As the New Year in Finland is celebrated: with children, prices, traditions, what to do, how to rent a cottage.

New Year in Finland

I think all of us, brought up on Western Christmas films, where Santa Claus and a big beautiful Christmas tree are always present, want something special from the New Year. At this time, they make wishes and make bright plans for the next year.

Finland for the New Year 2019 is one of those countries where the flavor of the Most Important Holiday of the Year is felt especially sharply. First, the proximity of Lapland, Santa Claus and other Christmas and New Year magic. Secondly, the cold weather. What a New Year's miracle without knee-deep snowdrifts?

I propose to start with the practical part, and if you want to read in more detail how the New Year is celebrated in Finland, get acquainted with the traditions and state entertainment program then get down below.

Where to go for the New Year in Finland?

Traditionally, tourists choose between two destinations: Helsinki and Lapland.

IN Helsinki for New Year you can mingle with the cheerful crowd and feel like a part of a big celebration. All the fun in Helsinki takes place on Senate Square. It is from here that the holiday is broadcast throughout the country. These are fireworks, concerts, and congratulations from famous figures of the country. Walks at Christmas markets, the constant mulled wine and champagne.

After the Christmas holidays, sales start in Finland. End of December - best time to go shopping in Finland. And, of course, like in any capital city, Helsinki has the largest selection of stores in the country.

Lapland for New Year more suitable for families with children and amateurs active rest... Lapland is a region and has several cities. Most popular city Lapland at New Year's Eve is Rovaniemi. The famous village of Santa Claus is located here. And if you go on vacation with children, Rovaniemi is the best place. Here you and your whole family can truly plunge into the New Year's fairy tale.

In addition, in Lapland you can go skiing, sledding with reindeer and huskies, walk in the forest and see the Northern Lights. In winter, it is seen almost every night.

if you need mining ski resort then head to Levi.

I think we figured out the question "where", now let's figure out the "how". You can relax in Finland both independently and on a ready-made tour. I will give all the options and prices, and on the basis of this information you can choose the most suitable option for yourself.

The main thing, take care of your trip in advance. Finland is an insanely popular New Year destination, and the closer you get to the holiday, the fewer options you have.

Tours to Finland for the New Year 2019

See prices for tours to Finland in convenient statistics from Level Travel. And check the prices in, sometimes they can vary by several thousand.

How to organize a trip yourself?

Many come to Finland on their own, for the price it turns out a little cheaper, but you need to do more preparatory work: find accommodation, air tickets, plus you are obligatory, etc. As a rule, large companies come on their own, who rent a cottage in Finland for the New Year and thus save on housing.

How is New Year celebrated in Finland?

In the second half of December, life in Finland seems to slow down. Finns are actively celebrating Christmas, visiting friends and family, and amassing energy for December 31st. As in many other countries, New Year's Eve claims to be the most important night of the year. Competition for her is, perhaps, only on April 30, when the Finns, frostbitten during the long winter, rejoice at the approaching warmth.

Due to the cold weather, many people celebrate New Years in Finland behind closed walls: at home, in bars, restaurants or pubs. On the street, all the action takes place until midnight. And here I cannot fail to mention the fireworks.

Fireworks, like ours, go on the mass sale in December. You can blow up the sky with colored lights only from 18:00 on December 31 to 02:00 on the night of January 1. Just some 8 hours. That is why the Finns come off to the fullest. From 6 pm, you will hear the first timid clapping, which will turn into a real light show by midnight.

I celebrated the New Year in Finland several times, and all the time I watched fireworks from some roof: either a residential building or an office building. And I can say that the most best view opened to me from the bar "Atelier", which is located on the roof of the hotel "Torni", which means "tower". I had to get here early to get a better seat. I stood for a little over an hour on their large balcony, but the light show was well worth the effort.

The country's main holiday takes place in Helsinki, usually at Senate Square. A huge crowd gathers here to listen to the speeches of the city's mayor, bishop and other dignitaries. It also hosts live performances by singers and dance ensembles. The event is broadcast nationwide on major TV channels.

Every Finn knows that the mayor will not say anything special, and he listens with half an ear, but he listens anyway and turns on the TV every year to watch. Sound familiar? What a New Year without the President's congratulatory speech!

As soon as the clock strikes midnight, the festive excitement becomes more relaxed. People rejoice, drink wine, champagne and congratulate each other, shouting "Hyvää uutta vuotta!" - "Happy New Year!" in Finnish or "Gott nytt år!" in Swedish (another official language Finland).

Divination

Another important part of the Finnish New Year is fortune telling. As a rule, they do it immediately after the festive fireworks. One of the most popular New Year divination methods in Finland is by casting molten tin. Each is given a small tin horseshoe (a traditional symbol of good luck). The horseshoe is melted, and the liquid metal is quickly poured into cold water, where it solidifies and takes on a different shape.

It is the shape and shape of the resulting piece that is interpreted to predict the events of the coming year. Various forms mean good luck, health, wealth, happiness, or vice versa grief. If tin breaks into pieces in water, it is a sign of failure.

January 1st

On January 1, the Finns prefer to sleep off. Many are drawn to pain relievers because of the stormy night. Others, on the contrary, prefer to spend this day actively - skiing, walking in parks or putting on snowshoes and getting out into the forest. Coffee on this day is sold in record quantities.

The President's speech, the Vienna New Year's Concert and old Finnish films are watched on TV. They eat up the rest of the festive table. Someone spends this day calmly, realizing the transition to the new year and preparing for new achievements. Someone prefers to tumble into the future with a bang and gaiety, continuing the festivities. Everything is also like ours.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland. The city that collects the largest mail in the world. And all letters are addressed to only one recipient - Santa Claus. This is where his office, fabulous gift-making workshops and post office are located. Here, in Santa's Village, the most photographed view in Finland is the pointer to the Arctic Circle. Each Guest of the city can participate in the ritual of crossing it and receive a commemorative Diploma about this event. The collection of diplomas can be supplemented with a certificate for driving a reindeer sleigh - this is taught professionally by the indigenous Lappish people. They will also share the tricks of managing a dog sled. The unique Santa Park, inscribed in a cave, with original attractions and beautiful Christmas decorations, is another most interesting Santa Object in the city. Rovaniemi - the city of eternal Christmas: here no one is surprised to meet the gnomes - Santa's helpers, and signs such as "Entrance for Elves only", "The Snow Queen's Domain", or "Troll Residence" are quite normal. The New Year's fairy tale has settled in these parts in earnest, and it begins at the ramp of an airplane arriving in official airport Santa Claus (!). We invite you to the city of the kindest winter fairy tale - Rovaniemi!

In our company you can always buy tours to Lapland. tour operators in Finland in Moscow, like us, offer tours to Lapland and to Filandia new year 2019. Lapland for the new year tours and tours to Finland new year are very popular among Russian tourists. Urgently purchase tours to Lapland 2019 and New Year's tours to Lapland. We have such Lapland tours that every family can afford. Most popular holiday in 2018: "Lapland Santa Claus Tour". If you need tours from Moscow to Lapland or Lapland new year 2018 tours, then you've come to the right place. The best hotels Finnish Lapland and cottage holiday centers await you. There is not much time left to book New Year's tours to Lapland 2019! The cost of a tour to Lapland starts from 500 euros, offers and early booking prices are valid, we wish you a pleasant stay.

We offer hotels and cottages for accommodation:

NEW YEAR TOUR 30.12.2018-04.01.2019

TOUR COSTFOR ROOMIn Euro:

	breakfasts + New Year's Eve dinner included	breakfasts + dinners (half board) including New Year's Eve dinner
room- Standart 1 adult	2241	2441
DBL room - Standart 1 adult + 1 child (4-12.99 years old)	2705	2975
DBL room - Standart 2 adults	2767	3102
DBL room - Standart 2 adults + 1 child (4-12.99 years old)	3664	4034
DBL room - Standart 3 adults	3972	4383
DBL room - Deluxe (with sauna) 1 adult	2557	2694
1 adult + 1 child (4-12.99 years old)	3079	3445
DBL room - Deluxe (with sauna) 2 adults	3288	3562
DBL room - Deluxe (with sauna) 2 adults + 1 child (4-12.99 years old)	3914	4300
DBL room - Deluxe (with sauna) 3 adults	4342	4703
DBL room - Deluxe (with sauna) 2 adults + 2 children (4-12.99 years old)	4720	5202
The cost of a cot for a child 0-2 g.	25	25
Program 31.12: 16.00-17.30 For kids: decorating the Christmas tree, baking Christmas gingerbread 18.00 Visit of Santa Claus to the hotel, congratulations of the children 19.00-22.00 gala dinner (buffet), welcome drink, 2 glasses of house wine, soft drinks for children.	Included in the price	Included in the cost

Included in cost:

Flights "Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow" (" Ural Airlines", Domodedovo, flight time 2 hours 40 minutes.);
- transfer airport-hotel-airport;
- accommodation at the selected hotel;
- the chosen type of food: breakfasts (buffet) or breakfasts + dinners (half board);
- use of the sauna, in the hotel "Skandik Pohjanhovi" - also the swimming pool;
- New Year's Eve dinner is included in the price for hotels "Scandik Pohjanhovi", "Santa Claus"
- medical insurance.

It is additionally paid:

Finnish visa (75 euros, children under 6 years old - 25 euros),
- (optional)

PROGRAM 12/30/2018 - 01/04/2019:

12/30/2018 Arrival in Rovaniemi (direct flight Moscow - Rovaniemi, flight duration 2h 40min, chartered flight... preliminary: departure from Domodedovo at 11.00, Ural Airlines). Arrival at personal Santa Claus airport... Meeting with a representative of the host company upon arrival in Rovaniemi. Transfer and accommodation at the selected hotel or cottage. For hotel guests: Information meeting

All hotels / apartments have saunas, and the Skandik Pohyanhovi also has a swimming pool. Possibility of ordering dinners and additional evening programs (optional).

12/31/2018 Breakfast at the hotel. A trip to where Santa Claus and his gnome helpers... Santa can be told the most intimate dreams and wishes for gifts. At the Santa Claus Post office, you can order congratulations to your friends and family for the next New Year, certified by the personal seal of Santa Claus. The picturesque shops sell original souvenirs. Here you will also see Santa Claus's gnome helpers: they help prepare and pack gifts. Obtaining a Diploma of crossing the Arctic Circle. A trip to Santa Park, located deep in the ground in a cave, is a real fairy-tale world for children and adults with attractions, theater, souvenir shops and cafes; here the atmosphere of Christmas is present all year round... Here you can take part in making Christmas gifts with the elves and even receive the proud title of "Elf - a real helper of Santa Claus", having taken a lesson at the school of elves, and also watch a fairy dance performance.

Preparing for the New Year - all shops and Christmas markets are open (there are Christmas discounts!), Buying New Year's gifts for loved ones.

Festive New Year's Eve dinner at the hotel.
It is possible to order an "exit" New Year's Eve - in Santa Park itself. We also offer options for celebrating the New Year in the colorful national Valdemari Restaurant or in the Royal Reindeer restaurant. Order in Moscow.

01.01.2019 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Late breakfast at the hotel. Free time for recreation, walks in the winter forest on the Ounasvaara fell and doing sports (skiing, alpine skiing, sleds / ice sleds, etc.). Visiting the health center, gym. (Reindeer and dog sledding, trips to Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Visiting Mrs. Claus", "Search for the Snow Queen", etc.).

Optional -Dinner at the hotel. The hotels have saunas, and the Skandik Pohyanhovi Hotel also has a swimming pool.

02.01.2019 Breakfast. Free time for rest and relaxation, winter sports - all shops and Christmas markets are open (there are Christmas discounts!). (Reindeer and dog sledding, trips to Lapland's "spirits", children's programs "Fairy Tale Adventures Visiting the Trolls", "The Search for the Snow Queen", etc.). Optional - Dinner at the hotel.

The hotels have saunas, and the Skandik Pohyanhovi Hotel also has a swimming pool.

01/03/2019 Free time for rest and relaxation, winter sports - all shops and Christmas markets are open (there are Christmas discounts!), Buying New Year gifts for loved ones. (Reindeer and dog sledding, trips to Lapland's "spirits", children's programs "Fairy Tale Adventures Visiting the Trolls", "The Search for the Snow Queen", etc.). The hotels have saunas, and the Cumulus Resort Pohyanhovi also has a swimming pool. Optional - Dinner at the hotel.

04.01.2019 Breakfast. Transfer to Rovaniemi airport. Departure to Moscow (charter flight).

CHRISTMAS TOUR 04.01.2019 - 09.01.2019

(possible tour dates 03.01.2019 - 08.01.2019)

PROGRAM:

01/04/2019 Arrival in Rovaniemi (direct flight Moscow - Rovaniemi, flight duration 2 hours 40 minutes, charter flight, preliminary: departure from Domodedovo, 11.00, Ural Airlines.). Arrival at personal Santa Claus airport... Meeting with a representative of the host company upon arrival in Rovaniemi. Transfer and accommodation at the selected hotel / cottage. For hotel guests: Information meeting at the hotel - presentation of the region and programs of recreation and entertainment, the possibility of ordering additional programs.

The hotel has saunas, and the Skandik Pohyanhovi also has a swimming pool. Dinner at the hotel (optional).

01/05/2019 Breakfast at the hotel. Ride on Arctic Circle to Santa Claus Village, where Santa Claus and his assistants, the gnomes, live in their House. Santa can be told the most intimate dreams and wishes for gifts. On the Santa Claus mail you can order congratulations to your friends and family for the next New Year, certified by the personal seal of Santa Claus. The picturesque shops sell original souvenirs. Here you will see and gnome helpers Santa Claus: they help prepare and pack gifts. Receiving Diploma of crossing the Arctic Circle... A trip to Santa Park, located deep in the ground in a cave, is a real fairy-tale world for children and adults with attractions, theater, souvenir shops and cafes; here the atmosphere of Christmas is present all year round. The hotel has saunas, a swimming pool (at the Rantasipi Pohyanhovi hotel). Dinner at the hotel (optional).

06.01.2019 Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for rest and relaxation, doing winter sports, to prepare for Christmas - all shops and Christmas markets are open (there are Christmas discounts!), Buying New Year gifts for loved ones. (Reindeer and dog sledding, trips to Lapland's "spirits", children's programs "Fairy Tale Adventures Visiting the Trolls", "The Search for the Snow Queen", etc.).

07.01.2019 HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Breakfast. Free time for rest and relaxation, doing winter sports, to prepare for Christmas - all shops and Christmas markets are open (there are Christmas discounts!), Buying New Year gifts for loved ones. (Reindeer and dog sledding, trips to Lapland's "spirits", children's programs "Fairy Tale Adventures Visiting the Trolls", "The Search for the Snow Queen", etc.).

Dinner at the hotel (optional). The hotel has saunas, a swimming pool (at the Skandik Pohyanhovi hotel).

01/08/2019 Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for rest, walks in the winter forest on the Ounasvaara fell and doing sports (skiing, alpine skiing, sledging / ice sledges, etc.). Visiting the health center, gym. (Reindeer and dog sledding, trips to Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Visiting Mrs. Claus", "Search for the Snow Queen", etc.).

Dinner at the hotel (optional). The hotel has saunas, a swimming pool (Scandik Pohyanhovi).

01/09/2019 Breakfast. Transfer to Rovaniemi airport. Departure to Moscow (charter flight)

Attention: The host party reserves the right to rearrange excursions with the obligatory provision of the full scope of the declared programs.

03.01 - 08.01 / 04.01 - 09.01.2019
TOUR PRICE for APARTMENT in EUR:

Last apartment Superior type A	03.01 - 08.01.2019 Without air tickets	04.01 - 09.01 With air tickets Half board (breakfast + dinner)
Apartment Superior 40m2 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child (3-13.99 years old)	2595	3850
Apartment Superior 40 m2 2 adults + 1 child (3-13.99 years old)	3155	4630
Apartment Superior 40 m2 2 adults + 2 children (3-13.99 years old)	3585	5550
Apartment Superior 40m2 3 adults	3435	4920
Apartment Superior 40m2 3 adults + 1 child (3-13.99 years)	3855	5740
Apartment Superior 40m2 4 adults	4175	6254
The cost of the tour for a child 0-2 years old in any of the rooms, together with a parent / parents, with a baby cot, boarding pass and medical insurance incl.	50	100
The cost of the tour for a child 2-2.99 years old in any of the rooms, together with the parent / parents, without a separate seat, including flights, transfer and medical insurance	50	425
Included in cost:	- accommodation in a Superior apartment, type A -half board - final cleaning.	- air tickets "Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow"; - transfer airport cottage - airport; - Accommodation in a Superior apartment, type A (see description below); - meals: half board (breakfasts and dinners) - animation club for children Gingerbread Club - weather program; - daily visit to the Santa Claus Village; - final cleaning; - medical insurance

Included in cost:

Air tickets "Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow";
- transfer airport-hotel / cottage-airport;
- accommodation in a hotel / cottage;
- Meals: in hotels of your choice, breakfast or half board; in the cottage - half board (breakfast and dinner)
- at the hotel - use of the sauna and swimming pool;
- for hotel guests: the "Magic Circle of Santa Claus" program (including entrance tickets, transfer, guide services): visiting the Santa Claus Village and Santa Park, visiting the Christmas exhibition and the Ice Gallery in Santa Park, Diploma of crossing the Arctic Circle);
- for those living in the cottage - an animation club for children Gingerbread Club - a weather program; - daily visit to the Santa Claus Village; - final cleaning in the cottage;
- medical insurance.

It is additionally paid:

HOTELS BY PROGRAM:

Hotel SKANDIK POKHYANKHOVI (formerly RANTASIPI POKHYANKHOVI) 4 *

Hotel "Scandic Pohjanhovi" 4 * is one of the most popular hotels in the city of Rovaniemi, the only hotel in the city center with a swimming pool. This is a high standard hotel with good traditions and quality service. The hotel is constantly being improved, the number of rooms is regularly updated.
All rooms: TV, cable TV, pay TV channels, telephone, radio, minibar, individual air conditioning, bathroom (bath / shower), hairdryer.
Restaurants, bars: 3 restaurants (including a restaurant with the right to sell alcoholic beverages), a bar, a lobby bar, night club, pool bar.
Spa, pool, sauna: pool, pool bar, 4 saunas, VIP saunas.
Additionally: gift shop, babysitting services for children, beauty salon, parking lot.

Location: To the bus stop - 0 km, To the railway station - 1 km,
To the city center - 0 km, To flat ski trails - 100 m (length of trails - 100 km), To illuminated ski trails - 2.5 km,
Before ski slopes- 2.5 km, To Santa Claus Village - 8 km,
To "Santapark" - 7.5 km, To the museum "Arktikum" - 1 km,
To the hypermarket "City market" - 3 km,
Before shopping center Sampo Keskus - 0 km.
Rooms: in total in the hotel - 212 rooms, among them: single rooms "Single" - 15,
double rooms Twin - 157, Deluxe rooms - 32, Junior Suite rooms - 16
- most of the rooms have a balcony
- it is possible to install additional bed
- cots are provided for children 0-2 years old

Hotel SCANDIC ROVANIEMI 3 *
The hotel is located on main street Rovaniemi: shops, bars, restaurants, excursions - everything is close by. The hotel was built in a very interesting style: the "Atrium" restaurant is a room in the interior of the hotel at the full height of the building; the windows of the hotel rooms overlook either the city or the inner space, the "Atrium"; the windows overlooking the restaurant are tinted and covered with blackout curtains. The restaurant is spectacularly decorated with plants, trees and designer awnings.

In the hotel:

• 167 rooms, of which 134 are non-smoking; rooms for people with disabilities, 5 meeting rooms, a garage for 30 cars, parking in front of the hotel for 40 cars, 3 bars, a restaurant, a gym.
• Rooftop hotel saunas for men and women with city, river and Arktikum views, private sauna with Jacuzzi and steam cabin.
• Throughout the hotel - wireless Internet access.

NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS 2019 PROGRAMS IN ROVANIEMI

** New Year and Christmas parties in Santa Park **

Recommended for families with children. Do not even doubt that children,
despite the late time, they will withstand the program to the end, and they will not even want to leave after midnight. The holiday is aimed at the children's audience, as well as with the expectation that adults will be able to sit quietly at the table while the children are entertained by elves. Dress code is ceremonial.

In the fabulous cave "Santa Park" you can meet Santa Claus himself in his office, where he will be waiting for you with open arms. And of course you will meet a myriad of friendly elves. At the post office they will help you send a greeting card, and in the workshop they will help you make a toy. The wisest of Santa's helpers will teach you the wisdoms at the Elf School, and the playful one will ride a magic train that will take you through the four seasons and even allow you to drop by the Elven Toy Factory, where preparations for the holidays are always underway. In Santa Park, you will also be greeted by the beautiful Ice Princess, who will certainly invite you to visit the Gallery, in which every sculpture, every smallest detail is lovingly crafted from ice! Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to breathe it in the frosty, magic-filled air!

The famous Santa Park show will be presented to your attention, and after that you and the elves will start dancing to the music of the Elven Disco. And, of course, we will celebrate the holiday all together: we will enjoy delicious dishes and magical performances!

Only in the New Year's program: chimes, the anthem of the Russian Federation and breathtaking fireworks!

New Year's program with dinner	New Year's program without dinner	Christmas program with dinner
31.12.18 20:00-00:30	31.12.18 21:30-00:30	01/06/19 20: 00-00: 30 (The conduct of the program is in question. To be specified before 11/01/2018)
Menu (Menu from 31.12.2017. New menu is being specified): Snacks (buffet) Green salad, Salad with Mozzarella cheese, Salad with venison and pasta, Smoked salmon fillet, Smoked whitefish fillet, Lightly salted salmon Lightly salted herring. Spinach and sweet potato pate Smoked turkey brisket Hot dish (served on tables): Beef steak in wine sauce Fried potatoes Dessert (buffet) The drinks:	Menu: Dessert (buffet) Assortment of pies and cakes Vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce.	Menu: Snacks (buffet) Green salad. Salad with Mozzarella cheese. Venison and pasta salad. Smoked salmon fillet. Smoked whitefish fillet. Lightly salted salmon. Lightly salted herring. Marinated herring in blackcurrant sauce. Caviar in assortment Marinated champignons. Signature mushroom salad "Santa Park". Spinach and sweet potato pate Smoked turkey brisket. Jellied game in blackcurrant jelly. Boiled potatoes. Bread in assortment. Hot dish (served on tables): Beef steak in wine sauce. Fried potatoes. Dessert (buffet): Assortment of pies and cakes Vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce. The drinks: Glass of sparkling wine / adult Glass of carbonated apple juice / reb.
Price: 199 euros / adult, 170 euro / child 4-12 years old	Price: 175 euros / adult, 145 euros / child 4-12 years old	Price: 175 euros / adult, 145 euros / child 4-12 years old

Prices include group transfer hotel-Santa Park-hotel, program, gala dinner with a glass of champagne
Supplement for an individual transfer to Santa Park for the New Year or Christmas program 200 € / minibus 1-8 people. There and back again
. .

** MEETING NEW 2019 IN VALDEMARI RESTAURANT **

We invite you to celebrate the New Year in the traditional Finnish restaurant Valdemari. This is one of the most famous and popular restaurants in Rovaniemi, located on the banks of the Kemijoki River, overlooking the city center. Warm atmosphere, excellent Lapland cuisine, New Year's program with fiery music and dance and entertainment program await everyone on this New Year's Eve. The most important guest, good old Santa Claus, flying by, will certainly make a stop and look at the light to congratulate everyone on the most important holiday and give presents. For younger guests - a children's disco and round dances with funny gnomes.

We invite you to celebrate the New Year itself on the open terrace of the restaurant, from where a magnificent view of the night city and an unforgettable fireworks display opened up.

Duration of the program from 21:30 to 01:00 The price includes: transfer from the hotel to the restaurant and back, program, gala dinner (buffet), small gifts for children, disco for children and adults, contests and entertainment.

** NEW YEAR'S DINNER WITH SHOW PROGRAM AT THE RESTAURANT Royal Reindeer **

We invite you to celebrate an unforgettable New Year on the banks of the river in the Royal Reindeer Restaurant with a bright show - program, dance hits and competitions. A New Year's buffet and festive drinks await guests.
In the midst of the holiday, the most famous resident of Lapland, the good old Santa Claus, will also visit the restaurant. Flying over the world in a team of reindeer, he will not forget to look at the festive table at the light. Each little guest will receive a gift and will be able to meet Santa Claus's assistants - elves, who will teach the kids their elf craft and initiate them into elves. All guests of the program will also be able to see the grandiose New Year's fireworks!

Treat yourself to the most magical New Year's Eve -
under the light of the northern stars and surrounded by a festive extravaganza!

Date: 31.12.2018 21: 00-01: 00

Price: 160 € / adult, 95 € / child (children under 4 years old - free)

The cost of the program includes:

Group transfer from the hotel and back
festive buffet and welcome drink
entertainment show program with a presenter and DJ
visit of Santa Claus with elves, gifts for each child
fireworks
Christmas mood

** New Year and Christmas parties in Lapland Shaman Village **

If you are traveling without children or the children are already such adults that they cannot be surprised by elves, then we recommend this particular program. Dress code is casual.

This is a completely unique show and performance, in which you become a direct participant.

It all starts right at the gate. The place where shamans live does not belong to the territory of Finland or any other country, it is not even Europe. It has its own border, its own laws. And as it should be when crossing the border, you must go through customs and passport control... Your passport is invalid in the fabulous land of shamans, so you will immediately be issued a new one, and you will feel like a full citizen of this country.

Then you have to cleanse yourself of the evil spirits brought by you from outside in an atmosphere of complete mystery and surrounded by idols and dried animal heads. Be sure that a professional hereditary shaman will drive out all evil spirits and fill the resulting void with a special "good" medicine.

Now that you are completely cleansed, it's time to start and celebrate. A festive dinner awaits all guests - the tables are set in a huge traditional chum.

And of course Santa Claus himself will come to congratulate the guests and distribute gifts.

Guests can enjoy outdoor Lapland sledding.

Menu: Wild mushroom puree soup

Venison with lingonberry sauce, Lapland potato puree, pickles

Lapland flatbread, butter Berry dessert, biscuits Coffee / tea, cognac / cloudberry liqueur

Unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks (vodka, red and white wine).

Duration of the program: 21: 00-00: 30 on New Year's and 18: 00-22: 00 on Christmas

Price 2017-2018 : 135 euros / adult, 95 euros / child 4-12 years old

Surcharge for individual transfer to Lapland Shaman Village for New Year or Christmas program 220 € / minibus 1-8 people. There and back again.

** MEETING NEW YEAR OR CHRISTMAS IN SANTAMUS RESTAURANT **
(the restaurant changed its owner and name. Now it is Royal Reindeer.
Plans for New Year's Eve 2019 have not been determined. Below is the announcement of the New Year 2017.
We follow information and news.)

The most famous and fabulous restaurant in Lapland is Santamus, located in the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. This restaurant is known not only for its unique location, but also for its unique "Santa Claus-fabulous" design.

Going inside, you find yourself in a fairy tale - a seething river flows in front of you, in which trout splashes, and a spruce forest grows along the banks. Bridges, cozy log walls and fireplaces create a unique atmosphere for this restaurant. Many miracles and surprises await you, which we prefer to keep silent about in order to leave the magic!

For New Year's and Christmas dinners, traditional Finnish dishes will be offered: cold snacks, hot dishes, dessert and champagne.

During the evening, a unique program awaits you: twice
to celebrate the New Year (in Moscow and Finnish time), to hear the playing of a traditional Finnish musical instrument - the kantele, and an unconventional musical instrument - the saw. In between the meal, you will have the opportunity to test the fortune of the gold miners and try to wash the golden sand in the turbulent river (for an additional fee -20 Euro per person).

And of course - what a New Year or Christmas without Santa Claus! Everyone will have the opportunity to communicate with the most real Santa on the planet, and for each child, Santa Claus will have a little present.

Price: 165 euros / adult, 95 euros / child 4-12 years old
Duration of the program from 21:30 to 01:00 The price includes: transfer, program, gala dinner
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.
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These prices are valid for travel agencies only.
The cost presented to tourists must be indicated in rubles.

Hello, friends! What to do if the newfangled routes for celebrating the New Year under the palm trees on the seashore are no longer attractive. And I want a real Russian winter with all the winter entertainments: real frosts, fluffy snow, ice skating, sledging and skiing, the construction of snow fortresses and towns and a merry New Year celebration under a real tree in a real forest.

And there is a way out: you need to go not just anywhere, but to Lapland - the kingdom of the Snow Queen and to the habitat of Santa Claus. In one of the articles I have already talked about traveling with children and the fact that having visited this country, it is impossible not to visit the place where Santa Claus lives. This amazing place is located in the far north of the Arctic Circle, 9 kilometers from the capital of Lapland - Rovaniemi in the village of Joulupukin Pajakyla.

Mysterious and unique Lapland

Lapland, an inexplicable and fabulous province located in Finland, with fantastic nature and unique culture, is of course close to us in many ways. We are also accustomed to severe frosts, like the Finns, and we love winter fun from childhood.

But what can be seen in Lapland will undoubtedly cause many unexpected emotions. In these places with primeval nature with forests and mountains, many rivers and lakes, clean air, polar night every time on New Year's Eve, crowds of tourists come, dreaming not only to enjoy the local beauties, but also to return once again to a distant fairy tale from childhood.

And for children, this is an opportunity to see live those places about which so much is already known from the books of Hans Christian Andersen and the Swedish writer Selma Lagerlef. The adventures of Kai and Gerda, a reindeer who hails from Lapland, in the land of the Snow Queen and the heroes from the book "Niels's Wonderful Journey with Wild Geese" in Lapland - the first acquaintance with this northern country which no doubt needs to be continued.

And we will begin our journey with Rovaniemi

The history of this northern city, the largest in area in Europe, begins in the 15th century. It is located 8 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, 800 kilometers from Helsinki and 1025 kilometers from St. Petersburg. This particular northern city in winter it becomes the most beloved resort in Lapland by children and adults.

And this is easy to explain. These are the places where he spends most time in the worries and preparation for the Christmas holidays, the beloved New Year character - Santa Claus (in Finnish - Joulupukki). After all, it is here, just a few kilometers from the city, that the famous village of Santa Claus is located.

It is clear that Santa Claus is almost the same as ours, but in a European manner. But the history of its origin is somewhat different. It is assumed that Saint Nicholas became his prototype: Santa - “saint”, Klaus - “Nicholas. During his lifetime, this common Christian saint secretly helped poor people and children. And the tradition of giving gifts on St. Nicholas's Day later transformed into the tradition of giving gifts to children at Christmas. And this is done with great pleasure by the modern Santa Claus.

According to legend, Santa's permanent home and secret workshop, where Christmas presents for children are prepared, are located on Mount Korvatunturi. But, since rumors began to spread among people about his secret habitat, Santa Claus, in order not to be completely declassified, decided to reveal himself to people and chose a place for this on the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi.

Here, in Lapland, in a small village, Santa established his working residence, which is now known throughout the world. He comes here every day, receives visitors from all over the world, reads letters from all over the world (which can be sent to the address: Santa Klaus, 96930 Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finland), and from them he learns what children dream about and what gifts they are waiting for Christmas.

But in fact, the village of Santa Claus dates back to 1950. And this was due to the visit of the wife of the American President, Eleanor Roosevelt, to these places. By her arrival, a small wooden house as Santa's temporary home. It has survived to this day and is located near the office of Santa Claus.

This is how, somewhere far beyond the Arctic Circle, among the forests and snow sparkling in the sun, the village of Santa appeared many years ago. The good news is that there is such a wonderful place and you must visit it at least once in your life.

Santa Claus Village Sites:

Where Santa Claus lives - childhood lives

This is the kingdom of Santa Claus, where reality and fairy tale are so closely intertwined, and on its territory, inhabited by fairy-tale characters, such amazing events take place that they make you believe in the reality of what is happening and in the possibility of miracles and happiness not only for young children, but also for quite adults. aunts and uncles.

Santa Claus Village is the Santa Claus office and post office, Santa Park, tourist cottages, many shops and restaurants, and a small reindeer farm. In winter, numerous slides are built on the square, from which you can ride for free. There is another amusement park near the village - "Arctic Winter World".

According to one of the hypotheses (I do not know, scientific or also fabulous), the place for this magical village was not chosen by chance: since it is in this place that the earth's crust is very thin, then with the help of special mechanisms Santa Claus learned to manage time in particular to slow down the speed of rotation of the Earth. And this little trick helps Santa visit everyone in the world on Christmas Eve in one night and give everyone gifts.

The village is small, but not small either. In the center of the Village there is a large Christmas tree decorated with small flags of different countries of the world. Everything around is sparkling in a festive outfit, which immediately improves the mood.

The entrance to the village is free, but of course you have to pay for various services.

Santa's office is the main attraction of the village

Santa's office in the office can be accessed through a long fabulous corridor. The famous wizard himself and his constant assistants - the gnomes joyfully meet the guests, and in the minutes allotted for the visit, you need to try to tell Santa Claus about what is most important for you in this life, make a wish and sit next to him.

This is not difficult to do, since Santa has learned many foreign languages ​​well, including Russian. Santa gives gifts to good and obedient children.

Entry to Santa's cabin is free. But if you want to capture yourself in a photo next to Santa Claus, then you will have to pay for this to his assistants - gnome photographers.

Playful and restless gnomes and elves help Santa to entertain guests.

In addition, they work in Santa's workshop, where they make amazing gifts for children.

Santa himself is a tireless worker. It receives guests every day without days off and holidays. Office opening hours depend on the time of year and holidays (in December, the opening hours are increased and there may be queues).

Official website of the Santa Claus office: santaclauslive.com

Santa Claus mail

This is a must-see place after the Santa Claus office. Almost half a million tourists come here every year.

Here you can order a letter from Santa Claus to any part of the world. Such a letter in the desired language (options are offered in 11 languages) will help you compose and send merry elves. Letters from children with their requests and wishes come here from different parts of the planet, which the elves parse and then pass on to Santa. Interesting statistic: Since 1980, Santa has received over 16 million letters.

From the Santa Claus post office, you can send a Christmas card with good wishes to family and friends. All letters and postcards are stamped with a special Santa seal, and they are immediately sent to their destination. Here you can also buy various souvenirs and postcards.

The Santa Claus post office, like the office, is open all days of the year.

The Village has another attraction associated with an interesting ritual that everyone who has visited this place loves to perform: crossing the geographical and, to some extent, fabulous border of the Arctic Circle, depicted as a white line with the inscription "Arctic Circle".

The most "courageous" (that is, those who will cross the Arctic Circle) will be solemnly presented with commemorative certificates in memory of this event.

There is another notable geographical landmark in the village: a large pillar with direction signs for the largest cities in the world.

Santa Claus Mail Sites:

Santa Park - the magic cave of the elves

Near the Village there is an underground (at a depth of several tens of meters) Santa Claus Park, inhabited by cheerful elves. This structure is in the form of a series of tunnels that are laid right inside the rock. Before you are greeted by elves and fairy-tale characters, there is a long descent ahead.

Santa Park's Cave of Adventure has a variety of fun and varied activities for everyone. It is especially fun for children here. In the school of elves, you can master all sorts of elven wisdom, learn how to sign Christmas cards with calligraphic handwriting.

And those who have distinguished themselves will even be given a diploma on the successful completion of the course of a young elf.

In Mrs. Claus's pastry shop and kitchen, you can not only taste delicious gingerbread cookies, but also learn how to cook them yourself. In addition, this kind woman has so many sweets in store.

It will not be superfluous to visit Santa Claus in his office, once again visit the elven post office (suddenly, not all friends have been sent postcards yet).

And the kingdom of the Ice Princess (not scary at all, rather the opposite) will simply surprise you with sculptures of northern animals and fairy-tale characters in the Ice Gallery.

And you can also go on a fun journey with the elves on the magic train "Seasons", play in a huge ball filled with snowflakes, or playground Angry Birds.

The annual colorful costume show complements the long list of amazing adventures.

All the hungry awaits tasty food in an underground cafe, and those who did not have time to buy gifts for their relatives can do so in the local shops and souvenir shops.

Opening hours of Santa Park:

Santa Park is not open every day, but only at certain times.

From November 11, 2018 to November 30, 2018 - daily from 10:00 to 17:00. From December 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019 - daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Santa Park website: santapark.com

The cost of tickets to Santa Park for 2018-2019:

Unlike the free entrance to the Village, the entrance is paid.

From 11.11.2018 - 6.01.2019 (winter season):

• adults - 34 €, children (3-12) years old - 28.50 €

Children under 3 years old can enter Santa Park free of charge. The ticket price, which is valid for two days in a row, includes all the entertainment of Santa Park, and you can buy tickets at the ticket office at the elf.

Another great place for children and their parents is located very close to the village of Santa Claus. But this amusement park is open only in winter - from early December to late March.

And every year this complex, which consists of a unique igloo hotel, slides for children and adults in fantastic lighting, a cafe and a bar, beautiful sculptures, is rebuilt from snow and ice.

From the ice slides on sledges and cheesecakes, everyone, from small to large, is happy to ride.

You can conquer more and more slides at least all day for a single entrance fee to the amusement park.

And having dashed off, you can take a break. The Ice Cafe or Bar offers delicious berry drinks for children and something stronger for adults. And all this in ice glasses.

For a more complete understanding of Icy world The daredevils can spend the night in a sleeping bag in one of the snowy rooms adorned with ice objects at the Arctice Igloo Hotel.

There are no more zoos in the world so far north.

It is located about 80 kilometers (or an hour's drive) from Rovaniemi. More than 200 different animals and about 30 species of birds live here, including white and brown bears, wolves and, of course, reindeer.

Excellent conditions have been created for the animals: spacious enclosures, good feeding and care. The zoo is stretched out in a long strip, about 2.5 km, in the forest. Therefore, for children at the entrance to the zoo, you can take a stroller or sled free of charge. Children usually prefer sleds with delight.

In addition to the zoo, you can also visit the children's fairytale park. – the castle "Mur-mur" (or castle of the elves), where gnomes and elves make Christmas gifts for children, where you can enjoy delicious sweets from the local confectionery factory "Fazer" or a rare northern berry - cloudberry.

The zoo is open daily. Opening hours and ticket prices depend on the season. You can get from Rovaniemi to Ranua by car or bus.

Ranua Zoo official website: ranuazoo.com

Opening hours of Ranua Zoo:

• From September 1 to May 31 - from 10:00 to 16:00
• From June 1 to August 31 - from 9:00 to 19:00

The cost of visiting the zoo:

From 01.10.2018 - 09.12.2018 and from 11.01.2019 - 31.03.2019:

• For adults - 15 €
• For children 4-14 years old - 13.50 €
• For seniors - 14 €
• Family ticket - 51 €
• For students - 13.50 €

From 10.12.2018 - 10.01.2019:

• For adults - 18.50 €
• For children 4-14 years old - 16 €
• For seniors - 17 €
• For students - 16 €
• Family ticket - 59 €

From 1.04.2018 - 30.09.2018:

• For adults - 17 €
• For children 4-14 years old - 14 €
• For seniors - 14.50 €
• For students - 14 €
• Family ticket - 51 €

For children under 4 years old, visit to the zoo is free.

What else can you do in Lapland?

You cannot leave these places without riding in reindeer and dog sleds or on powerful snowmobiles.

You can find out more about this on the sites:

• wildlifesafaris.fi
• gulo.fi

There is a reindeer farm near Santa Claus' office in winter.

It is small, but sufficient for organizing wonderful walks in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

And, of course, you will be very lucky if you manage to admire, according to eyewitnesses, extraordinary beauty Northern Lights.

The time of the appearance of this inexplicable natural phenomenon difficult to predict. But still, suddenly you find yourself at the right time in the right place.

Where to live and how to get there?

There are no problems with accommodation and transport in these places. Despite all the severity of these places, the conditions for tourists are excellent here. You can stay on vacation in a hotel or in a separate comfortable and cozy cottage.

There is a railway station in the city, and only 10 kilometers from the city and 2 kilometers from the village of Santa Claus - international Airport Rovaniemi.

From the center of Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village there is a regular Santa's Express bus (route no. 8), which takes about 20-30 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket per person is 3.80 €. A taxi from the center to the village will cost several times more - about 25 €.

And for a complete immersion in the local atmosphere, you can get from the city to Santa Claus Village by reindeer or dog sledding.

And if there is a desire to celebrate the New Year in a family way, in a cozy house by the fireplace in fabulous atmosphere – better place than the fabulous Lapland, you will not find.

A trip to Finland is also good because we have with this country common border... Therefore, the opportunity to travel to Finland from the northwestern part of our country is greatly simplified. For example, you can go there from St. Petersburg by different types of transport.

The easiest way is to get to Helsinki by high-speed train "Allegro" or by car, bus, plane or even by ferry. You can also get from Russia by bus from Murmansk and Kandalaksha. Those who live in the central part of Russia can use the services corporate train Moscow-Helsinki "Leo Tolstoy".

The second advantage of this tourist destination- this is the relative ease of obtaining a visa. Finns willingly give Russian tourists visas.

Don't forget to bring warm clothes and! Happy Holidays!

The village of Santa Claus in Finland is located next to small town Rovaniemi. A small village called Joulupukki invites you to visit the Finnish Santa Claus all year round. Fairy Lapland is not only a place where you can see the northern lights, but also the permanent habitat of the real Santa Claus.

People no longer want to celebrate the New Year in tropical countries, but tend to the snow-covered land to the homeland of Santa. Even teenagers who do not believe in Santa Claus for a long time, once in Lapland, will again believe in a fairy tale. They will want to write a letter to Finnish Santa Claus and enjoy the kaleidoscope of entertainment this magical place has to offer.

Even if the celebration of the New Year is planned at one of the ski resorts in Finland, getting to visit Santa Claus is very easy and does not take much time. From any city you can buy a plane ticket and fly to Rovaniemi, and there any public transport will take you to the fabulous village in just 10 minutes.

How to get there

The address of Santa Claus in Lapland is the village of Joulupukki, which is located 8 kilometers from the Finnish town of Rovaniemi. It is all 1000 kilometers from the Russian border. From St. Petersburg, with a visa, you can get there by train, plane or bus in just a few hours. First you need to get to the capital of Finland, then to Rovaniemi, and from there buses run every hour.

Rovaniemi has an airport and a railway station, so residents of St. Petersburg have the opportunity to take tickets to the village of Santa Claus directly. From the railway station in Rovaniemi you need to take bus number 8. If tourists decide to travel to Finland by their own vehicles, then tell the name of the village of Joulupukki into the navigator device and you will arrive exactly at Santa's house.

History

Everyone knows that the real birthplace of Santa Claus is Lapland. It is said that it was this magical symbol of the New Year that created the famous Northern Lights. The first tourist who visited this place was Eleanor Roosevelt. The Finns built a hut in her honor, which can still be seen today.

It is better to visit the village of Santa Claus in the winter, but Santa Park and the elves work there in the summer. After all, there are many children on earth and everyone writes letters that need to be processed and delivered to their destination. Santa reads every letter without exception, even if it was sent by email.

Santa Claus's summer house is located in the same village as the winter office, it began operating in 1950. There, on the shelves, are crowded volumes of books, where the villains of the whole country and obedient children are inscribed, who every year receive gifts from Santa. Fairy elves help Finnish Santa Claus. To get into this magical house, you have to go through the clockwork.

On a note! In the village, you can always go with a group, where the guide will tell you about the history of this place, and buy souvenirs. Be sure to write a letter from Lapland and send it to your family, the envelope will be stamped with the Arctic Circle.

Opening hours, ticket prices

Finnish Santa Claus receives guests all year round, but there are also days when you cannot get to the village. To plan your train, it is best to know the exact schedule of visiting days:

• September to late November: 10am to 5pm.
• From January 7 to the end of May - from 10 am to 5 pm.
• From June to the end of August - from 9 am to 6 pm.
• From December 1 to January 6 - heightened schedule from 9 am to 7 pm.

Children under three years old can see the Finnish Santa Claus for free, adults will pay about $ 40, and children from three to 18 years old - $ 35. This price includes not only a meeting with Santa Claus, but also a visit to Santa Park.

Letter to Santa Claus

In the village of Joulupukki, not far from Santa's house, there is a post office, which is crowded at any time of the year. Here you can write and send a letter to any part of the earth with an imprint of the Arctic Circle, as well as leave a message to Santa Claus. Be sure to get some unique cards featuring the wonderful landscapes of Lapland and the Northern Lights.

Santa Claus's assistants work in the post office - fairy elves, they will help to compose an interesting text. If the child is small and still does not know how to write, the elves will write a letter for him in any language of the world. Each visitor will have the opportunity to have a photo session with all the villagers, warm up by the fireplace and watch the elves deliver mail bags to Santa.

The residence of Santa Claus in Finland has an official website, where every inhabitant of the earth also has the opportunity to send a letter to Santa Claus in electronic form.

Write down the resource addresses and be sure to send the cherished message:

• santaclausvillage.info;
• santaclausholidayvillage.fi.

On a note! It costs about $ 15 to send one letter. Remember, no matter what time of year a letter is written, if you put it in a red box, Santa Claus will read it on Christmas Eve.

Winter fun

Santa Park Rovaniemi is designed as Dreamland... It will be interesting for people of any age. There you can go for a ride on attractions, visit an elf school, participate in games and competitions. Every child can attend calligraphy writing classes and Mrs. Claus's bakery, which bakes fragrant Easter cakes. You can not only taste delicious gingerbread cookies, but also take part in the process of their preparation.

There are many ski resorts near Rovaniemi and on its territory. You can organize your vacation there, and visit Santa Claus on one of the days of your stay in Finnish territory. If you forget your outfit at home on vacation, it doesn't matter, you can buy it in any Finnish store.

Despite the fact that the village is open all year round, experienced tourists advise to come there in winter. Snow-covered paths and New Year's lights emphasize the eve of the New Year at the right time. Walking along the snowy paths, you involuntarily begin to believe in magic. You can make snowmen with a whole company and play hockey.

Joulupukki Village offers entertainment for all ages:

• You can go ice skating on the frozen lake.
• Ride on snowmobiles, reindeer or dog sleds.
• Visit the ice houses and even have a tea party there.
• Taste Finnish traditional food.
• Go ice fishing or take a steam bath in a Finnish sauna.

On a note! Every visitor fabulous place must get to know Santa Claus's reindeer. They live not far from the magic grandfather's house.

Shops and restaurants

Dress warmly if you are visiting Finland during the winter and after seeing local attractions, go shopping. In each of them you can buy New Year's souvenirs at competitive prices.

If the children visited the workshop of elves, then they will be able to take all hand-made crafts with them. Be sure to buy Christmas decorations, northern lights slide paintings and Finnish delicacies.

Remember that from December 25th all over Finland it is time for sales and all shops are offering big discounts on all goods. Be sure to visit several shopping places.

New Year's holidays 2019 in Finland invite travelers to plunge into the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale and choose a vacation that they like.

This small but calm and comfortable country has many wonderful activities for every taste - from a quiet relaxing holiday in a cozy cottage with all kinds of amenities to extreme adventures in a mysterious snowy forest, from meeting New Year's magic in the Santa village and an ice hotel, to hot wellness procedures at spa resorts, and you can also visit medieval castle to Turku and "hunt" the famous Northern Lights ...

For those who are thinking about how to spend the New Year in Finland, there are a lot of offers from both Russian and Finnish tour operators with very affordable prices. Special place among such proposals are travels to Lapland, the homeland of the most famous winter wizard.

Christmas wizard village

Indeed, this region of Finland, partly located above the Arctic Circle, has something to show the traveler and how to surprise him: the Christmas house of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi and Santa Pochta with elves, the real kingdom of polar bears in Ranua Park, the snowy village of Lainio, a mine with precious amethysts, a true extreme Rollohalli park. Freestyle and family ski resort Ounasvaara.

Finnish cuisine deserves a special mention (after all, what a New Year's dinner would be without a rich feast!), Which offers hearty and well-understood dishes from salmon, deer meat, mushrooms, berries and healthy vegetables, as well as delicious cheeses and dairy products for travelers from Russia.

Finnish dish

In Finland, you can also organize excellent shopping, because warm and light down jackets, jackets and shoes will last a long time and will delight you with their comfort to wear. In addition, shops will delight customers. low prices in December due to Christmas sales.

When to go?

The best time to travel to Lapland is during the winter season and the offers for the New Year holidays are very different. Starting from December 27-28, trips to the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, are organized by bus, train and plane (prices vary from 14,000 rubles for 5 days from St. Petersburg). The city has an international airport.

Reservations must be made in advance due to the large number of guests wishing to visit Finnish cities during the holidays and vacations.

It is wiser to choose the start time of the trip after December 26 and before December 30 inclusive, that is, days that do not fall on New Year itself and Catholic Christmas. In January, it is better to organize a trip after the 1st, so as not to get bogged down in the crowds of celebrations (Finland - popular place on New Year and Christmas holidays among Europeans, guests from Russia).

The choice of how best to organize your vacation: independently or using a tour package is always up to the traveler. In this matter, it is worth deciding in advance: is there a desire to spend time on developing a route, exploring places for accommodation and meals, or trust the tour operator and leave “worries” to professionals, enjoying exclusively rest and new impressions.

What is the weather like in Lapland during the winter holidays?

The weather in Lapland in December rarely changes: during the day the temperature is set in the range from -7 ° C to -5 ° C, at night the air temperature drops to -8 ° C. It is much warmer in Turku - from +1 ° C during the day. The climate is dry enough and the frost is not too painful. Precipitation in December is 42 mm. Daylight hours last 4-5 hours.

Mountain slopes in Lapland

Precipitation in December is 42 mm. Daylight hours last 4-5 hours.

In January, the air temperature drops to -9 -10 ° С, the amount of precipitation remains. Snowfalls are common. In January, temperature drops to -20 ° C are sometimes observed.

To feel comfortable in such weather conditions for the period of the trip, you need to take several changes of warm clothes, it is better to stock up on an insulated jacket or coat, trousers and shoes that can withstand frost more than 20 ° C. Several Finnish companies offer tours that include warm clothing rental. As a rule, these are one or two day nature tours with barbecue, sleigh rides, snowmobiles and / or dog sledding (prices from 6000 rubles).

The beauty of Lapland - in the video:

Where to stay during the trip?

In Rovaniemi, accommodation options for self-organizing travelers range from RUB 7,600. per night (Hotel Kemiyarvi) up to 68,000 rubles. (Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets). Cheap places in hotels and hostels must be booked at new year holidays in half a year - a year. Airport transfers are organized to such hotels.

Inside the cottage on ski resort at Rovaniemi

There are interesting accommodation options at the Santasport Hotel near Rovaniemi at wellness complex with swimming pool.

Complexes are known for their unusual numbers: Santa Claus Holiday Village(cottages in Santa Village with sauna) and Snowman World Glass Resort (with glass roof for viewing the northern lights, jacuzzi and sauna).

For those traveling by car, it is convenient to stay in a cottage or motel on the outskirts of the city. For example, in the Rova complex, 5 km from the city, a cottage for two costs 40 € per night, and a large house - 280 €.

The complex of cottages "Ounasvaaran Pirtit" is popular with guests by car from Russia. Cottages in it are rented for a period of 3 days, prices - from 35 € per night. It is convenient to have a separate kitchen in the cottages. The complex is located 10 minutes from the village of Santa Claus and in the immediate vicinity of the Ounasvaari ski slope.

The place where the fairy tale lives

Not far from Rovaniemi is the world famous Santa Claus residence, where you can:

• go to visit a wizard;
• give him a list of wishes;
• buy a souvenir;
• send a postcard or letter from a special post office;
• take a photo with Santa.

Elves, who work tirelessly in the office and at the fabulous mail, help the guests to navigate in the Santa's Village.

Many different attractions (from a young elf school to master classes in Christmas workshops) are organized in Santa Park.

The main New Year's wizard and his assistant in the Lapland forest

For adults, there is a beautiful and unusual ice bar with original lighting.

Prices for tours - from 6000 rubles, only a ticket to Santa Park costs 39 €, a photo - 30 €, a stamp and a postcard for sending - 5-7 €.

Entrance to Santa's Village: from 10.00 to 17.00.

Bears in the north and treasures in the mountain ...

Located 1 hour from Rovaniemi, Ranua Zoo is a must see for animal lovers. Here you can see 50 species of northern animals and birds: from polar and brown bears to foxes, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, polar owls and even manuls.

Tickets cost from 13 €, children under 4 years old - admission is free.

Family of polar bears in the park wildlife Ranua

Snowmobile safaris are organized from the park. forest land Lapland.

A 1.5 hour drive from Rovaniemi, in the village of Luosto, there is a working Lampivaara amethyst mine. This precious stones about 2 million years.

The excursionists are carried in the cabin of a warm carriage, which pulls the snowmobile along the Violet Road. There is a lot to learn while walking into the mine interesting facts about geology, history and nature, as well as about where amethyst is used, buy unique souvenirs with a stone in a special store.

The price for a tour to the mine is from 37 € (from the center of Luosto).

The kingdom of ice and fire

SnowVillage is a magical world of ice and snow located in Lainio, near Levi and Ylläs. Every year the SnowVillage ice hotel is redesigned using about 15 million kg of snow and 300 tons of crystal clear natural ice... Under one roof you can see beautiful ice sculptures, snow bas-reliefs on the walls of the hotel.

In 2019, the entire design of the hotel is dedicated to the Game of Thrones theme. Here you can find an iron throne with swords, the Hall of Braavas and the White Walker with shining blue eyes, dragons and knights ... And the light of colored lights.

The Snow Village Hotel has a cinema room and an unusual snow chapel with ice furniture. There is a café "Icebar", where everything is made of ice - furniture, fireplaces, candlesticks. To keep visitors warm, the winter atmosphere is complemented by hot Finnish cuisine and the traditional Glegi drink. There is also an ordinary cafe with affordable prices.

For those wishing to stay in a snowy apartment, rooms are provided with beds covered with a thick layer of reindeer fur and a thermal protective sleeping bag. You can also order a special hot sauna on ice.

The hotel hosts discos and a convenient slide for children. Snow Village offers snowmobiling, skiing, reindeer sleigh rides and dog sledding. You can find out how much the number you like on the website

Free parking is available near the hotel. Admission ticket — 10 €.

Skiing, frozen waterfalls and northern lights hunting

For lovers of outdoor activities in snowy Lapland, they organize interesting tour from Rovaniemi to the protected forest to famous waterfalls Korouoma. In the Posio Valley, hikers snowshoeing through fluffy snow-covered lands and admiring the majestic ice cascades, frozen as if by the magic of a snow queen.

A photo from the kingdom of ice and snow and a hot barbecue in the forest prepared by the guide accompanying the group will make this snowshoeing trip truly unforgettable. Tour price - from 190 € (with transfer, barbecue, equipment rental and accommodation in a forest hotel).

Korouoma - a frozen waterfall

One of the popular activities in Lapland is the Northern Lights hunting. From Rovaniemi, travelers are taken to the Arctic Circle on snowmobiles and create excellent conditions to admire the winter flashes with blueberry tea and a Sami barbecue. The tour costs from 5000 rubles.

You can go sledding and sledding at the popular resorts of Salla (164 km from Rovaniemi) and Ounasvaara (10 km). The trails in these resorts are illuminated at night, the price of a ski pass is -30 €.

Turku Castle and New Year's fireworks in Helsinki

For travelers who want to get acquainted with the history of Finland and visit a real medieval castle, a trip to the city of Turku will be an interesting adventure (options for tours from St. Petersburg to Turku, Helsinki and Rovaniemi are offered).

In the castle guided tours are conducted by a guide in a traditional medieval costume, and on the eve of Christmas themed exhibitions are organized (for example, Christmas tables from 05.12.2019) and "knights' days", which can be found in more detail on the museum website. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 17.30. Ticket prices: adults - 11 €, children - 5 €.

Square in Helsinki in a festive setting

A favorite place for celebrating the New Year among Finnish residents is Senate Square in Helsinki. On New Year's Eve, people gather there to watch the fireworks, which last more than an hour, the orchestra plays until 12.00. The festive atmosphere in the capital is created by the large number of lights that decorate the streets and candles lit in all cafes and restaurants.

Choose a fairy tale for yourself

New Year's trip to Lapland is a trip to a winter fairy tale, the scenario of which you can come up with yourself, because this country gives space for the imaginations of tourists, offering entertainment for every taste, you just have to choose your “cherished gift”!