Coming to celebrate Christmas in Rovaniemi, visitors will feel the festive atmosphere in every corner. The ringing bells blend with the laughter of children, the sleigh rides pulled by the brave reindeer take you to where Santa Claus welcomes guests from all over the world. At Santa Claus village, not only children but also adults return to their childhood, immersed in the world of mythical stories and winter dreams. Let's explore with Vietravel what Rovaniemi is like on Christmas Eve!
1. A few words about Rovaniemi - Hometown of Santa Claus
The peaceful beauty of Rovaniemi (Photo source: Collected)
When the first snowflakes of the northern winter gently fall on the land of Rovaniemi, it seems as if the whole fairytale world suddenly awakens from its deep slumber. Located right on the mystical Arctic Circle, this city is not just a destination, but a place where children's Christmas dreams come true. In the quiet space of vast pine forests covered with white snow, the lights from small wooden houses cast warm rays, as if whispering the story of Santa Claus and his diligent elves.
Celebrate Christmas in Rovaniemi - the capital of the beautiful Lapland region. This is the largest city and the commercial and administrative center of the northern region of Finland. Located at 66°30′ North latitude, right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi has a unique climate with winter lasting from October to April of the following year. The average temperature during the winter months can drop to -20°C, creating a perfect snowy scene for an authentic Christmas experience.
Not only is this city famous as the "hometown of Santa Claus", it is also an ideal destination to admire the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights. On clear winter nights, the sky over Rovaniemi lights up with dancing bands of green, purple and pink, creating a unique natural scene that is rarely found anywhere else.
2. The legend of Santa Claus village
The story of Santa Claus's village begins with an ancient Lapland legend (Image source: Collected)
The story of Santa Claus’s village in Rovaniemi begins with an ancient Lapland legend. According to it, Santa Claus chose Korvatunturi Hill, located on the border between Finland and Russia, as his place to live and work. This hill is shaped like a pair of rabbit ears, which is said to help Santa Claus listen to the Christmas wishes of children around the world.
In 1927, the famous radio host Markus Rautio revealed the "secret" of Santa Claus's whereabouts on national radio. Since then, Rovaniemi has gradually become known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. In 1985, Santa Claus Village was officially opened, marking a turning point in the history of tourism development in the city.
Over the decades, the village has grown from a small destination into a large tourist complex where visitors can celebrate Christmas in Rovaniemi and experience the Christmas spirit all year round. Every year, millions of letters are sent here from children around the world, and dedicated elves work tirelessly to ensure that each child receives a reply from Santa Claus.
3. Christmas experiences in Rovaniemi
3.1. Visit Santa's office
Santa's office (Photo source: Collected)
One of the most memorable Christmas experiences in Rovaniemi is meeting Santa Claus in his office. Located in the Santa Claus Village, the office is designed in a cozy, vintage style, with handcrafted wooden furniture and antique oil lamps creating a Christmas atmosphere.
Visitors will be greeted by cheerful elves, leading them through the beautifully decorated corridors to meet Santa Claus. He always sits in a big red armchair, with a long white beard and a warm smile, ready to listen to everyone's wishes. In particular, visitors can take a souvenir photo with him and receive a special certificate of this visit.
3.2. Reindeer riding
Reindeer have long been associated with the image of Santa Claus (Photo source: Collected)
Reindeer riding is a must-do activity when celebrating Christmas in Rovaniemi. The reindeer here are cared for by the Sami people - the indigenous people of Lapland, who have a long tradition of reindeer herding.
Visitors can take short trips of about 30 minutes or longer tours lasting several hours. Sitting on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, visitors will be taken through snow-covered pine forests, admiring the beautiful natural scenery of the Arctic region. In the cold winter air, wrapped in warm blankets and listening to the jingling of reindeer bells, visitors will feel the true Christmas atmosphere.
3.3. Santa's main post office
Santa Claus Post Office is where millions of letters from children around the world are kept (Photo source: Collected)
Santa Claus's main post office is one of the most special destinations at Santa Claus Village. This is where millions of letters from children around the world are sent each year, with a special address "Santa Claus, Arctic Circle, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland".
Inside the post office, visitors will admire the workspace of the postal elves, where they sort and answer millions of letters. In particular, visitors can send Christmas cards to relatives and friends with a special postmark from the Arctic Circle. Every letter sent from here carries a part of the magic of Christmas Rovaniemi. This is an interesting place that you must visit when celebrating Christmas in Rovaniemi.
3.4. Visit Mrs. Claus's ancient wooden house
Mrs. Claus's house in ancient Finnish style (Photo source: Collected)
Mrs. Claus's House is a recent addition to Santa Claus Village, but has quickly become a favorite stop for many visitors during their Christmas in Rovaniemi. It is a traditional wooden house built in the old Finnish style, where visitors can learn about the daily life of Santa's family.
In Mrs. Claus’s cozy kitchen, visitors can learn how to make fragrant gingerbread – a traditional Finnish Christmas treat. Mrs. Claus regularly shares interesting stories about life in the Arctic and cooking secrets that have been passed down through the generations.
3.5. Crossing the Arctic Circle
Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi (Photo source: Collected)
One of the most unique experiences during Christmas in Rovaniemi is the chance to cross the Arctic Circle. At Santa Claus Village, a white line is painted on the ground marking 66°33′ North latitude – the exact location of the Arctic Circle. Visitors can take a photo with this marker and receive an official certificate of having crossed the Arctic Circle.
In particular, in winter, visitors have the opportunity to participate in the traditional Sami Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. This ceremony includes jumping over the Arctic Circle to the sound of traditional shamanic drums and receiving blessings from the Sami forest god.
In the shimmering light of Christmas lights, the sound of reindeer bells still echoes somewhere among the old pine forests, as a reminder that miracles still exist here. Celebrating Christmas in Rovaniemi, you will find your faith in miracles again, where every street corner, every breath carries within it a part of eternal Christmas. No matter how much time passes, the moments spent in this northern land will always be unforgettable memories.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/don-giang-sinh-o-rovaniemi-v15892.aspx
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