Read This Before You Go to Santa Claus Village

Since 1985, Lapland has been the official home of Santa Claus. Today, Santa Claus Village sees year-round tourism, with visitors from all over the world who want to experience a little bit of the magic.

Before you head to Santa Claus Village in Finland, there are a few things that you need to know, from the fun things like what activities and accommodations there are, to the more logistical, like Finland's entry requirements, requirements, and nearby airports.

You may have seen the photos of snowy woods and reindeer-powered sleigh rides, but those are only a couple of the things that you'll encounter at Santa Claus Village.

Santa Claus Village is in Lapland, Finland

Lapland is a region of Finland, in the Arctic Circle, meaning it's pretty far North from the more popular tourist destinations (think Helsinki).

Lapland is known for its reindeer (they're native to Lapland, among other places), snowy fields and landscapes, and Northern Lights. Nowadays, it's also known as being home to the Christmasy Santa Claus Village.

More specifically, near Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the largest city in Finnish Lapland and is the region's capital.

Santa Claus Village is just Northeast of Rovaniemi, only about 5 miles from its city center (about 8km).

How to get to Santa Claus Village

Though the pictures look incredibly remote, getting to Finnish Lapland is actually easier than one may think.

Rovaniemi has Finland's 2nd busiest airport. Helsinki is the first. Depending on the time of year, you can fly via a connection through Helsinki, or even find direct flights from larger European cities like Paris or Berlin.

Once you're in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village can be accessed via car or taxi (it's only about a 10-minute ride), or the Santa Express Bus, which runs regularly.

Finland's entry requirements

Before you book your trip, you'll need to make sure that you understand Finland's entry requirements.

To visit Finland, some travelers need a visa. Others will need something called ETIAS (which begins in the last quarter of 2026). Unless you're an EU/Schengen resident or citizen, either a visa or ETIAS will be required to travel to Finland.

US and UK citizens (among others) do not need a visa to visit Finland (so long as the trip is under 90 days in length). Once ETIAS goes live, US and UK citizens will need to get ETIAS, a pre-travel authorization, before traveling to Finland.

Whether or not you need a visa for Finland depends primarily on your Nationality (i.e., the country that issued your passport). If you're a citizen of China, India, South Africa, or several other countries, a visa is mandatory for all travel to Finland - even short trips. For travelers who need a visa for Finland, travel insurance is also mandatory.

You can learn more about Finnish visas and the application process here.

Staying in Santa Claus Village: what it's like

Santa Claus Village is open all year, not just during the holiday season. This means that you can enjoy the arctic holiday vibes at the moment it's right for you.

All of that said, Christmastime is really the best time to go, as holiday magic is at its peak.

Where to stay in Santa Claus Village

There are different accommodation options in the village depending on what kind of experience you're looking for. Of course, keep in mind that options will come at varying costs.

Santa Claus Village has a snow hotel (literally made out of snow), regular hotels, glass igloos, luxury villas, cottages, apartments, and parking for camper vans and trailers.

While there are several different types of lodging, some are further from Santa Claus Village itself, sometimes 20 miles (32km) away or even further.

If you want to stay in the village, options like the Glass Resort, Nova Skyland Hotel, Santa's Luxury Boutique Villa, and more are available to rent.

Note! If you're planning to spend Christmas at Santa Claus Village, make sure you book many months in advance, as it is the most popular time of year and can sell out fast.

Also, keep in mind that not all accommodation options are available in every season. When you're doing your research, check to make sure the choice you want is open during the months you're planning to visit.

What to do at Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village has a lot of different activities for different types of travelers and ages. Reindeer sleigh rides are among the most popular (and arguably Instagrammable), but there are many things to choose from when you visit.

Keep in mind that some of the activities, like the accommodations, are seasonal as well.

The reindeer and husky farm

You can meet reindeer and huskies, as well as get sled rides! They also offer exploration by snowmobile.

If you're an animal lover, there are even accommodations (cabins) on the farm that you can stay in, and a restaurant and saunas on site, ensuring you have everything you need to be well-fed, warm, and cozy.

Snowman World

Snowmen come to life, there are park activities like snow-tubing, and a snow restaurant (literally made of ice and snow)... it's is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Snowman World offers:

• Snow-tubing
• Ice skating
• Snow labyrinth (maze)
• Snow restaurant
• Ice bar
• Ice Disco (below 32℉, but family friendly).
• Ice structures and sculptures to see

Make sure you book far in advance, as it's a popular activity. Also, it is only open in the winter because, well, snow is necessary.

Elf Hat Academy

In Santa Claus Village itself, you can attend Elf Academy (for kids and adults alike).

Elf Academy is an interactive show where you get a certificate of graduation and an elf hat once you've learned the old wisdom of the Elves.

Tickets are required, and you can book them in advance (which is recommended).

Santa's Motor Park

If you've ever wanted to do ice karting, there is a track at Santa's Motor Park in Santa Claus Village.

You'll need to take a short safety lesson, but after that, you'll be able to drive your very own kart (so long as you're at least 59 inches tall (150cm)).

There are smaller, kid-friendly options available, too.

Ice karting is only available in the winter season.

Santa's Post Office

Both Santa's official post office and a real Finnish post office, visitors can read real letters sent to Santa, as well as write their own.

This is a good activity no matter when you visit, because unlike the snowy ones, the post office is open year-round.

Plus, if you have anything you need to ship... by all means.

Roosevelt Cottage

This is the oldest building on the property and was built in 1950 (long before Santa Claus Village was established) to celebrate First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's visit to Lapland.

Other activities

While those are some of the most popular activities to do in Lapland, there are other things as well.

• Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) hunting.
• Learning about the Arctic Circle.
• Visiting the Auttiköngäs waterfall and nature trail (it's about an hour away, but worth it).
• A visit to the Arctic Snow Hotel.
• See a circus performance at the SnowGlow Winterpark.
• Hiking local, nearby trails.
• Santa's Christmas House (where you can meet Santa himself!).
• Mrs. Claus's Cottage (where you can meet Mrs. Claus!).
• E-fatbike rentals.
• Laenlampi Horse Ranch.
• Santa's Pets. This is a petting zoo with reindeer, alpacas, goats, sheep, donkeys, ponies, rabbits, birds, and even more.
• Sauna, cold pool, and salt room.
• Mountain biking.
• Museums and more to do nearby in Rovaniemi's city center.

Christmas in Lapland FAQs

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