With over 600,000 visitors every year, this incredible Nordic village is transformed for the holidays. In winter, you can meet Santa Claus, take a sleigh ride and watch the majestic Northern Lights. An idyllic destination for a family Christmas, just a 3.5-hour flight from the capital.
This incredible Lapland village attracts visitors from all over the world
When winter arrives in Lapland, Rovaniemi is transformed into a picture-postcard setting. Santa Claus’s official capital hosts several Christmas markets each year, attracting travelers, families and the curious in search of a Christmas worthy of Nordic tales. In 2025, the city is once again offering an immersive season, where snow, lights and Lappish traditions create an extraordinary atmosphere.
The most emblematic market is in Santa Claus Village, just north of Rovaniemi. It’s here, in the heart of Santa Claus Village, that you’ll find the colorful chalets housing local craftsmen, glass blowers, designers and workshops specializing in decorations typical of the Far North. Reindeer and sled dogs can often be seen in between stalls, while Santa’s famous post office sees thousands of letters from all over the world.
In the city center, the Rovaniemi Christmas Market has a more local feel. Located in Lordi’s Square, it brings together local producers, craftsmen and associations offering Lappish specialities. The scent of grilled salmon, traditional leipäjuusto bread and steaming glögg (Finnish mulled wine) wafts between the chalets. You’ll also find woollen garments woven using traditional techniques, jewelry made from reindeer antlers and objects fashioned from horn.
Rovaniemi also offers a whole range of activities to enhance the experience. Snowmobile safaris, husky-drawn sleigh rides, reindeer encounters on a traditional farm, northern lights watching when the sky is right: every day is a real adventure. In the evenings, Sami songs and small musical stages set the mood in the village, adding to the magical atmosphere.
In 2025, special events include workshops for making Lappish decorations and tastings of local produce. Children can take part in treasure hunts, write a letter to Santa or pose with him in his Santa Claus Village house, open all year round but even more magical in December. In short, there’s perhaps no better way to celebrate an authentic Christmas!