The letters children write to Santa each year arrive at the post office in the Santa Claus Village right here in Rovaniemi.
Among the spellbinding scenery you’ll see huskies and reindeer pulling sleighs, Christmas trees decorated with colorful sparkling lights and, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself.
Visit Santa
You’ll need to wrap up for Santa Claus Village – which boasts a range of festive outdoor activities. Santa Park, on the other hand, will enable you to warm up as this remarkable cavern attraction is situated indoors.
If you wish it could be Christmas every day, then you are in for a treat here. You can meet the elves, either at ‘elf school’, during their show or at a workshop. Then follow the sweet smell to Mrs Gingerbread’s Bakery, ride the Magic Train and gaze around in awe at the toy factory. There is free parking available for your rental car.
Take to the slopes
Want to go skiing or snowboarding while you are in Rovaniemi? Then make your way to Ounasvaara Outdoor Resort, which can be found a short drive from the center of the city on the north side of the mountain.
Whether you are taking to the slopes for the first time or are more of an experienced skier, this has activities for everyone. Routala and Vuopala are the main slopes and can be found at the top of the mountain.
You can also try your hand at tobogganing or bobsleighing. If you are here during the summer, when the snow has thawed, you can even explore this area by bike or pull on your hiking boots.
Arktikum Museum and the Northern Lights
If you want to learn more about Finnish Lapland and those that live alongside the Arctic Circle, then pay a visit to the Arktikum Museum – which offers a great deal of fascinating insights into local culture and history.
If you are here between August and April, then make sure you head to the Arctic Garden, which can be found behind the museum. Finland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights and this is one of the most popular spots for doing so.
To give yourself the best chance of catching the spectacular green and purple phenomenon, try looking either side of Midnight, between 10pm and two in the morning.
Explore Lapland
Once you have soaked up the festive atmosphere in Rovaniemi, take advantage of having your vehicle to hand and really get into the Christmas spirit as you explore Lapland from the warmth and comfort of your car.
Make your way to Pyha-Luosto National Park via the E75. This is a beautiful place to drive around, but you can also stop here to try horse riding or Ice Climbing depending on the time of year. It is believed that there are more reindeer than people in Lapland, so you may well see these magnificent animals as you drive through the region too.
Rent a car from Rovaniemi Airport to explore Santa’s hometown, before heading out to explore more of Lapland and northern Finland beyond.