Finnish Lapland Aboard the Santa Claus Express

Yulia, is it true that Santa stays busy even outside the holiday season?

Absolutely! A lot of people think Santa takes it easy after his December rounds, but his official residence in Rovaniemi is actually open year-round. Even in summer, you can meet him in his village, where the elves are already hard at work preparing for next Christmas. The atmosphere is magical no matter the time of year.

Yulia with Santa Claus ©  Discovery Trains

Where exactly is the village? Is it easy to get to?

Santa Claus Village is located about 6 miles from downtown Rovaniemi. It’s super easy to get there by bus or taxi. There are even several hotels right in the village — the most famous being the Santa Claus Holiday Village, which offers an immersive experience, including the option to book a private visit with Santa right from your room!

Santa Claus village  ©  Discovery Trains

What else can you do there besides the iconic Santa visit?

There’s a lot to see and do! You can visit the Husky Park to learn about sled dogs and even go on a ride with them in winter. There’s also a reindeer farm where visitors can feed and pet the animals. The village is totally free to enter, and there’s no charge to meet Santa or Mrs. Claus — you just pay for the pictures: around €30 with Mrs. Claus and €50 with Santa. In December, the wait can be over two hours, but outside the peak season, the vibe is much quieter and more personal.

reindeers  ©  Discovery Trains

And what about Rovaniemi itself? What’s the town like?

Rovaniemi is full of charm, with cozy restaurants, bars, and local shops. It’s a small, walkable town that stays lively all year round, even though it’s so closely tied to Christmas.

When’s the best time to visit Finnish Lapland?

Every season has something unique to offer — it really depends on the kind of experience you're looking for. Here’s a quick rundown:

• September – October: Fall colors are breathtaking, and the first Northern Lights begin to show.
• November: Winter kicks in. There’s often already snow, though not all activities are up and running yet.
• December: The most magical (and busiest) time of year! About 40% of Rovaniemi’s annual tourism happens in December. It’s unforgettable — but also pricey.
• January – February: Still high season. It’s freezing, but the atmosphere is incredible.
• March: Last month of the winter season. Days are longer, and you can still catch the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities.
• April – May: Best avoided. Snow is melting, most activities are paused, and it’s a bit of a “between” season.
• June – July: Midnight sun! You can hike, swim in rivers, enjoy saunas, and yes — still meet Santa. Watch out for mosquitoes, and note that many hotels close during this period.
• August: Still summer, but the first touches of fall start to appear. Hotels reopen.

Lapland  ©  Discovery Trains

Would you recommend the overnight train to get there?

Definitely — it’s actually our specialty at Discovery Trains! From Helsinki, the Santa Claus Express is an experience in itself. In winter, three trains depart the capital each night heading north. The rest of the year, there are two daily departures. If you’re looking for a real train trip in Finland, this is the way to go.

It’s one of the most comfortable night trains in Europe, with double-decker cars and sleeper cabins available in both first and second class.

Santa Claus Express ©  Discovery Trains

Can you tell us more about the cabins?

Of course! In second class, you’ll find two bunk beds and a small sink hidden behind a mirrored cabinet. Bathrooms and showers are shared. There’s also an accessible cabin near the entrance for travelers with reduced mobility.

In first class, the layout is similar with two bunks, but you’ll get your own private bathroom with a shower and toilet. These cabins are located on the upper level, which gives you some pretty amazing views along the way.

Santa Claus Express ©  Discovery Trains

How about food on board?

It’s got a charming retro feel! The dining car, with its 1980s decor, is located in the middle of the train. It only closes for two hours overnight — from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. — so even if your train departs late, for example 11:13 p.m., you can still grab dinner.

Santa Claus Express ©  Discovery Trains

Any interesting stops along the way?

Stops are pretty short, but some stand out — especially Tampere and Oulu. You arrive in Oulu in the morning. And a nice surprise: the train has onboard Wi-Fi — still pretty rare for an overnight train!

Any final thoughts for future travelers?

Take your time and enjoy every moment. Whether you’re traveling under the midnight sun in summer or chasing Northern Lights in winter, Lapland is pure magic. And if you want a trip that starts the moment you board, the Santa Claus Express is more than just transportation — it’s the start of an enchanting adventure.

Finnish Lapland  ©  Discovery Trains

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