Christmas in July: Santa Claus' Hometown

Did you know that Rovaniemi, Finland is Santa Claus’ hometown? It’s true!

But there is so much more that makes Rovaniemi a great place to travel to during Christmastime. From exciting outdoor adventures, to museums and saunas, Rovaniemi has a lot to offer during the winter season. Here are some ideas for a festive trip to Rovaniemi in December. This is the final part of the series where we take a look at some festive vacations with accompanying itineraries to give you some Christmas vacation inspo!

While visiting Finland you will most likely begin your trip in Helsinki at the international airport HEL. It is worth spending some time in Helsinki as there is a lot to do in this vibrant city. Visit the gorgeous Helsinki Cathedral and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Check out the artsy Helsinki Design District full of local shops, museums and galleries, as well as cafés and restaurants. After spending time in Helsinki you can take a train or another flight to Rovaniemi. There is so much to do in Rovaniemi; here are some ideas to get you started.

Active adventures

For travelers who love the outdoors there are a variety of active adventures in Rovaniemi. The Ounasvaara Ski Resort is a beautiful family ski resort that includes both downhill skiing and cross-country tracks. If you want to spend time outdoors, book a dog sled ride. The Northern Lights are supposed to be most visible from late August to early April. Of course, if you are visiting Rovaniemi in the Winter, seeing the Northern Lights is a must. There are a lot of tours you can book to do this, look for an STF labelled tour company to support sustainable tourism. STF stands for Sustainable Tourism Finland which is a certification awarded to various tourism companies that fit certain sustainability requirements.

Historical and cultural exploration

If you enjoy spending time in museums there are three worth checking out in Rovenimi. The Arktikum is two museums in one! It combines a science center and a cultural museum. Learn all about forests and their importance at the Pilke Science Center. Here you can explore and learn about the importance of forests and sustainability. This interactive museum is fun for all ages and includes a variety of hands-on activities. The Local Heritage Museum in Rovaniemi displays life in and around a wealthy farmhouse from over 150 years ago. Here you can see artifacts from the 19th century and learn about Finnish history.

Festive activities

If you are looking for Christmas magic on your trip, the Santa Claus Village is the perfect place to go. This is an amusement park themed around Santa Claus and Christmas. Here you can eat at a variety of restaurants and shop at charming boutiques for Finnish handicrafts and visit a variety of magical sites. At Santa Claus Village you can see Snowman World which includes ice skating, sledding, and an ice labyrinth. You can also visit Santa Claus’ main post office and Mrs. Claus’ cottage. Santa Claus Village also has activities such as a snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm. 

If you are looking for a truly magical Christmas vacation, Rovaniemi is the perfect place to visit. From outdoor adventures in the snowy landscapes of Finland to Santa Claus’ hometown and the magnificent Northern Lights there are so many unforgettable experiences in Rovaniemi.

Ready to plan your magical Christmas vacation? Reach out to Trips by Mary (email mary@tripsbymary.com) for assistance in selecting, booking and planning your travels!!

---

Kathleen in Rome

Kathleen McNamara is an avid traveler and a guest writer / marketing intern for Trips by Mary.

Her trip to Italy remains her favorite to date though she is looking forward to Greece in 2026 after her graduation from UNC Charlotte. She is an Honors Student majoring in English.