Is the activity suitable for young children?

Yes, the event is designed for families with children, with gentle sleigh rides and child-friendly activities.

Are thermal clothes provided?

Yes, full thermal overalls, boots, and mittens are included for the outdoor portions of the trip.

How long is the sleigh ride?

The reindeer-drawn sleigh ride lasts about 10 minutes, followed by a heated sleigh ride deeper into the forest.

Can we meet Santa personally?

Yes, after searching for Santa’s secret cabin, families have a personalized 10-minute meeting with Santa Claus.

Can non-English speakers join the trip?

The guiding is provided in English; groups may include speakers of other languages but prior arrangements are recommended.

What if it’s too cold to be outside?

The heated sleigh offers warm shelter during forest rides, and guests are equipped with thermal clothing to withstand Arctic temperatures.

Holiday Magic at Northern Lights Village Saariselkä | Events | Attraction

Deep in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Northern Lights Village Saariselkä crafts more than just memories—they create enchanting family adventures rooted in local tradition and winter wilderness. The "Searching for Santa" experience is a three-hour winter journey designed especially for families eager to engage with the season’s magic in an authentic setting. Located in Saariselkä, a village known for vast boreal forests and crisp Arctic air, this trip offers a hands-on, heartwarming encounter with Finnish Christmas lore.

The adventure begins in a cozy elves’ kitchen, where children and adults bake gingerbread cookies alongside a cheerful Elf. This simple act connects guests to a centuries-old Scandinavian belief in elves—small, magical protectors of homes and fields that inspired local folklore. Next, participants meet Santa’s gentle flying reindeer, who, while grounded until Christmas Eve, treat families to a sleigh ride through snow-dusted pines. The crisp sound of runners carving into the snow punctuates the quiet forest air, framing a sense of anticipation and wonder.

The highlight arrives with a heated sleigh ride deeper into the winter woods, guided by the ever-watchful Snowmobile-Elf. Here, families track down Santa’s secret cabin, a hidden spot where the man in red awaits with a personalized greeting and a symbolic gift. This moment brings the storybook myth to life, creating shared warmth among flickering firelight and frosted pines.

Northern Lights Village Saariselkä stands out as a uniquely immersive destination where local culture and natural beauty meet. Its location in Lappi (Lapland), Finland, offers an ideal backdrop for winter family adventure that respects both environmental sustainability and rich tradition. This experience enhances any holiday visit to the region, especially for those wanting a festive blend of fun, folklore, and outdoor winter charm.