🎅 Joulupukki's main residence in Rovaniemi: how to visit in winter 2025–2026 (complete guide)
If you want to know everything at once
...where exactly to meet Santa Claus for free, how SantaPark differs from Santa Claus Village, what are the opening hours of Santa Claus Office and Joulupukin Pääposti, how much photos with Santa cost, reindeer sleigh rides and husky rides, how to get there from the centre of Rovaniemi by bus No. 8, where to get your Arctic Circle stamp, how to stay within your budget and choose the "right" time — this guide for winter 2025–2026 is for you.
Santa's two worlds: Santa Claus Village vs SantaPark
The main thing is to understand the differences:
| Category | Santa Claus Village (outdoor village) | SantaPark (underground park) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Open all year, a “town” located at the Arctic Circle | Seasonal indoor attraction (November–January) |
| Meeting Santa | Free in the Santa’s Office (photos/videos cost extra) | Meeting Santa is included in the ticket price |
| Santa’s Post Office | Main Santa Claus Post Office, letters, Arctic Circle stamp, “red mailbox” | A themed postal area inside the park (attraction) |
| Tickets | Free entrance to the village | Tickets from approx. 42 € adult / 37 € child |
| Location | Tähtikuja / Joulumaantie, 8 km from Rovaniemi city center | Tarvantie 1 (near the village but in a separate location) |
Meet Santa Claus for free: Santa Claus Office
How it works. You go to the elves, walk through a "secret" passage, and in a couple of minutes, you get a handshake/hug from Santa Claus. There are queues, especially in December during the day; the best life hack is to come when it opens or closer to evening.
How much does it cost? Admission and meeting are free of charge; only photos/videos taken by the official photographer are subject to a fee (packages from ~€55 for a group of up to 5 people; additional participant ~€5, printed A4 photo ~€40).
Opening hours in winter 2025–2026. During the high season (December–early January) — long working hours; see the summary table below.
What else to know. The Santa Claus Office is in the village; SantaPark has a separate "Santa location", but it is only accessible with a park ticket.
Santa Claus' Main Post Office: letters, postmarks, "red box"
This is the heart of postal magic: the official Joulupukki Post Office receives and sorts letters, sells postcards, and — most importantly — stamps them with a special Arctic Circle stamp. Inside, there are two boxes:
• yellow — "now" dispatch;
• red — delayed until Christmas (your postcards will be sent next December).
Address on the Envelope (Latin Alphabet)
-
Santa Claus
Santa Claus Main Post Office
Tähtikuja 1
96930 Santa Claus Village
Finland - In the corner — include the sender’s address (Latin letters). The letter language and mailing deadlines can be found in our separate guide on writing to Santa.
Opening hours in winter 2025–2026 (summary table)
| Location | Period | Opening Hours (local) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Claus Office | 1 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 | 08:00–20:00 | Meeting Santa is free; photos/videos for an additional fee |
| Santa Claus Main Post Office | 1 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026 | 09:00–20:00 | Arctic Circle stamp; red/yellow mailboxes |
| SantaPark | 1–31 Dec 2025 | Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–18:00 | Tickets from ~42 € (adults) / ~37 € (children 3–12) |
| SantaPark (January) | 1–10 Jan 2026 | 10:00–18:00 | Closes after 10 January |
| Husky Park (visit) | 1 Dec 2025 – 30 Apr 2026 | Seasonal schedule | Park visit ~15 € adult / 10 € child; sled rides priced separately |
| Santa’s Reindeer | 1 Dec 2025 – 11 Jan 2026 | 10:00–17:00 | Short 400/800 m rides – no reservation required |
| Snowman World | 6 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026 | 10:00–20:00 | Ice/snow attraction, ticketed; weather-dependent |
How to get there: bus No. 8/8C, taxi, car
● Public transport: bus No. 8 (Linkkari) runs year-round: Rovaniemi city centre ↔ Santa Claus Village ↔ railway station. During peak months, 8C is added with additional services (on weekdays/school days). Some materials indicate approximate prices: a single ticket costs ~€3.60 when purchased from the driver; the carrier also offers day/package options.
● Airport shuttles: in November–March, there are frequent private Santa's & Airport Express and hotel transfers.
● Taxis: 10–15 minutes from the centre to the village (price depends on time/peak hours).
● Car/parking: there are car parks near the village, but in December, it is best to arrive early.
Trip budget: photos, tickets, skiing, certificates
Photos / Videos with Santa
from ~55 € for up to 5 people; additional person ~5 €; A4 print ~40 €.
The meeting itself is free — you only pay for the media files.
Ticket to SantaPark
from ~42 € adult / ~37 € child (3–12). Ages 0–2 — free.
Includes the park's “Santa’s Office”, shows, elf school, and the train ride.
Reindeer Rides (Village)
Short rides: 400 m ≈ 30 €, 800 m ≈ 50 € per person; no reservation needed.
Priority / fast-track options are more expensive (~100 € per package).
Husky (Village)
Park visit ~15 € adult / 10 € child. Short rides 0.5–2 km ~50–65 €.
Longer safaris cost more and must be booked in advance.
“Crossed the Arctic Circle” Certificate
Souvenir — 5–6 €; ceremony packages available separately.
Prices are indicative for the 2025–2026 season based on the open prices of the venues; please check the details on site or online before your visit.
Map and key points in the village
Santa Claus Office
Free meeting with Santa; photos/videos extra.
Santa Claus Main Post Office
Daily; Arctic Circle stamp; red/yellow mailboxes.
SantaPark
Underground park (Nov–10 Jan).
Reindeer & Husky
Short rides and park visit.
Visit scenarios: family, solo photos, romance, transit
Family (full day). Come to the opening of the Santa Claus Office, then the Main Post Office (write postcards, get a stamp), lunch, followed by a short reindeer/husky ride, Snowman World in the evening and dinner at Kotahovi/Three Elves.
Solo photos. Start early to catch the soft light above the Arctic Circle, take photos at the offices, then a short visit to the reindeer, sunset at the edge of the forest.
Romance. Meet Santa Claus, photos, hot chocolate, candles and dinner; if it's cloudy, go to SantaPark for a show.
Transit (4–5 hours). No. 8 from the centre, quick introduction: Office → Post Office → Arctic Circle line → reindeer 400 m → return to the city/airport.
Beginner's mistakes
1) Confusing the Village and the Park
Meeting Santa in the Village is free, but SantaPark requires a paid ticket.
2) Arriving “Saturday at Noon”
Best time: right at opening or after 17:00 — queues are much shorter.
3) No Gloves or Anti-Slip Footwear
Winter is icy: warm gloves and traction spikes are essential.
4) Thinking “Everything Is Free”
The Village is free, but Santa photos, skating, SantaPark, and Snowman World are paid.
5) Not Considering Transportation
Check Linkkari routes 8/8C ahead of time during peak season.
May Your Journey to Lapland Become as Heartwarming as Meeting Santa Himself
Winter 2025–2026 in Rovaniemi can be bright, magical, and wonderfully smooth when you know what to expect. Now you understand the difference between Santa Claus Village and SantaPark, where to meet Santa for free, how to plan your budget, how the Arctic Circle postmark works, when the queues are shortest, and how to avoid the most common mistakes travelers make.
Let this guide help you enjoy Lapland at your own pace — without stress, without rushing, and with as much holiday spirit as possible. Whether you have already visited or are just planning your first journey north, feel free to share your impressions. Every story adds a little extra warmth to the winter capital of Santa Claus.
❓ FAQ
At the Santa Claus Office inside Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. The meeting is free of charge; you only pay for photos/videos if you wish.
Packages start at around €55 for a group of up to 5 people; no booking is required — just pay on the spot after the meeting.
Both are open daily with extended hours (usually from morning to evening). Check the specific hours the day before — they are published monthly.
The Village is an open area with no entrance fee (Santa's office, Post Office, reindeer, huskies, etc.). SantaPark is an indoor theme park cave with a paid entrance and its own shows/activities.
By bus No. 8 all year round; in winter, additional 8C routes are added. There are also private shuttles between the airport, the village and the centre.
At Santa Claus' Main Post Office: there is a "yellow" box (for immediate dispatch) and a "red" box (to be held until next Christmas).
Yes. The locations are compact, there are many warm spots, but it is slippery in winter — you need good shoes and mittens.
Short routes of 400/800 m — no booking required; approximately €30–50 per person. Queues are possible during peak times.
Yes, Husky Park. Admission to the park is usually around €15/10 (adult/child), short rides are ~€50–65, and long safaris must be booked in advance.
The approximate price is ~€42 for adults and ~€37 for children (3–12). Attractions inside the park are included (elf school, shows, train, "underground Arctic Circle").
Layer up: thermal underwear → wool → wind/snow protection, warm hat, buff, mittens over liners, shoes with treads/ice grips.
Weekdays in the morning or late afternoon. The busiest times are midday and Saturdays.
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