SANTA CLAUS IN LEVI
The winter 2026-2027 calendar for our exclusive Santa Secret Hideaway Program in Levi will be released on 10.4.2026! The first program is available on November 19, 2026 for those who want to be among the first to meet with Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus in Levi. The last program is scheduled on March 6, 2027. Book your Christmas experience online now!
Meeting Santa Claus in Levi offers a quieter, more personal alternative to larger Lapland destinations like Rovaniemi. Instead of busy attractions, the experience takes place in a forest setting where families can spend meaningful time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. If you're deciding between staying in Levi or visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, this guide helps you understand the difference and choose what suits your trip best.
where to Meet Santa Claus in Levi
In Levi, Santa experiences focus on smaller groups and calm surroundings. The main option is a visit to Santa’s secret hideaway - a private setting just a short drive from the resort centre.
Santa Hideaway in Levi vs Rovaniemi Day Trip
We know many families face a tough decision: how to choose the most magical and best Santa experience for your little ones. For many, a trip to Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Santa while the kids still believe, and you want every moment to be unforgettable.
That’s why we’re here to help. Let’s find the perfect Santa moment for your family.
Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of both options — visiting Santa in Levi or taking a day trip from Levi to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi — along with a side-by-side comparison to make your choice easier.
- Travel time: 10–15 minutes
- Duration: ~2.5 hours (including ~1.5 hours with Santa)
- Setting: quiet forest location
- Experience: small-group or private option
- Activities: meeting Santa & Mrs. Claus, storytelling, baking, singing, gift
- Travel time: ~2.5 hours each way (170 km)
- Duration: ~9–10 hours
- Setting: large, well-known attraction, super crowded in December
- Experience: structured, busier
- Activities: Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle crossing, Post Office, optional Santa Park
Quick Comparison
| SANTA HIDEAWAY IN LEVI | DAY TRIP TO ROVANIEMI SANTA VILLAGE | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 10–15 minutes from Levi | ~2.5 hours each way |
| Experience Type | Intimate, peaceful, local | Full-day trip, iconic destination |
| Best For | Families, Adults, Friends, Teams | Families with older kids, Christmas lovers |
| Included Activities | Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, storytelling, cookie baking, singing, dancing, present | Santa Village, Arctic Circle, *Santa Park, *Lunch |
| Duration | ~2.5 hours (1.5h with Santa) | ~9–10 hours (5 min with Santa) |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, personal, no crowds | Bustling, festive, crowdy |
Which Santa Experience Is Right for Your Family?
When you’re staying in Levi, you’ll find yourself with two amazing options: staying close for a cozy visit to Santa’s secret hideaway, or heading out on a full-day trip to the world-famous Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
To help you decide, here are detailed descriptions of both experiences.
🎅 Visit Santa in Levi – A Cozy & Personal Encounter
Tour: Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus in a Secret Hideaway, Levi
Just a short ride from Levi’s center, you’ll find Santa and Mrs. Claus tucked away in their magical secret hideaway. This is a warm, intimate experience designed for families looking for something truly personal.
Children get to spend quality time with Santa, hear Christmas stories, bake cookies with Mrs. Claus, and soak up the festive atmosphere — without the crowds or queues. This experience takes place in a real 100-year-old reindeer herder’s cabin. It has been running since 1998 with the same Santa, and follows traditional Finnish Christmas customs.
Groups are kept small (around 20–25 people), allowing each child to have a personal moment with Santa.
What Happens During the Experience:
- Guided search for Santa with an elf
- Arrival at a historic cabin in the forest
- Time with Santa, including storytelling and songs
- Gingerbread baking workshop with Mrs. Claus
- Shared activities such as singing and simple dances
- A personal gift from Santa for each child
- Juice and gingerbread served during the visit
- Opportunity to take your own photos throughout
- 1.5 hours of interaction with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and an elf.
🎅 Day Trip to Santa Claus Village & Santa Park in Rovaniemi
Tour: Day Trip to Santa Claus Village & Santa Park with Lunch
This full-day excursion from Levi to Rovaniemi is packed with festive magic. You'll visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa, and even send postcards from the official Santa Post Office.
The tour also includes entrance to Santa Park, an underground theme park full of elves, workshops, and holiday shows — plus a warm lunch to keep you going.
What’s Included:
- Transport (approx. 2.5 hours each way)
- Visit to Santa Claus Village
- Meeting Santa in his official office (pre-booked slot)
- Crossing the Arctic Circle
- Visit to the official Santa Post Office
- Visiting Santa Park cave (from November to mid-January only)
This option is more structured and involves significantly more travel time.
Which Santa Experience Should You Choose?
Both options offer a genuine way to meet Santa in Lapland, but they are quite different in pace and atmosphere.
- Choose Levi Santa Hideaway if you prefer a calm, personal setting with more time spent with Santa
- Choose Rovaniemi Day Trip if you want to visit the official Santa destination and see multiple attractions in one day
Santa Hideaway in Levi is best for:
- Families with younger children
- Travellers who prefer small groups
- Those with limited time in Levi
- Anyone looking for a quieter, more personal setting
Rovaniemi Day Trip is best for:
- Families with older children
- Visitors who want to see the Arctic Circle
- Travellers interested in a full-day excursion
- Those who want to visit Santa’s official hometown
In Levi, the focus is on time and interaction. In Rovaniemi, the focus is on visiting a well-known destination with multiple attractions.
If your priority is
depth, Levi is usually the better fit.
If your priority is
variety and landmarks, Rovaniemi offers more in a single day.
Looking for more ideas and inspiration for activities with your kids in Levi? Check out our "Levi with Kids" section! From outdoor snow adventures to engaging family-friendly programs, we've got everything you need to create unforgettable memories. Visit our page for tips, itineraries, and the best kid-approved experiences Levi has to offer!