Yes, Santa Claus Village is worth visiting. While it’s undeniably touristy, it’s also undeniably magical—a year-round winter wonderland that captures the spirit of Christmas, even in July. The whole place feels like it was pulled straight out of a holiday movie set. And let’s face it: if you’re visiting Lapland, Santa is probably part of the reason why.
But the village is more than just a meet-and-greet with the Big Man. Read on to see what you can experience there, and decide for yourself whether it deserves a spot on your Lapland itinerary.
What You'll Find In This Post:
How much is the ticket for Santa Claus village?
It’s free! You don’t need a ticket or reservation to enter Santa Claus Village —just show up and start exploring. The village is an open-air complex located just outside Rovaniemi, and it’s home to a variety of attractions, shops, restaurants, and accommodations.
While access to the village itself is free, keep in mind that many of the individual experiences—like meeting Santa, sending postcards, or riding a reindeer—do come with their own costs. But if you’re on a budget, you can still soak up the festive atmosphere without spending a cent.
How to get To Santa Claus Village?
By car:
Santa Claus Village is located about 8 km (5 miles) from Rovaniemi (Google Maps link
) and getting there is pretty straightforward. If you’re renting a car, it’s a smooth 10–15-minute drive. Parking is free and abundant. It’s also right next to the airport—literally just across the street.
✅ Check rental car prices and book yours by clicking HERE!
By public transport:
Bus number 8 runs between the Rovaniemi railway station and the village. A one-way ticket costs €3.60 and can be purchased directly from the driver. The ride takes about 35 minutes. Buses run every 45 minutes from 6 a.m. to just after 6 p.m. on weekdays.
NOTE: On weekends, service is more limited: hourly only from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can check the current timetable here.
There’s also the private Santa Claus Bus. It’s a bit pricier (€4 one-way or €7 return), but offers slightly more frequent service on weekends and you can find their schedule here.
By taxi:
Taxis are available, but pricey. Expect to pay around €30 from the railway station and €15 from the airport. There are a couple of companies operating in Rovaniemi and I recommend installing their apps if you decide to use them. They are straightforward to set up and user-friendly. You can get a price estimate before ordering your car and then track the taxi.
👉 Here’s Meneva taxi website.
👉 Here’s Lahitaksi website.
⚠️ Please note that Uber and Bolt don’t operate in Finland.
Worried about driving in the arctic conditions? – Check our article on how to drive safely in Lapland HERE.
How Long Should You Plan For Santa Claus Village?
You’ll want to plan for at least 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy what Santa Claus Village has to offer. That gives you enough time to meet Santa, visit the post office, explore a few key attractions like reindeer park, and stop for a meal.
If you’re traveling with kids or planning to do extra activities—like a snowmobile ride or a walk with a reindeer—you could easily spend half a day or more.
We recommend arriving early, especially during peak season, so you can beat the biggest crowds and make the most of your visit without feeling rushed.
Is it worth staying in Santa Claus village overnight?
There are plenty of hotels right in the village. Many offer perks like free transfers from the airport or train station. Moreover, you’ll be very close to Santa during your whole stay and the village also has everything you’ll need (I’ll discuss that more in the next paragraph).
If you love the convenience of staying in a kind of resort and have everything close by, this is a great choice.
Options range from ultra-modern cottages at Glass Resort to cozy stays at Santa’s Igloos. The downside? Prices. The most affordable option—a small cottage in Santa’s Holiday Village—starts at around €1600 for a week. In contrast, we stayed in an Airbnb in Rovaniemi for about half that.
🏨 Click here for our TOP PICKS for staying in Rovaniemi!
Prices, of course, will vary depending on the season, but expect to pay a little extra for the privilege of sleeping only a few hundred meters away from the Big Man.
Another disadvantage is that you’re outside Rovaniemi. Being outside means fewer opportunities to explore the city, its lovely parks and fewer options for dinner, unless you have a car. In which case this problem disappears. So: convenience vs. cost—it really depends on your travel style and budget.
As mentioned above, we opted for an Airbnb with a private sauna (most have them) so that we can be more centrally located and because we wanted to avoid the resort feeling.
What can you do in Santa’s village? + Map
Santa Claus Village has all the essential Lappish experiences in one spot. There is a husky park, where you can go for a husky sleigh ride (an absolutely incredible experience, highly recommend), there is also a reindeer farm, snowmobiles and much more.
How much do the activities in Santa Claus village cost?
There are different providers, both in the village and around, but we’ve found that their offers and prices are more or less the same, or at least very similar.
Generally speaking, you’re looking at:
- Husky rides – starting from €160-€180, but can be higher if you choose a longer duration
- Reindeer safaris – from €130
- Snowmobile safaris – from €100
The other activities around the village are cheaper, and there are reductions for children for all activities.
If you’ve decided to book accommodation in the village, you will have access to virtually everything you’ll probably want to do in Lapland anyway.
A few highlights with their map numbers:
Santa’s main office (26)
Meet the man himself! Entry is free, but expect to queue—there’s no booking system. We’ve been there twice – the first time after Christmas (in January) and had to wait for about 25 minutes. The second time was at the end of November and the wait was more than an hour.
At the entrance, an elf will assign you a time slot for your visit with Santa (they are given in 15 minute intervals). You’ll then join the queue at that time—but be aware, the actual wait happens inside. If you’re traveling with small children, it’s worth preparing for that. Our 10-month-old did great for the first 40 minutes, but the final 20 were a bit of a challenge—something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
👉 Insider Tip: Bring some water with you, as it can get quite warm inside with all of the people, so that you don’t have to pay for the overpriced water they sell in there.
What can you expect from your meeting with Santa? You will be greeted my the elves and they’ll ask you from you’re from. We were greeted in Bulgarian, which was very cool! Santa himself speaks about 13 languages, so there is a high chance you can speak with him in your first language!
You’ll get 1–2 minutes with Santa, and elves will snap photos and record the encounter. Photo packages start at €30 for digital pictures, with a package that includes video starting at €60.
Santa’s official post office (25)
Send postcards from the Arctic Circle with a special stamp! This is a real, working branch of the Finnish postal service.
There are two mailboxes: one for immediate delivery, and one just in time for Christmas. The choice is yours, the post stamps cost the same, irrespective of which box you go with.
👉 Tip: Check out letters to Santa from around the world, displayed on a bulletin board, with the best ones exhibited on display.
Get your certificate for crossing the Arctic circle (19)
You can receive an official document stating that you’ve crossed the Arctic circle at that location, if you want to brag about it. For €5, you can get a printed certificate proving you’ve crossed the Arctic Circle. It’s a bit kitschy, but also fun if you’re collecting quirky travel mementos.
Mrs. Santa Claus cottage (15)
Warm up with a drink and a chat with Mrs. Claus, who is always eager to welcome visitors and tell stories about Lapland. Entry costs €5, and photos with her are an additional €20 if you want them. Booking in advance is optional – you can also just walk in – however, it might make sense booking if traveling during the peak season.
Santa’s Pets (10)
A petting zoo that’s especially great for kids. Entry: €15 adults, €10 kids. For €35, you can take a 15-minute walk with a reindeer (includes entry). Tickets are available on-site, so there’s no need to pre-book. You can check the all of their offers, like private or guided visits, on their website here.
Where to eat in Santa’s village?
There are several decent restaurants, but two really stood out to us:
Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi (13)
Set in a traditional Kota (Finnish hut), this cozy spot has a fire pit in the center and a short but solid menu. The turnover is quite good, so even if there’s no space available when you get there, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to be seated.
⚡ Highlights: creamy salmon soup, grilled Arctic salmon, sautéed reindeer and the Lappish coffee ritual with squeaky cheese and cloudberry jam. Ask your server to show you how it’s meant to be enjoyed!
The food is delicious and the staff – extremely friendly and accommodating.
Santa’s Salmon Place (14)
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but don’t let that fool you. They serve only one thing: fresh salmon cooked over an open fire—and it’s unforgettable. Don’t skip the squeaky cheese with cloudberry jam and hot berry juice.
What Is The Best Time to Visit Santa Claus Village? (And When To Avoid It)
The best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the full-on magical Christmas experience—with snow, lights, and peak holiday vibes—come in late November or December, ideally in the first half of the month. The village is beautifully decorated, and the energy is festive without being totally overwhelming.
That said, the week right before Christmas (especially Dec 20–24) is absolutely packed. Think long lines, fully booked hotels, and a whole lot of people. If you’re not a fan of crowds—or have small children who don’t wait well—this period can be more stressful than magical.
January is a great alternative: snowy and magical, but far fewer visitors. When we did a reindeer safari in January, the guide told us that around Christmas they get groups of about 100 people.
On 10. January we were about 25. You’ll have more space to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace.
March is also lovely, there should still be snow, but you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours and slightly warmer temperatures. It is also a great time to see the Northern lights.
And if you’re visiting in summer? Surprisingly, you can still meet Santa! The atmosphere is different—no snow, obviously, but you’ll experience the Midnight Sun— the sun doesn’t set for a whole month. It’s still a unique experience, and the village is open year-round. Just don’t expect a sleigh ride in July.
How Accessible Is Santa Claus Village?
Overall, Santa Claus Village is quite accessible, even in the middle of the Arctic winter. The main paths are flat and cleared of snow regularly, so you can comfortably walk around with a stroller or a wheelchair.
There are a few attractions and buildings (Kotahovi restaurant being one) that have steps and are a bit more difficult to get to, so be prepared for this. We had a stroller with us and managed just fine – had to carry it over the steps to the restaurant.
The indoor spaces are warm and cozy, with seating areas where you can rest or feed little ones. Baby changing facilities are available in several locations, though not in every single building—so plan ahead a bit if you’re visiting with a baby or toddler.
👉 Useful tip: Dress in layers that are easy to take off and put back on. You’ll be moving between freezing outdoor air and warm indoor attractions all day long.
You may also like:
How To Dress In Winter In Lapland? – Ultimate Guide With Packing List
5 Amazing Day Trips From Rovaniemi You Must Experience
7 Fun Activities To Try In Lapland In Winter
How To Visit Lapland On A Budget? – Complete Guide
Final words
We hope this guide helped paint a full picture of Santa Claus Village so you can decide if it fits your plans.
If it’s your first time in Lapland or you’re traveling with kids, we say go for it. It’s magical, memorable, and uniquely festive. We personally wouldn’t stay there due to the price, especially if you have a rental car to get around.
However, if Christmas isn’t your thing, it’s okay to give it a pass.
Whatever you choose, safe travels and enjoy your Lapland adventure!
FAQ Santa Claus Village
Is Santa Claus Village free to enter?
Yes! Entry to Santa Claus Village is completely free. You can explore the area, browse shops, and soak in the festive atmosphere without paying an admission fee. Some attractions inside the village do have separate ticket costs.
Can you visit Santa Claus Village all year round?
Yes, the village is open every day of the year—including summer! Santa himself is available year-round, so even if you’re visiting Lapland in July, you can still have a chat with the Big Man.
Do you need to book in advance to meet Santa?
No pre-booking is available. When you arrive, an elf will assign you a time slot, and you’ll wait inside. During peak periods, expect a wait of up to an hour
How long should I plan to stay at the village?
Most people spend around 3–4 hours exploring. If you’re doing extra activities like husky rides or visiting Santa’s Pets, plan for at least half a day.
Is Santa Claus Village suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes! The village is stroller-friendly, and paths are cleared of snow. Indoors, most places are heated, and baby changing facilities are available in key locations. Just be prepared for some waiting time when meeting Santa.
Is it worth staying overnight at the village?
It depends on your travel style and budget. Staying overnight offers convenience and a magical setting—but it’s more expensive than staying in Rovaniemi. If you have a rental car, staying in the city may be the more budget-friendly choice.
What’s the best time to visit Santa Claus Village?
Early December or January are ideal: snowy and magical but less crowded than the days just before Christmas. March offers more daylight and milder temperatures. You can also visit in summer, though it’s a different (but still fun) vibe.
Can you do a husky or reindeer ride at the village?
Yes, there’s a husky park and reindeer farm right inside the village. You can book sleigh rides, pet the animals, or even walk through the forest with a reindeer.
Is the food in Santa Claus Village good?
Yes—and some spots are genuinely great! Try Santa’s Salmon Place for fire-cooked salmon and Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi for hearty local dishes like sautéed reindeer and creamy salmon soup.
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