Lapland, Turkey or maybe Greenland – where does Santa Claus come from? The contemporary image of Santa Claus has little in common with the prototype of the figure – the bishop of Myra. He lived in the 4th century in today’s Turkey – hence one of the theories about the descent of Santa Claus indicates this country. The inhabitants of Greenland, who invite tourists to the cottage of a good old man with a white beard also have their own legend about Santa Claus.
Plan your trip to Rovaniemi!
For many, many years, however, all paths of seekers of Santa Claus have led to… Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi, situated there, received the status of the Official Hometown of Santa Claus in 2010. In turn, only a few kilometers from the center of Rovaniemi is the village of Santa Claus, operating since the end of the 20th century. Why Rovaniemi? A person responsible for linking Finnish Lapland to the figure of Santa Claus is a radio presenter from Finland. He created a radio play for children, and he registered a permanent residence of the character of Santa Claus at Lapland. As a curiosity, it is also worth adding that the already iconic image of Santa Claus is not an idea of one of the manufacturers of carbonated drinks. The figure of Santa Claus without the bishop’s outfit, sporting a red suit, was previously presented by the American cartoonist Thomas Nast.
Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is located just 8 km from Rovaniemi city center. You can get here, for instance, by the local bus number 8 or the hourly Santa Claus Bus. The Magic Village is open all year round, providing a range of activities for children and adults. In the very center of the village is Santa’s Office – it is here that you can meet him face to face and ask the Elves to take a photo (this attraction is paid extra). The Elves themselves are in turn the main figures of the Santa Claus Post Office. This is where letters to Santa Claus are delivered, and visitors can buy souvenirs here or send a card with the official postmark of the village to their loved ones.
Tourists from all over the world also head for the Christmas House of Mrs. Santa Claus, and fans of winter madness spend long hours at Snowman World. You’ll find here an ice rink, an ice hill slide, an ice café, a bar and a restaurant. Santa Park, on the other hand, is an attraction where you can enroll in the School of Elves or learn Elvish calligraphy. Santa Claus’ Village without reindeer? It is impossible! When exploring the area, you can take a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride or see them on the farm. Popular attractions are also husky sled rides or snowmobile riding.
Plan your trip to Rovaniemi!
Rovaniemi attractions
As legend has it, the original location of Santa Claus is a secret, it is only known that his office was in Korvatunturi. Rovaniemi itself was destroyed as a result of World War II, but now the city can count on tourists from all over the world. Santa’s Village is not the only attraction in the area. First of all, it’s worth mentioning that Rovaniemi is a great place to observe the Northern Lights. A historically important attraction of the city is the LAURI log building complex, which is an example of traditional Finnish architecture.
Arctic fauna lovers should go to the Ranua Zoo. In your free time, it is worth taking a walk along the trails and admiring the local nature – many people decide, for example, for a trip to the secret forest of Santa Claus: Joulukka. Excursions to the amethyst mine are also organized for tourists, and families with children will have a good time at the Pilke Science Center. While in Rovaniemi, it is also worth visiting the Korundi Cultural Center or the Arktikum Provincial Museum.
Plan your trip to Rovaniemi!
Rovaniemi and the village of Santa Claus is a place where you can feel the magical atmosphere of Christmas at every turn. In winter, the village stays open longer, but you should be prepared for a long line of people who want to see Santa Claus. One thing is certain – this encounter will be remembered for a long time.