The Official Hometown of Santa Claus®

Deep in the forests of Finnish Lapland lies Korvatunturi, the mysterious fell that is said to be Santa Claus’ original home. Its exact location remains a secret known only to a chosen few. So, in 1985, Santa Claus decided to establish an office in Rovaniemi, where people from all around the world could come and meet him.

Today, at the Arctic Circle in Santa Claus Village, Santa welcomes visitors throughout the year and shares his message of happiness, kindness and goodwill with people from around the world.

Rovaniemi is the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®, and the city’s most famous resident can be met all year round at Santa Claus Village. Located right on the Arctic Circle, just a few moments away from the city centre of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village welcomes more than 700 000 visitors from around the world every year.

Once you arrive, there is plenty to discover. Visit Santa Claus at Santa Claus Office stop by the Santa Claus’ Main Post Office and see where letters from around the world arrive. You might even spot one of Santa’s elves hurrying between the village’s Christmas sights or meet some of the Santa Claus Village’s four-legged residents, including reindeer and huskies. Take part in seasonal activities, enjoy food and drinks at one of the restaurants or cafés, browse the shops for a special souvenir, or simply take in the Christmas atmosphere at the Arctic Circle.

You can even stay overnight in the Santa Claus Village and experience the Arctic Circle at a slower pace. As evening falls and the crowds disappear, the lights of the village create a different kind of Christmas atmosphere – one that feels almost like stepping into a storybook.

Gentle, friendly and perfectly adapted to the Arctic, reindeer have a special place in Santa Claus’ heart. They have helped him travel across snowy landscapes for centuries, and in Rovaniemi, you can meet these beloved animals yourself. Reindeer sleigh rides and farm visits offer plenty of opportunities to get to know them up close.

As for flying reindeer? Those are strictly reserved for Santa Claus. After all, it takes centuries of experience to master the art of flying!

Did you know that in Finland, Christmas is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve, 24 December? That is why Santa Claus sets off from the Arctic Circle one day earlier, on 23 December, beginning his journey to deliver presents to people around the world.

The departure of Santa Claus is a special annual event, broadcast via livestream from the Arctic Circle. Everyone is welcome to join in and wish Santa Claus a safe journey!

Maybe your Christmas story begins at the Arctic Circle, meeting Santa Claus while snow gently falls around you. Or perhaps you discover your own kind of Christmas magic beneath the Midnight Sun, when summer fills Rovaniemi with endless light.

There is no single way to celebrate Christmas, and no single moment that defines its magic. It might be found in a snowy adventure, a shared meal, a thoughtful gift or a quiet moment with someone special. However you celebrate and wherever you come from, the festive magic has a way of finding a place in all of us in Rovaniemi.