Are you planning a trip to see Santa? Then read our in-depth review of our stay at the Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. Discover everything about the cabins, activities, and the unforgettable magic of Christmas in Lapland.
Visiting Lapland has always been a dream, but staying right in the heart of the festive magic felt like a fantasy come to life. We recently returned from an incredible trip and wanted to share our full, honest Santa Claus Holiday Village review, to help you plan your own perfect Christmas holiday in Finland.
Our First Impressions of Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
Arriving at Santa Claus Holiday Village felt like stepping into a real-life snow globe. The landscape was a pristine blanket of white, and the air was crisp and fresh and it looked like a picture perfect Christmas Town. There the main hotel building, a town square and in the surrounding forest, charming, snow covered log cabins, it immediately felt like we were entering Santa's official residence!
The Cozy & Comfortable Cabins
One of the highlights of our stay at Santa Claus Holiday Village was our accommodation. The cabins were a cosy retreat from the cold, pairs were joined by a large veranda and their own Christmas Tree. Our family cabin was spacious, with a large double bed, a living area with sofa bed, kitchenette and bathroom complete with a sauna. After a day of exploring in the freezing temperatures, nothing beats unwinding in the warmth of your own personal sauna. It was the perfect way to relax and recharge for the next day's adventures.
Activities & Attractions: More Than Just Meeting Santa
While meeting the man himself is the main event, the village offers an incredible array of activities that make Santa Claus Holiday Village so amazing.
- Meeting Santa: The grotto took us on a magical trail around the workshop, where we saw elves preparing for Christmas and watched as they crafted toys. Then, we were led into a beautiful, cosy room to sit down with Santa Claus himself. We were all in awe felt the magic of the moment.
- Arctic Circle Crossing: The village is built right on the line of the Arctic Circle, marked by a fascinating line. We had fun taking photos and getting our official Arctic Circle crossing certificate!
- Reindeer Sleigh Rides: You can’t visit Lapland without a sleigh ride! We boarded a beautiful sleigh which was then pulled by a number of reindeer through the snow covered woods. It was a gentle and serene experience and felt like something out of a fairy tale.
- Husky Sleigh Rides: We were pulled through the snowy forest by a team of enthusiastic huskies, their paws a soft rhythm against the snow. Afterwards, we gathered by a firepit in a large yurt, toasting marshmallows and sipping on hot drinks to warm up.
- Snowmobiling: We took a guided snowmobile tour through the forest. It was a fantastic way to cover more ground and see the beautiful, expansive scenery. The kids were pulled along in a trailer by the guide and we had our own snow mobile.
- Snowman World: We spent an entire day at this incredible park carved entirely out of ice and snow. The kids (and adults!) loved sliding down the massive ice slides, and we even enjoyed a drink at the ice bar, admiring the intricate ice sculptures.
The Santa Claus Holiday Village is in a prime location for chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland. We didn't get to see a spectacular display during our visit but we cant complain as we had none stop snow throughout.
Dining & Shopping at the Village
The village has several dining options. We enjoyed the traditional Finnish meals, including a buffet-style dinner with plenty of options for everyone included with our booking. At the other restaurants prices are what you would expect for a holiday resort in this region, but the convenience of having everything on-site is a huge plus, especially with a family.
The shopping here is fantastic, from local souvenirs and Finnish design shops to Christmas ornaments, you can find a perfect keepsake to remember your trip. We loved browsing the quaint boutiques and sending postcards from Santa's official post office, complete with the special Arctic Circle postmark.
Our Verdict: Is Santa Claus Holiday Village Worth It?
Absolutely. Santa Claus Holiday Village offers the complete Lapland experience in one location. The magical atmosphere and sheer number of activities make it an unbeatable choice for family-friendly accommodation in Rovaniemi. The staff are friendly and helpful, and everything is organized to make your trip as smooth and memorable as possible. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable Christmas holiday in Finland, staying here is the best way to do it. It’s a place where childhood dreams come to life, and the festive spirit is everywhere you look.
Updated blog originally written December 2014
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