If you are planning a trip to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, you will quickly discover that Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus. Travelers come to Rovaniemi to see the Northern Lights, to trek through snowy forests and, of course, the chance to meet Santa Claus (also known as Father Christmas – or, in Finnish, Joulupukki) in person. This short guide answers the most frequently asked questions about Santa, his life in Finland and what makes Rovaniemi a perfect destination for fans of Christmas spirit.

Where can you meet Santa?

At Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, you can cross the Arctic Circle and walk straight into Santa’s office. After waiting for your turn, you will have a chance to sit down for a chat with Santa, take a photo to remember your visit, and send postcards from the Santa Claus Main Post Office. The atmosphere feels warm and friendly, which is impressive in a place that sits at the edge of the cold Arctic region. Did you know that you can visit Santa in Rovaniemi every day of the year? Of course, Christmas time is the busiest time of the whole year for Santa and his elves – so prepare to spend at least a couple of hours in Santa Claus Village.

You can even send a letter to Santa - the official Santa Claus Post Office in Santa Claus Village received thousands of letters every year from children all over the world. When you visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, you can also send your postcard in time for Christmas - no matter when you visit. Your card and letter will then be stamped with a special Santa Claus stamp - that extra little bit of Christmas magic!

What does Santa Claus do in the summer?

Many travellers wonder what Santa does when it is not Christmas. In summer in Rovaniemi, daylight lasts almost around the clock. When the snows have all melted and made way for the summer greenery, Santa trades his winter coat for lighter clothes. He spends time tending to his reindeer and checking on toy workshop projects and inventing new toys together with his elves. Rumour has it he also enjoys berry picking and fishing in nearby lakes.

How does Santa Visit the Whole World in One Night?

This is what many children (and grown-ups too) are wondering about. If you search for information about how Santa delivers gifts, you will find many theories. In Rovaniemi the elves explain it simply. Santa prepares carefully and uses a touch of Christmas magic to adjust time with a giant clock (you can see it when you visit Santa’s workshop in Rovaniemi) so he can travel around the world in a single night. The workshop team of elves study weather conditions, maps and schedules. Then, Christmas magic handles the rest.

How Santa Makes the Reindeer Fly

Reindeer in Lapland grow strong by moving through forests, fells and deep snow. Before Christmas Eve, Santa gives them a small amount of Christmas magic. This allows them to lift off the ground and stay balanced in the air. Some say the reindeer run across the sky helped by the magic of the Northern Lights – but no one knows for sure. All we know is, Christmas magic can make even the wildest dreams come true!

Why Rovaniemi Is the Best Place to Learn About Santa

Rovaniemi combines Arctic landscapes with a calm sense of everyday magic. It is a place where you can learn about Santa Claus, experience local culture and enjoy scenery that feels peaceful in every season. If you are searching for where Santa lives, what he does in Finland or how to visit his hometown in the Arctic, Rovaniemi is the place to go for an inviting mix of Christmas charm and real Arctic adventure.

Meeting Santa is just one of the highlights on offer during your visit to Rovaniemi – don’t miss out on any of the winter adventures and book early with us to secure you have a plan for your stay.

Looking for more insider tips, travel inspiration or ideas for activities in Rovaniemi and Levi?

Contact our Arctic experts by phone or WhatsApp (+358 50 323 1090) or email (contact@beyondarctic.com) 

Follow us on Instagram (@beyondarctic) and TikTok (@beyondarctic) for more content.