Reception at Santa Claus village at Rovaniemi of Finland Lapland. Photo: Roman Babakin (Shutterstock)) Santa’s big night is almost here, and the atmosphere in Rovaniemi is already building. On December 23 at 19:00 (UTC +2), Santa Claus will officially begin his journey around the world, and everyone is welcome to watch the moment he heads off.
If you’re in Santa Claus Village, Lapland, you can see it in person. If not, the entire celebration will be streamed live on Facebook at 7 PM Finnish time.
Every year, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus in Lapland draws in over visitors, with peaks reached in December, when Rovaniemi Airport expects roughly 10,000 arrivals a day, turning the city into an important global Christmas hub.
Tourists can take advantage of free bus transportation back and forth Rovaniemi city centre and Santa Claus Village from 17:30 to 21:00, via two charter buses with 58 seats each.
Departure point: Korkalonkatu 33, next to Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.
Last bus from Santa Claus Village: 21:00
Organizers are teasing with more information on the way, but visitors already have plenty to enjoy while waiting for Santa’s departure.
Street Xmas holiday fair. Photo: Roman Babakin (Shutterstock)Right in the center of Santa Claus Village, a white line marks the exact point where the Arctic Circle passes through. It’s a fun moment for visitors of all ages, and you can cross it any way you like, hop, take a giant step, or even cartwheel over it if you’re feeling brave.
The Arctic Circle sits at 66°33′45.9″ north of the Equator. It marks the southernmost point where the sun can stay above or below the horizon for a full 24 hours.
That’s what creates the Midnight Sun in summer and the deep blue Polar Night, Kaamos, in winter.
If you want to explore beyond the village, there are plenty of options.
SnowHotel’s Snow Sauna, about 35 km away, gives you an unusual mix of soft steam inside walls carved from snow. At Apukka Adventures, you can try bucket-list activities throughout autumn and winter, with transfers available from the village.
Santa Claus Village is also home to the Glass Resort, where the apartments offer a mix of modern comfort and big Arctic sky views.
Snowman World’s Ice Bar and Snow Restaurant serve lunch and three-course dinners inside sculpted snow.
Husky rides operate daily from the village through Bearhill Husky, while longer tours run from their farm outside town.
Husky dogs sledge in winter snowy forest in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland. Photo: Roman Babakin (Shutterstock)Snowmobile safaris are available too, thanks to Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, a local family-run company.
Rovaniemi sits in a good spot for aurora viewing. There’s never a guarantee, since it’s a natural phenomenon, but that’s part of the excitement.
Aurora borealis on the horizon in Rovaniemi (Lapland). Photo: Ilyas Kalimullin (Shutterstock))Several local operators offer Northern Lights safaris and take guests to darker areas with clear views to the north. Guides share stories, help with photos, and make the hunt feel like a true Arctic adventure.