Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi: what to see and how to get there

Santa Claus's cabin in Lapland was once given away for free. In December 2023, Airbnb listed Santa's cottage in Rovaniemi on its site. Guests were invited to help the elves.

Applications were accepted for one day only, and that promotion has long since closed. The Santa Claus Village itself operates year-round (verified 09/13/2026 on the village's official website).

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Santa claus village at the arctic circle

💡 In short:

• The village sits right on the Arctic Circle, entry is free and year-round.
• Santa's office and the post office welcome guests every day.

Santa Claus Village (Santa Claus Village) operates as an open area, not a ticketed park. It lies right on the Arctic Circle, about 8 km north of central Rovaniemi. The cottages, shops, and cafes sit close together, and you can walk between them freely.

© Tom Corser · CC BY-SAPhoto: Tom Corser, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The village's main attraction, Santa Claus's office, is open every day. In winter the office keeps longer hours: in December from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, in summer until 5:00 PM (as of 09/2026, village's official website).

Santa Claus's Main Post Office also operates here. People come from all over the world for it, because this is where you can send a postcard with the Arctic Circle postmark. The post office keeps the same hours as the office.

What Airbnb gave away in 2023

Santa Claus's cabin was listed on Airbnb as free accommodation, and guests were expected to help with letters at the village post office (as of 12/2023, Airbnb Newsroom). Applications opened on Monday, December 11 at 1:00 PM, and the stay ran for three nights, from December 18 to 21. The accommodation was offered to two adults with two children.

Guests were promised free return flights to Rovaniemi from London Heathrow on Finnair. Breakfast and dinner were included in the cabin stay.

Strict rules applied to guests:

• Let Santa know in advance if you want a photo with him.
• Take your shoes off inside: the floors are covered with handmade rugs.
• Keep your outfit elf-style, a bell hat is welcome.

No money was charged for the stay, but Airbnb made a one-time donation to the Special Children's Omaiset ELO foundation. The foundation supports young people with special needs in Lapland.

Applicants had to be over 18 and have a verified profile with good reviews (as of 12/2023, participation terms on Airbnb Newsroom). For those who missed out, Airbnb introduced a new "Arctic" category. This filter helps you find igloos and cabins beyond the Arctic Circle.

© flightlog · CC BYPhoto: flightlog, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Where to stay in Rovaniemi in winter

The village itself has hotels and cabins, but in December they get booked up first. It's easier to book accommodation in the city center and take a bus. Glass igloos are farther out, and prices there are higher.

Compare prices and check available Rovaniemi hotels on Trip.com. Choose an option with free cancellation: winter plans often change.

How to get to Rovaniemi and the village

Rovaniemi receives Finnair flights from Helsinki, and in winter direct charters from European cities are added.

Local buses run from the airport to Santa Claus Village, and the same buses take passengers to central Rovaniemi. The bus stops at the village entrance, so you don't need a car (as of 09/2026, Santa Claus Village). A separate Santa Claus Bus runs between the city center and the village (as of 09/2026, Visit Rovaniemi).

From Helsinki to Rovaniemi you can take an overnight train or fly. The train runs all night, and in winter both options should be booked in advance.

© Lauri Silvennoinen · CC BY-SAPhoto: Lauri Silvennoinen, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Santa Claus Village for free?

Yes, entry to the village itself and to Santa Claus's office is free, no ticket needed. You only pay for activities, food, and souvenirs: husky rides, snowmobile tours, or reindeer sleigh rides.

Is Santa Claus's cabin on Airbnb available now?

No, that giveaway ended in December 2023, it was a one-time promotion for three nights. The cabin is not bookable on Airbnb now. However, Lapland has plenty of cabins and glass igloos beyond the Arctic Circle.

When is the best time to go to Lapland for the northern lights?

Dark nights in Rovaniemi last almost the entire winter season. The best viewing time runs from autumn to early spring, on clear nights away from city lights. The aurora is not guaranteed, so book accommodation with free cancellation.

How much does a trip to Rovaniemi in winter cost?

It's hard to calculate exactly in advance: the price depends on the season, flights, and accommodation. In December, the peak season, hotels and cabins cost the most. Book several months ahead and budget extra for transfers, food, and activities.

In short: what to book

You can go to Lapland year-round, but December is more expensive and more crowded. If you're going to Santa Claus Village, choose accommodation in Rovaniemi or nearby and book early.

• If your budget is tight, take a hotel in the city center and a bus to the village.
• If you're going for the northern lights, stay farther from city lights.
• If your trip falls in December, book your hotel several months ahead.

Look for husky tours, snowmobile excursions, and northern lights trips on GetYourGuide. Choose an option with free cancellation, and your trip will go smoothly.