Rovaniemi: Meet Santa Claus and His Friends

Exploring Lapland often means waiting for winter’s snowy wonderland, but this tour offers a charming alternative—early Christmas magic, even in summer and autumn. Designed with families in mind, it blends adorable reindeer encounters, cookie-baking fun, and a personal visit with Santa himself. Whether you’re visiting Rovaniemi for the first time or returning to see Santa’s hometown, this experience promises a warm, festive atmosphere that highlights authentic Lapland traditions.

What we particularly love about this tour: first, the chance to meet and feed reindeer—a genuine, tactile interaction that’s both memorable and educational. Second, the bakery session with elves introduces a fun, hands-on activity that produces delicious gingerbread cookies. The only possible drawback is that this is a relatively short experience—just two hours—so if you’re after a deeper, more immersive adventure, you might want to combine it with other activities. Still, for families seeking a cheerful, authentic taste of Christmas with young children, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits families, couples, or anyone craving a festive, feel-good outing that’s not dependent on winter weather. It’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic, approachable encounter with Lapland’s holiday traditions without the need for snow or long excursions.

Key Points

• Authentic Reindeer Encounters: Get close to and feed Santa’s cheerful reindeer, truly experiencing Lapland’s iconic animals.
• Festive Cookie Baking: Join elves for a lively gingerbread session; great for kids and adults alike.
• Personal Santa Visit: A heartfelt moment with Santa, perfect for memorable photos and sharing holiday wishes.
• Family Focused: Designed for children under 15 with adult supervision, ensuring a safe, friendly environment.
• Convenience & Flexibility: Includes transfers from key spots like Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village.
• Short & Sweet: A two-hour experience that packs in fun, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

This tour offers a delightful blend of Lapland’s most beloved symbols—reindeer, Santa, and gingerbread—packaged into a manageable two-hour session. It’s operated by Apukka Resort Oy, a reputable local provider known for creating engaging, family-friendly activities that showcase the spirit of Lapland.

Starting with transportation, pick-up logistics are straightforward. You can be collected either from Rovaniemi’s city center or directly from Santa Claus Village, with pickup times scheduled roughly 30 to 40 minutes before the tour begins. This makes it easy to plan your day without worrying about arranging your own transport—especially helpful if you’re already spending time in Rovaniemi or nearby.

What happens during the tour?

The first highlight is the chance to meet and feed reindeer. Visitors report that the reindeer are friendly and accustomed to humans, making the interaction both relaxed and authentic. It’s a rare opportunity to get up-close—feeding these gentle animals can be surprisingly soothing for children and adults alike. Just remember, the tour providers emphasize respecting the animals’ space by approaching slowly and avoiding sudden movements, keeping the experience safe and enjoyable.

Next, you’ll move inside a cozy hut for a gingerbread cookie baking session with elves. It’s a lively, hands-on activity—perfect for kids who love to get involved—and produces delicious treats to take home or enjoy on the spot. Multiple reviews mention how much children enjoy the baking, with one describing it as “a fun-filled, sunny activity that brought out plenty of smiles.” The elves are friendly guides, making sure everyone gets a turn and that the process is smooth.

The tour’s main event is the chance to meet Santa Claus. This is a truly personal encounter—no rushed photo ops here. Visitors rave about how Santa is welcoming and eager to hear children’s stories or wishes. It’s a great moment to snap some photos and share a special chat in a relaxed setting. For many, this is the highlight—an authentic, heartfelt experience that captures the true spirit of Christmas.

What about the value?

At a typical booking price, this tour offers great value considering the multiple activities packed into just two hours. The included transfers, reindeer feeding, baking, and Santa meeting mean you’re getting several experiences for one price, and the quality is generally high. The reviews highlight the memorable nature of the Santa visit and the genuine interaction with reindeer, both of which add a lot of charm and authenticity.

What should you keep in mind?

The experience is not suitable for individuals with impaired mobility—the terrain and activities are designed for able-bodied visitors. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, which keeps the environment comfortable and supervised. Also, the tour emphasizes treating the animals with respect—no external snacks are allowed for the reindeer, and visitors are encouraged to approach animals calmly.

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The Details That Matter

The tour lasts around two hours—perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day. It’s conducted in English, which is helpful for international visitors. The booking process offers “reserve now, pay later”, providing flexibility if your plans are still unfolding.

The group size tends to be small-to-moderate, ensuring personal attention from guides and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great way for children to feel involved, and reviews often mention how the staff makes everyone feel comfortable and engaged.

Timing is crucial—arrive 30 to 40 minutes early for pickup, and don’t miss your bus! If you do, refunds aren’t available, so punctuality is key. The tour’s location at Apukka Resort creates a scenic, peaceful setting, away from the busier tourist spots, giving a more authentic and cozy atmosphere.

Why choose this tour?

Because it combines the authentic charm of Lapland’s traditions with the ease of a well-organized, family-friendly activity. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a short, meaningful touch of Christmas magic without the hassle of winter weather or lengthy commitments.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This tour is best suited for families with children under 15, especially those who love animals, baking, or meeting Santa. It’s also perfect for travelers wanting a lighthearted, joyful experience in Lapland that doesn’t require snow or extreme weather. Couples or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, festive outing will find it charming as well, provided they enjoy a warm, friendly environment.

If you’re after a more immersive or nighttime Northern Lights adventure, you might want to look at some of the other experiences offered nearby. But for a wholesome, authentic, and cheerful holiday activity, this one hits all the right notes.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a wonderfully authentic way to experience Lapland’s holiday traditions, especially if you’re visiting outside of winter or want a family-friendly activity. The chance to feed reindeer, bake cookies with elves, and have a personal chat with Santa makes for a memorable, heartfelt outing. It’s easy to see why reviews consistently praise its warmth, authenticity, and the genuine interactions it fosters.

While it’s a brief experience, the quality of the activities and the friendly guides ensure that you’ll walk away with more than just photos—you’ll have stories to share and memories to cherish. Its emphasis on respecting animals, offering flexible booking, and providing a cozy atmosphere makes it a solid choice for families and anyone seeking a cheerful, authentic taste of Lapland’s Christmas spirit.

If you’re looking for a simple, joyful way to enjoy the magic of Santa’s hometown, this tour delivers a genuine experience packed into a manageable two hours.

FAQs

Is there transportation included?
Yes. Transfers are included, and you can be picked up either from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village, with pickup times confirmed via email.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 2 hours, making it easy to fit into a day’s sightseeing schedule.

Can children under 15 participate?
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for young visitors.

Are the reindeer friendly?
Yes, the reindeer are used to humans and are described as friendly, but visitors are asked to approach them calmly and respectfully.

What should I bring?
No external snacks are allowed for the reindeer, and the tour shoes some flexibility on weather—so dress comfortably and warmly if the weather is cooler.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for individuals with impaired mobility due to terrain and activity requirements.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans shift.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers reindeer feeding, gingerbread baking, Santa photos, and transfers—delivering a well-rounded, value-packed experience.

This tour is a charming, authentic way to enjoy Santas’ hometown, especially if you’re seeking a cheerful, family-oriented activity that captures the magic of Christmas—no matter the season.

You can check availability for your dates here: