Among all the star activities in Rovaniemi, the most important one, especially if you are traveling with children, is visiting Santa Claus. However, when planning your trip, you'll discover that there isn’t just one place to meet the real Santa. With options like Dreams of Joulukka, Santa Park, and Santa Claus Village, the choice can be overwhelming. So, how do you decide which one best suits your expectations?
Each of these places offers a unique and special experience, so it's crucial to understand the differences between them to ensure you choose the option that best fits what you’re looking for in this magical Christmas adventure.
Below, we explain the differences between these three attractions so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your visit to Rovaniemi to the fullest.
SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE:
Located about 8 kilometers from the center of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is the ideal destination for those who love the magic of Christmas. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, this vibrant complex offers a complete and unforgettable experience for both children and adults.
Santa Claus Village is a charming themed village that celebrates Christmas all year round. It is the official home of Santa Claus’s office and offers a variety of activities and experiences that capture the true Christmas spirit.
What can we find in Santa Claus Village?
Santa Claus’s Office: The village's star attraction is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person. Visitors can visit him in his official office, where they can take pictures, talk with him, and deliver their Christmas letters. The entrance to the office is completely free, but the photo comes at a cost since you are not allowed to take your own pictures. Prices range from approximately €35 to €85, depending on the format you choose. Purchasing the photo is not mandatory, but taking the photo is, as that is the time you have to speak with Santa.
Santa Claus’s Post Office: In this post office, you can send letters to anyone in the world with the official Santa Claus or Arctic Circle stamp. You can also see the letters that arrive every year from all over the world. Did you know that every year Santa Claus receives around half a million letters at his post office in the Arctic Circle?
Souvenir Shops and Restaurants: Mainly, Santa Claus Village is known for its abundance of souvenir shops and restaurants. It is the ultimate place for Christmas shopping, with all kinds of souvenirs available.
Mrs. Claus’s House: Another attraction you can find in the village is Mrs. Claus’s House. Inside, there’s a small café on the ground floor, and upstairs, you’ll find Mrs. Claus knitting in her room. You can take a picture with her as she asks you a few questions. The entrance to see Mrs. Claus costs €5, which is mandatory if you want to see her, but purchasing the photo is optional and would cost around €20.
Snowman World: Among all these activities, you’ll find the Snowman World theme park. A park entirely made of ice, featuring an ice maze, various sculptures, a restaurant, a bar, an ice rink where you can borrow skates, and giant slides you can slide down with large inflatable rings. The entrance fee is €30, and you can also purchase an entrance ticket with a meal in the ice restaurant (around €50), or with dinner (ranging from €75 to €110).
Crossing the Arctic Circle: Right in front of Santa Claus’s office, you’ll find the blue line marking the Arctic Circle.
Around the main village buildings, you’ll find various tourism companies offering activities like reindeer sled rides, a husky park, snowmobile rides for children, and even an elf school. Across the road, in front of the village, you’ll also find a company offering ice karting. You can check the prices at each of the different offices.
How to get there?
To get to Santa Claus Village, you have several options:
Taxi: From the center of Rovaniemi, it will cost you between €25-50, depending on the season.
Bus: There is a direct bus connection from the city center. Bus number 8 will take you to Santa Claus Village for about €8.
Car: Located about 8 km from Rovaniemi, if you have a rental car, you can easily reach the village, and parking is free.
SANTAPARK:
Santa Park, located between Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi, is a unique theme park that transports visitors to the enchanting world of elves and Christmas, all in an underground setting. This park offers an immersive and magical experience, perfect for families looking for a different kind of Christmas adventure filled with activities.
It only opens during the winter season, from November 1st till January 11th.
What can we find in Santapark?
Elf School: Earn your very own diploma and hat at our legendary Elf School! Join our wise Professor Elves for a lesson in important Elf secrets and skills, such as peeking through windows and the importance of kindness. The duration of the Elf School training is approximately 20 minutes. The Elf graduation hat and diploma are included for every visitor to SantaPark.
Santa’s Office: Here you can find another office of Santa Claus. In this case, you can take as many pictures as you want with your mobile phone or camera and also purchase the official photograph if you wish.
Santa’s Post Office: Here, the Post Elves will be happy to tell you all about the magic needed to deliver all the letters to Santa Claus. From the post office, you can also send your own holiday greetings to your loved ones.
Elf Show: During the day, the elves present their special show about four times. A show full of acrobatics, humor, and magic for the whole family. Also, no language is needed to understand everything perfectly!
Elf Workshop: You can unleash your imagination at the Elf Workshop and create your own Christmas decoration, which you can either take home with you or leave as a memento in their workshop.
Crossing the Arctic Circle: This cave is the only place in the world where you can cross the Arctic Circle underground.
Gingerbread Baking: For an additional cost of around €3.5, which can be paid at the beginning or at the stall, you can decorate your own gingerbread cookie in the elf bakery.
Magic Train: This magnificent attraction will take you on a journey through the world of Christmas.
Souvenir Shops: You can also find several shops here where you can buy the most characteristic souvenirs of the place.
Buffet Restaurant: Inside the park, you can enjoy a delicious buffet, which is located right next to the stage, so if you’re lucky, you can enjoy the elf show and the buffet at the same time.
How to get there?
To get to Santapark, you have several options:
Taxi: From the center of Rovaniemi, it will cost you between €25-50, depending on the season.
Bus: There is a direct bus connection from the city center. Bus number 8 will take you to the door of Santapark for about €8. (It’s the same bus that goes to Santa Claus Village.)
Car: Located about 6 km from Rovaniemi, if you have a rental car, you can easily reach the park, and parking is free.
If you want more information about this theme park, here’s the link: https://santapark.fi/
SANTA CLAUS SECRET FOREST
Regarding the visit to Santa Claus, we can say that the Secret Forest of Santa Claus, also known as Dreams of Joulukka, is the crown jewel. A unique and exclusive experience in Rovaniemi, designed to immerse visitors in the true magic of Christmas, far from the tourist crowds. The Secret Forest of Santa Claus offers a personalized and intimate experience, perfect for those seeking something beyond the traditional visits to Santa Claus.
This magical place is hidden among snowy forests and is accessible only to those who have been invited to discover the secrets of Christmas alongside Santa’s elves. It is not accessible by any other means than by booking the tour with them, and it is located within a private property. Therefore, it’s also not possible to drive up to it by car.
Inside the Secret Forest, you’ll find two different programs that can be combined with each other. Both begin the same way, with an elf picking you up in their "magical machine" from your accommodation and taking you to the secret location. Once there, the program you chose determines what happens next.
The Toy Factory: In this activity, the elves will show you the factory where they make toys, with fun games and interactive zones. It also includes:
Fun entertainment with the elves in a Lappish “tepee”
Outdoor activities with the elves
Hot drinks by the fireplace
Elf-guided tour of the Toy Factory
Interactive activities with the elves in the Toy Factory
Special factory coin as a souvenir for each family
Surprise private meeting with Santa Claus
Gift from Santa Claus for each child
Freedom to take all the photos you want with your own camera
The Dream of Joulukka: This activity begins with Santa’s helper course, where you can earn your certificate as a helper, and then the elves will take you to the elves' most secret place, the Command Center, where they’ll show you how they ensure everything goes perfectly each Christmas. Additionally, The Dream of Joulukka also includes:
Special welcome from the elves
Santa’s Helper Workshop
Santa’s Helper Diploma
Gingerbread cookie decoration
Walk through the magical forest
Fun outdoor activities with the elves
Hot drinks by the open fire
Elf Command Center visit
Private meeting with Santa Claus
Present from Santa Claus for each child
Freedom to take all the photos you want with your own camera.
The programs are around 3 hours long, so they can be combined on the same day or on separate days. The activity is usually done with families or small groups, allowing a more exclusive experience. The price is also higher compared to other locations, ranging from €200 to €300 per person.
How to get there?
The only way to visit this magical place is by booking one of the tours, which includes transportation from your accommodation to the Secret Forest and back.
In the following link you will find more information about the dates and prices available: https://santaclaussecretforest.com/ It is important to know that it is one of the most requested activities, since availability is very limited, so if you want to ensure a place in this activity, we recommend that you book at least with two months in advance.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand the differences between Santa Claus Village, Santa Park, and Santa's Secret Forest, making it easier for you to decide which one to visit. Of course, these experiences are not exclusive; each offers its own Christmas charm and magic. If you have the time and opportunity, we recommend enjoying all three, as each offers a unique and special perspective on Christmas in Rovaniemi.
Without a doubt, your trip will be unforgettable!
