Christmas is a magical time of year, especially if you live in a region where it snows. Most people string up Christmas lights around their homes and adorn their lawns with themed decorations. But what if you want to experience the festive season or see Santa in another country this year?
The Origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to a variety of cultural and historical influences. The modern-day image of Santa Claus is largely based on the figure of Saint Nicholas, a Christian saint who lived in the 4th century AD in what is now modern-day Turkey.
But you can experience the magic of Father Christmas in a distant land located in the heart of Finland. In today’s post, we provide details on how you can see Santa in person.
Where is Santa Claus Village Located?
Santa Claus Village is located in the Arctic Circle or Lapland in Finland. It’s known as Santa’s official North Pole Residence and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country. What makes this destination special is that it’s open all year round and not just during Christmas time.
The Best Time to Visit Santa Claus Village
During the festive season, it can get extremely busy, especially later on in the day. So it’s best to arrive as soon as the doors open to experience the magic of Santa’s village. The doors open at 9 am and close at 6 pm. There’s much to see in the village, so prepare for a day filled with fun.
Speaking of Santa’s village, did you know there are great Christmas-themed games that perfectly encapsulate the magic of the season?
Activities Available at Santa Claus Village
Visit Santa’s Christmas House
The first structure you’ll notice when you visit Santa’s village is his massive house adorned with Christmas lights. The house is more like a museum where you’ll get to see interesting festive-themed items.
There’s also a shop where you can buy jackets and tops. You’ll find a sign at the front door with all the places you can visit inside the house, like a coffee shop, restaurant, and Santa’s office.
Eat at Santa’s Salmon Palace
The best place to eat when visiting Santa’s house is the Salmon Palace. The restaurant serves fresh salmon, soups, breads, and hot beverages to keep you warm during your stay at the Arctic Circle. There’s also a fireplace in the restaurant, so you won’t experience a chill while you eat.
Meet Santa Claus in Person
The whole purpose of your trip is to meet Santa Claus! Santa and his elves are available all year round in the Santa house. You can take pictures with Father Christmas and have the images printed for you or put on a flash drive.
Your children can also send postcards to Santa throughout the year, and he will respond to them from his office. The entrance to the Santa house is free, so you don’t have to pay a penny to see him.
Walk Across the Arctic Circle
What makes Santa Claus Village so special is that the Arctic Circle goes through the area. There is a line in the center of the village to mark where the Arctic Circle runs. So you can walk, run, hop, skip, or jump across the Arctic Circle while taking pictures of your adventure.
Experience the Magic of Aurora Borealis
During the winter months, the most extraordinary phenomena happens in the sky in Finland. The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a bust of colors that appear in the sky in spirals, rays, or curtains. You may see bright yellow, green, and blue hues dancing below the stars.
Lapland has other places around Santa Claus Village where you can see the Northern Lights, like Apukka Village, which has glass igloos you can stay in.
Visit the Elf’s Farmland
Just because you’re in the Arctic Circle doesn’t mean you won’t get to see interesting animals. At Santa Claus Village, you get to visit Elf’s Farmland, where you can feed baby reindeer and rabbits.
You can also go on alpaca walks and pony rides. There are also goats, sheep, and donkeys to take pictures of. During your stay, you may also see various species of birds.
Final Thoughts
Spend the festive season in 2023 at Santa Claus Village, where you can visit Father Christmas in the flesh, eat at the best restaurants in Lapland, and experience the wonders of Aurora Borealis. There are other fun activities at the village, so get there early so you can explore and experience the Christmas adventure of a lifetime.