Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle & Hotel Santa Claus: A luxurious stay in the heart of Lapland 🎅❄️

Welcome to the magic of Rovaniemi

Some places just have an undeniable magic—and Rovaniemi is one of them. As the official hometown of Santa Claus, it’s where the charm of Christmas meets the raw beauty of the Arctic. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, exploring endless snowy landscapes, or stepping into a winter fairytale, the right hotel can take the experience to another level.

For our Lapland adventure, we split our stay between Hotel Santa Claus, a vibrant, centrally located hotel that feels like stepping into a Christmas postcard, and Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, a luxurious glass igloo retreat designed for once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experiences. Two completely different vibes, but together, they made our Lapland stay absolutely unforgettable.

Hotel Santa Claus: The heartbeat of Christmas in Rovaniemi 🎅✨

First impressions: Walking into a Christmas movie

Imagine stepping into a place where it’s Christmas every single day. That’s Hotel Santa Claus for you. Right in the center of Rovaniemi, this hotel feels like a holiday movie set—with festive décor, warm lighting, and just the right amount of Nordic charm.

It recently got a fresh update, so everything feels modern yet cozy, the kind of place that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. The lobby welcomes you with a towering Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and that unmistakable warmth that makes you want to sip hot chocolate by the fireplace.

The rooms: Cozy, stylish & perfect for winter

Our room had a sleek Scandinavian design, balancing clean lines and warm textures. It was the perfect mix of modern comfort and Lapland charm—soft lighting, a plush bed that practically hugged you after a long day in the snow, and a spacious layout with big windows letting in the Arctic light.

A taste of Lapland’s best

Dinner at Gaissa, the hotel’s signature restaurant, was an absolute must. Lapland’s cuisine is all about fresh, local ingredients, and here, they take it to the next level. Each dish packed with rich and bold flavors. It was one of those meals where every bite tells a story!  Delicious traditional Finnish and Lappish delicacies with a twist.

Chasing the Northern Lights: The perfect night excursion

One of the best things about staying here? The convenience. The hotel is a perfect base for northern lights excursions, so we joined a small guided tour few steps from the hotel that took us deep into the wilderness. The sky that night put on a show of green and purple lights, and standing under the Arctic sky watching the aurora dance above us? Absolutely surreal.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle: Your cozy Arctic escape ❄️🔭

The next morning, after an amazing breakfast, we packed up and drove just 10 minutes north to the next chapter of our Lapland adventure—Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle. If Hotel Santa Claus is where the Christmas spirit comes alive, Santa’s Igloos is where you experience the Arctic in its purest form.

The Husky Safari experience 🐕❄️

Before settling into our igloo, we embarked on an unforgettable husky safari. Just a minute’s drive from the igloos, we met hundreds of eager huskies, ready to take us on a journey through the snowy landscape. The husky park experience was magical, with the dogs’ excitement infectious and the ride itself offering stunning views of the Arctic wilderness. It was a perfect blend of thrill and beauty, making us feel like true Arctic explorers.

A cozy welcome and unmatched hospitality 🍵🛎️

Checking into Santa’s Igloos was a breeze, thanks to the warm and informative welcome from the staff. They greeted us with hot drinks, setting the tone for a stay that promised luxury and warmth in equal measure. The igloos themselves are a marvel of modern design, providing a cozy retreat with breathtaking views of the Lapland wilderness.

A Visit to Santa Claus Village 🎁🎅🏽

Being just five minutes away from Santa Claus Village, we couldn’t resist stopping by. Whether you’re a Christmas fanatic or just want to embrace the festive vibes, it’s a must-visit.

We met Santa himself, sent a postcard from Santa’s official post office, and explored the charming shops filled with Lapland souvenirs. A fun extra? There’s a live camera in the main square, so you can send the link to your friends and family to watch you waving from the Arctic Circle—a little virtual holiday magic!

Dinner at the Arctic Eye🍽️✨

The dining experiences at Santa’s Igloos were as delightful as the rest of our stay. Arctic Eye, the on-site restaurant, offers a carefully curated menu that combines local delicacies with international flavors. The warm and inviting atmosphere made it the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploring. Every dish felt like a cozy, gourmet experience—simple, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

Seeing the Northern Lights from our bed

That night, something truly unforgettable happened. As we lay in bed, staring up through the glass ceiling, the northern lights appeared right above us. No tour, no stepping outside in the cold—just us, watching nature’s most spectacular light show from the comfort of our own room.

This? This is what makes Santa’s Igloos a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You?

Both hotels are incredible, but they offer two completely different experiences:

• Hotel Santa Claus is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of Rovaniemi, surrounded by festive charm and close to everything the city has to offer.
• Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle is for those looking for a more immersive, luxury Arctic experience, so close to the Santa Claus Village with the chance to watch the northern lights from bed.

If you ask me? The best way to do it is to combine both.  The perfect balance would be Santa’s Igloos for the ultimate Lapland escape, and a stay at Hotel Santa Claus for the festive city experience.

• Official Website
• Booking.com
• TripAdvisor

• Official Website
• Booking.com
• TripAdvisor

Disclaimer:

The content of this article is based on my personal experiences and is intended to provide informative insights from that perspective. Please note that my visit was in partnership with the hotel. Individual experiences may vary, and readers are encouraged to seek additional information or conduct their own research when making decisions.