Step into a snow-dusted storybook on this private day trip to Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle, guided by your local expert and tailored to your winter dreams.

From meeting Santa himself to crossing into the Arctic and discovering Sámi culture, this experience is more than festive—it’s magical, cultural, and deeply rooted in the traditions of Finnish Lapland. Whether you’re traveling with children or seeking a grown-up Arctic adventure, this customizable tour delivers Lapland’s highlights at your pace.

Highlights of Our Santa Claus Village & Arctic Circle Day Trip

Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in Rovaniemi

Entry and guided visit to Santa Claus Village

Meet Santa Claus in person—with time for photos and greetings

Send postcards from the official Arctic Circle Post Office

Cross the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate

Browse authentic Lappish handicrafts and design boutiques

Traditional Lapland lunch at a cozy local restaurant

Visit a reindeer or Husky farm

Scenic drives with optional photo stops in the snowy forest

Northern Lights viewing stop available during winter, weather permitting

Your Santa Claus Village & Arctic Circle Itinerary

Reindeer sled journey through the snow-covered forest of Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Finland, capturing the essence of Scandinavian winter tourism.
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Finland

Below is a suggested day flow. Let us know if you’d like to include more animal encounters, dive into Arctic history, or extend your time at the village.

Private Pick-Up & Drive to Santa Claus Village

Your guide will collect you from your Rovaniemi accommodation for a short drive through snow-laced forests to the Santa Claus Village, perched directly on the Arctic Circle line.

As the magic builds, your guide will share stories of how this spot became a global holiday destination—and why it remains meaningful to locals year-round.

Santa Claus Village: Meet Santa & Cross the Arctic Circle

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, featuring a snow-covered Christmas tree and a warmly lit building with a Santa image at twilight.
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Finland.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration with a personal meeting with Santa Claus himself. Children and adults alike are welcome to share wishes, pose for photos, and ask the questions only Santa can answer.

Afterward, stop at the Arctic Circle Post Office, where elves in red caps sort and stamp thousands of letters from around the world. Send your postcard, complete with an Arctic Circle postmark.

Then comes the moment: cross the Arctic Circle. Snap a photo as you step into the northern latitudes and receive a certificate to commemorate the occasion.

Browse the village’s Lappish design shops, where reindeer hides, Sámi jewelry, felt slippers and woolen mittens make meaningful souvenirs.

Lunch in the Village or at a Local Lappish Restaurant

Hand holding a traditional Lappish baked cheese topped with cloudberry jam in a wooden kuksa cup, with a cozy, fire-lit setting in the background, showcasing Scandinavian culinary culture.
Lapland, Finland

Pause midday for a traditional Lapland lunch, either inside the village or at a nearby family-run restaurant. Warm up with creamy salmon soup, sautéed reindeer with lingonberries, or a hearty vegetarian stew served with dark rye bread and cloudberry dessert.

Reindeer or Husky Farm Visit 

Father and young daughter feeding a reindeer on a snowy day, highlighting family-friendly winter activities in Scandinavia.
Reindeer Farm in Norway, Norway

Experience the heart of Lapland’s culture with a visit to a traditional reindeer or husky farm. 

At a reindeer farm, you’ll have the unique chance to meet and feed these gentle Arctic animals while learning about the centuries-old Sámi herding traditions that have shaped life in the North. 

Your guide will share stories about the reindeer’s role in local culture and how they continue to be part of everyday life in Lapland. 

Alternatively, choose to visit a husky kennel, where you’ll be greeted by enthusiastic sled dogs eager for their next snowy adventure. Discover how the dogs are trained, cared for, and used in winter safaris across Finland’s frozen wilderness. 

You may even have the opportunity to take a short sled ride, depending on the season. Whether you choose reindeer or huskies, this authentic encounter offers an unforgettable insight into Lapland’s deep connection with its iconic animals.

Return to Rovaniemi & Optional Northern Lights Stop

Person standing on frozen Lake Inari under a vibrant display of Northern Lights in Finland
Northern Lights, Finland.

Conclude your day with a relaxing drive back to your hotel. 

In winter months, if Aurora conditions are favorable, your guide can include a detour to a dark-sky location for a chance to witness the Northern Lights shimmering across the Arctic sky—a truly unforgettable finale to a magical day.

Optional Extras to Enhance Your Arctic Day

Customize your experience even further with these enriching add-ons:

Private Reindeer Sleigh Ride – Glide silently through snow-covered woods behind a reindeer team wrapped in warm blankets.

Professional Photo Package – Have a local photographer document your Arctic Circle crossing or Santa visit with high-resolution images.

Aurora Borealis Alert Service – Receive live updates during your stay in Rovaniemi for spontaneous Northern Lights outings.

Snowshoeing or Ice Fishing Taster – Extend your tour with a short outdoor activity before returning to town.