Lapland is a fairytale place that makes young and old dream, borrows magic. But Lapland is also the kingdom to visit the village of Santa Claus.
In Lapland, the sun is down on the horizon, adoring the blue sky. Only a few snow-covered fir trees break the snowy landscape. Nature sleeps. Sometimes in the distance: a reindeer’s brame. Behind you: a musher and his faithful huskies. The sun finally disappears behind the meringue trees. It is only after noon. In the dark, the starve begins to light. Under this dome of stars, a few Northern Dance all of a sudden in the sky. Magic. Then suddenly, a light drag breaks through these feeric waves. A shooting star? No! Looks like Santa's sled?
You don't dream. That good gentleman goes home. It is indeed the hollow of Lapland and its enchanting nature that it resides. Moreover, you can even visit him! If you would like to visit the Santa Village, welcome. We deliver the essentials to prepare your wonderful trip.
History of Santa's Village in Rovaniemi
Photo credit: Shuttertsock / Smelov
It’s at the end of the Finland , where the maps of the world mark "Laplant", that the world's most famous barbu gentleman has chosen home. Are we sure Santa is lapon? Absolutely! We tell you the story of his famous village.
In reality, Rovaniemi only houses the Santa's office. Because our benefactor lives somewhere on the mysterious Mount Korvatunturi. The exact location of his house is unknown. Only the Elves know. Chuuuut...
But why was Santa's Village finally born?
According to legend, a tourist would fall on the real Santa Claus house. Our explorer gradually reveals his discovery and his fabulous encounter with this fair world. The curious and dreamers of the whole world begin to land. Everyone is looking for this secret and extraordinary place. No result. The drunk firs seem to keep the place jealously.
When Santa moved to Rovaniemi
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sinica Kover
Santa therefore decides, in order to preserve his hiding place and save travellers, to migrate his offices to Rovaniemi. There he can meet his admirers and give them a smile. While working effectively! As a Finnish capital, Rovaniemi is an ideal place to set up a toy factory and treat children’s letters from all over the world!
In 1985, our legendary man moved. Six years later, the famous Village came out of snow. To visit Santa’s Village, it is more than eight kilometers from Rovaniemi that you have to go. Where is the border with the Arctic Polar Circle. Because it also, after all, makes you dream!
As expected, the world is swelling from the opening. It is not the cold of the extreme north that holds anyone! Moreover, the many attractions offered in the Santa Claus Village are not for nothing! Fifty in all, which take the form of restaurants, souvenir shops and entertainment of all kinds. In 2010, Rovaniemi officially became the birthplace of Santa Claus!
Is there another explanation for the construction of the Santa Village, involving Eleanor Roosevelt... She wanted to visit the Arctic Circle and had a hut built eight kilometres north of Rovaniemi to welcome her. It would be the beginning of the Village. Nevertheless, it seems much less plausible to us than our Santa Claus story that moves!
What to see and do in the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi?
Visit Santa's post office
Photo credit: Shutterstock / angelinast
Do you know that almost twenty million letters have been read by Santa since 1985? Letters from almost two hundred different countries! You can't visit Santa's Village without going through his post office!
Smiling fluts welcome you and transport you into this magical and well-runned machine. You can even write your own letter and send it. It will be affixed to the unique and incredible stamp of the Arctic Circle. If your wishes do not come true...
You can even present your passport and receive the polar circle buffer. For all globetrotters, it is still a must!
Cross the entry line in the arctic area
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Aleksei Verhovski
The invisible border is under illuminated posts, connected with a blue garland. We can't miss her! There, you will not fail to make a photo in the process of flooding this imaginary line that leaves dreamer. Besides, we seem that you’re going to cross her again and again!
Taking a photo with Santa Claus
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Kiselev Andrey Valerevich
It's hard not to immortalize a meeting with Santa in person! If you come to visit Santa’s Village, it’s the same for that. Why don't you sit in his office? The queue may be long, but it leads you into a labyrinth of caves and workshops, where the lutins produce gifts. Before being photographed, Santa even tastes with you a few minutes. The opportunity to show that you were very wise this year!
Enjoy the Snowman World
Just next to Santa's Village, the Snowman World promises you crazy laughs and adrenaline! Down there, ice slides are delusional. You can also skate, build snowmen or cross ice galleries!
After all these strong sensations, sit at Ice Bar and order a hot chocolate with traditional Christmas cookies. Or a typical Nordic vodka!
Finally, you can even spend the night in an igloo and enjoy the ice restaurant.
Climb in a sled pulled by dogs or reindeer
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Kjetil Kolbjornsrud
Want to visit Santa's Village next to the Northern Animals?
After all, what would Santa be like without his velvet wood animals? If the flying reindeer are exclusively reserved for our barbu in red, you can meet and walk with others.
Otherwise, you can quite opt for a sled dog ride in the Arctic. Your joyful companions lead you through snowy forests, to discover the wild and immaculate nature of Lapland.
Getting to Santa Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Roman Vukolov
Located a few minutes' drive from Santa's Village, this theme park on Christmas is a must. Especially for children. There you can:
- Going to the school or workshop of the lutins: the joyful little beings and workers have their little secrets. They deliver them to you if you attend one of their courses or make Christmas decor with them;
- Have a drink in an Ice Bar and meet the Queen of Ice;
- Climb in an enchanted train;
- Make pictures, free of charge, with Santa Claus;
- To attend magical shows;
- Taste a local spice bread.
Make a snowmobile safari
Photo credit: Shutterstock / irina02
The ideal gear for those who love strong sensations and dream of going to hunt down the northern lights. For those who come in the summer, you can go in the air under the midnight sun.
How do I go to Santa's Village?
From the city centre of Rovaniemi, bus number 8 leaves every hour in the direction of Santa Claus Village. Distance: eight kilometers. As a result, the bravest can even walk there. But in the summer!
By taxi, the race costs an average of 25 euros.
If you want to visit the Santa Village as soon as you arrive, it is only three kilometers from the airport. Free shuttles and the train Santa’s Express make daily the journey. If you wish to book a ticket, we recommend you consult the website Ulysses . Many offers, probably adapted to your budget, will be offered.
Schedules & Rates of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Santa does not take a vacation!
This allows you to visit him all year round. The Village is open from nine hours to eighteen hours on average, depending on the periods of the year.
Attention, the Santa Park is open only from November to January.
What is the price of a visit to the Santa Village?
Visit the Santa Village is free! However, the attractions are paid.
- Get the picture in the office: 30 euros, on average;
- Santa Park: 33 euros for adults and 27 for children from three to twelve years old;
- Snowman World: 25 euros.
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