Are Rovaniemi and Santa Claus worth it?

Thinking about finally doing the Santa Claus visit and supporting the Finnish travel industry? Great, here is a quick analysis on our weekend trip (2 adults + a 3 year old):

• Season 2021-2022 opening weekend 19.-21.11.
• 2 nights in Sokos Hotel Vaakuna for 3 people, 310e
• 3 tickets to Santa Park including lunch, 160e
• 3 tickets to the Elves farm yard 40e

Hotel was nice but not special. This kinda 90's hotel had no spa or anything, just a common sauna for all hotel guests. Kid was still very impressed. Parking at hotel garage was extra 12 e/night even for hotel guests. Location in city center was very good, but for us it would have been maybe better to just book a cottage in the Santa Claus Holiday Village at the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is somewhat 8 km from Rovaniemi city center and there you can find Santa Park and Santa Village with all things Christmas. If you book a stay at the Santa Claus Holiday Village, they will pick you up from airport or the train and you won't need a car for the Santa Experience. If you want to go clubbing you take a taxi or stay in the city center.

Santa Park is worth the money at least with smaller kids. I would still avoid going there on a Saturday or the opening weekend, it was very crowded and we had to queue a lot. A lot of Finns but also foreigners among the visitors this time, maybe 50-50% based on my on-site observations. Santa Park is probably more enjoyable during weekdays when Finns are at work. The theme park has lots of activities, some rides, shows, ice bar and what not. Nice indoors program for one day.

If you are just looking to get the money shot with Santa Claus, he has an office also in the Santa Village. You have to pay for the pic but it's going to be real and special. Not the plastic face you usually get home on Christmas. Also you can get free pics with Santa at the Rovaniemi mall. Or your local mall at home.

You are going to have to pay season prices for pretty much everything - husky sledding, snow mobiling, skiing, Santa pics... Don't go looking for cheap bargains. If you invest the time and money to get yourself to Rovaniemi, just go all in and enjoy it. Many Lapland entrepreneurs make their money during those few profitable months, so let them give you the full service. And don't make the mistake of wearing too little, the whole trip will be ruined if you catch a cold or a urinal infection or something. Warm and comfortable may look like the Michelin man, but it's the only way. You don't want to get to your aurora borealis site or husky farm just to find out you need to go inside after 5 minutes.

Nice weekend trip with own car from Oulu, totally worth it. From the south I recommend taking a flight from Helsinki.?And do bring your holiday spirit!