ROVANIEMI: FUN TIME IN SANTA CLAUS FOREST WITH A YOUNG ELF

HAVE FUN WITH ONE OF SANTA’S YOUNG ELVES

Spend time with a friendly young elf in Santa Claus Forest and discover how elves enjoy their free time. This is not a performance — it’s a relaxed winter experience filled with laughter, play and magical family moments.

PLAY IN THE SNOW LIKE FINNISH FAMILIES DO

Go sledding, build snow lanterns, make snow angels, throw snowballs and learn to play Mölkky®, one of Finland’s favourite outdoor games. Enjoy winter the simple Finnish way — outside, together and having fun.

WARM UP AROUND A COZY CAMPFIRE

After playing in the snow, gather around the fire for grilled sausages, marshmallows and warm berry juice. Taste Finnish leipäjuusto with cloudberry jam while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Santa Claus Forest.

A NEW ADVENTURE FOR WINTER 2026 - 2027

⭐Reviews shown above are from guests who have participated in other experiences organised by our team

*****
”I think this is the only place that offers an aurora tour that is never canceled. If you only have a few days to stay and absolutely want to see the northern lights, even if the weather is bad, I highly recommend this tour! Even though it's expensive, it's totally worth it! Our guide was an expert in aurora hunting and took us on a four-hour one-way trip to Sweden, where we successfully saw the aurora. It will be a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life!”

- GYG traveler from Japan

*****
”The tour guide was very nice and friendly. Although the weather was not good, he was very responsible in taking us around to look for the aurora.”

- 啟業– Spain

*****
”An excellent experience. Timo drove for hours until we found a spot with no clouds or fog, where we were able to enjoy a spectacular aurora borealis. His tenacity, experience, and kindness were essential for witnessing such a magnificent sight. Furthermore, during our travels, we had very interesting conversations about the aurora borealis, the wildlife, and daily life in Finland. I highly recommend this experience with Timo.”

César – Spain

*****
”I had the absolute pleasure of doing this tour with Timo! He is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and he explains everything about the area while also making great conversation along the way. The Korouoma waterfalls were amazing. The snowy landscape and views were definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Finland. A BBQ is included in the trip, which was also delicious.”

Lisa-Marie – United Kingdom

READY TO MAKE SNOW ANGELS?

A WINTER DAY WITH ONE OF SANTA’S YOUNG ELVES

What do Santa’s young elves do when they have some time away from their Christmas duties?

They head outdoors and enjoy winter — just like families in Lapland do.

In Santa Claus Forest, there is no need to rush from one activity to another. Play in the snow, go sledding, build snow lanterns, make snow angels, throw snowballs and discover traditional Finnish outdoor games together with your young elf.

The activities can vary depending on the weather, snow conditions and the group. Some days may turn into a serious sledding competition. On another day, building the perfect snow lantern might become the most important mission in the forest.

There is no performance to watch — you become part of the fun.

FROM HOTEL PICKUP TO THE LAST GOODBYE

From the moment we pick you up from your accommodation in Rovaniemi, everything is taken care of. You can simply relax and enjoy the experience together with your family.

We'll take you to Santa Claus Forest, where your young elf is waiting. The activities are designed with families in mind, and even the elf's open fire is surrounded by a protective safety mesh, allowing children to enjoy the area more safely while everyone gathers around the campfire.

After your time in the forest, we'll take you comfortably back to your accommodation in Rovaniemi.

Want Santa's young elf all to yourselves? When booking, you can also choose our Private Experience, giving your family or group the experience exclusively to yourselves.

From pickup to playtime, campfire moments and the journey home — we've taken care of the details so you can concentrate on having fun together.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens during the Santa Claus Forest experience?

You'll spend a fun winter day with one of Santa's young elves in Santa Claus Forest. Depending on the conditions, you can go sledding, build snow lanterns, make snow angels, play in the snow and learn traditional Finnish outdoor games such as Mölkky®. Afterwards, you'll gather around the campfire for snacks and warm berry juice.

How long does the experience last?

The complete experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including transportation from and back to Rovaniemi.

Is this a private experience?

You can choose between two options when booking. Our Standard Experience is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 guests per young elf. If you'd like to have the young elf and experience exclusively for your own family or group, choose the Private Experience when booking.

Are photographs included?

Yes. We capture photographs during the experience whenever possible, so you can concentrate on enjoying your time together. Professionally edited photographs are delivered digitally after the experience.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes. The experience is designed especially with families in mind. Activities are playful and can be adapted according to the children's ages, weather and snow conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather or snow conditions are different than expected?

This is an outdoor winter experience, so the exact activities can be adapted to the conditions. Your young elf will choose suitable activities so that you can enjoy your time in Santa Claus Forest safely and comfortably.

What should we wear?

The experience takes place outdoors in Lapland's winter conditions, so please dress very warmly. We recommend thermal base layers, a warm winter jacket and trousers, winter boots, gloves, a hat and other clothing appropriate for the day's temperature.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Rovaniemi are included. We'll take care of the transportation to Santa Claus Forest and bring you back to your accommodation after the experience.

Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary requirements?

Please tell us about any food allergies or dietary requirements when booking so that we can take them into consideration when preparing the campfire snacks.

What winter activities will we do?

Activities can include sledding, building snow lanterns, making snow angels, playing in the snow and learning Mölkky®, one of Finland's best-known traditional outdoor games. The exact activities may vary depending on weather, snow conditions and the group.

Is the campfire area suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The experience has been designed with families in mind. Even the open fire is surrounded by a protective safety mesh, providing an additional barrier around the flames while families enjoy their time at the campfire.

Children should still remain under adult supervision throughout the experience.

What is included at the campfire?

You'll enjoy grilled sausages, marshmallows and warm berry juice around the campfire. We also serve traditional Finnish squeaky cheese (leipäjuusto) with cloudberry jam.

Where is Santa Claus Forest?

Santa Claus Forest is located in the Rovaniemi area, surrounded by the snowy forests of Finnish Lapland. You don't need to arrange transportation yourself — pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Rovaniemi are included.

How old are Santa's young elves?

Young is a relative term when it comes to elves! Our young elves are usually somewhere between 95 and 145 years old.

They are already in the final stages of their Elf School training, so they have plenty of experience playing with children, creating winter fun and making sure their little guests are well looked after.

They may still be young by elf standards — but don't worry, they know exactly what they're doing. 🧝

🧝 BOOK SANTA CLAUS FOREST FUN WITH A YOUNG ELF

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