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Winter Festival & Sledge Rides in Rovaniemi, Finland - Rovaniemi

Winter Festival & Sledge Rides in Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemieasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; mainly standing and light walking outdoors

Overview

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rovaniemi’s snowy secret forest with festive food, bonfires, and thrilling sledge rides. Discover Finnish traditions under the Arctic sky.

Rovaniemi, Lappi

Joulukka New Year Celebration

The Elves invite you to their celebration on New Years Eve!

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About This Adventure

Experience a magical New Year’s Eve in the Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka, where Finnish traditions come alive amidst snowy landscapes. Enjoy a festive buffet, cozy bonfires, and exhilarating sledge rides. Celebrate with a midnight countdown under the Arctic sky, making unforgettable memories in this enchanting winter wonderland.

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Step into the heart of the Arctic wilderness and welcome the New Year in the enchanting Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka. Surrounded by snowy landscapes, this exclusive celebration blends Finnish traditions with magical activities for an unforgettable night.

Follow the twinkling lights as the Elves welcome you into the festive warmth of Joulukka. Indulge in a delicious buffet of seasonal flavors, setting the stage for an evening of joy and wonder.

As the night unfolds, gather by the bonfires, embark on a heated sledge ride, write your wishes for the coming year, and dance under the stars to live DJ music. Guests are free to explore and embrace the enchanting surroundings at their own pace.

At midnight, join the grand countdown, raise your glass of sparkling wine, and welcome the New Year beneath the Arctic sky, surrounded by the magic of Lapland.

Highlights

Welcoming to the forest New Year buffet Meeting Santa Claus Tin melting with the Guardian of the Forest Heated sledge in Joulukka (weather permitting) Secret forest wishes Outdoor DJ experience (weather permitting) Midnight countdown with sparkling wine (non alcoholic version also available) and sparklers New year bites Return transfer (pick-up and drop off from/to the same location

Important to Know

Kindly note, Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka is located 18km Rovaniemi city centre.

We reserve the right to cancel the activity in case the minimum number of participants ( 4 persons) cannot be reached, the minimum number of participants required for this activity is four (persons) which out of two (2) must be aduls (over 18 years old).

Meeting Point

You can select your preferred Pick Up Point during the booking.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Temperatures can drop sharply at night; multiple thermal layers keep you warm during outdoor activities.

Bring waterproof boots

Snow-covered terrain demands sturdy, waterproof boots for comfort and safety on sledge rides.

Charge your camera

Midnight skies and bonfires make for incredible photos; fully charged batteries ensure you capture it all.

Arrive early

Get settled before the celebration starts to enjoy the buffet and bonfire spots with ease.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Reindeer frequently visible in surrounding forest edges
  • Snowy owls occasionally spotted perched on nearby pine branches

History

Rovaniemi officially became Santa Claus’s hometown in 1985, enhancing its tradition as a winter holiday destination.

Conservation

The event emphasizes low-impact tourism practices to preserve the delicate Arctic forest habitat and minimize waste.

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Adventure Hotspots in Rovaniemi

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Thermal base layers

Essential

Keep your core warm during extended outdoor celebration periods.

winter specific

Insulated waterproof boots

Essential

Protect your feet from snow and cold during sledge rides and forest walks.

winter specific

Winter gloves and hat

Essential

Vital for protecting extremities from Arctic chill.

winter specific

Compact camera or smartphone

Capture magic moments like the midnight countdown and Northern Lights.

winter specific