Heres how to plan a trip to Rovaniemi, Finland.

maydays/Getty Images

Rovaniemi wasnt always known as the home of Santa Claus.

While a massive down coat is nice, its much smarter to dress in layers.

The village of Santa Claus is a big tourist attraction in Rovaniemi

Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi, Finland.Credit:maydays/Getty Images

Heres everything you should probably know to plan your trip.

In true Finnish fashion, theres also a sauna on property.

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara

Sky Ounasvaaracomes recommended by Nivala.

Foot path through the snow at night and northern lights

Northern lights in Rovaniemi, Finland.Anna Mardo/Getty Images

The property is relatively remote and sits atop Ounasvaara, a hill, ski resort, and recreation center.

Things to Do

Anna Mardo/Getty Images

Go on a husky safari.

Husky safaris are a popular choice and for good reason.

Elements of Christmas decoration

Souvenirs being sold in Rovaniemi, Finland.Nikolay Tsuguliev/Getty Images

There areseveral different onesto choose from including both private and group tours.

See the northern lights.

2024 is one of the best years in decades to see the northern lights, too, adds Miller.

Food served at local restaurant.

Dish from Nili Lappish Restaurant in Rovaniemi, Finland.VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Spend an afternoon cross-country skiing.

Explore Santa Claus Village.

Is Santa Claus Village touristy?

Travel image with winter forest landscape and snow covered trees on mountain Ounasvaara on a beautiful cold sunny day with blue sky.

Ounasvaara mountain in Rovaniemi, Finland.NANCY PAUWELS/Getty Images

Visit local museums.

Nivala recommends carving out time in your trip schedule to visitArktikumandPilke.

Pilke, on the other hand, is dedicated to educating people about the forests in Finnish Lapland.

Lapland. The ride on the sled dogs is over. Finnish Husky Sled Dog. The winter polar sun lows above the horizon. The concept of extreme and active tourism

Husky sled dogs in Rovaniemi, Finland.kavram/Getty Images

Prisma

To understand a destination, the best place to shop is often thelocal grocery store.

But its exactly this kind of neighborhood staple thatll give you a genuine snapshot into local life and culture.

It’s not very big, but it’s very popular.

So I would recommend you make a reservation, she says.

The menu features items like reindeer, salmon, and braised bear steak.

Each month offers a completely different experience, from changing local landscapes to the weather.

For a true winter wonderland, plan your trip between December and March.

In March, the days are already getting a lot longer.

Dont sleep on the shoulder seasons, though.

From there, you could either fly to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) or take the train.

The train is another possibility.

Everything is either walkable or accessible by bus (the only form of public transport in Rovaniemi).

Timetables and routes can be foundonline.