Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village: Everything You Need to Know

Winter in Santa Claus Village offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else. As the Arctic darkness settles in, the Christmas atmosphere takes on a special charm, making the lights and decorations even more striking. If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights may appear above the village, while reindeer are often seen pulling sledges through the snow, adding to the magical seasonal feel.

Among the main attractions are the Reindeer Farm, the Santa Claus Office, the Arctic Circle Main Post Office, the Marttiini Knife Store, several authentic souvenir shops, the Santa Igloo, and restaurants serving traditional Lappish dishes. Together, these highlights make Santa Claus Village a must-visit during the winter months, with plenty more to discover. Let’s take a closer look at Lapland’s most visited winter destination.

Santa’s Office is open throughout the year, with opening hours that vary by season.

Meeting Santa Claus is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. From Santa himself to the fully themed surroundings, everything feels as if it has stepped straight out of a Christmas fairy tale. Please note that personal cameras and mobile phones are not permitted during the visit. However, Santa’s elves are on hand to guide guests, taking photos and recording videos that can be purchased as digital files or printed mementos.

Surrounding Santa Claus’ main office building, you’ll also find several souvenir shops in the arcade area, offering Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

Rovaniemi sits right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, at approximately 66° 33′ N, making it a unique place to experience Arctic daylight phenomena. In summer, the city enjoys the midnight sun, when daylight stretches late into the night and the Sun can sometimes remain above the horizon for a full 24 hours. In winter, the polar night doesn’t last all day, but the shortest days offer only around 2–3 hours of weak daylight, creating a magical Arctic winter atmosphere perfect for snow, Northern Lights, and seasonal activities.

At Santa Claus Village, a symbolic Arctic Circle line is marked near the Santa Claus Office. Visitors love stepping across it, taking photos, and even receiving a certificate to commemorate their crossing of this iconic latitude.

Rovaniemi is known for its stunning natural surroundings and magical Northern Lights. Staying in the area feels especially enchanting, with unique accommodation options such as treehouse hotels, ice hotels, and the renowned glass igloos. These igloos are particularly convenient in winter, allowing guests to watch the Northern Lights from the warmth of their rooms through their transparent roofs.

Santa’s Glass Igloos, located within Santa Claus Village, are among the most popular accommodations in the region. Due to high demand during the winter season, availability can be limited, so visitors are advised to book at least one or two months in advance.

For those seeking a similar immersive experience outside the village, several nearby resorts, including Aito Resort, also offer glass igloo stays with views of the Northern Lights, offering an alternative way to experience this magical Arctic phenomenon in comfort.

The Arctic Circle Main Post Office is one of the most charming and distinctive spots in Santa Claus Village and is located close to the village entrance. Open throughout the year, it is beautifully decorated with a Christmas theme, with friendly elves on hand to assist visitors from around the world.

Inside, you’ll find a wide selection of postcards and envelopes to send to family and friends. Each card can be stamped with the special Arctic Circle postmark, turning it into a special keepsake. Sending a postcard from Santa Claus Village is a simple yet meaningful way to surprise your loved ones.

Visitors should note that there are two mailboxes inside. One sends mail immediately, while the other holds your postcard and delivers it just before Christmas Eve, so be sure to choose the correct one when posting your card. In addition to mail services, the post office also sells a range of Christmas-themed gifts.

The reindeer and husky farms are both located just a short walk from the Main Post Office in Santa Claus Village. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful and magical experience of riding in a traditional reindeer sledge while taking in the Arctic scenery. Those seeking a more energetic adventure can opt for a husky sledge ride through snow-covered forests, past sparkling trees and frozen streams for an unforgettable Lapland experience.

In winter, the landscape around Rovaniemi transforms into a snowy wonderland, creating ideal conditions for adventurous outdoor activities. One of the most exciting experiences of the season is a snowmobile ride, which can even be enjoyed directly from Santa Claus Village.

Riding a snowmobile through the quiet Lappish forests is a truly memorable way to explore the Arctic surroundings. Tours usually last between one and two hours, although the exact duration may vary depending on the experience you choose.

Just a short walk from the Main Post Office, Santa’s Pets is a charming part of Santa Claus Village where the magic of Lapland is brought to life by the animals. In winter, visitors can meet reindeer, alpacas, donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens. They can even feed the reindeer and learn more about them and their way of life.

This is an especially enjoyable experience for families, as there is a small snow hill on site where children can safely slide down using the provided equipment. After spending time outdoors, guests can warm up in a traditional Kota (Lapland hut) and enjoy the cosy atmosphere around the campfire. Snacks and drinks from the elves’ store complete the festive experience.

Santa’s Pets is open every day of the year and advance booking is not required. With its animals, cosy atmosphere and family-friendly activities, it offers visitors of all ages a gentle and memorable experience.

Santa Claus Village is open to all and there is no entrance fee. Visitors can explore the village at their own pace, meet Santa Claus, browse the shops and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Guided tours are also available for those who prefer a more comfortable and organised experience. Our Trip to Santa Claus Village includes return transportation and a buffet lunch, allowing you to enjoy your visit without worrying about logistics. We also offer a small-group option which includes a special souvenir of your meeting with Santa Claus: a video and a digital photo to remember the moment.

Whether you choose to visit by yourself or as part of a guided tour, Santa Claus Village remains one of Rovaniemi’s most iconic and magical places to visit all year round.