*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.
Known as “the official hometown of Santa Claus”, it should come as no surprise that the Finnish city of Rovaniemi is an absolute Christmas lover’s dream, with enchanting activities available year-round, from rides across the Arctic circle to a Santa’s Village open every day of the year.
But it goes without saying: those who visit during the Holidays are in for a special treat, with fresh blankets of snow covering the city, and magical attractions like the famous igloo restaurant open for business. There’s of course also the Rovaniemi Christmas Market scene as well, which adds additional opportunities for shopping and supporting artisans.
So whether you’re currently planning your own trip, or simply curious about what Rovaniemi’s Christmas Markets are like, then we’re here to help.
Read on for an overview of the Rovaniemi Christmas Market scene, with official dates, hotel recommendations, and locations.
NOTE: This is a Christmas market we haven’t personally visited yet, so all the information below is taken from official sources for your reference! If you have any personal tips from first-hand experience to add, let us know in the comments so we can improve this guide!
Rovaniemi Christmas Market Dates 2024
All the Christmas markets in Rovaniemi have different opening dates, but here are the ones that we know of so far:
- Santa Claus Village: Open all year (event on Dec 23, 2024)
- Arctic Circle Traditional Christmas Market: Dec 23 – 27, 2024
Rovaniemi Christmas Market 2024 Hotels
Looking for a place to stay nearby while you visit Christmas markets? Here are some recommendations:
- Budget: Click here to check prices and availability
- Mid-Range: Click here to check prices and availability
- Luxury: Click here to check prices and availability
Rovaniemi Christmas Market Locations
While Christmas spirit can be found all around Rovaniemi once the holidays hit, the following spots are where you’d go to shop. There are many Christmas markets in Rovaniemi, but here are the biggest and most popular.
Santa Claus Village
The most important ‘Christmas Market’ in Rovaniemi is the world-famous Santa Claus Village, open every day of the year for Christmas enthusiasts.
Home to a variety of cute souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants, the starring attractions here are of course Santa’s Main Post Office and the Big Man’s house, where he can be found greeting visitors of all ages every day.
In the lead-up to Christmas, the village is also home to several festive Christmas market stalls, where souvenirs and gifts can be purchased in one of the most magical settings on Earth.
Of course, this attraction is much more than just a Christmas market – it’s a full-on holiday experience, and well worth a visit any time of year.
Arctic Circle Traditional Christmas Market
Another popular Christmas market event in Rovaniemi is the Arctic Circle Traditional Christmas Market, hosted by the Rovaniemi Lions Club.
From handmade crafts and decorations to tasty baked goods and gifts of all kinds, this is where you’d go to buy beautiful unique gifts straight from the makers themselves.
This is one of the largest markets of its kind in Northern Finland, so if your goal is to shop, be sure to put this Rovaniemi Christmas Market on your list.
Rovaniemi Traditional Christmas Market
Held each year at Tapio Kylätalo, another classic Christmas market in Rovaniemi is the ‘Traditional Christmas Market’, which (true to its name) showcases traditional Christmas vendors in a fun, festive atmosphere.
Other Smaller Christmas Markets in Rovaniemi
As the capital of Lapland, it should come as no surprise that there are many other smaller Christmas markets and events that take place in Rovaniemi throughout the holiday season.
With the help of Google Translate, we highly recommend this article as a resource for some of the smaller Christmas market events in the city.
Help Us Improve This Rovaniemi Christmas Market Guide!
We’re constantly striving to make articles on this site more informative for our readers, so let us know in the comments if you’ve been to Rovaniemi Christmas Market and if there are any tips or must-knows you’d like to share.