Santa Claus Village sits on the Arctic Circle, about 8 km north of Rovaniemi, close to the airport. It is a group of privately run shops, restaurants, attractions and places to stay around Santa's Office and the Main Post Office. Entry and parking are free, and it is open every day of the year. You can meet Santa, cross the marked Arctic Circle line, post cards with a hand-stamped Arctic Circle postmark, feed reindeer and book husky or reindeer rides. Snow and frost on the trees make winter the classic season, though Christmas music plays here all year.
How the village became Santa's address
Rovaniemi was rebuilt after the city was destroyed during World War II. It became a tourist destination in the years that followed, helped along by a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt in 1950, who wanted to see the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus Village opened in 1985, and the city's link to Santa grew from there.
The village is not a single theme park. It is a set of privately run shops, attractions and accommodation in a Lapland holiday setting, and there is no admission charge to walk in. The sign of the season is the decoration: lights, ornaments and Christmas trees, with carols playing all year.
Crossing the Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle line runs through the village as a broad stripe on the ground, lit with blue lights in the dark months. Markers cut across the grounds and pass through some of the buildings.
The circle is the southernmost latitude where the sun can stay above or below the horizon for a full 24 hours. That is the midnight sun in summer and the polar night in winter. You can cross it with a photo on the latitude marker, a passport stamp, or a certificate from the Travel Info desk. A longer Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony is also held.
Santa's Office and the Main Post Office
The main buildings are Santa's Office, a Christmas house, the cottage of Mrs Claus and the reindeer house, and the Main Post Office. Santa receives guests in his office every day of the year, apart from Christmas Eve, when he leaves to deliver gifts. Chatting with him is free. Photographs are sold separately.
The post office has an open fireplace where you can sit and write to people at home. Postal elves send your cards, and everything is stamped by hand with the Santa Claus Post Office postmark. The stamps are different from ordinary ones. You can also arrange for mail to arrive around Christmas or send it at any other time. Letters to Santa from children are displayed here.
Animals, rides and play
On the reindeer farm you can feed and pet the reindeer. In winter the village has reindeer and husky sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and cross-country skiing. Open-air options include a short reindeer ride through the trees. A kids' snowmobile track a few steps away takes children aged 4 and up.
Sledges marked SCHV are free to use around the grounds. The playground has slides, swings and wooden playhouses. There are also an arcade, go-karts and an ice bar serving drinks in ice glasses. Some paths and attractions, such as the Forest path and the Reindeer Path, are paid.
Eating, staying and getting here
Restaurants and cafes are spread through the village. They include a Sami restaurant and Kotahovi, which serves Lappish dishes such as reindeer in a firelit room. Shops sell Christmas decorations and Finnish souvenirs.
You can stay on site in cottages, hotel rooms or glass igloos, which lets you visit again the next day and see the northern lights from the grounds when the sky is clear. The village is about 5 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes by car from downtown Rovaniemi. Parking is free and has room for large vehicles. The entrance, restroom and parking are wheelchair accessible.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee at Santa Claus Village?
No. Entry and parking are free. Rides, photos with Santa, some paths and souvenirs are paid.
How far is Santa Claus Village from Rovaniemi?
It is about 8 km north of the city centre and close to the airport. The local bus takes about 30 minutes from town.
Is Santa Claus Village open in summer?
Yes. It is open every day of the year. Santa's Office and the post office are open in summer too, though the snow-based activities are winter only.
How long do you need at Santa Claus Village?
Plan on 2 to 3 hours to walk around, meet Santa and visit the post office. A reindeer ride takes about an hour, and a full day suits families.
Can you cross the Arctic Circle here?
Yes. The line is marked on the ground. You can take a photo on the marker, get a passport stamp, collect a certificate at the Travel Info desk or join a crossing ceremony.
