The legend of Santa Claus was born in the enchanting landscape of Finnish LAPLAND.
This mythical figure has captured the hearts of both young and old alike! Do you think he lives at the North Pole? Well, it’s not a polar bear lounging on an ice floe up there! In fact, the North Pole is smack in the middle of the Arctic Ocean! Yes, Santa Claus lives in a village at the extreme north of Finland, in the Lapland region. This jolly old fellow came down from his mountain a very long time ago to set up his headquarters just a few kilometers from Rovaniemi on Mount Korvatunturi…
What do you imagine his house to be like? An old house, adorned in red, white, and green, a big rocking chair, a towering Christmas tree glistening near the fireplace. In Santa’s office, there must be a vast library… Santa Claus’ house remains a great mystery for many children around the world… But you know WHAT?? You can go there, visit his house, his office, the elves’ workshop, the reindeer farm, and even the post office… Incredible!! This magical village is located just 2 kilometers from the airport, right in the midst of snow!
NGet ready to be spellbound by the array of activities available: dog and reindeer sledding, snowmobile safaris, Lapland games; all set in a natural and authentic environment, with an abundance of emotions guaranteed!
Choose a safari in search of Santa Claus! Set off towards Santa’s house for a snowmobile safari and the forest treasure hunt, “In Search of Santa Claus.” After adults receive an introduction to snowmobile driving, parents and children embark on a 15-kilometer safari to find Santa’s hidden messages in the forest… Not far from Santa’s famous house, on a path illuminated by torches and candles, the elves then come to guide each family to Santa’s house. Pancakes and hot drinks are served around a wood-burning fire in a kota before the grand moment. Each family is individually welcomed by Santa Claus in his own house, for an unforgettable moment : children present him with their drawings, gift lists, or carefully prepared notes for the occasion.
There are cake workshops, real little chef workshops; using gingerbread dough, children all work together to create dry cakes of all shapes, bake them, and eagerly await to taste them… No long wait, because there’s also the Christmas tree decoration workshop!! Everything is organized and designed to impress both young and old!!!
A stopover in Helsinki for a taste, and 1 hour and 30 minutes later, the magic happens. Naturally, just a few steps away is Mrs. Claus’ house!
You’ll need to cross the symbolic line marking the entrance to the Arctic zone at the Arctic Circle. It’s magical! Take the opportunity to experience a Lapland baptism, enjoy grilled marshmallows, and get your certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle!
Make the most of your time here with dog sledding excursions, try to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from the Ounasvaara Hill, a favorite spot for aurora hunting, this natural and enchanting phenomenon.
Visit the Husky and reindeer farms, go snowmobiling, snowshoeing in the forest, stay at the “Arctic SnowHotel,” or in one of the igloos at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, just 800 meters from Santa Claus’ village in an exceptional and protected environment.
Make sure you visit Snowman World, a little ice world with sculptures, slides, an ice rink, and a sledding track. Very easy to access with Santa Claus Express bus no. 8!
Experience these unforgettable moments in the wild nature of Lapland. Everyone will come back home with their eyes sparkling like stars and a treasure trove of cherished memories!
In winter, temperatures range from -2°C to -30°C, but if you take good care of your hands and feet, you’ll hardly notice the cold, just like you would in the French Alps!
