Arctic Delight – Visit to Santa’s Village and snowmobiling to reindeer farm

Experience the True Spirit of the Arctic with the “Arctic Delight” Tour

This 7-hour journey from Rovaniemi takes you deep into Lapland’s enchanting winter landscape, combining visits to Santa’s Village, snowmobiling, and a reindeer farm experience. Priced at $292.95 per person, it’s a nicely balanced mix of iconic holiday sights and authentic Arctic activities. The tour includes pickup, winter gear, a hearty lunch, and guides who are attentive and enthusiastic—making it accessible for most travelers, including families with children.

Two aspects we love most? First, the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his official office—an experience that feels genuine rather than overly commercialized. Second, the adrenaline rush of snowmobiling across frozen lakes and snow-covered forests, offering stunning scenery and a real taste of Arctic adventure. One small consideration? The long hours at Santa’s Village can feel a bit drawn-out if you’re not particularly keen on shopping or waiting in queues. Still, if you love winter landscapes, reindeer encounters, and festive charm, this tour is a strong choice.

This experience suits those seeking a full, action-packed day in Lapland—perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a well-organized taste of Arctic culture and winter fun. Just be prepared for some variability in Santa’s Village timing, based on reviews, and plan accordingly.

Key Points

• Authentic Santa Experience: Meet Santa in his official office, not just a quick photo, at Santa’s Village.
• Diverse Activities: Combines snowmobiling, reindeer sleigh rides, and visits to local farms and shops.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides like Vilma and Nic make the experience engaging and informative.
• Value for Money: Includes a hearty lunch, winter gear, and multiple activities—offering a lot for the price.
• Group Size & Logistics: Max 50 travelers, with pickup options, ensuring a comfortable group atmosphere.
• Potential Drawbacks: Long waits at Santa’s Village and variable lunch quality may impact your overall experience.

Discovering the Arctic: What to Expect on This Tour

When you decide to book the “Arctic Delight”, you’re signing up for a well-rounded day designed to give you a real taste of Lapland’s winter wonderland. Starting at Safartica’s office in Rovaniemi (Koskikatu 9), you’ll be picked up early in the morning, with the tour kicking off around 9:30 am. The group size is capped at 50, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the tour is suitable for most travelers—children included, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Santa Claus Village: The Heart of Christmas

Your journey begins with a visit to Santa’s Village, a place many picture-perfect holiday memories are made from. According to reviews, you’ll get a chance to meet Santa himself—though, as one reviewer noted, “Santa in SCV is so bad,” the experience can sometimes be brief and commercialized. Expect queues, especially on busy days, and possibly a quick photo session costing extra (around €28 for a gift, €35 for a picture).

The highlight, however, is being there early enough to beat the crowds, which many reviewers found valuable. Some felt their time at Santa’s Village was a little long, but if you’re eager for that authentic photo with Santa or to explore the Christmas shops, it’s worth spending extra time there.

Lunch Break: Hearty and Satisfying

After wandering around Santa’s Village, you’ll sit down for a lunch with hot drinks included—a critical part of recharging after the morning’s activities. One reviewer pointed out that the lunch wasn’t exceptional, but generally, it’s hearty and designed to keep you warm in the Arctic cold. Those with dietary restrictions can request vegetarian options in advance.

Snowmobiling Across the Arctic Landscape

The real thrill begins after lunch, with snowmobiling. Drivers are instructed beforehand and are given about 1-2 hours of driving time, which is a highlight for many. You’ll be riding in pairs, enjoying the beautiful, snowy scenery—from frozen lakes to snow-covered forests. Travelers frequently mention the exhilaration and stunning views—”the beauty of the landscapes” being a recurring praise.

A notable comment from a reviewer: “Riding a snowmobile on a frozen lake was a piece of magic.” Expect to reach speeds of up to 35 mph, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a clear, crisp day to fully appreciate the wilderness. For those new to snowmobiling, instructions are provided, so you don’t need prior experience.

Reindeer Farm & Sleigh Ride: A Touch of Arctic Tradition

Following snowmobiling, you’ll visit a reindeer farm. Here, the experience is described as both informative and enchanting. You’ll get to feed the reindeer, learn about their role in Sami culture, and enjoy a short reindeer sleigh ride. This part of the trip is often praised for authenticity—reviewers like Jess found the guide “full of knowledge,” and the reindeer farm “magical.”

While some found the Santa himself to be underwhelming or hurried, the reindeer experience consistently receives positive feedback. The atmosphere is cozy, and the bells ringing as reindeer are pulled through the snow creates a fairy-tale setting.

Wrap-Up: Souvenirs & Final Remarks

Before heading back, there’s time for some shopping at Santa’s Village—where many buy souvenirs or gifts. Be aware that some reviews note the prices can be high, and the Santa photo packages add extra cost. If you want to skip the commercial aspect, you can simply enjoy the scenery and local crafts.

Authenticity & Practical Tips

The guides are a significant part of what makes this tour enjoyable. As one reviewer said, “Vilma was very accommodating and friendly,” and “Nico was great with us on the trip.” Their knowledge and friendly attitude add a lot to the experience, helping to make the Arctic feel welcoming.

Clothing is provided—warm winter gear that will keep you comfortable despite the cold. This is especially helpful for those not used to Arctic temperatures. Just remember, snowmobiling requires a driver’s license if you wish to operate the vehicle, and prices may increase if you opt for single snowmobile rides.

Flexibility & Potential Issues

While most reviews are very positive, there are some hiccups. A few travelers reported long waits at Santa’s Village, especially on busy days, and some found the lunch disappointing or the Santa experience too rushed or commercialized. Others mentioned logistical issues, like missing the tour due to poor communication, so it’s wise to stay alert and confirm pickup times.

Suitability & Recommendations

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and anyone wanting a well-organized, action-packed day in Lapland. If you’re seeking an authentic reindeer experience or exciting snowmobiling, this delivers. However, if you’re mainly interested in Santa Claus and prefer a more leisurely visit, consider spending more time at Santa’s Village independently.

The Bottom Line

The “Arctic Delight” tour offers a thorough introduction to Lapland’s winter magic. You’re not just peeking at Santa’s Village—you’re actively participating in traditional Arctic activities like reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiling, making this a memorable and fun-filled day. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge shine through, helping to add genuine warmth to the chilly environment.

While some may find the Santa experience a bit rushed or commercialized, the value for money remains strong, especially considering the included meals, winter gear, and multiple activities. It’s particularly good for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and adventure, all wrapped up in an accessible package.

If you’re visiting Rovaniemi and want to truly get a taste of the Arctic’s charm, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember that weather can impact activities like snowmobiling, so flexibility and a positive attitude will make your journey even more enjoyable.

FAQs

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup from preselected hotels is offered, making logistics easy and hassle-free.

How long is the snowmobiling part?
Expect about 1-2 hours of snowmobile riding, during which you’ll travel across frozen lakes and snowy forests, guided and paired with another person per snowmobile.

Are winter clothes provided?
Yes, the tour includes winter clothing, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable during all activities.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Snowmobiling requires a driver’s license if they want to drive.

What’s included in the lunch?
A hearty lunch with hot drinks is provided. Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

How crowded does Santa’s Village get?
On busy days, queues can be long, and the Santa meet-and-greet can be brief. Going early helps avoid large crowds.

Is the reindeer sleigh ride long?
The tour offers a short reindeer sleigh ride, which is enough to add a magical touch without taking up too much time.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to snow or ice conditions, you will be offered a different date or full refund.

Ready to experience Lapland’s winter magic? This tour balances adventure with tradition, making it a memorable Arctic getaway for most travelers.