Rovaniemi Christmas events
Christmas in Rovaniemi is filled with festive traditions, magical moments and experiences for both locals and visitors. As the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is at the heart of the Christmas story.
Throughout the Christmas season, a variety of events, traditions and festive activities take place across the city. The Christmas season culminates on 23rd of December, when Santa Claus sets off on his journey around the world, taking the Christmas spirit of Rovaniemi with him.
Countdown to Christmas 2025
Countdown to Christmas 2025
Countdown to Christmas event was organized on Saturday 25th of October 2025.
The Countdown to Christmas is an annual celebration honouring the Christmas traditions of sharing Christmas spirit and good will. The event takes place at the central square of Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi. The event takes the audience into the merry moods of Christmas and the traditional event culminates in Santa’s arrival and speech – what does Santa want to tell us this year? This event is full of surprises and unforgettable moments.
Information about 2026 event will be updated later.
Santa Claus is on his way
Santa Claus is on his way
Santa Claus is on his way was on Tuesday 23rd of December 2025. The event is live streamed online as Santa Claus wants everyone to join this special moment as it’s definitely one of the highlights of the year when Santa Claus starts his journey! Come and join the livestream to see what happens this year!
Information about 2026 event will be updated later.
Events around Christmas time
Events around Christmas time
Find all the Christmas events in Rovaniemi and join the local Christmas Concerts, Markets and other lovely Christmas events and New Year’s Celebrations in Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus right at the Arctic Circle, Lapland, Finland
Countdown to Christmas with UNICEF Finland
Countdown to Christmas with UNICEF Finland
We want to cherish the Christmas time good will together with UNICEF Finland. Rovaniemi has been a friend city of UNICEF Finland for years, supporting the important charity work. Each year Visit Rovaniemi and City of Rovaniemi are donating money for UNICEF Finland in the Christmas events in Rovaniemi.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives and to defend their rights. Finnish Committee for UNICEF runs programs in four focus areas: promoting children’s rights in municipalities through Child Friendly Cities model and in wellbeing services counties, in development policy, in business operations, and global education in schools.
Every child, everywhere, has a right to survive, develop and reach their full potential. UNICEF uses its funds to immunize children against vaccine-preventable diseases, tackle malnutrition, support childrens’ mental health, help them get back to school and strengthen systems that keep children safe from harm. UNICEFs also does policy and advocacy work for children.