There’s no better way to experience the true magic of Christmas than with a trip to the home of Santa Claus himself. Breath-taking snowy landscapes, delightful wooden lodges and mesmerising dark skies lit up by the spectacular Northern Lights – Lapland is a place where magic comes to life.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner or on a family trip with the kids, Santa Claus’ Village in Lapland is an unmissable Winter destination. With so much to do, it can be difficult fitting it all in. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to visiting Lapland during the most wonderful time of the year.
In this post – the first in a two-part series – we’re going to be talking planning. Without proper planning (or an agent that takes care of that for you) you risk missing some of the best spots while you’re there. Keep reading to find out how to plan the perfect, unforgettable Christmas in Finland.
A long history
First things first, where did it all begin? Santa Claus’ Village wasn’t born overnight, but it may have felt like it. During World War II, Rovaniemi, Santa’s official hometown, was almost completely destroyed. Eleanor Roosevelt visited the city in 1950 to witness the rebuilding of homes and buildings.
During her visit, she voiced her desire to travel to the Arctic Circle, so officials quickly began building a cabin, 8km north of Rovaniemi. This cabin, which was built in just under 2 weeks, marked the birth of Santa Claus Village, and can still be visited today, standing proudly next to the Santa Claus Main Post Office.
Since the official opening in June 1965, thousands of people have flocked every year to visit Santa just in time for Christmas. These include a number of distinguished figures, heads of state and famous faces, including US President Lyndon B. Johnson, Swedish Prince Carl Gustav and the Shah of Iran.
Staying warm
It goes without saying, if you’re heading to the incredible Santa’s Village in Lapland, you can expect to be facing some cold weather. With temperatures dropping as low as 30°C during Winter, it’s important to prepare with warm clothing and thermals. Your usual hat, scarf and gloves simply won’t cut it in Lapland.
If you’re travelling with young children, it’s especially important to remember to pack winter woollies, or hire them when you arrive. Young children can’t regulate their body temperature as easily or as quickly as adults, so they may feel the cold more than you.
When will you travel?
Everyone knows Santa’s home is in Lapland. But what some people don’t know is that you can meet him all year round. There’s no set time to head to the enchanted Arctic Circle, but the Christmas season may be the most magical. Christmas season is officially declared open in Santa Claus Village around a month before the big day, by Santa himself.
The 23rdof December sees the Santa is on His Way Event, with crowds of people gathering to watch the magnificent moment that Santa Claus sets off on his journey around the world. If you’re going to be in Lapland around Christmas time, this is an event not to be missed, with children’s smiles beaming from ear to ear.
How long will you stay?
Santa Claus’ Village is a magical experience even if you only have one day to squeeze it in. But if you want to experience everything Lapland has to offer, staying for a few days is best. At Scandi Travel, our Rovaniemi tours range from unforgettable day trips to enchanting 8 day tours around the top spots in Lapland. So, whatever your preferences and requirements, we can take care of everything for you.
Visiting Santa Claus’ Village is a once in a lifetime trip. Our team will make sure it’s as amazing as it should be. Don’t leave anything up to chance, book a tour through Scandi Travel to guarantee an unforgettable, stress-free holiday for you and the family.
