Christmas Travel: The most wonderful time of the year is approaching, and if you love exploring snow-covered landscapes, experiencing polar lights, paragliding, and, most importantly, celebrating Christmas with Santa Claus, then Finland's Lapland is the perfect destination for you. Lapland lies within the Arctic Circle and is home to one of the most magical places in the world: Santa Claus Village.
This enchanting location is not just a holiday-themed attraction; it is officially recognised as Santa Claus's hometown. The winter wonderland offers an experience unlike any other. The place captivates visitors with its snow-filled beauty. Many wonder if Santa's Village is real, and the answer is yes; it's real in the sense that it brings the magic of Christmas to life. Let's explore why visiting Santa Claus Village in Lapland is a must for anyone wishing to experience a Christmas story come true.
Santa Claus village | Tripadvisor
The magic of Santa Claus village
Santa Claus Village, located in Rovaniemi, is the ultimate holiday destination for people of all ages. The village is a hub for festive cheer, featuring snowy landscapes, twinkling lights, and a range of activities that seem straight out of a Christmas tale. Here, visitors can meet Santa Claus himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and participate in unique holiday experiences such as snowmobile safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and husky sledding.
Is Santa Claus real in Lapland?
While Santa Claus Village may not be home to the mythical magic that keeps Santa's sleigh flying around the world, it is as close as one can get to the magic of the holiday season. Visitors can meet Santa at his official office, where they can take photos, share their Christmas wishes, and feel the holiday spirit. The village is open year-round, but it is especially magical during the Christmas season, when the village is adorned with millions of Christmas lights and decorations. Santa's office is located at the heart of the village in Northern Finland, and his warm welcome makes it easy to believe in the spirit of Christmas.
Post Office in Santa Claus village | santaclausvillage
Santa Claus village has a real post office
This village has a working post office where you can write letters and send postcards with the official Arctic Circle postmark. Every year, many people write letters to Santa Claus and send them, and the post office receives a million letters addressed to Santa Claus from all over the world.
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Did you know that the Arctic Circle runs right through the Santa Claus village? The white strapped Arctic Circle line is marked in Santa Claus Village's central square. Travellers have the opportunity to cross this imaginary line, a milestone that is symbolically marked in the village. Crossing the Arctic Circle is a dream for many travelers, and doing so in the presence of Santa Claus himself adds an extra layer of excitement and thrill.
Arctic Circle Line | Tripadvisor
Experience the wonder of Northern Lights
There are plenty of activities offered at Santa Claus Village to all kinds of adventurers and holiday lovers. For those seeking adventure, husky and reindeer sled rides through the snow-covered forests are a must-try. Above all these adventures, do not forget to watch the colourful Northern Lights scattering in the sky. The geographical location and Santa's village make it a suitable area to encounter the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, can often be spotted in the clear night sky during winter months.
How to reach Santa Claus's village?
Santa Claus Village is located just outside of Rovaniemi city, the administrative capital of Finland's Lapland. It's easily accessible by flight from Helsinki or other major cities in Europe. From Rovaniemi Airport, it's a short drive to the village. Rovaniemi is also well-connected by train and bus from other parts of Finland and that makes it a convenient destination for international visitors. Travellers from India need to fly to Rovaniemi (RVN) or nearby Kittilä (KTT) airports, then travel by ground transport such as buses, taxis, or trains.
