As the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi does Christmas like nowhere else — festive lights, seasonal markets and Santa himself on the Arctic Circle.
Festive markets & stalls
Around the Christmas season you'll find festive market stalls and pop-ups, especially at Santa Claus Village, selling handicrafts, Sami-inspired gifts, warm treats and glögi (Finnish mulled wine).
Santa Claus Village at Christmas
December is peak magic — meeting Santa, the famous Post Office handling worldwide Christmas mail, reindeer, and glittering decorations everywhere.
Festive food
Try Christmas tarts (joulutorttu), gingerbread (piparkakku), glögi, and traditional Finnish Christmas dishes in the city's restaurants.
Plan ahead
December is the busiest, priciest time — book flights, hotels and tours well in advance. See our Christmas in Rovaniemi guide and combine with an evening aurora hunt.