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The People Behind the Magic of Winter in Rovaniemi

Every winter, thousands of visitors travel to Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, to experience the magic of Lapland. They come for snowy forests, northern lights, reindeer experiences and unforgettable Arctic memories. But behind every successful winter season is something even more important: people.

At Santa Claus Reindeer, the winter season is built by teams who work together in changing weather, busy schedules and fast-paced days — always with the shared goal of creating meaningful experiences for our guests and supporting one another along the way.

This spring, we wanted to take a moment to recognise the people behind the scenes who make everyday life and winter operations run smoothly. Our staff had the opportunity to nominate colleagues and explain why they deserved special recognition. The responses highlighted something important: the strongest teams are built through everyday actions, not only big achievements.

What Makes a Great Team During the Arctic Winter Season?

Working in Lapland during winter can be demanding, but it also creates a strong sense of community. Many of the nominations focused on qualities that matter most during busy winter months:

  • Helping others during busy moments
  • Stepping in when something needs to be done
  • Supporting coworkers across different teams
  • Keeping a positive atmosphere during long winter days
  • Staying calm under pressure
  • Finding solutions instead of problems

These qualities are essential in seasonal tourism and hospitality work in Finland, where teamwork, flexibility and reliability help create smooth experiences for both visitors and staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognising Everyday Excellence

We were proud to recognise several team members whose attitude and commitment stood out throughout the winter season.

Positive Energy and Customer Service Excellence

Vilma was recognised for her positive attitude, excellent teamwork and outstanding customer service. In tourism, the way guests are welcomed and cared for leaves a lasting impression, and Vilma’s approach reflects the warm and genuine hospitality we value at Santa Claus Reindeer.

Vilma from Santa Claus Reindeer

“Kyllä se onnistuu” — There Is Always a Solution

Olli received a special “Kyllä se onnistuu” recognition — a Finnish expression meaning “It will work out.” Colleagues described him as someone who always finds solutions, even during challenging situations. That problem-solving mindset is incredibly valuable during the busy winter season in Lapland, where flexibility and quick thinking are part of everyday work.

Olli Heikkilä, titled of: Kyllä se onnistuu at Santa Claus Reindeer

Bringing Sunshine to Everyday Work

Minttu was described by coworkers as the sunshine of everyday work. Her positive energy, encouragement and ability to lift the atmosphere around her brought joy to the whole team during the long Arctic winter days.

Minttu the elf of Santa Claus Reindeer

Leadership That Supports and Encourages

Saila was chosen as Supervisor of the Year because of the supportive and encouraging way she leads her team. Good leadership in seasonal work is not only about organisation — it is also about listening, motivating and helping people succeed togethe

Saila from Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi and Santa Claus Reindeer

The Important Work Done Behind the Scenes

Not all important work is visible to visitors. Two members of our maintenance team, Tapio and Risto, were recognised for the essential behind-the-scenes work they do across our different units. Their contribution helps keep daily operations running safely and smoothly throughout the winter season.

Tapio and Risto from Santa Claus Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Recognitions From Our Team

The nominations also highlighted many other people who make a difference in everyday work life at Santa Claus Reindeer.

Janne – “Recruitment of All Time”

Janne received the humorous and heartfelt recognition “Kaikkien aikojen rekry” — “Recruitment of All Time.” Coworkers described him as someone whose contribution quickly became irreplaceable, bringing reliability, personality and strong team spirit into daily work.

Janne from Santa Claus Reindeer

Johanna – The “Multitasker”

Johanna was recognised as “Kaikkien aikojen leatherman” — a colleague known for being versatile, flexible and highly committed. Team members praised her ability to handle many different responsibilities while always supporting others around her.

Johanna from Santa Claus Reindeer

Alva – Reliable and Positive Team Player

Alva was recognised as a dependable and responsible coworker who can always be trusted. Her colleagues highlighted her positive energy, professional attitude and willingness to take care of tasks carefully and efficiently.

Alva from Santa Claus Reindeer and Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi

Hemppa – Workhorse of the Year

Hemppa received the title “Vuoden Työmyyrä” — “Workhorse of the Year.” He was recognised for his strong work ethic, reliability and ability to simply get things done. Every successful winter season depends on people who quietly and consistently keep operations moving forward.

Hemppa from Santa Claus Reindeer

Ati – The Heart of the Team

Ati received the recognition “Vuoden Äitihahmo” — “Mother Figure of the Year.” Colleagues described her as someone who always takes care of others and brings warmth, kindness and support into everyday work life. During busy winter months, people like Ati help create a sense of community and belonging within the team.

Ati from Santa Claus Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

Why Recognition Matters

Our CEO and reindeer herder, Janne Körkkö, often says that good work should also be said out loud.

In seasonal tourism work, where days can be long and fast-paced, recognising effort and kindness matters. A positive workplace culture does not happen by accident — it is created through appreciation, teamwork and people supporting one another every day.

At Santa Claus Reindeer, we believe the best guest experiences in Lapland are created by teams who genuinely care about each other as much as they care about visitors.

The People Behind Lapland Experiences

When visitors experience a peaceful reindeer ride, a warm welcome or a smoothly organised day in Rovaniemi, there are always people behind those moments making it possible.

Winter seasons in Finnish Lapland are built by people who are willing to help, adapt, solve problems and take care of others around them.

We are incredibly grateful to have so many dedicated, hardworking and kind people in our teams. They are the true heart of Santa Claus Reindeer — and an important part of what makes the winter season in Rovaniemi so special. ❤️