A reindeer safari right at Santa Claus Village

About this experience

This is the easiest reindeer ride to fit into a day at Santa Claus Village. You get about 30 minutes in the sleigh on a 2 to 3 km forest route, the listing says, at a calm and steady pace. You do not drive a reindeer sleigh in Rovaniemi. A herder or guide leads the first reindeer, the other sleighs follow in a line, and you sit back on a reindeer hide. Warm reindeer hides keep you snug. Then you spend about 30 minutes by a campfire with a warm drink and a light snack while the guide talks about reindeer life and herding. It costs from $134 per person in 2026 and lasts 1 hour. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.

Two things set it apart from the other tours here. There are no transfers, so you get yourself to Santa Claus Reindeer at Joulumaantie 13, 10 minutes before the start. And there are no thermal suits, so you wear your own warm clothing. The village sits about 8 km from the city centre, and local bus no. 8 runs there all year. If you already plan a day at the village, none of this matters much.

It is a newer listing with 4.5 stars from 21 reviews, so it has fewer reviews than the farm tours. The listing pitches it at families, couples and anyone who wants a calm reindeer encounter in an easy location. The guide tells you how to behave around the reindeer before you start. Sleigh rides need snow. Visit Rovaniemi says the snow usually settles for good in late November, sometimes earlier, and the sleigh season runs to about mid-April.

• About 30 minutes in the sleigh, right at Santa Claus Village
• A forest route at the Arctic Circle, 2 to 3 km by the listing
• Reindeer hides in the sleigh to keep you warm
• A campfire break with a warm drink and a snack
• The shortest tour on this site, 1 hour in all
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the ride runs

1. 10 minutes beforeMeet at Joulumaantie 13

   Find the reindeer guides at Santa Claus Reindeer in Santa Claus Village.

2. BriefingMeet the reindeer

   The guide explains how to interact with the reindeer.

3. About 30 minutesThe sleigh ride

   Ride on reindeer hides along the forest route inside the village area.

4. About 30 minutesCampfire break

   Warm up with a drink and a light snack while the guide talks about herding and life in Lapland.

5. 1 hourBack to the village

   You are free to carry on with your day at Santa Claus Village.

What's included

Who it suits

Tips before you book

• Take bus no. 8 from the centre. It runs to Santa Claus Village all year.
• Dress as if for a long wait outside. There is no thermal suit, and you sit still for 30 minutes.
• Book a slot around your Santa visit. Entry to the Santa Claus Office is free of charge, says Santa Claus Village.
• Not sure if the village or a farm suits you? Our guide to Santa Claus Village or a reindeer farm compares them.

Read next:

• Santa Claus Village or a reindeer farm
• How many days in Rovaniemi

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

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