Santa Claus Village is situated right on the Arctic Circle and is open all year round. In Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa Claus himself, as well as his elves. There are also reindeers you can feed and take photos with. If you’re feeling chilly, you can warm up in one of the many cafés or restaurants on site. This winter wonderland is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit, no matter what time of year it is!
Santa Claus Village is situated right on the Arctic Circle and is open all year round. In Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa Claus himself, as well as his elves. There are also reindeers you can feed and take photos with. If you’re feeling chilly, you can warm up in one of the many cafés or restaurants on site. This winter wonderland is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit, no matter what time of year it is!
HISTORY OF SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
In the early days of Christmas, Santa Claus lived in the forest near the Baltic Sea with his wife Mrs. Claus and their reindeers. Over time, word of Santa and his gifts spread far and wide, and children from all over the world began writing to him, asking for presents. To keep up with the demand, Santa set up a workshop in Lapland, Finland where he could make toys year-round. In 1985, Santa Claus Village was opened in Rovaniemi as a public tribute to Santa and his work. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to see Santa's workshop, meet elves and reindeer, and even go on a sleigh ride with Santa himself!
ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of Santa Claus Village is designed to be a reflection of the North Pole. The main building, Santa Claus House, is a two-storey log cabin that sits in the center of the village. Surrounding Santa's House are smaller cabins that are used as shops and restaurants. There is also an ice hotel on the premises.
THINGS TO DO
When you visit Santa Claus Village in the Arctic Circle, there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy. Here are some things to do in Santa Claus Village:
1. The Santa Claus House
This is the main attraction at Santa Claus Village and where you'll find Santa Claus himself! Visitors can take photos with Santa, send him letters, and even purchase personalized gifts. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes to explore the Santa Claus House. The interaction with Santa Claus is recorded. The pictures are released immediately if you want to avail, while the video can be downloaded from their site. They can also customize a short movie for you.
2. The Reindeer Park
Meet some of Santa's furry friends! The Reindeer Park is home to both reindeer and husky dogs. You can learn all about these animals and even take a scenic sleigh ride through the park. Plan on spending at least an hour here. Be sure to stop by some fire pits to warm yourself from time to time.
3. Snowmobile safari to the wilderness
This is an extremely fun, choppy ride. The tour guide will lead you through the brilliant white woodland while riding a snowmobile. You must take this journey at noon (when the sun is up) to enjoy the scenery and to stay warm. Make sure to savor a hot chocolate or mulled wine from one of the cafes to stay warm.
4. Visit the Snowman World
Building your own snowman or going sledding down the hill are two other entertaining activities to attempt. Ice skating, slides, a snow restaurant, an ice bar, and a café are all available at The Snowman World. Visit this attraction with your family; you'll have a great time.
5. The Aurora Borealis
If this beauty appears during your trip, you will be lucky (it’s never guaranteed). In some hotels, like the Arctic Tree House, this lovely light can occasionally be seen if you're lucky (depending on the weather). If not, excursion packages from Santa Claus Village can take you to locations where it can be seen. Even a helicopter can be used for some journeys.
6. The Elf School
Ever wanted to know what it takes to be one of Santa's elves? At the Elf School, you can learn all about elf culture and even make your own elf hat! This activity is great for kids and kids at heart.
ACCOMMODATION:
Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland and is the home of Santa Claus. It is a popular tourist destination for those wanting to experience Christmas or see Santa. There are many hotels and accommodation options available in Santa Claus Village, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations.
1. Aurora Cabins
The most budget-friendly option for accommodation in Santa Claus Village is the Aurora Cabins. These cabins are simple and basic, but offer all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
2. The Hotel Rantasipi Pohjanhovi
If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, the Hotel Rantasipi Pohjanhovi is a great option. This hotel offers 4-star accommodations with an on-site spa and restaurant.
3. The Arctic Tree House Hotel
For those wanting the ultimate luxury experience, the Arctic Tree House Hotel is the place to stay. This hotel offers unique treehouse suites with private saunas and stunning views of the surrounding forest. In addition, suites have a fireplace, heated floors, and a "secret room." For us, it goes without saying that the little one discovered the location of the secret room and claimed it as his own.
TRANSPORTATION:
Getting to Santa Claus Village is easy, whether you're coming by plane, train, or car.
If you're coming by plane, the easiest way to get to Santa Claus Village is to fly into Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). From there, it's just a short 10-minute drive to Santa Claus Village. You can also take a bus or taxi from the airport to Santa Claus Village. If you're coming by train, the closest station to Santa Claus Village is Rovaniemi Station. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk to Santa Claus Village. You can also take a bus or taxi from the station to Santa Claus Village. If you're driving to Santa Claus Village, simply follow the signs for "Santa Claus Village" once you reach Rovaniemi. Parking is available at Santa Claus Village for both cars and buses.
FOOD:
There are plenty of places to eat in Santa Claus Village, so you won't go hungry during your visit!
The main restaurant is located in the Hotel Rovaniemi, and serves up traditional Finnish cuisine like reindeer stew and salmon soup. There's also a pizzeria, an ice cream parlor, a café, and a kiosk selling snacks and drinks. If you're looking for something special, you can even order a personalized birthday cake from the hotel's pastry shop.
If you're looking for a bite to eat near Finland's Santa Village, you're in luck. There are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance of the main attractions. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Kota Restaurant
This cozy spot is perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. They serve traditional Finnish fare like reindeer stew and salmon soup, as well as more global dishes like pasta and burgers.
2. Rovaniemi Grill
This is the place to go if you're craving some grilled meats. They have all of your favorite Finnish flavors, plus a great selection of beer and wine.
3.Arktikum Science Centre Restaurant
This unique restaurant is located inside the Arktikum Science Centre, which makes it the perfect place to grab a bite before or after exploring the exhibitions. They serve a mix of Finnish and international cuisine, with something to please everyone.
These are just a few of the great restaurants near Finland's Santa Village. So whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, you'll be sure to find something to your taste.
SOUVENIRS:
After a long day of playing in the snow and meeting Santa, it's time to head back to your cozy cabin. But not before you grab some souvenirs from the gift shop!
Souvenirs are available in the Santa Clause House as well as the majority of the shops within the Santa Claus Village. The Rovaniemi Airport also sells souvenirs. From reindeer antlers to Finnish knives, fur rugs/carpets, crystals and stones, and other wooden sculptures/art works for sale.
TIPS:
If you're looking to visit Santa Claus Village in the Arctic Circle, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
To begin, the village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, so keep travel time and costs in mind when planning your trip. Check the sunrise and sunset times because they will have a big impact on your daily plans. Typically, the sun can only be seen for 3-4 hours per day (usually 10:00 – 2:00 pm).
While Santa Claus Village is open year-round, the best time to visit is during the Christmas season when all of the holiday activities are taking place.
Most of all, be sure to dress warmly! The village is located right above the Arctic Circle, so temperatures can be quite cold even during the summer months so be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes. A hat, scarf, and gloves are essential, as are boots and a heavy coat. You'll also want to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled during your time in the village. And don't forget your camera! Santa Village is a beautiful place that you'll want to document during your visit.
You'll definitely want to come back next year to experience all the magic of Finland's Santa Village!
CREDITS TO: https://www.getyourguide.com/rovaniemi-l2653/rovaniemi-santa-claus-village-santa-park-in-one-day-t406410/ | https://santaclausvillage.info/arctic-circle-santa-claus-village-in-rovaniemi-lapland/ | https://travelwithbender.com/travel-blog/finland/meeting-real-santa-claus-village-rovaniemi | https://santaclausvillage.info/activity-services/ | https://apukkaresort.fi/stay/aurora-cabin-glass-igloos/ |
https://www.scandi.travel/rantasipi-pohjanhovi/ | https://arctictreehousehotel.com/accommodation/ | https://www.meganstarr.com/rovaniemi-airport-to-the-city/ | HELPFUL VIDEO REFERENCE: https://youtu.be/gqxOAkzj5nw