Step into a winter wonderland at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland! This magical destination brings Christmas dreams to life all year round. Nestled right on the Arctic Circle, this festive village offers a unique mix of holiday charm, snowy adventures, and heartwarming experiences for families of all ages. Whether you’re meeting Santa himself, crossing the Arctic Circle, or sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire, the magic is everywhere you turn. From reindeer sleigh rides through snowy forests to husky meet-and-greets and snowmobile thrills, there are countless Santa Claus Village activities that promise unforgettable memories. Free attractions like sledding hills and snowy playgrounds make it easy to enjoy the fun without breaking the bank, while cozy cafes and festive shops add even more joy to your visit. In this guide, we’ll explore all the best Santa Claus Village activities to help you plan your own enchanting adventure in Finnish Lapland!
What is Santa Claus Village?
Santa Claus Village is a magical holiday destination in Rovaniemi, Finland. It sits right on the Arctic Circle and is a must for any Finnish Lapland itinerary. Santa Claus Village brings the magic of Christmas to life, especially in the winter! The snow-covered buildings sparkle with lights. Soft Christmas music plays in the background. Everything feels like so magical!
The village is open every day, even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Opening hours vary slightly by season. During winter, most attractions are open from 10 am to 5 pm.
Everywhere you turn, parents are pulling their children on sleds across the snow. Children make use of any snow pile to sled and slide down. Wooden tepees with warm fires are placed throughout the village. They are perfect for resting and warming up. Many families roast marshmallows over the fire.
Hot chocolate is available in all the cafes. Something about having Santa’s official hot chocolate makes it taste better than anything you have had before!
In Santa Claus Village you can meet Santa, cross the Artic Circle, visit Mrs. Santa Claus, see Santa’s Main Post Office, enjoy reindeer rides, mini snowmobiles husky safaris, snow playgrounds, and so much more! Follow along as I explain the activities below!
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Meet Santa at Christmas House
Santa is the main theme throughout Santa Claus Village. So of course, there are several ways to meet Santa here and in the surrounding area. One of the most iconic locations is meeting at the Santa Claus Office. This magical experience takes place in the center of the village, right next to the Arctic Circle line. The entrance is marked by festive signs and friendly elves who welcome visitors inside. The path to Santa winds through charming rooms decorated with lights, toys, and holiday displays. It feels like stepping into a living Christmas story.
You can also meet him at the Christmas House. This experience brings the wonder of Christmas to life and is located right inside Christmas House in the heart of the Santa Claus Village. When you arrive, friendly elves greet you and guid you through a beautifully decorated hallway. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes total, depending on the line. Inside, Santa sat in a cozy room filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
The entrance to meet Santa is free. However, professional photo and video packages are available for purchase afterward. Prices for these packages typically start around 30 euros and go up depending on what you choose.
There are many private companies that offer excursions and meet and greets at your hotel. If you plan to meet Santa elsewhere, it is really easy to avoid him while at Santa Claus Village! So you don’t need to worry about questions from your children.
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Santa Claus Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Santa Claus Reindeer is a peaceful area just outside of the center of Santa Claus Village. Sitting in the trees, snow covers everything in sight. Wooden fences mark the paths, and soft music plays in the background. Reindeer rest patiently near their sleighs.
When you reach the front of the line, you pay at the ticket booth. There are two ride options. A short ride follows a small loop and costs about 20 euros each. A longer forest ride takes you through snow-covered trees and costs around 35 euros each. We chose the longer forest ride.
When it was our turn, staff greeted us warmly. The girls met our reindeer guides and gave gentle pats to the animals. We were divided into adult-child pairs for each sleigh. Staff helped us in and tucked thick reindeer hides over our laps. They also offered to take photos before the ride began.
The sleigh glided softly over the snow. Reindeer hooves crunched beneath us. Bells jingled with each steady step.
We passed Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage and spotted the glass igloos of the Glass Resort, twinkling through the trees. The forest was quiet and beautiful. The forest ride was about 15 minutes long, but it gave us ample time to soak in the magic. The quiet path, soft snow, and gentle ride made it unforgettable!
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage
Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage looks like it came straight from a fairy tale! Snow covered the roof, and soft lights twinkled in the windows. It felt peaceful and festive, a perfect winter escape.
Entry was 5 euros per person, which included time inside and a visit with Mrs. Claus. Entrance to Mrs. Claus’ Café is free. Photos with Mrs. Claus start at 20 euros, depending on the package.
We climbed upstairs and were greeted by a cheerful elf. She helped us hang our coats and guided us into the next room. Inside, Mrs. Claus welcomed us with a warm smile and sparkling eyes. She spoke in a soft voice with a thick European accent. It was sweet, but a bit hard for the girls to understand at times. Spider Monkey found her a little strange at first. But after some thought, she rationalized it, concluding, “She must be really, really old.” That made us all laugh. We could see that, for Spider Monkey, Mrs. Claus had become a bit of a mystery to ponder. It was a moment I will always remember!
After our visit, we stopped at Mrs. Claus’ Café. The café was cozy and full of holiday decorations. Every detail added to the charm. It smelled of cinnamon and chocolate! We ordered the famous hot chocolate. It was thick, rich, and the best we’ve ever tasted!
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Santa Claus’ Main Post Office
Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is located right in the heart of the Santa Claus Village, near the Arctic Circle line. It looks like a cozy log cabin decorated with festive lights and snowy rooftops. There is no entrance fee, so visitors can walk in and explore freely. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and cheerful. Shelves are lined with Christmas cards, postcards, and beautiful stamps. Friendly postal elves in red uniforms greet everyone with smiles.
You can buy postcards and send them directly from Santa’s official post office. Each card gets a special Arctic Circle postmark that you can only get here. It is a fun and meaningful souvenir to send to loved ones. You can also choose to have your cards delivered next Christmas by placing them in a special red mailbox labeled “Christmas Mail.”
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Santa's Pets / Tallitontun Piha
Santa’s Pets, also known as Tallitontun Piha, is home to friendly alpacas, ponies, goats, sheep, rabbits, donkeys, and reindeer. There is a 10 to 15 euro entrance fee to visit. Once inside, visitors can freely explore and interact with the animals. We also bought bundles of twigs and bags of moss for feeding. The twigs are for the alpacas, goats, and sheep, while the moss is for the reindeer. Feeding the animals made the experience extra special. Visitors can also book guided walks with some of the animals for a closer experience.
The girls were thrilled by this hands-on adventure. They loved feeding the animals, who were eager to eat. The alpacas and goats were especially friendly, nuzzling close as they munched.
The calm reindeer took their time nibbling the moss gently. The girls smiled nonstop as they pet the animals and watched them interact peacefully.
In addition to the animals, Santa’s Pets offers fun winter activities. There are snowy sledding hills where kids race up and down, laughing joyfully. Nearby, adults can relax and warm up by fire pits inside cozy wooden teepees. The teepees add a magical and festive touch to the winter village atmosphere.
After hours of joyful play, we had to pull the girls away! They could have easily spent an entire day here. Santa’s Pets was truly an unforgettable and heartwarming addition to our Santa Claus Village activities!
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Central Square and Crossing the Artic Circle
Central Square is a dazzling winter wonderland! Twinkling lights drape the buildings and trees, casting a warm glow on the snow-covered ground. The air is crisp and filled with festive sounds. Families and visitors bustle around happily, often pulling children in sleds. The soft crunch of footsteps in the snow adds to the cozy atmosphere.
At one end of the square, a giant thermometer stands tall. It shows the chilly Arctic temperatures, often dropping far below freezing. Seeing how cold it can get here in winter is fascinating and adds to the Arctic adventure feeling!
One of the most exciting highlights is crossing the famous Arctic Circle line. This boundary is marked by giant decorative markers and bright red Artic Circle signs. Standing right on the line feels thrilling and unforgettable. Visitors often stop here to take photos and soak in the moment.
A live webcam streams views of the Arctic Circle crossing and Central Square. Friends and family back home can watch the magic in real time. This connection makes the experience even more special.
Nearby, Santa’s Gift House offers a cozy shop filled with festive gifts and souvenirs. You can also buy unique Arctic Circle Crossing Certificates here. Just across the square, Santa’s Office Building welcomes visitors hoping to meet Santa Claus himself.
The shops around the square sell hand-crafted ornaments, reindeer trinkets, and cozy winter gear. The Central Square and Arctic Circle crossing are must-do Santa Claus Village activities for families visiting this magical winter wonderland.
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park Mini Snowmobiling
One of the most thrilling Santa Claus Village activities for kids is the mini snowmobiling at Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park. This exciting experience costs around 25 euros per child. It takes place on a small snowmobile track just behind the central square. Children ages 4 to 12 are welcome to participate. Only a few children ride at a time, depending on conditions. This keeps the ride safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Before the ride, families head into the main building to pay and check in. Inside, staff provide helmets and warm gaiters for each child. Parents wait by the fence while kids play near the track. Many children climb on the mini snow hills or warm up beside the fire inside a nearby wooden tepee. The line may look long, but it often moves faster than expected.
When it is time to ride, the children receive a brief safety orientation. Staff clearly explain how to start, stop, and steer the snowmobiles. They also help each child get comfortable on the snowmobile.
Each ride lasts about ten minutes. The track has gentle curves and snowy paths that feel like a real trail. Even in that short time, the experience is packed with fun and excitement.
Parents line the fence, cheering and snapping photos. The sound of happy laughter fills the air. My girls absolutely loved this experience. It added just the right dose of adventure to our snowy day and left lasting memories of Lapland magic.
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Arctic Circle Husky Park Tour with Meet and Greet
One of the most heartwarming Santa Claus Village the Arctic Circle Husky Park Tour with Meet and Greet. This charming experience costs around 15 to 20 euros per person. It lasts about 30 minutes and gives families an up-close look at life with Arctic sled dogs.
The guided tour begins with a walk through the husky kennels. A friendly guide leads you past each enclosure and shares the names and stories of the dogs. Some huskies bounce excitedly at the fence, while others relax in the snow. The girls loved learning each dog’s name and personality. They waved and called to the dogs, who responded with wagging tails and happy barks.
The highlight of the tour is the meet and greet! Inside a secure fenced area, several young huskies are released to play. The girls fed the puppies treats and giggled through endless puppy kisses. The huskies were playful and full of curiosity, bounding around with wagging tails. Watching the girls interact with them was pure joy.
There are other tour options available too. Families can book longer husky safaris, which include a sled ride through scenic snowy trails. Some allow adults to drive the sled while kids ride comfortably. These tours cost more and must be booked in advance.
Santa Claus Village Activities:
Playgrounds, Snowman, Sledding and More
One of the best things about Santa Claus Village is that not every activity costs money. There are plenty of free Santa Claus Village activities for families to enjoy. These moments add joy and create lasting memories without spending extra euros.
Scattered throughout the Santa Claus Village are snowy playgrounds perfect for kids of all ages. The girls loved climbing snowy mounds and sliding down ice-covered hills. Some playground areas even have small tunnels and icy forts to explore.
Building your own snowman is another classic winter activity. You will find lots of untouched snow in open areas. Bring along a carrot, scarf, or buttons to decorate your creation. It is a fun and creative way to enjoy the Arctic outdoors.
Sledding is a big favorite. Free sleds are often available outside restaurants and shops. Children take turns racing down gentle snowy slopes, laughing the whole way. It is simple, active fun.
There are also photo spots around the village. You can pose with giant reindeer statues, glowing Christmas trees, or even Santa’s sleigh. These are great places to snap holiday memories without a cost.
Warm up by one of the public fire pits. They are usually near playgrounds or sledding hills. Parents can sip coffee while kids continue to play.
These free activities balance out the paid experiences and help families enjoy more time outdoors. In a place as magical as Santa Claus Village, even the simplest snowball fight feels unforgettable.
Restaurants in Santa Claus Village:
Restaurant Gallis
Restaurant Gallis is located inside the Glass Resort. It is a beautiful building with a tall glass ceiling. The menu highlights local Lapland ingredients like reindeer, Arctic char, mushrooms, and wild berries. Each dish was fresh and prepared with care. The menu had options for both kids and adults.
Three Elves Restaurant
Three Elves Restaurant is inside the Santa Claus Holiday Village Reception. It offers a cozy and memorable dining experience. The warm lighting and festive decorations create a welcoming Arctic atmosphere. Every dish we ordered was fresh and flavorful. Meals were beautifully presented and prepared with care. The menu had options for both kids and adults.
Santa’s Salmon Shack
Eating at Santa’s Salmon Shack is a must for everyone! This cozy spot specializes in fresh, delicious salmon dishes that showcase the best flavors of Finnish Lapland. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, rustic atmosphere with wooden decor that feels both inviting and authentic. The menu features a variety of salmon options—from grilled fillets to smoked salmon plates—all cooked to perfection. Each dish is served with fresh sides like crisp salad, creamy potatoes, or hearty rye bread. The quality of the food is impressive, with salmon that tastes fresh and perfectly seasoned. The staff are friendly and welcoming, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Santa’s Pizza and Burger
Santa’s Pizza & Burger is more of a fast-food style restaurant where you order from a counter and take your food to cafeteria style seating. They serves a variety of pizzas and burgers. It is very popular with families and because of the lower price points, becomes pretty crowded. The girls loved the pizza here!
The Family Verdict
Santa Claus Village isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience that wraps you up in warmth and wonder! From the serene beauty of the surroundings to the enchantment of festivities, every part of this place felt touched by magic. It’s the kind of place where even the smallest moments seem to sparkle with joy! Where every detail, no matter how simple, is carefully thought out and executed perfectly! This place truly is pure magic!
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures at a Finnish Husky Farm, Ice Fishing in Rovaniemi, an Artic Reindeer Farm, SantaPark in Finnish Lapland, Helsinki, and Estonia. Also, follow along on our complete winter family adventure through Finnish Lapland!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
For the Hotel:
Cold Weather Clothing:
- Women’s Base Layer Socks
- Women’s Wool Socks and These
- Women’s Base Layer Tops
- Women’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Mid Layer Tops and These
- Women’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Jacket
- Women’s Snow Pants
- Women’s Snow Boats
- Women’s Snow Gloves
- Women’s Glove Liners
- Balaclava
- Men’s Base Layer Socks
- Men’s Wool Socks and These
- Men’s Base Layer Tops and These
- Men’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Men’s Mid Layer Tops
- Men’s Jacket
- Men’s Snow Pants
- Men’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Base Layer Socks and These
- Kid’s Wool Socks, These, These and These
- Kid’s Base Layers, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Tops, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Kid’s Jacket
- Kid’s Snow Pants
- Kid’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Glove Liners
- Kid’s Beanie
- Kid’s Snow Boots
For Extra Fun in the Artic:
