5-Day Christmas in Santa Claus Hometown
5-Day Christmas in Santa Claus Hometown
5 Days Starting and ending in Rovaniemi, Finland
Visiting: Rovaniemi, Lapland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
75483
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
3-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Festive and New Year, Northern Lights, Polar, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical 5-day Christmas adventure in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland. This enchanting tour offers a blend of festive cheer and thrilling Arctic experiences. Begin with a Northern Lights hunting tour, complete with campfire barbecue snacks, and explore the Arctic forest. Meet real reindeer herders and enjoy a traditional sleigh ride, then immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Rovaniemi Christmas market. Spend Christmas Day at Santa Claus Village, with a private meeting with Santa and a visit to his Post Office. Delight in a unique dining experience at the Ice Restaurant and enjoy activities like husky sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Conclude your journey with a serene snowshoe hike through the Arctic forest. This unforgettable holiday promises a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and festive joy.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : 23.12 - Welcome To Rovaniemi, The Official Hometown Of Santa Claus!
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Rovaniemi is an urban oasis amidst the Arctic wilderness, where culture, wild activities, and fairytales come together! Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it’s a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights.
Your guide will pick you up at the airport (or train station), after a short stop at your accommodation, you will be taken to our office located in the city center of Rovaniemi, a full set of winter clothes will be provided for the duration of your stay.
At night, enjoy an exciting Northern Lights Hunting Tour with our professional photographer guides, campfire barbecue snacks will be provided during the tour so you can taste the authentic Lappish food. According to the day's prevailing weather conditions, we will drive to out of the city for more chances and open viewing areas. A short walk through the Arctic forest brings you to a lake where there are less light pollution and a great spot out on the ice for a magnificent view of the Northern lights dancing up above you!
Day 2 : Christmas Eve (24.12) - Meet The Reindeer & Christmas Eve Celebration Under Northern Lights
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
At the Reindeer farm, you will meet the real reindeer herders, who will tell you about their way of life hand by hand with nature! Enjoy a Reindeer sleigh ride which will give you a taste of the old traditional way of traveling in Lapland. The quiet and comfortable reindeer sleigh ride helps you to clear out your mind and release stress, and you will also receive a driver's license certificate!
In the afternoon you will some free time to visit the traditional Rovaniemi Christmas market where you can find traditional Finnish crafts, Finnish design, traditional cuisine and plenty of family oriented activities.
In this evening, the most special one of Christmas Eve, you will have a traditional Christmas Dinner and a Christmas party in the most Finnish way. Santa Claus will pass by for a visit, and deliver some Christmas gifts for you.
Day 3 : Christmas Day (25.12) - Christmas Day With Santa Claus & Dinner In Ice Restaurant
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Head for the Santa Claus Village; underneath the Arctic Circle, it is Christmas all year round! You will spend an unforgettable visit to Santa Park! Have a private meeting with Santa Claus, and visit the popular and sweet Santa's Post office! You will join the Elves in their magic world, and you are able to send greetings to all of your friends from Santa's Post Office.
Also, the Arctic Circle cuts right through Santa Claus Village! A white line denoting the Arctic Circle (at its position in 1865) is painted across the park. You will officially enter the Arctic area when you cross the line. The line is a very popular photo spot for our visitors! You also will acquire the Arctic Circle Certificate.
The lunch will be provided at the Santa Claus Village, you will have the opportunity to taste the traditional Christmas Finnish buffet!
By night, we will provide you with one of the most spectacular dinning experience with flavour and traditional food preparation methods which are characteristic from the local Ice Restaurant. Witness food from the fire, dishes made from ice along with us. All the meat products that are served at the Ice restaurant are produced in Finland. This unforgettable dinning experience will highlight your Lapland trip and memories.
Day 4 : Boxing Day (26.12) - One Day Full Of Authentic Finnish Vibes And Style !
Location: Rovaniemi
Accommodation Name: hotel
The first destination is the Husky Farm, try out Husky sleigh ride with beautiful snowy forest trails. After the short ride, take pictures with these cute huskies and then say goodbye to these furry friends!
After saying goodbye to our Husky team, the guide will bring you to the forest for the most exciting moment of the day - Snowmobiling! Drive across the sparkling white landscapes and feel the fresh breezes coming at you along the rides.
We will then go to one of the most relaxing place on the frozen lake and enjoy the traditional Finnish way of ice fishing. There is possibility to catch arctic char, rainbow trout, whitefish and Arctic fish in this area. If you don't catch any fish, don't worry! Gather with others around the fire, we will prepare grilled salmon for you to enjoy.
*Twin driving means two people share one snowmobile together and take turns driving. Our tour guide will stop half way during the tour for you to switch drivers.
Day 5 : Departure Day (27.12) - Snowshoeing In The Arctic Forest
Location: Lapland
It's your last day in Winter wonderland, the time for you to chill and relax! In the morning, enjoy a small hike with snowshoes on in the Arctic Forest before we say good bye to Lapland. Scrunch your way through the snow in these handy shoes. Explore some of the most spectacular and untouched spots of Lapland together with our professional guide ! After the last but not least tour with us, you will have some free time to do some souvenir shopping before we pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the train station/ airport.
What's Included
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Airport/Train Station Transfer
Airport or train station transfer is provided on the first day of arrival and the last day of departure.
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Transport Between Locations
Transport is provided between accommodation and activities locations.
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Professional Guide
A professional guide is available in English.
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Activities
All the activities mentioned in the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Minimum Participants Requirement
At least 4 people are required as minimum participants.
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Hotel Pickup/Drop Off
Hotel pickup/drop off is available from most hotels/apartments within 10km of Rovaniemi city center.
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Child Policy
Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by one adult paying full price joining the same trip.
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Infant Policy
Infants under 3 years old are complimentary.
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Cancellation Policy
The product may be canceled or rescheduled if the group size is smaller than 2 persons. Notice will be given prior to the scheduled departure date.
Please Note
- At least 4 people are required as minimum participants requirement.
- Hotel pickup/drop off is available from most hotels/apartments within 10km of Rovaniemi city center
- Children under 14 year old must be accompanied by one adult paying full price joining the same trip
- Please be ready and wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time
- Infant under 3 is complimentary
- Product may be canceled or rescheduled if the group size is smaller than 2 persons. Notice will be given prior to the scheduled departure date.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes airport or train station transfers on arrival and departure days, as well as transfers between accommodation and activity locations, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience throughout your stay.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in a twin hotel room or city apartment, and a unique 1-night stay in an Aurora Nest Eco Glass Igloo, offering a cozy and memorable experience amidst the enchanting Finnish Lapland.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are included in the Northern Lights Hunting Tour?
The Northern Lights Hunting Tour includes a walk through the Arctic forest to a lake for a magnificent view of the Northern Lights, with campfire barbecue snacks provided to taste authentic Lappish food.
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What can I expect during the reindeer sleigh ride?
During the reindeer sleigh ride, you will meet real reindeer herders who will share their way of life. The ride offers a quiet and comfortable experience, reminiscent of the traditional way of traveling in Lapland, and you will receive a driver's license certificate.
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What is special about the Christmas Day visit to Santa Claus Village?
On Christmas Day, you will visit Santa Claus Village, have a private meeting with Santa Claus, and visit Santa's Post Office. You can join the Elves in their magic world and send greetings from Santa's Post Office. Additionally, you will cross the Arctic Circle and receive an Arctic Circle Certificate.
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What dining experience is offered at the Ice Restaurant?
The Ice Restaurant offers a spectacular dining experience with traditional food preparation methods. You will witness food from the fire and dishes made from ice, with all meat products served being produced in Finland.
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What activities are included on Boxing Day?
On Boxing Day, you will visit a Husky Farm for a sleigh ride, enjoy snowmobiling across snowy landscapes, and experience traditional Finnish ice fishing on a frozen lake, with the possibility of catching various types of fish.
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What is the snowshoeing experience like on the last day?
On the last day, you will enjoy a small hike with snowshoes in the Arctic Forest, exploring some of the most spectacular and untouched spots of Lapland with a professional guide.
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Where are we located?
Nordic Unique Travels LTD located in the door to the Arctic: Rovaniemi, Lapland. Our office is approachable by walking distance from the major hotels in the city area (Maakuntakatu 29-31 96200 Rovaniemi Finland). We are in the middle of the city centre, next to Subway and in front of Sale Market. Come make us a visit!
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When to travel to Lapland?
There are four distinctly different seasons as far up north as Rovaniemi. However, locals think the conditions are in a constant state of change and say there are up to eight seasons in the year: midwinter, snowy spring, spring, summer, harvest season, autumn leaf colour, first snowfall, and Christmas. Please bear in mind that there is annual fluctuation in weather. Lapland is in the continental climate zone. The winters are cold and rich in snow, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, the summers are relatively warm. Rovaniemi is part of the arctic region; its climate, however, is subarctic and temperate, characterised by strong seasonal contrasts of dark versus bright and cold versus warm.
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Summer in Lapland
The Midnight Sun and white nights in June and July The Midnight Sun period officially lasts from early June until early July, but nights are white throughout the summer in Rovaniemi. The summer in Lapland can offer an interesting variety of weather conditions, with a longer warm spell expected in July. The warmest time of year brings people out in masses, and various events take place in summery Rovaniemi. Prepare to celebrate until the wee hours, as the sun never goes down. There are plenty of things to do in Rovaniemi in the summer, and with 24 hours of light, there’s no limits to time of action.
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Spring in Lapland
The snow melts, the ice breaks and nature is reborn in April and May April is still considered a snowy month in Rovaniemi and Lapland, but the snow gradually disappears as May approaches. The ice on rivers and lakes starts melting, and big chunks of ice can be seen flowing downstream. In early April, the last of the Northern Lights displays can be seen. Towards the end of April, nights are too light for the Auroras to be spotted. In May, northern nature starts getting ready to blossom once again after a harsh winter. At the end of May, nights are white. In Rovaniemi, winter activities still run in early April, after which it’s time for non-snow stuff.
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Winter in Lapland
Christmas, the Polar Night and snowy spring from December to March December and January are snowy months shrouded in the darkness of the Polar Night. The sun comes out in February and marks the start of the snowy, light-filled spring. March is often terrific for Northern Lights viewing. In Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, Christmas is a special time, as many flock to the arctic town to meet Santa in person and experience the festive season in magical wintery surroundings. The winter is a great time for a number of activities both in the snow outside and experiencing local culture inside.
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Autumn in Lapland
First Auroras and first snowfall from August to November Early August is still considered summer by many, but by the end of the month, it’s definitely autumn. The Northern Lights start appearing in late August, and September and October are ideal Aurora viewing months. Temperatures start dropping below zero in October, and first snow usually falls at around the same time period. A permanent snow cover is expected in late November. Autumn leaf colour paints the landscapes in earthy shades, and days are perfect for hiking and other nature related activities, as nights are best reserved for Aurora spotting.
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Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Nordic Unique Travels requires a minimum deposit of 100% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 1000 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of nordic unique travels charges.
At 1000 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.