Experiences
Lapland holidays: Rovaniemi, Santa and winter as it should be
Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, reindeer in the snow and the northern lights over the forest. How to plan a trip to Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland, and where to stay.
The children queue with a letter in hand. Outside it is minus fifteen, the snow squeaks underfoot, and a reindeer sled glides past with bells ringing. In Rovaniemi Christmas is not a date, but a whole town. Even grown-ups find it hard not to be moved.
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and sits right on the Arctic Circle. Here you will find Santa Claus Village, huskies and reindeer, the northern lights and some of the most unusual hotels in the Nordics. Here is how to plan your Lapland holiday.
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Things to do in Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Village: cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa and send cards from his own post office. Open all year.
SantaPark: an underground Christmas world inside the hill, popular with families.
Huskies and reindeer: a short drive from town, farms offer dog sledding and reindeer sleigh rides.
Northern lights: outside town it gets dark quickly, and autumn and winter offer many chances.
Arktikum: a museum about life in the Arctic, right in town.
Book the experience: See activities in Rovaniemi
Where to stay in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi has plenty of hotels, but the most memorable sit just outside the centre, by the forest and close to Santa Claus Village.
Santa Claus Holiday Village
A glass-walled cabin in Santa Claus Village.
Santa Claus Holiday Village
Stay in the heart of Santa Claus Village, with the Arctic Circle a few metres away. The cabins have their own kitchens, several have glass roofs, and breakfast is included. For families it is hard to beat.
Book your stay: See rooms at Santa Claus Holiday Village
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
The aurora over the treehouses near Rovaniemi.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
The cabins stand on the hillside by SantaPark, with glass walls facing the forest. You lie in bed looking straight into the trees, and with a little luck the aurora dances above them. Breakfast is included.
Book your stay: See rooms at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Apukka Resort
Glass igloos and cabins at Apukka.
Apukka Resort
Apukka sits by a lake outside town, with glass igloos, cabins and its own activities such as huskies, reindeer and snowmobiles. A good choice if you want everything in one place.
Book your stay: See rooms at Apukka Resort
Arctic Light Hotel
If you prefer to stay in town, Arctic Light is a design hotel in the centre, a stone’s throw from Lordi Square. Breakfast is included and much praised.
Book your stay: See rooms at Arctic Light Hotel
When is the best time to visit Rovaniemi?
December: Christmas at its most intense, but also the busiest and priciest time. Book early.
January to March: deep snow, cold and often clear weather. Perfect for huskies and the northern lights.
September: autumn colours, the aurora and fewer people. No snow, but beautiful.
There are flights to Rovaniemi via Helsinki all year, and direct flights from the UK in winter. The airport is a few minutes from Santa Claus Village.
Lapland and Rovaniemi FAQ
Where does Santa live?
According to Finnish tradition, Santa lives in Lapland, and in Rovaniemi you can meet him at Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle all year round.
How many days do you need in Rovaniemi?
Three to four days give time for Santa Claus Village, a husky or reindeer tour and a couple of evenings chasing the aurora.
When is there snow in Rovaniemi?
The snow usually arrives in November and stays until April. December to March is the safest bet.
Is Rovaniemi good for families?
Yes, it is one of Europe’s most family-friendly winter destinations, with Santa, SantaPark, reindeer and huskies.
Where should I stay in Rovaniemi?
Santa Claus Holiday Village is best for families, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel and Apukka offer forest and aurora views, and Arctic Light Hotel is the choice for staying in town.