If you’re looking for an unforgettable Christmas adventure, look no further than SantaPark Finland. Tucked beneath the snowy ground of Rovaniemi, this magical place brings the spirit of Christmas to life. From meeting Santa Claus to becoming an honorary elf, SantaPark offers a unique holiday experience unlike any other!
What is SantaPark?
SantaPark is a magical underground Christmas themed park located in Rovaniemi. Unlike traditional outdoor parks, SantaPark is built entirely inside a cavern, making it a cozy retreat no matter how cold or snowy it is outside. From the moment you enter, twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, and festive music wrap you in the warmth of holiday cheer. The air smells like Christmas, and every corridor leads to another enchanting experience!
General admission tickets start at around €39 for adults and €33 for children. The park is open seasonally from November through early January. While the basic ticket grants access to most experiences, the Very Elfish Person Package (VEP) takes your visit to another level. The VEP experience includes priority access to activities, hot drinks and treats, lunch, a printed photo with Santa, and special gifts for both adults and children. You also receive a souvenir badge and fast-track entry to Santa’s Office and other highlights.
SantaPark is designed to be intimate and immersive, making it perfect for families with young children. Unlike larger amusement parks, there are few crowds and no overwhelming queues. Every corner has been carefully crafted to tell a story. The setting allows you to slow down and soak in the magic of Christmas without rushing.
Private Elf Guide for SantaPark Finland
The Private Elf Guide is an upgrade available for the VEP package. It is one of the most magical parts of the SantaPark experience! From the moment you arrive, your personal elf is ready to lead you through a world of festive fun. This guide stays with your group for about two hours, giving you a curated tour of the park and helping you get the most out of each activity.
The elf acts as your storyteller, photographer, and cheerful companion. They explain the history and secrets of the park and guide you to activities in the best order. When it’s time to meet Santa, your elf arranges fast-track entry and captures special photos during your visit. They also help your children feel comfortable and excited, turning nervous energy into pure joy.
In addition to managing logistics, the elf keeps the fantasy alive. They speak in character, tell magical tales, and engage with children through questions and games. You are contacted in advance and provide the elf with details about your child. They use these to add a special level of magic to your visit!
If you want to make your trip feel like a fairy tale from start to finish, the Private Elf Guide is a must!
SantaPark Finland - Stop #1:
Santa’s Office
Visiting Santa’s Office in SantaPark Finland is a magical moment that captures the heart of the holiday spirit. Hidden deep within the park’s underground corridors, Santa’s Office is warm, inviting, and filled with festive charm. Twinkling lights, antique toys, and hand-wrapped gifts create a cozy, nostalgic setting. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a storybook where time slows down and magic becomes real.
When it’s your turn to visit Santa, the experience is intimate and unhurried. With the VEP Package you enjoy priority access, avoiding crowded waiting areas. Your Private Elf Guide will lead your family directly into the office. Here, Santa waits with a welcoming smile and a twinkle in his eye. He takes time to speak with each child, asking thoughtful questions and making everyone feel special.
Photos are taken during the visit and are included in the VEP package. You’ll receive a high-quality printed photo as a keepsake, as well as a thumb drive of all the digital photos. This is often one of the most treasured mementos from the visit. Santa gives a small gift to each child. In our case, a small stuffed bear. Adults with the VEP package also receive a special gift! In our case, we each received a Kuksa (a traditional Finnish wooden cup).
The interaction feels personal and magical, rather than rushed or commercial. It’s a rare opportunity to create a genuine connection with Santa in a setting that feels truly authentic.
SantaPark Finland - Stop #2:
Elf School
Elf School is one of the most delightful and interactive experiences at SantaPark Finland. It’s more than a show. It’s a chance to become a part of the elf world! Located in a cozy classroom, it is decorated with twinkling fairy lights, colorful chalkboards, and festive ornaments. Elf School is where children and adults alike can learn what it takes to be a real Christmas elf.
The show is led by cheerful elves dressed in traditional costumes. They teach the “rules” of being an elf through fun skits, songs, and interactive storytelling. You’ll learn how to laugh like an elf, move like an elf, and spread joy like only elves can. The whole experience is filled with laughter, music, and pure festive energy.
The show lasts about 20 minutes and is performed multiple times throughout the day. Seating is on benches and cushions, giving it the feel of an old-fashioned classroom with a magical twist. Even adults will find themselves smiling at the clever jokes and contagious energy of the performers.
At the end of the lesson, each participant receives an official Elf Diploma. It’s stamped and signed by the head elf and makes a perfect souvenir. You also receive official elf Santa hats!
SantaPark Finland - Stop #3:
Elf Workshop
The Elf Workshop is a magical place where visitors create festive crafts with help from cheerful elves. It’s located deep within SantaPark and filled with wooden tables, bright colors, and holiday decorations. As you walk in, friendly elves greet you and lead you to a cozy crafting station.
Each person receives a blank ornament, card, or paper decoration to design however they like. Crafting supplies like markers, glue, glitter, stickers, and ribbons are all provided at no extra cost. Elves offer guidance and help younger children with their projects while keeping things fun and relaxed. The atmosphere is peaceful and joyful, perfect for taking a break from the more active attractions.
Families often sit together, chatting and laughing as they work on their holiday creations. When you’re finished, you can take your decoration home or hang it on the Elf Workshop wall. This wall is covered with colorful ornaments left by guests from around the world. Leaving your craft behind adds to the park’s magic and creates a shared holiday memory.
The workshop has no time limit, so you can stay as long as you wish. It’s a great place for children to express themselves and parents to enjoy a quiet moment. Some visitors return later in the day to make more than one item. No matter your age, it’s fun to join the elves in making something from the heart.
SantaPark Finland - Stop #4:
Mrs. Gingerbread’s Bakery
Mrs. Gingerbread’s Bakery is one of the sweetest stops in SantaPark Finland! The warm smell of cookies fills the air as soon as you enter the cozy bakery. Twinkling lights and soft music create a festive and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. The space looks like a storybook kitchen, complete with candy decorations and wooden shelves.
You are greeted by smiling elves who hand you a freshly baked gingerbread cookie. Each person gets their own cookie to decorate with colorful icing and toppings. Elves help little ones squeeze icing tubes and offer creative decorating tips for everyone.
Once your cookie is decorated, you can eat it right away or save it for later. While decorating, you are offered a cup of warm glögi, a traditional Finnish Christmas drink. The glögi is sweet, spiced, and perfect for warming up in the chilly Lapland weather.
Children love meeting Mrs. Gingerbread, who often appears in her apron and hat to greet guests. She chats with families, poses for photos, and compliments everyone’s cookie designs. The entire experience feels like stepping into a holiday bakery dream. It is a calm and joyful way to take a break from exploring the park. You can spend as much time here as you like without feeling rushed. Mrs. Gingerbread’s Bakery is a delicious, heartwarming memory that’s hard to forget.
SantaPark Finland - Stop #5:
Crossing the Arctic Circle Underground
Crossing the Arctic Circle is one of the most iconic moments you experience in Lapland. Inside SantaPark Finland, this special crossing happens underground! The path is marked by glowing blue lights that guide you along a snowy tunnel. It feels like stepping into a frozen fairytale under the Earth.
The experience begins when your Private Elf Guide or a friendly sign points you toward the Arctic Circle. As you walk through the shimmering passage, the temperature feels cooler and the lights get brighter. Snowflakes sparkle around you and soft music fills the air. It is quiet and peaceful, perfect for reflection and wonder.
Along the walk, you may meet the Ice Princess. She is dressed in a flowing white gown with crystals that shine under the lights. Her presence is calm and magical. She welcomes you to the Arctic Circle and shares a few words about its meaning.
At the end of the journey, you receive an Arctic Circle Diploma. This certificate proves that you have officially crossed into the Arctic Circle. The entire experience takes only a few minutes but leaves a lasting impression. It is both symbolic and enchanting. Crossing the Arctic Circle at SantaPark turns a geographic line into a magical memory that will stay with you forever!
SantaPark Finland - Stop #6:
Elf Show
The Elf Show at SantaPark Finland takes place in a cozy underground theater filled with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Soft red seats and wooden benches give it a warm, festive feel. The stage is decorated with sparkling snowflakes, presents, and glowing stars.
Before the show starts, elves greet the audience and help families find good seats. The theater fills up quickly, so early arrival is recommended! This marked the end of our time with our Private Elf Guide. As we waited for the show to begin, she chatted with the girls before saying her final goodbyes.
Once the lights dim, the stage comes alive with music, dancing, and laughter. The show features talented elves performing a fun mix of comedy, acrobatics, and holiday magic. There are flips, jumps, juggling acts, and plenty of surprises. The storyline is simple and cheerful, making it perfect for young children and enjoyable for adults.
The Elf Show lasts about 20 minutes and runs several times each day. The music is catchy and festive, with a mix of English and Finnish songs. Elves interact with the audience, creating a playful and engaging atmosphere. Children often clap, cheer, and giggle throughout the performance.
After the show, some of the performers come out to wave or take quick photos.
SantaPark Finland - Stop #7:
Santa’s Post Office
Santa’s Post Office in SantaPark Finland is a charming and cozy space that brings the magic of Christmas mail to life. It looks like a traditional post office with wooden shelves, twinkling lights, and rows of colorful letters. The walls are decorated with stamps, postcards, and messages sent by children from around the world.
As you step inside, friendly elves greet you and invite you to explore. The room is filled with tables where you can write your postcard. There are pens located on the table with racks of postcards available for sale.
Once your postcard is ready, you get a special Arctic Circle stamp. You can choose to have your postcards delivered this year or held for delivery next Christmas by placing them in the appropriate mailbox. It is a fun and unique souvenir.
SantaPark Finland - Stop #8:
Magic Train
The Magic Train at SantaPark Finland is a delightful indoor ride that takes guests on a gentle journey through a winter wonderland. It is perfect for children and families who want a magical adventure without the rush or noise of a thrill ride. The train is located in its own dimly lit room, glowing with twinkling lights and icy blue decorations.
When you arrive at the station, friendly elves welcome you and help everyone find a seat. The train cars are cozy and colorful, with enough room for parents to ride alongside their children. Once everyone is seated, the ride begins with soft music and narration to set the scene. As the train moves, you glide through beautifully crafted scenes of the North Pole. You will see snow-covered forests, playful elves, and sparkling ice castles. Each part of the journey tells a piece of the Christmas story. The visuals are bright and detailed, and the peaceful pace allows time to enjoy each scene.
The ride lasts about five minutes and is ideal for even the youngest visitors. It is quiet and smooth, making it a relaxing break between more active attractions. Many children enjoy riding it more than once during their visit.
SantaPark Finland - Stop #9:
Virtual Christmas Sleigh Ride
The Virtual Christmas Sleigh Ride invites guests to step into a magical sleigh and take a virtual flight over snowy landscapes. The sleigh is located in a dark, quiet room filled with soft lights and Christmas music. The atmosphere is peaceful and full of anticipation.
When it is your turn, elves help you climb into a sleigh seat that gently moves during the ride. Once everyone is ready, virtual reality goggles show you snowy forests, glowing villages, and the Northern Lights. You feel like you are flying across the sky with Santa and his reindeer. The sleigh gently tilts and moves to match the scenery. It feels smooth and safe, perfect for children and adults. Soft wind sounds and holiday music play as the sleigh glides through each scene. You pass by cozy cabins, snowy hills, and bright stars above.
The ride lasts about four minutes, offering a short but magical break from walking around the park.
The Family Verdict
Our time in SantaPark was amazing! Our elf guide, Crafty, showed us all around the cavern and helped the girls experience everything it had to offer! She made the experience so magical for the entire family! The Santa experience was fantastic!! He talked with the girls for some time and we never felt rushed. I highly recommend a visit to SantaPark!!
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures at Santa Claus Village, a Finnish Husky Farm, Ice Fishing in Rovaniemi, an Artic Reindeer Farm, 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:
