Who say’s you can only see Santa during Christmas season? Well, I’ve been told the same. Only to find the truth 30 years later! Well…, Accidentally.
I wanted to see the northern lights and was torn between choosing Norway, Sweden or the Finnish Lapland, we came to know Santa lives in Finland in a town called Rovaniemi with his own Village to welcome his guest anytime of the year! Yes! you read that right. Santa’s Official hometown is in Rovaniemi and meeting him is free.
Mr. Travellaine and I were also very curious to find out where we ended on Santa’s list :).! So I guess it’s no brainer settling for the Finnish Lapland to chance on seeing the Northern Lights, meet Father Christmas and hopefully ask the man himself how we can make it on his list for next Christmas!
How to Get There!
Despite being located in the Arctic Circle, I am quite surprise at how easy it is to get to Rovaniemi.
Many Airlines Offers direct flight from Helsinki, UK and other parts of Europe. Alternatively you can travel by train. Their National Rail Company- VR, operates several trains a day and offers a night train option between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. And of course, being the thrill seeker that we are, We choose the Night train to get to Rovaniemi!.
The Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki
Our Journey to Rovaniemi started in Helsinki, Were we spent our introduction to snow for 2 days. From there we choose the fun way of traveling North by taking the night train, also called The Santa Claus Express.
We booked a 2 berth compartment on the lower deck of the sleeper train for 280€, which we purchased on the same day we are traveling. And although train ticket cost the same as a plane ticket, we still saved one day of hotel accommodation.
All cabins on our trains were with two beds, shared toilets and a shower per car, while upper deck had ensuite cabins, larger windows and is generally better for observation.
Our journey, took about 12 hours leaving Helsinki 7pm arriving in Rovaniemi at 7 am.
It was such a great experience and also one of the most comfortable journey we had.
When we finally arrived and everyone got out of the train, For a moment I thought I am traveling to Asia, about 90% of the train passenger are from Asia, including us of course! 🙂
Passenger waiting area inside Rovaniemi Station
Inside Rovaniemi station, some wait to be picked up by their hotel, many not only come to visit Santa Claus Village but also catch connecting buses or flight to travel further North of Lapland in cities like Levi, Yllas, Inari, Saariselka and Ivalo. Matkahuolto, Findland’s National Bus line operates several trains a day and the bus terminal is conveniently located just outside Rovaniemi train station. Book your ticket and check for time-table here.
Mr. Travellaine and I waited a little longer to brave the cold weather outside. Google map suggested a 20 minutes walk to our hotel. For a moment we walked like an experience traveler dragging our 2 big suitcase in snow but later agreed to hire a cab for 10€ so we can reserve our energy for Santa Claus later.
Santa Claus Village is easily accessible from our hotel and most part of Rovaniemi by bus No.8. Our journey took 15 minutes due to many stops but the view along the way is entertaining.
Check Timetable here.
Arriving Santa Clause Village
Santa Clause Village Map – Travellaine
As we enter the door to Santa Claus Village we were greeted by the Arctic Circle Tourist Information.
We Cross the Arctic circle within the village and bought ourselves a certificate from the tourist information for 4.50€.
We got more excited as we come closer to Meeting Santa. The snow is falling and the sweet sound of Christmas music filled the air!
Then there comes a friendly winter sight. The biggest Snowman I have ever seen! ( Fine! This is my first snowman encounter!) and taking a selfie is mandatory although Mr. Snowman looks a bit tired!.
Took my photo next to the large thermometer to show my family and friends back home, just how blinking cold it was! that’s if Atleast the digital numbers show up!
Fancy a Picnic at Santa’s Ice table and Chairs!
Meeting Santa!
After being entertained by a friendly winter sight, we went to meet ‘Santa’ and we had a nice chat with him! He even greeted us in tagalog – our local language and It was a really nice experience, even as adults.
Santa was a very warm and caring individual and his elf are cute and helpful. He talked to us while the photographer prepares to take photos.
Meeting Santa was free but Photo and video of the Santa encounter are available at a cost. They have different packages that you can choose from, according to your needs. The video and photo are completely optional to purchase, we did though as it will be a great look back. 40€ (for two) for a lifetime memory with Santa!.
We were lucky to visit 2nd week of February, when it wasn’t busy and there were only few people on the line to have a photo with Santa. I can only imagine the line to meet Santa during Christmas season.
WATCH MY COMPLETE SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS POST.
We didn’t visit snowman world cause we want to reserve the activities it offer when we travel further north to Saariselka but I would recommend a visit here if this is your only lapland destination.
There are giant snowman, carvings in the snow, ice skating, tubing and an ice bar. If we get to come back, we will definitely not missed this.
The whole Village has plenty of shops, lots of places to eat and most of all everything a Christmas lover could imagine.
The gift shops are very ‘touristy’ and a lot of shops sell the same things but at the end of the day what do you expect? Nothing tends to excite me in everyday life, but I genuinely got excited to see Santa haha!
You can choose to visit the different buildings, restaurants and the extra paid adventures and enjoy being big kids for the day!
The best part is, you can access the whole complex of the village for free, even if you don’t have kids.
We got hungry and headed to Santa’s Salmon place, located just outside Santa’s post office. They serve the freshest and the most delicious salmon in Finland!.
We got up close and personal with Santa’s Reindeer. For a 5€ entrance fee you can feed them and take a really nice pictures with them. But be careful, they can be very angry. Also you can take a ride in a slide for 400m (18€) or a much longer route depending on your budget. This is cheap compared to most activities I’ve seen in Lapland.
Aside from meeting Santa, visiting his post office was also the highlight of our trip.
The Post office is really busy but magical – something enchanting about seeing people writing their letters to Santa and family back home. Brilliant for believers of all ages!
As a really nice touch there is a special post box for items that you want to send to arrive for the next Christmas. Great for the kids in your life.
Prices vary from 1-6€ per postcard but there are lots to choose. The stamps cost 2-3€ for international mail and for 8€. You can also order a letter from Santa and they will send it for next Christmas. The letter is available in eleven different languages, including English, and the envelope bears the special Arctic Circle postmark and a Christmas stamp.
Another bargain, is to get your passport Stamped for only €1,00.
The fireside room at The Santa Main Post Office is the perfect spot to write a letter to Santa and to browse at a small exhibit of letters, packages, and gifts that have been sent to Santa. The longest letter Santa ever received is on display- it was 1,355 feet long and came from Romania.
The whole village is very well made, everything is nice and beautiful. You really feel like you are in the Artic, the snow and low temperatures make it even more credible.
My dream to see Santa Claus has finally come true. Having just returned home, I still coudn’t get over our magical experience. I can only say that this is a trip that everyone must do at least once.
From Husky Dog sledge ride, to Reindeer sleigh rides, to a personal visit with Santa himself, there is something for everyone. We sample some of the local food, enjoyed the atmosphere of the village. A truely magical experience no matter what your age.
Check for my Santa Trip Video.