus Village opens every day of the year. That said, Rovaniemi follows a seasonal calendar. The arrival of snow kick-starts Finnish winter activities, such as reindeer sledding, into action. November–February are prime months for catching the northern lights in Finland, and the illuminated decorations around Santa’s Village are definitely more striking against dark skies.

December and January are the height of the polar night, when the sun never rises. Experience the midnight sun and meet husky puppies and reindeer calves in summer. Alternatively, sacrifice snow for a calmer atmosphere in shoulder months such as March.

It’s a bit complicated, so check the official website when planning a visit to Santa Claus Village. Most attractions are open between 10am and 2pm, no matter the month. However, there are seasonal changes and differences between businesses on-site.

A good example is the Santa Claus Office, which changes dramatically around Christmas when the opening hours increase: In previous seasons, it was open from 9am to 7pm, November 17–30, and 8am to 8pm from December 1 to January 5. Plan and book ahead—even in November, the queue runs out the door!

Free entrance is probably music to your ears, as family holidays in Finland can get really expensive. Happily, the park has a selection of cost-free activities, including meeting Santa, crossing the Arctic Circle, and admiring the decorations and souvenirs. Other budget-friendly experiences include meeting Santa’s pets for €15 and writing a postcard for the elves to post (for the price of a stamp).

It’s also possible to choose an itinerary of a couple of “bigger” activities for under €100 per adult. Husky rides start at €50, and reindeer rides at €30—mix and match, and shape your itinerary to your budget.

Last-minute bookings are subject to availability. However, the Arctic Circle Tourist Information assists with bookings on arrival, and most attractions accept walk-ins. Certain experiences, such as Santa Claus meet-and-greets, also don’t accept reservations unless you purchase a premium pass. Still, nobody wants to travel to Lapland and be disappointed.

Many popular activities quickly sell out during peak season. It’s safer to purchase tickets online and enjoy the peace of mind that you’ve booked in advance. Budgeting and organizing an itinerary is simpler with a guided tour of Santa Claus Village, which takes the hassle out of logistical planning and transportation, while still giving free time to explore the village on your own.

The biggest attraction here is undoubtedly meeting Santa Claus; expect crowds and buckets full of cheesiness. The whole village revolves around these meet-and-greets, and Santa’s house sits center stage on the Main Square. All of the Christmas characters are fantastic, though; visiting the Post Office elves or Mrs. Claus is incredibly immersive.

For a fuller Arctic experience, look for tours that combine a village visit with other Lapland attractions, such as the Ranua Wildlife Park and the frozen waterfalls of Auttiköngäs. You can also enjoy romantic Lapland reindeer safaris or husky sledding and snowmobiling through quiet woodlands in the snow. Less expensive sled rides at Santa Claus Village take place on short tracks, which run parallel to elevated walkways.

Waiting in line to meet Santa can take an hour or two—with the exception of visiting in summer, when you’ll barely hear a pin drop. In peak season, the process is managed with allotted time slots, which are essentially a ticket to join a final queue. Many ticket holders still wait for multiple hours, but it’s better than wasting a whole day. Be aware of this protocol and arrive early to reserve a slot.

Another option is an Express Pass, which whizzes you straight in for a 10-minute meet-and-greet with Santa. One pass allows up to 10 guests, but the flat-rate price of €500 might be off-putting.

Any Lapland winter travel tips worth their salt will tell you to wear layers. In December, the average temperature is 15°F (-9.4°C), and in January this drops to 10°F (-12°C). In other words, it’s (more than) freezing.

Bring snug base layers (preferably made from an insulating material such as merino), fleeces, waterproof jackets, and lined snow boots. Hats, gloves, and scarves are must-haves, too, because nobody wants to be cold and miserable on the trip of a lifetime. Rovaniemi is always fairly chilly, so keep that “layers” mantra going year-round. The warmest it gets is 69°F (20°C) in July, and only then is it safe to skip ski jackets for sunscreen and a warm hoodie.

Given that it’s an open-air park in the Arctic, Santa Claus Village does a great job of maintaining access. Main walkways aren’t slippery, and you can explore leisurely, despite the snow. In terms of accessibility, Santa Claus Village is somewhat suitable for wheelchair users—with its well-maintained pathways, the snow shouldn’t pose a problem.

Outside space is ample, and while some aisles in shops are narrow, navigating them is certainly doable. (In fact, Santa Claus Office specifies that it’s wheelchair-friendly.) However, other attractions are reached via footbridges. Staff may be happy to open alternative routes, but check ahead of time.

• Where is Santa Claus Village? Santa Claus Village is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside of Rovaniemi (the capital of Finnish Lapland), about halfway between Rovaniemi Airport and the city center.

• How can I get from Rovaniemi Airport to Santa Claus Village? The quickest way is by car; the city has Uber, and it takes less than five minutes to reach Santa’s Village from Rovaniemi Airport. Alternatively, catch the number 8 bus for just a few euros.

• Does Santa Claus Village have refreshments? Santa’s Village is not short of restaurants, bars, or cafés—with more than 15 choices of venues, you won’t go hungry. Sip hot coffee at the Café of Mrs. Claus or bundle up for a 3-course meal at the Snow Restaurant in Snowman World.

• Where can I stay near Santa Claus Village? The Nova Skyland Hotel and Santa Claus Holiday Village are situated within Santa Claus Village. If you’ve been dreaming of Lapland ice hotel stays, though, the Arctic SnowHotel is a novelty-infused option.

• What’s the true story behind Santa Claus Village? Ask Santa. He’ll explain how he shifted locations to keep his “real” home (Ear Fell) a secret. Ask anyone else, and they’ll say it began with Eleanor Roosevelt, the first lady of the US. In 1950, Rovaniemi officials built her a cabin to welcome her to the Arctic Circle—the idea stuck, and, in later years, the village sprung up around it.