CHRISTMAS IN FINLAND: IN THE HOME OF THE REAL SANTA CLAUS

 Festivals, Celebrations and Treats throughout the Festive Season

Touting itself as the “real home of Santa Claus,” Finland celebrates Christmas in a manner befitting the distinction with markets, festivities and traditions, all culminating on Christmas Eve with a taking of the sauna, enjoyment of Christmas treats and gatherings with friends and family… and a Visit by Santa Claus.

Santa Claus at Home and at Play

Santa Claus, Father Christmas and the original Joulupukki

Santa Claus, or Joulupukki in Finnish, is known to reside in northeastern Lapland, on the Korvatunturi Fell. Legend states that the Korvatunturi Fell is shaped like an ear, allowing Santa to hear the wishes of children from around the world.  Korvatunturi is “home base” for Santa’s travels above the Arctic Circle.

Santa Claus Village, open throughout the year with free admission, is home to Santa Claus’s Office where you can meet Santa, visit his Main Post Office and observe the flurry of the festive season. Cards, letters and parcels sent from Santa Claus’ Main Post Office are stamped with a unique Arctic Circle postmark.

Through the years Finland’s Santa Claus has received more than 18 million letters.  Each year he receives more than 600 000 letters from more than 150 countries. T

Write to Santa at:

Santa Claus

Santa Claus Village

FIN-96930 Arctic Circle, Finland

www.santaclausvillage.info

SantaPark is a fantasy world inside an underground cave where “elves” work all year in preparation for Christmas.  Guests can bake and decorate gingerbread in the Gingerbread Kitchen, learn elf skills in Elf School, or make Christmas decorations in the Elf Workshop. SantaPark’s Sleigh Ride takes guests through four seasons of Finland to the elves’ toy factory where presents for Christmas are made.  Entrance is 20€ for children and 25€ for adults from November 28-January 10.  www.santapark.com

Markets and Celebrations

St. Thomas markets throughout FINLAND - December

According to the Finnish tradition, Christmas is brought to the homes by St. Thomas on December 21 (St. Thomas Day) and is taken away by St. Knut on January 13.  St. Thomas markets prepare for the December 21 celebration, selling handmade Christmas decorations, ornaments, handicrafts, gifts, and treats such as ginger bread and hot mulled wine, Glögi, a warming combination of wine, spices and fruit.

The colorful St. Thomas
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