Looking for summer activities in Rovaniemi? Santa Claus Reindeer offers two very different ways to experience reindeer under the Midnight Sun.
In Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle, guests can take part in Santa Claus Summer Magic, our guided summer programme with the reindeer: meet and feed them, learn from our Reindeer Guides, and warm up with coffee brewed over the open fire in our kota.
At Taava Reindeer Farm, summer brings light, seasonal farm work: guests spend more time with the herd in the surrounding Arctic nature, or join a small group for a hands-on day as a reindeer herder, learning how the season shapes both the animals and the land around them.
Summer brings long, light nights to Santa Claus Village. There’s no snow for sleigh rides at this time of year, so summer visits centre on Santa Claus Summer Magic instead: meeting and feeding the reindeer, hearing from our Reindeer Guides, and warming up with coffee brewed over the open fire in our kota.
This is also calving season for reindeer in Lapland: this year’s calves stay close to their mothers, often one of the highlights of a summer visit for families.
Reindeer experiences are an easy way to include local nature, animals and Arctic traditions in a summer visit to Rovaniemi, whether you’re travelling as a family, visiting for the first time, or simply looking for an easy way to spend time with reindeer at the Arctic Circle.
From: 19 €
Meet Santa Claus’s reindeer in their peaceful summer home at Santa Claus Village and discover fascinating stories about reindeer life in Lapland. Enjoy a cozy coffee break by the fire during this family-friendly experience.
From: 125 €
Meet and feed reindeer at Taava Reindeer Farm, discover local traditions, and enjoy Finnish treats by the fire. Experience a peaceful sleigh ride in winter or small farm activities in every seasons.
From: 99 €
Step into the wild life of a Lapland reindeer herder and take part in seasonal activities alongside local experts in a small, exclusive group. Discover local traditions, connect with Arctic nature, and enjoy a cozy fireside snack.
Santa Claus Reindeer is in Santa Claus Village, right behind the Santa Claus Office, on the Arctic Circle. It’s about 15 minutes by car from Rovaniemi city centre, or closer to 30 minutes by local bus 8 with its stops along the way, a good, responsible way to make the trip, check current timetables here.
For current opening hours, see our Info page.
Ordinary walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are enough for Santa Claus Summer Magic. For Live the Life of a Reindeer Herder, sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended, Lapland weather can change quickly.
Reindeer calves are born in late spring, and stay close to their mothers for their first weeks. By midsummer, most calves are already exploring on their own, though rarely straying far from the herd.
Respect for the Arctic nature we work in
Our work takes place in an Arctic environment that we want to understand, respect and look after. Santa Claus Reindeer is Biosphere Certified and holds the Sustainable Travel Finland label. Our sustainability work follows the UN 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on practical actions that can be seen in how we operate.
We prefer to show this through practical choices.
We sort waste and make recycling easier for our guests. In Santa Claus Village, sorting points help visitors dispose of waste correctly during every season.
We reduce unnecessary resource use. We work to use water and energy carefully, and the electricity used across our company comes from renewable energy sources.
We encourage simple, lower-impact choices. Guests can enjoy clean Finnish tap water, and we encourage visitors to use public transport when travelling to Santa Claus Village whenever possible.
We help guests understand the nature around them. At Taava Reindeer Farm, time spent in the Arctic surroundings and conversations with our Reindeer Guides give guests a closer view of the seasons, reindeer and the environment they live in.
For us, We Love Nature means treating the environment around us with care and helping our guests notice, understand and appreciate it too.
Meet Mrs Santa Claus in her Christmas Cottage in Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi. A warm, personal moment with time to talk and share a little Christmas magic. Encounters can be booked in advance.
At our Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi next door, an open fire burns at the centre of the room. Guests can order reindeer stew, salmon soup and homemade blueberry pie by an open fire. No reservations, just take a seat.
Rovaniemi changes with every season. Autumn brings ruska colours to the forest, while winter means snow, reindeer sleigh rides and the Northern Lights. Reindeer experiences continue through the seasons, with something different to see and learn each time.
Yes. Calves are born in late spring and stay close to the herd through summer, often one of the highlights of a visit.
Santa Claus Summer Magic is bought on-site. A visit to Taava Reindeer Farm and Live the Life of a Reindeer Herder are booked in advance.
No, there’s no snow for sleigh rides in summer. Summer visits centre on Santa Claus Summer Magic instead.
Ordinary walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are enough, no special gear needed.
