Travel to Finland and meet Santa Claus
Forget about bone-rattling theme park rides, overpriced hotdogs, and scary mascots in tacky costumes.The happiest place on earth has shifted its digs to the Artic Circle and we promise: the guest of honour is no rodent. Pack your bags and bundle up the kids in their warmest long johns – we’re visiting Santa for the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER this year!
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland is the place where all kiddie dreams about come true. Saint Nick himself, Rudolph, tiny toy-making elves – they’re all here in this veritable winter wonderland.
Clamber up on Santa’s lap and whisper your looong Christmas wish list in his ear – no need to be shy all of a sudden! Head over to the Main Post Office and place an order of Santa Claus letters, which will be written and posted by Santa himself to all your friends and family. Looking to get up close and personal with your favourite red-nosed reindeer and his fellow antlered buddies? Practice your “mush mush” skills by hopping onto a reindeer sleigh ride at the Poroajelut Ari Körkkö and Sirmakko Reindeer Family Farm.
With loads of Yuletide activities to choose from, it’ll be a ball of fun for the entire family (skeptical adults included!). The only problem you’ll have? Wondering how to regain feeling in your frozen toes!
Here’s a list of local tours, taking you straight to Santa heaven!
10-day of Finnish fun with CS Travel
Spend ten awesome, fun-filled days with all things Finnish! Families will head to the Kakslauttanen Igloo Village, where they can spend a magical night in a glass igloo and bear witness to the Northern Lights. Also on the itinerary: the ever-popular Kemi ice-breaking cruise, a day at Santa Claus Village, and trip to the husky safari.
9-day winter wonderland with SA Tours
Start off your winter adventure with a city tour around Helsinki and get your shopping fix at the Itäkeskus Shopping Centre and Christmas markets. Before long, you’ll be whisked off to Saariselkä ski resort and the reindeer farm, where families will get a chance to meet Ruldoph himself and the Sámi people (indigenous to Northern Europe). Let’s not forget a stopover at Santa Claus Village, too!
8-day winter fairytale with ASA Holidays
This fun-filled tour to Finland has it all: a jaunt around the city in Helsinki, two whole days of Yuletide festivities at Santa Claus Village, a visit to the reindeer and husky farm, and to top it all of: an utterly delish and authentic Lappish meal, with dishes like mash potatoes and reindeer stew. Shh, don’t tell Rudolph!
10-day winter escapade with M Asia Travel
Up for adrenaline-pumping action? Channel you inner Bear Grylls: take a ride on a snow mobile amidst the Finnish wilderness, go ice-fishing and take a dive into the icy waters – brrr! All pooped out? Take a leisurely stroll around Santa Claus Village before capping your vacation with awe-inspiring views from a cruise along the Gulf of Bothnia.
8-day deluxe retreat with Country Holidays
This one’s more for the grown-ups than for the littlies. If you’re looking a strictly adult getaway with the husband (minus the fuss and frenzy of Santa Claus Village), Country Holidays offers a relaxing retreat amidst the scenic vistas of the Finnish Lapland. Kick back in the cosy confines of a heated glass igloo before settling in at your private luxury villa in the middle of the picturesque forest. Ah bliss…