Rovaniemi: 6-Day Christmas Experience in Santa’s Hometown

Have you ever wanted to experience the magic of Christmas with the one and only Santa Claus? Rovaniemi is Santa’s hometown but also the gateway to Lapland and from here visitors can witness one of the most incredible natural events in the world: the Northern Lights.

This Christmas experience everything that Finnish Lapland has to offer: meet reindeer, watch the aurora dancing in the sky, travel on a sledge pulled by huskies in a snowy forest and, of course, meet Santa himself! Enjoy a memorable Christmas Eve Celebration and meet Santa Claus. Finnish Lapland is a dream come true for all those who dream of a winter fairytale! 

During this 6 day tour, you will experience an unforgettable Christmas holiday. Explore magical Rovaniemi, visit the enchanting Santa Claus Village, meet Santa Claus, taste traditional Lappish food, go on snowshoeing and much more!

Please note:

• At least 2 people are required for this tour to take place

• Children under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult

• Please be ready and wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time

• Infant under 4 is complimentary

• Product may be canceled or rescheduled if the group size is smaller than 2 persons paying full price

• The optional activities are not included in the price of the package

• Tours for solo travellers are available on request 

Day 1:  Welcome to Winter Wonderland, Rovaniemi

Welcome to Rovaniemi:

Welcome, you have arrived in Lapland! You will be picked up at the airport and brought to your accommodation by our guide. You then will have time to settle in and explore the city and its nature by yourself.

Day 2:  Snowshoeing in the Arctic Forest and Hunting the Northern lights with a Professional Photographer

Snowshoeing Adventure in Lapland:

Our expert guide will show you how to put the snowshoes on and lead you to a snowy Arctic forest. Even for little kids and for non-sporting people it is a joyful winter experience. Look around and try to find wild Arctic animals!

Embark on unforgettable hiking and snowshoeing journey into the forest in the Arctic Circle area, where you will pass through frozen rapids and follow amazing nature trails between woods and wide swamps. Also, a forest campfire BBQ will be provided with sausage, fish soup and warm tea.

Northern Lights Photography Tour:

Follow our professional photographer and learn the tricks for capturing a perfect Northern Lights moment. Take your camera with you, or have the photographer take the best shots for you. Stepping into the mystical forest, approximately 30-50 km away from the light pollution of the city, hunt for the magnificent lights in the middle of untouched wilderness. Learn the best settings and shooting angles for your camera with the help of the professional photographer. Listen to a guide telling ancient tales from the local Sami and Lappish cultures, as well as the Northern lights. For your refreshment, we will prepare a fire to grill the local food from Lapland: a tasty reindeer sausage and blueberry tea. 

After the trip, you will get your Northern Lights photographs for you to download without any additional cost.

Day 3:  Visit the Reindeer Farm and Celebrate with a Delightful Christmas Dinner

Reindeer Farm Visit with Sleigh Ride:

At the farm, you will meet the local reindeer herders and familiarize yourself with their culture and everyday life. Take your opportunity to feed the reindeer and take pictures with them. You will depart the farm in a comfy wooden sledge for 700 m travel with reindeer in the forest, wrapped up in warm blankets. You will be certified your life-time experience with the reindeer sleigh driving license.

After coming back, listen to the farmer sharing some interesting stories with you, while cuddling up in the cosy atmosphere in the Lappish traditional hut, Kota. Taste some steaming beverages and cookies, the local’s all-time favourite for warming up in the wintertime.

Christmas dinner:

Enjoy a Christmas dinner in your hotel with a special guest - 

Santa Claus, who will pay us a visit.  

Day 4:  Meet Santa and his Elves in Santa Claus Village

Trip to Santa Claus Village:

Feel the festive atmosphere in the Arctic city of Santa Claus homeland!

You will be taken to the most exciting and popular destination in Finnish Lapland, located in the Arctic Circle 15 km north of Rovaniemi city centre. The place gives visitors a jolly and cheerful feeling of Christmas all year round. Explore Santa Claus Village and the multitude of Christmas and Lappish souvenirs and greet Santa Claus in his office! Join the elves working in Santa’s post office and send postcards to all your friends with a special stamp on them. Surprise your family or friends and send them a postcard from the Santa Claus’s home in Santa Claus Post Office.

You will also visit the Arctic Circle, denoted by a white line painted across the park. Once you cross this line you officially enter the Arctic area, receiving the Arctic Circle Certificate for an unforgettable travel memory. A delicious lunch will be then served at Santa’s restaurant, where you can enjoy the taste of a traditional Christmas buffet. 

Day 5:  Husky Safari Through the Lappish Countryside

Snowy Trails Husky Safari:

Starting with the pick-up from your hotel, you will find out all about the training, breeding and racing of these magnificent Arctic Animals on a local farm. After receiving a short introduction and instructions, the dogs are ready to take you on an exciting ride (approximately 7 - 10 km) through amazing landscapes of the Finnish countryside. Feel the excitement as you speed through the winter wonderland. Try not to miss the opportunity to capture your once in a lifetime moment with your sleigh team.

After the journey, warm yourself up with some hot juice and Finnish gingerbread biscuits - the local’s favorite winter snacks, as you listen to the interesting stories of huskies.

Day 6:  Farewell, Rovaniemi!

Departure from Rovaniemi:

Today is the last day of your trip, so we will take you to the Airport / Train Station and bid you farewell!