Christmas in Rovaniemi
Christmas is a special time in Lapland, especially in Rovaniemi, known worldwide as the official hometown of Santa Claus. The Christmas season starts here in November when festive holiday cheer begins to take over. If you want to learn more about how Christmas is celebrated in Lapland and how you can join in the fun at Apukka Resort, this article is perfect for you!
Find Santa Claus In Rovaniemi At Apukka Resort
Some people believe Santa Claus lives in the North Pole, others know that he can be found at Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle. But did you know that he has a very special secret hut near Apukka Resort? It’s true; it’s a place filled with Christmas spirit, and only the Elves know the pathway there. But what magical things can you expect to discover there?
First, an elf greets you at Apukka Resort, ready to take you on an enchanting journey through the snow-covered scenery. Take your seat in a cozy sleigh and let Santa’s reindeer transport you to your festive destination. As you draw closer to the secret hut, you might catch a glimpse of red between the trees as the mischievous elves of Apukka sneak a peek at their new friends!
Following the sleigh ride, warm drinks and delicious cookies await you. While you anticipate your audience with Santa, the jolly elves will keep you entertained, teaching you the ways of the elves. When the moment arrives to meet the great giver of gifts, he might have a little surprise for you too!
Spend Christmas Holiday At Apukka Resort
Escape the Christmas fuss and rush by heading to Apukka Resort for the perfect Christmas vacation. We've created holiday packages tailored to every need to ensure you can have the Christmas holiday of your dreams.
Family Christmas
Indulge in the enchantment of family Christmas in Lapland with our specially crafted holiday package. Many nights of exhilarating wintry activities and pure family fun await!
Package includes
- Family Snowmobiling (2,5 hrs)
- Ice Fishing like a Finn (2,5 hrs)
- Reindeer Ride to Santa through the Magic Forest (2 hrs)
- Apukka Snow & Fun (4 hrs)
- Rovaniemi Airport/Train Station Transfers
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Dinner Package
- Christmas Dinners
- Thermal Clothing for the Stay
Christmas Magic under Aurora
What would be better than having a wonderful Christmas in Lapland – at the Official Hometown of Santa Claus?
Package includes
- Apukka Husky Adventure (2 hrs)
- Snowtrain to Northern Lights Camp (3 hrs)
- Reindeer Ride to Santa through the Magic Forest (2 hrs)
- Rovaniemi Airport/Train Station Transfers
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Dinner Package
- Special Festive Dinners
- Thermal Clothing for the Stay
White Christmas Getaway
What would be more exciting than spending magical Christmas under the Aurora Borealis in Lapland?
Package includes
- Apukka Husky Adventure (2 hrs)
- Night Snowmobile Safari (3 hrs)
- Apukka Reindeer Journey (3 hrs)
- Rovaniemi Airport/Train Station Transfers
- Delicacy Kit upon arrival
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Dinner Package
- Christmas Dinners
- Thermal Clothing for the Stay
New Year’s Snowy Bliss for Families
Choose this special holiday package to celebrate the New Year in a winter wonderland. Embrace the beauty of Arctic nature and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities.
Package includes
- Family Snowmobiling (2,5 hrs)
- Apukka Reindeer Journey (2 hrs)
- Snowtrain to Northern Lights Camp (3 hrs)
- Rovaniemi Airport/Train Station Transfers
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Dinner Package
- Festive New Year's Eve Dinner
- Thermal Clothing for the Stay
New Year Magic Under Aurora
Are you looking for an active New Year’s holiday near nature but still with a premium touch?
Package includes
- Snowtrain to Northern Lights Camp (3 hrs)
- Apukka Husky Adventure (2 hrs)
- Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness (2 hrs)
- Rovaniemi Airport/Train Station Transfers
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Dinner Package
- Festive New Year's Eve Dinner
- Thermal Clothing for the Stay
Best of Christmas
What is best about Christmas? How about a private meeting with Santa Claus, a reindeer safari, and festive dinners—all included in this holiday package!
Package includes
- Private Santa Claus Experience at Apukka (1 hr)
- Apukka Reindeer Journey (2 hrs)
- Festive Dinners on 24.12. and 25.12.
- Dinner Package for other dates
- Rovaniemi Airport/Train Station Transfers
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Thermal Clothing for the Stay
Santa’s Trainee Reindeer at Apukka Resort Rovaniemi
Now then, dear friend, we’ll let you in on a well-kept secret. We have reindeer at Apukka Resort, carefully chosen elite Father Christmas trainees. Each year, Santa Claus, together with his trusted companion Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, chooses a new group of promising young reindeer to enter the training program called “the Enchanted Reindeer of the Christmas Sky.” Reindeer with the best grades pass the program and receive the great honor of pulling Santa’s sleigh across the world on Christmas. It is an honor that any reindeer dreams of.
The reindeer that live at Apukka are still at the beginning of their training program, but according to Santa’s words, they have great potential to follow in Rudolph’s footsteps. Just imagine, one day, these very reindeer may be flying above you in the night skies at Christmas time, helping Santa Claus deliver gifts to all the children of the world. A magical thought, isn’t it? Join our reindeer for their adventures (on land, as the flying practice only comes later in their training) as they practice for this important task that awaits them in the Christmases to come!
Become a Reindeer Herder
Snowmobiling and Reindeer Farm Visit
Reindeer Sleigh Ride Across the Night
Reindeer Ride to Santa through the Magic Forest
Reindeer Sleigh Ride to Ice Fishing
Apukka Reindeer Journey
Restaurant Aitta
Christmas Food with a Hint of Magic
Surely you know that Santa loves his cookies with milk, but he’s not the only one who appreciates tasty food at Christmas time. In Finland, we cherish the delicious dishes prepared for this special holiday. Delicious aromas and pure joy fill the air as the dinner table is set with the most authentic Lappish Christmas dishes. Some of the recipes we use are a gift from Mrs. Claus and the Baking Department of the Elves. We are proud to guarantee that there is always a hint of magic in the food served at Restaurant Aitta. Who knows, maybe Santa himself will stop by for a visit at Apukka Resort on Christmas Day. After all, we all know that Santa Claus can’t resist good food!
What Would Christmas Be Without a Christmas Sauna?
In Finland, one of the most cherished Christmas traditions is the Christmas sauna. During the holiday season, things can get a bit hectic, but the sauna is the one place where you can truly relax. At Apukka, you can experience this beloved Finnish tradition by booking a unique sauna experience. We offer options for everyone, and you can even combine your sauna experience with a relaxing hot jacuzzi or an invigorating cold plunge! After booking one of our sauna tours, you’ll understand why sauna and Christmas go hand in hand.
Sauna Experience with Outdoor Jacuzzi
Fun for the Whole Family
Christmas is all about spending quality time with family. While quality time at home might involve singing carols and exchanging gifts, at Apukka, there are plenty of activities that seem to be plucked straight from a Christmas postcard! For instance, you can hop aboard our Snowtrain carriage and journey into the wilderness to explore the silent night under the stars. You can also take your family snowmobiling or ice fishing, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones that everyone will cherish for a lifetime.
Snowtrain to Northern Lights Camp
What’s the most unique way to reach the heart of the Lappish wilderness? Aboard our famous Snowtrain carriage, of course! This trip allows you to explore the magic of the Arctic night in all its hues.
Ice Fishing Like a Finn
Ice fishing is one of those activities you probably never thought you’d have an opportunity to experience. That’s why we created this tour: to give you a chance to ice fish like a Finn!
Family Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling equals great family time! During this tour, adults take the wheel of snowmobiles, while children enjoy the ride on a sled. Later, the kids can have a blast with mini snowmobiles.
FAQ: Planning Your Christmas Trip to Rovaniemi
Our Christmas holiday packages are designed for ultimate ease and magic. They typically include cozy accommodation of your choice, delicious breakfasts, and iconic Arctic activities—such as husky sledding and reindeer safaris—starting right from the resort. Some packages, like Christmas Magic under Aurora and New Year’s Snowy Bliss for Families, also include special festive dinners.
Absolutely! While most of our Christmas-themed holiday packages are available only until early January, the festive atmosphere at Apukka continues long after. For example, In Search of the Christmas Spirit is available until early April. In addition, one of our most popular tours, Reindeer Ride to Santa through the Magic Forest, is available beyond December 25.
The sooner, the better! Since we open our bookings more than a year in advance, the Christmas season is always the first to sell out. Last-minute planning is not recommended, as Christmas dates are often fully booked well before summer—sometimes as early as spring.
Yes! At Apukka Resort, we offer Christmas-themed activities throughout the year. For example, in August and autumn, we offer the Meet Santa Claus and His Friends tour, which brings an early touch of Christmas magic. Visiting outside the peak month of December is also a great option if you’re looking for more budget-friendly stays.
