Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village tour with reindeer & husky rides

Summary

Spend a day in Rovaniemi meeting Santa, riding sleds, & crossing the Arctic Circle

You’ll meet Santa Claus in his cozy Rovaniemi office (with a photo included), ride both reindeer and husky sleds through snowy forests, cross the Arctic Circle with your own certificate, and enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch. With time to explore Santa Claus Village and send postcards home, it’s a day full of small surprises you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Santa Claus Village was this faint smell of woodsmoke in the air — not strong, just enough to make me think of fireplaces and mittens. Our guide, Sanni, had this easy laugh and pointed out how even the snow here seems brighter. I’d barely zipped my jacket when she handed us our Arctic Circle certificates (I didn’t expect to care about that but… it felt oddly official). There’s a line on the ground you actually step over — I took a photo because why not?

Meeting Santa himself was less awkward than I thought it’d be. He greeted us in Finnish first (I tried to repeat it and he grinned), then switched to English. The office is warm inside, full of old postcards and ticking clocks. They snapped our photo — included in the tour — and honestly, I look like a kid who just got away with something. After that we wandered through the post office where you can send cards stamped from the Arctic; I picked one for my niece but probably should’ve sent more.

The reindeer safari was short but kind of perfect — 500 meters through quiet trees, bells jingling on their harnesses. The air stung my cheeks but in a good way. Huskies were next: louder, wild-eyed, all energy until they took off pulling us over packed snow. Lunch at Santa’s restaurant was a buffet (Finnish food is heavier than I expected — lots of potatoes and fish), and there was this berry juice that tasted like summer hiding under all that ice.

I still think about that moment right before we left: standing outside while everyone else shopped for souvenirs, watching dusk settle over Rovaniemi. It’s not really about believing in Santa or not — more just letting yourself feel small joys again for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Claus Village Day Tour

• Pickup and transfer to Santa Claus Village
• Meet Santa Claus and take photo
• Cross the Arctic Circle and receive certificate
• Send postcards at Santa Claus's Post Office
• Reindeer and husky safaris, buffet lunch
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Santa Claus Village tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from city center hotels in Rovaniemi.

How long are the reindeer and husky rides?

Both safaris are approximately 500 meters each.

Do we get to meet Santa Claus personally?

Yes, every guest meets Santa Claus in his office during the tour.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, a traditional Finnish buffet lunch is included at Santa’s restaurant.

Can I send postcards from Santa Claus Village?

Yes, you can write and send postcards from the official post office there.

Are photos with Santa included?

One A4-size framed photo per booking is included.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Will I receive an Arctic Circle crossing certificate?

Yes, each participant receives an official diploma after crossing the Arctic Circle.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at city center hotels in Rovaniemi, entry to Santa Claus Village with guaranteed meeting and photo with Santa (one framed print per booking), both reindeer and husky safaris (each 500 meters), an official Arctic Circle crossing certificate, time to visit the post office for sending cards or shopping souvenirs, plus a hearty Finnish buffet lunch at Santa’s restaurant before heading back home.