Discover a winter paradise…. right in the middle of summer!

Author: Lina Nafie

Three months into the new year, the festive glow of the holidays has faded. The decorations are gone, and routines have returned. Many of us are already dreaming about the next escape, a new adventure, a distant landscape, perhaps even the magic of Christmas itself.

But what if I told you that you didn’t have to wait until December to find this magic again?

If you have been feeling like this and are now looking for a unique place to spend your next vacation, you’re in luck because Youth Jam has the ideal holiday destination for you: the city of Rovaniemi, located in Lapland in Northern Finland. A ‘Santastic’ place and the hometown of Santa Claus, somewhere that’s glowing all year round.

In Rovaniemi, you’ll quickly discover that Christmas here is not just a season, it’s an experience waiting for you all year long, especially in the middle of summer.

30 years of spreading joy upon visitors

Rovaniemi is a magical holiday destination glowing every day of the year with different lights, making it an incredible place to explore equally in winter and summer. Sanna Kärkkäinen, CEO and managing director of Visit Rovaniemi, can attest to it: 
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‘It’s a place for everyone. There is always something to do.’

She has been overseeing tourism in this part of Lapland for over 30 years. Her company has been serving travellers for decades, and helping them maximise their time in Santa Claus’ region with their extensive knowledge of the wide range of activities available in Rovaniemi:

‘We know everything there is to know here.’

She also tells Youth Jam that the town hosts a wide range of travellers, PRs, and media visitors looking to discover Santa Claus’ post office: 

‘I take visitors there many times per day. I escort media guests and handle different operations and campaigns about the place’, She follows up ‘The number of travellers is growing, but the experience remains the same’.

The village of Santa Claus is the town’s main attraction and the most visited place in Finland. With an average of 900 000 visitors coming each year, Rovaniemi hardly ever gets a low season. And even though the number of travellers tends to double around Christmas time, the town still welcomed approximately 740 000 visitors in 2026; among which 130 000 took time to explore both Santa Claus’ village and the land surrounding it.

Sanna told Youth Jam that voyagers from hundreds of countries travel the world every year to visit Santa Claus’ hometown: 

‘In December alone, we welcomed 130 nationalities in Rovaniemi’

She explains: ‘Most visitors tend to come from Europe; however, the number of travellers coming from Asia, America, and Australia are increasing. The largest groups we host are from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Outside of Europe, Singapore is a key market, followed by the United States, China, Japan and then India.’

A Finnish Christmas Carol

Rovaniemi offers travellers a classic Christmas experience, the kind that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Winter is the darkest time of year, with only two hours of daylight, so the town stays illuminated with festive lights and decorations throughout the season. Sanna tells Youth Jam:

‘It’s a magical time to see the decorations’.

Visitors can explore Santa Claus’ house, meet the famous man in red for a photo, or step inside his official post office, where millions of letters arrive from around the world every year. Other activities include visiting reindeer, riding mini snow scooters, and discovering elf schools.

‘The Santa Claus village is also very close to another theme park that offers even more activities, both for children and adults.’ Sanna shares. ‘Rovaniemi is full of action. There are the lights of visits, cosy cabins, a glass igloo, lovely accommodations, and places to dine and drink.’

The festive atmosphere also extends beyond the village. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, churches and concert halls host Christmas carols, concerts, and community events where locals and visitors gather together. As Sanna explains, it is one of the best times to experience Finnish culture and the spirit of the town.

Just beyond the village, travellers can also cross the Arctic Circle and explore the surrounding northern nature, making the experience feel, as Sanna describes it, “Santastic” and like a “real-life fairy tale.”

Summer in Lapland: living through the midnight sun

While you only get two hours of sunlight in winter, in summer you will experience 24 hours of sunlight. The summer activities start in June, and if you’re looking for a secret getaway in Europe while avoiding the heat, this is the perfect place for you! Come visit the reindeer and husky farms, watch the animals preparing for the high season in December, and cuddle with the puppies. Luckily, the weather never gets too hot, and if the temperature doesn’t go above 15 degrees, you can help the animals train for winter by enjoying some memorable time with them. 

‘The reindeer activities are available all year long. You can go either driving around with the huskies in dog karts or just for hikes with the puppies and visit the canal.’

Sanna tells Youth Jam. She continues to expand on the activities: 

‘You can go biking, canoeing, or take riverboat cruises along the lake and river shores. Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna, or dine at a restaurant on a secluded island, accessible by a cosy barbecue boat. 

Many saunas include natural swimming, offering a refreshing way to cool off. You can also get a plunging, breathtaking view of the city, especially in summer when the nights never get dark. It is the perfect way to discover the town from a new perspective, with amazing tours and endless daylight for an entire month, Rovaniemi comes alive on the water as no one has ever seen.’

Facilities like the Santa Claus office and post office, the Arktikum museum, and the wildlife park are never closed and remain open all year. You might be among the lucky ones to see the two new polar bears in the park.

Sanna also reveals that once you arrive at the Arctic Circle, the night has disappeared, and you get constant sun for an entire month. You get what they call in Lapland a ‘Midnight sun’, which opens the stage for mesmerising photographic tours. She told Youth Jam:

‘Photoshoot experiences in the Midnight sun are the best’
 
Summer is also the perfect time for campfires in the wilds of Finnish Lapland. The landscape in winter offers a magical Narnia-like experience buried under white snow, but it transforms completely in summer, when the snow gives way to green forests and gorgeous flowing rivers. The beautiful and peaceful nature is guaranteed to fill your heart with joy, particularly in summer, when you have your own space. 

Rovaniemi is the biggest city by surface area in all of Europe. With only 65000 inhabitants, there is lots of space and lots of places to go and enjoy some quiet and privacy in the heart of nature. Whether it is through a beautiful river swim or by discovering the forest while fruit picking.

‘We want to remind travellers that you can have fun in winter and in summer. Visitors always feel free and happy in the summer because the day never ends.’

Sanna tells Youth Jam.

Tasting the happiness in town

In Finland, the main Christmas celebration takes place on the 24th of December, often beginning with rice porridge served with berries or fruit compote. The festive meal usually includes traditional dishes such as ham, potatoes, carrot casseroles, salmon and white fish. 

While these foods are especially popular during the holidays, visitors to Rovaniemi can enjoy many local flavours all year round. There are plenty of dining options, ranging from traditional Finnish cuisine to international tastes. Fish is particularly popular, alongside potatoes, berries and reindeer, which is known as one of the healthiest meats in the world. Desserts often highlight the region’s natural ingredients, with berries served on their own or in purées, creating simple and fresh flavours.

Rovaniemeläinen are always happy to see tourists getting involved in the city life and sharing meals, especially when they see them trying all the local dishes. It also creates a sense of togetherness, either by seeing outsiders participate in concerts, carols or joining events organised by the parish in winter, or by assisting in the training of huskies and reindeer in summer. 

‘Happiness is contagious. It’s wonderful to see people truly enjoying themselves and having the time of their lives here’

Sanna told Youth Jam.

Rising back from the ruins with a sprinkle of faith

The history of the town and how it became famous goes back several decades. The roots of Christmas tourism in Rovaniemi really began to grow in the 1980s and 1990s, but the story of the Arctic Circle itself started much earlier. In the 1950s, the city had to be rebuilt after the war and was going through a very difficult time. The town received support from the United States, including a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt. It was a moment of charity and solidarity, as the community was still poor and recovering. During her visit, a small cabin was built near the Arctic Circle, and people soon became curious to see the place she had visited. This simple stop gradually sparked tourism in what was then a remote village.

Later, the main Santa Claus Post Office was built, and tourism truly began to grow in the 1980s. What once served mainly as a small day-visit destination has since developed into a full resort that can now accommodate more than 1,000 visitors. The post office itself is still very busy today. It is an official government post office, and visitors can even see Santa’s “elves” working there, dressed in their traditional costumes.

So there you go, an idea for your next unique holiday adventure. If you are looking for a place to recharge your batteries with a flow of positive energy, escape the European summer heat and the crowds, and experience something truly different, then Rovaniemi might be exactly what you are looking for. A destination that feels just as magical in summer as it does in winter, glowing with the same enchanting atmosphere all year round.

To help you prepare best for your trip, Visit Rovaniemi CEO Sanna Kärkkäinen got you covered with essential tips for everyone coming to explore her “santastic” hometown: 

‘Pay attention more to the weather circumstances; the climate crisis is affecting them quite a lot. Get prepared for the weather to change quite a lot. Can catch some surprises.’

Her tips for Winter

●    You don’t necessarily need a rental car. Many visitors assume they need one, but there are plenty of pick-up and transfer services available for activities and excursions.
●    Choose your accommodation carefully. If you stay at a resort far from the city, check the transportation services included in your booking.
●    Trust local drivers and guides. During winter activities, it is often safer to let locals handle the driving.
●    Be prepared for changing weather. Conditions can vary quickly, and winter weather can sometimes be harsh.
●    Watch out for slippery roads and paths. In winter, especially, roads and driveways can become icy and dangerous.
●    Follow safety instructions carefully. Activity guides always provide safety guidelines that should be taken seriously.
●    Wear proper winter clothing. It’s often easiest to rent winter outfits locally so you stay warm and comfortable.
●    Use reflectors on your clothing. Reflectors attached to your outdoor gear help make you visible in the dark, which is very important during the long winter nights.
Her tips for summer ●    Plan your stay depending on your activities. Consider where you are staying and where you want to go, as distances in Lapland can be quite large.
●    Take advantage of local transport services. Many excursions offer pick-ups directly from hotels or resorts.
●    Dress for outdoor activities. Even in summer, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable and waterproof clothing for nature excursions.
●    Be ready for unpredictable weather. Temperatures can change quickly, so packing layers is always helpful.

Finally, Sanna adds: 
‘We love for all visitors to come and join our Christmas spirit. We are always fascinated by their countries and origins. It is a dream destination for many.’

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