Christmas in Rovaniemi with the reindeer

When does the Christmas season start in Rovaniemi this year?

With the Countdown to Christmas on Saturday 7 November at 6 PM, in the central square of Santa Claus Village. It is free and lasts about 30 minutes.

The Countdown to Christmas is the official opening of the season. Santa Claus Village describes Christmas music on stage, then Santa's arrival and speech. It runs from 6 PM to about 6:30 PM local time, so arrive on time. Last year's opening was on 25 October, so the date moves from year to year.

Free shuttle buses run between the city centre and Santa Claus Village for the event, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. They leave from in front of Pub Uitto at Korkalonkatu 25 and stop behind the Christmas House, between Joulumaantie and the Christmas House.

Which weeks are the busiest in Rovaniemi at Christmas?

From the end of November to early January. Santa Claus Village says most of its companies keep longer opening hours in that stretch.

Santa Claus Village is not one company but more than 50, and each sets its own hours. In the Christmas season most of them stay open longer. Visit Rovaniemi recommends booking accommodation in advance, and points to travel specialists who hold rooms for the busy Christmas and New Year period.

The other big date is 23 December. That is when Visit Rovaniemi holds Santa Claus is on his way, the event where Santa sets off on his journey around the world. It is live streamed, so the whole world can watch. Santa himself is at the village every day of the year, in the Santa Claus Office or the Christmas House.

Will there be snow for a reindeer ride at Christmas?

Very likely. Visit Rovaniemi lists December as most likely snowy, and the lasting snow usually arrives in late November.

Most winters, the snow that stays is down well before Christmas. Visit Rovaniemi says it usually settles in late November, sometimes earlier or only around December, and Santa Claus Village adds that nobody can guarantee the date. December averages run from minus 20 to minus 10 C, so the snow holds once it comes.

For the sleigh season as a whole, read our post on the 2026-27 sleigh season. If you land in late November, ask the operator about the snow before your day. Every ride here cancels free up to 24 hours before.

Which reindeer ride fits a Christmas trip to Rovaniemi?

For families, the full day that adds huskies and Santa Claus Village. For a longer, quieter ride, the 2 km forest sleigh ride.

The reindeer, huskies and Santa Claus Village day packs the Christmas list into 6 hours: a 500-metre reindeer sleigh ride, a 500-metre husky ride, salmon soup for lunch and free time at Santa Claus Village. Transport from the centre and winter clothing are included, and kids under 150 cm get a mini snowmobile. The Santa Claus Village, snowmobile and reindeer farm day adds a meeting with Santa and a snowmobile safari of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, two people to a sled.

Already staying at the village? The safari at Santa Claus Village is 1 hour with about 30 minutes in the sleigh, at Joulumaantie 13. It has no transfers and lends no thermal clothing, so come dressed for the cold. For the longest time in the sleigh, the 2 km forest ride gives you about 40 minutes.

The Christmas list in one day: a reindeer sleigh, a husky ride, salmon soup and free time at Santa Claus Village, with transport and winter clothing.

★ 4.6 · 6 hours · from $210

Explore the reindeer, huskies and Santa Claus Village day → Tour details

Can you ride a reindeer sleigh in the dark over Christmas?

Yes, and it is the best time for it. In December you get about 2 hours 30 minutes of daylight, and the aurora ride runs after dark.

The polar night sounds gloomy, but it is not black. Snow and Christmas lights brighten everything, and the short day has a soft blue glow. The aurora reindeer safari by night takes the 2 to 2.5 km forest ride after dark, with a fire stop and hot drinks.

Santa Claus Village gives the northern lights season as the end of August to early April, and it cannot promise them on any night. Neither can anyone else. Think of the aurora as a bonus. The ride through a silent forest at night is the experience.

How do you book a reindeer ride for the Christmas weeks?

Book early, put the ride near the start of your trip and keep the free cancellation as your safety net.

Visit Rovaniemi says popular tours fill up quickly in peak seasons, and Christmas is the peak of the peaks. Every ride on this site cancels free up to 24 hours before, so booking now costs you nothing if plans change. Small-group rides fill first, so do not leave them to the last week.

Check the pickup point too. The forest ride picks up at the Santa Claus Holiday Village reception 15 minutes before the start, or in the city centre. For the village safari, the local bus no. 8 runs all year between the centre and Santa Claus Village, about 8 km. For a full Christmas plan, see our guide to how many days to spend in Rovaniemi.

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