5-Day Christmas in Santa Claus Hometown | Departure from Rovaniemi

 — What You Can Expect —

• Day 1: (Dec 23rd) - Arrive at Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus!

Start your Christmas fantasy in Rovaniemi, an urban oasis amidst the Arctic wilderness, where culture, wild activities, and fairytales come together! Despite near destruction in World War II, it's now a modern city renowned as Santa Claus's "official" hometown and for its Northern Lights displays.

Benefit from a convenient pick-up at the airport (or train station), and after a short stop at your accommodation, you will be taken to the office located in the city center of Rovaniemi. You will be provided with a full set of winter clothes for the duration of your stay.

Experience an exhilarating Northern Lights Hunting Tour guided by professional photographers. Relish campfire barbecue snacks during the tour and savour authentic Lappish cuisine. You will be driven about 20 to 35 km out of the city for enhanced viewing opportunities, according to the daily weather conditions. A short stroll through the Arctic forest leads you to a lakeside haven, free from light pollution, and a great spot for a magnificent view of the dancing Northern lights above the ice!

• Day 2: Christmas Eve (Dec 24th) - Meet the reindeer and enjoy Christmas Eve celebrations under the Northern Lights 

Engage with reindeer herders at the Reindeer Farm and learn about their nature-centric way of life. Go on an enchanting reindeer sleigh ride, offering a glimpse into Lapland's traditional travel methods. Receive a driver's license certificate while enjoying the comfortable reindeer sleigh ride.

Indulge an authentic Finnish lunch buffet in downtown Rovaniemi. Later, explore the traditional Rovaniemi Christmas market, offering Finnish crafts, cuisine, and family-friendly activities.

Embrace the unique Christmas Eve evening with a traditional dinner, a Northern Lights hunt, and a Finnish-style Christmas party. Santa Claus will make a special visit, bringing along Christmas gifts to delight you.

• Day 3: Christmas Day (Dec 25th) - Christmas day with Santa Claus and dinner at the Ice Restaurant
  

Head to the Santa Claus Village beneath the Arctic Circle where it's Christmas all year round! Spend an unforgettable visit to Santa Park, have a private meeting with Santa Claus, and explore the beloved Santa's Post Office! Join the magical world of the elves, and send joyous greetings to all of your friends from Santa's Post Office.

The Arctic Circle cuts right through the Santa Claus Village! A white line denoting the Arctic Circle's position in 1865 is painted across the park. Step across this line to officially enter the Arctic area. Capture the moment with a photo and receive the coveted Arctic Circle certificate.

Indulge in a traditional Finnish Chstismas lunch buffet at the Santa Claus Village. At night, savour an extraordinary dining experience at the local Ice Restaurant. Engage in the unique flavours and traditional food preparation methods that define this remarkable establishment. Experience firsthand the art of cooking over fire and relish dishes crafted from ice. Every meat product served is sourced from Finland. This unforgettable dining experience will be the highlight of your Lapland trip, creating lasting memories.

• Day 4: Boxing Day (Dec 26th) - Enjoy an entire day immersed in genuine Finnish vibes and style!

Start your journey at the Husky Farm, where you'll engage in a husky sleigh ride through picturesque snowy forest trails. Capture photo memories with the adorable huskies, followed by a heartfelt farewell to your furry companions.

Follow the guide into the forest for the day's most thrilling highlight, snowmobiling! Drive across the sparkling white landscapes and feel the rush of cool breezes as you navigate the trails.

Continue on to a serene spot on the frozen lake for a session of traditional Finnish ice fishing. Try your luck at catching arctic char, rainbow trout, whitefish, and Arctic fish in this area. No worries if you don't catch any fish, simply gather around the fire where you will have grilled salmon prepared for you to enjoy.

*Twin driving involves sharing a snowmobile between two people, taking turns to drive. Your tour guide will will arrange a midway stop for driver switches.

• Day 5: Departure day (Dec 27th) - Snowshoeing in the Arctic forest
  

Embrace your final day in winter wonderland for ultimate relaxation. Start your morning with a guided snowshoe hike in the Arctic Forest, exploring some of the most spectacular and untouched spots of Lapland. Seize some free time for souvenir shopping before heading to the train station or airport.