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Holiday Magic at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä - Rovaniemi

Holiday Magic at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä

Saariselkäeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; requires only short periods of walking in snow and sitting during sleigh rides.

Overview

Step into a Finnish winter wonderland with Northern Lights Village Saariselkä’s "Searching for Santa". Bake gingerbread, ride a reindeer-drawn sleigh, and visit Santa’s secret cabin for a truly unique family holiday experience.

Saariselkä, Lappi

[C1] Searching for Santa (3h)

Meet Santa and Santa's Little Helper Elf | Unforgettable Christmas Experience

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Adventure Photos

[C1] Searching for Santa (3h) photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a magical adventure in Northern Lights Village, where families can bake gingerbread with an Elf, ride a reindeer-drawn sleigh, and search for Santa’s secret cabin. Enjoy a personalized meeting with Santa and receive a special gift, creating unforgettable memories in a winter wonderland.

“Did you know that for hundreds of years people in Scandinavia used to believe that there were small, rarely-seen creatures living in saunas, barns, mills and under people’s houses? They used to guard our ancestors with their magic as well as tend cattle and crop fields. People paid for their services by leaving a little bit of food outside, or by warming the sauna just for them. The creatures were called elves. Today their biggest employer is a 300-year-old mystical man who is dressed in red and lives in a secret, remote place, in the northernmost Lapland.”


Duration

3 Hours


About

Searching for Santa is a set of playful, unforgettable Christmas experiences for the young and the young at heart, set in Northern Lights Village.

Santa’s little helper Elf will meet you and other participating families and be your guide for the day. The day starts with gingerbread baking at the elves' turf house kitchen.

After the cookie moment, the Elf will take you to meet Santa’s flying reindeer. Unfortunately, the reindeer only fly on Christmas night, but you get to take a (short) ride on the reindeer-drawn sleigh through the snowy forest instead.

Then, it is time to go searching for Santa’s secret cabin. The Snowmobile-Elf will take your family on a heated sleigh ride into the forest. If you can find the cabin, Santa will most likely welcome your family in for a private chat and offer a symbolical gift.


Inclusions

  • Guiding by an Elf in English
  • Thermal Clothing inc. Overalls, Boots & Mittens
  • Gingerbread Baking & Crafts
  • Meeting the Reindeer and a Short ~10-minute Sleigh Ride
  • Short Ride in the Snowy Forest on Heated Sleigh Pulled by a Snowmobile
  • Meeting Santa Claus in his Cabin for approximately 10 Minutes
  • Symbolical Gift

Important Information

  1. Parents and guardians are encouraged to collaborate with Northern Lights Village staff to help create a magical and memorable experience for the children.
  2. Please refrain from bringing personal gifts for Santa to distribute, as this could create an unfair experience for other children.
  3. Prior to the experience, you will receive a questionnaire via email. This will allow you to share details about the children, enabling Santa to personalize the experience just for them.

Please note that upon arrival, the reception team will hand over an invitation letter from the Elves, to join them in their quest to find Santa!

Adventure Tips

Dress in Layers

Thermal overalls and mittens are provided, but wear moisture-wicking base layers to stay warm and dry during outdoor sleigh rides.

Book Early for Holiday Season

Slots fill quickly during December; reserve your family’s spot well in advance to secure the best times.

Keep Children Close

The sleigh ride into the forest traverses snowy terrain, so attentive supervision is necessary for young kids' safety and enjoyment.

Arrive Prepared for Cold

Even with thermal gear, temperatures can dip sharply; bring extra socks and hand warmers for comfort.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Reindeer roaming wild in surrounding forests
  • Arctic foxes occasionally spotted near village edges

History

Lapland’s rich folklore includes elves (known locally as 'tonttu') who were once believed to guard farms and homes. These legends inform the holiday lore embraced by the Northern Lights Village.

Conservation

Northern Lights Village places strong emphasis on minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable travel practices and respecting the fragile Arctic ecosystem.

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Adventure Hotspots in Rovaniemi

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Thermal Base Layers

Essential

Keep your core warm throughout the snowy forest excursions.

winter specific

Waterproof Winter Boots

Essential

Stay dry and stable on snow-covered terrain during sleigh rides and walks.

winter specific

Warm Hat and Mittens

Essential

Protect extremities from frostbite in the Arctic chill.

winter specific

Camera with Extra Batteries

Cold reduces battery life; capture moments with backups on hand.

winter specific