The best events in Rovaniemi in December 2025

As the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, it’s only fitting that Rovaniemi has more festive days than just the Christmas holidays. That’s why the first of December is the city’s official Santa Hat Day. Everyone is encouraged to don their own elf hat. Style doesn’t matter – as long as you’re an elf. Workplaces challenge their teams to join in, even from remote offices. The day traditionally begins with a children’s party at Lordi’s Square, but the real joy is spotting so many locals among visitors, spreading cheer wherever they go. The theme is simple: pass the joy forward with small acts of kindness.

When? The children’s Santa Hat Carousel event at Lordi’s Square at 9:30. You can wear your hat all day.

The long-awaited snow blanket has arrived, guaranteeing plenty of speed on what’s said to be the city’s best sledging hill. Lapland Winter Park is packed with things to do for winter lovers of all ages. The day ticket (€69) is worth it if you’re settling in for the full day. For anyone who adores winter, it’s a complete experience from dawn till dusk, from adrenaline to relaxation. Try skating, skiing and sledging. You can cook your own snacks over a fire in the cosy kota shelter. For an extra fee there’s also accommodation in new chalets, restaurant experiences, ice karting and husky rides, plus entry to Rovaniemi Sauna World. Ending the day in the sauna world is guaranteed to be a hit for the whole gang – and you’ll definitely sleep well afterwards.

Expect to pay: Day ticket €69, ice karting €69, Rovaniemi Sauna World entry + €65 (you can visit the sauna without a park ticket)
Address: Olleronvaarantie 160 Rovaniemi, about a 10-minute drive from central Rovaniemi
When? Open daily 11:00–18:00, Rovaniemi Sauna World 12:00–19:30

Traditional Christmas singalongs are a cherished part of the season for many Finns. The outdoor church in Oikarainen, part of the Rovaniemi parish and built around a dramatic glacial boulder, is the setting for some of the city’s most atmospheric Christmas carols. There’s a special kind of magic and history here. During the polar night it’s especially memorable by the glow of a campfire and torches. If the weather permits, the northern lights might even make an appearance. Dress very warmly – you won’t be moving much while singing. Bring a thermos and a headlamp, and consider carpooling or arriving early, as cars are parked along the roadside.

Expect to pay: Free entry
Address: Permantokoskentie. About a 20-minute drive from the city centre
When? 13 and 21 December at 18:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as Likiliike and Rovaniemi’s Elävä Kaupunkikeskusta organise a festive competition that does require a little effort from voters. Fourteen cosy shop windows compete for the title of the prettiest Christmas window in a playful contest. You can pick up voting slips and orienteering maps from participating shops to locate each window. All the windows can be visited easily in about an hour – provided you don’t get tempted inside to shop along the way. Rovaniemi isn’t especially known for street art, but its wintery window displays add a welcome touch of charm to the streetscape.

Address: Pick up a voting slip from, for example, Tiinuska in Sampokeskus. After your route, return the slip to the Antinkulma lobby at Rovakatu 32
When? Voting closes 3 December

Have gift wishes on your mind? If you need to whisper them directly to Santa, head to the tiny city-centre office to meet him and his elves. Judging by what’s been seen already in November, the office is certainly not just for children – there’s often a cheerful queue of adults at the door. Queues rarely form here, unlike in Santa Claus Village, so popping in is easy right in the centre. You can even peek inside the cosy cabin through the window. The free attraction makes for a quick and convenient stop, even during a shopping trip.

Expect to pay: Free entry. Photos may be charged separately
Address: Lordi’s Square
When? Open daily 11:00–21:00

Rovaniemen Kiekko faces Helsinki’s Jokerit on 12 December. The team, which won the Mestis league last year, is the most anticipated visitor in Rovaniemi. Lappi Areena often sells out for these matches, so consider buying tickets in advance. The atmosphere in Kirnu is always guaranteed, but locals are especially fired up when Jokerit are in town.

Expect to pay: €22, students €12
Address: Hiihtomajantie 6
When? RoKi–Jokerit Fri 12 December 2025 at 18:30. Other home games 19, 20 and 27 December

If you’ve seen those viral videos of people skating through the forest, you’ve probably already taken a virtual trip to Kotatieva. The half-kilometre forest skating trail is on the wish list of many visitors and locals – and for good reason. On a crisp winter’s day you can lose track of time as you glide through the trees – it’s an unforgettable experience. This winter Kotatieva also features a hoijakka (ice slide), a sledding hill, a snow bowling lane and a frisbee golf course designed for snowshoes. The restaurant menu focuses on warm Lapland flavours, with classics like salmon soup and sautéed reindeer. A vegetarian version of the latter is also available. Kotatieva is perfect for chasing that ideal winter’s-day video.

Expect to pay: Day ticket €59. Saunas, accommodation and the restaurant cost extra, as does evening northern lights skating.
Address: Ounasjoen Itäpuolentie 828. Free shuttle bus via Santa Claus Village
When? Open daily 10:00–17:00 from 6 December onwards

The Local History Museum’s traditional sauna isn’t usually heated for visitors, so this December evening treat is rare even for locals. The sauna heats for women from 17:00–19:00 and for men straight after from 19:00–21:00. There’s no ice hole here, but no one will stop you from cooling off in the snow if there’s enough powder. This is one to experience.

Expect to pay: €20, booking required
Address: Pöykköläntie 4
When? 19 December

Grab a penguin aid by the handles and practise your pirouettes in the middle of the city – casual daytime skating doesn’t get much easier. The skating rink opened at Lordi’s Square offers a chance to enjoy winter right in the heart of the city. The Christmas atmosphere, shopping and restaurants are all right there if you need a breather. It’s ideal for beginners too, with plenty of support equipment available.

Expect to pay: Day ticket €15, under-6s €10
Address: Lordi’s Square
When? Daily 12:00–20:00

Festive theatre is on offer at Lapland’s main stage as the classic based on Charles Dickens’s story returns for a second winter, delighting locals and now visitors too, as the performance is subtitled in English. Warm, humorous and filled with great music, the show has received praise and is well suited to the whole family.

Expect to pay: €38, children €28
Address: Lappia-talo, Jorma Eton tie 8
When? Multiple performances until 27 December. 

December’s bright, golden winter days are perfect for a good outing from the city centre towards Ounasvaara. You can treat the walk as a hike and an adventure, or simply as a brisk daytime stroll through beautiful scenery. From the centre, head for the Ounasvaara fitness stairs and continue past them onto the trail leading to the lookout tower. At the foot of the tower you’ll find a lean-to shelter, where there’s almost always someone tending a fire during daylight hours in December. It’s easy to join them with your own snacks. View lovers should consider climbing the tower, but if heights make you uneasy, you can wait for the scenery to open up at the top of the hill. The route continues to Juhannuskallio, where the winter sun looks spectacular. For a break, the lobby bar at Sky Hotel Ounasvaara is unbeatable. Hot chocolate, mocktails and small plates enjoyed by the huge windows and warm fireplace are the perfect finishing touch to the day. You might even spot reindeer wandering past outside. You can walk back to the city the same way, or take the quicker route via Santasport.

Independence Day is celebrated in Rovaniemi from morning till night. The festivities begin with the flag-raising ceremony at 9:00, followed by a church service and a celebration at Lappia-talo. The mood throughout the day is traditional and heartfelt. Expect a fire art performance, a torchlight procession and the ‘Laulu Isänmaalle’ concert at Rovaniemi Church.

Expect to pay: Free entry
Address: Events take place around the city
When? All day

How does a community singalong led by a student choir from the balconies of a residential building sound? The Independence Day singalong in Lainaanranta, just outside the city centre, is easily the cosiest musical gathering in Rovaniemi. The student choir Lucida Intervalla gathers on the balconies of the housing company Lossitörmä to lead five patriotic songs. The event has been popular among locals year after year. It’s an easy fifteen-minute walk from the centre to join in for a moment of singing. Years ago, singing on the balcony as a student choir member, it was already clear this tradition wasn’t going anywhere. Even on a crisp and frosty day, the experience gives a strong sense of togetherness. These kinds of community-created events show Rovaniemi at its best, for visitors and locals alike. Mulled wine is served to singers and listeners.

Expect to pay: Free entry
Address: Valtakatu 37
When? 6 December 2025 at 17:00

Independence Day can also be celebrated in a more alternative way if the traditional programme doesn’t resonate. The legendary Pub Sarvi in Korkalovaara hosts Shadow Independence Day with hardcore punk acts including Viimeinen Virhe, Aivoproteesi and the Lithuanian band Manacles. It’s a reasonable walk from the centre, but Sarvi regularly hosts an intriguing mix of performers. Even if you don’t end up here on Independence Day, it’s worth keeping an eye on their event page if alternative culture is your thing.

Expect to pay: Tickets €20
Address: Hillapolku 9
Time: 6 December 2025 at 19:30

The Snowman World winter theme park opens on 6 December 2025 in Santa Claus Village, and this tastefully designed attraction offers fun for all ages. How do snowman discos or getting lost in a snow maze sound? You can go sledding here too – and compare whether the wildest slope in Rovaniemi might actually be found in this park. Snowman World is also a work of art in itself, with details worth pausing to admire. Cafe Ensilumi has already opened its doors, serving café treats alongside food dishes. Its first-snow hot chocolate is said to be famous already.

Expect to pay: Day ticket €35, under-twos free
Address: Joulumaantie 15. Bus number 8 runs from the city centre to Santa Claus Village
When? From 6 December 2025 daily 10:00–20:00, Snowman Disco 17:00–20:00

The SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi opens on 15 December. If people describe it as magical, astonishing and unique, there must truly be something special inside. Visit first and foremost for the artistic experience – and be pleasantly surprised by everything else on offer. Interested in trying snow sculpting, or perhaps enjoying a special dinner in the snow restaurant? It’s a place that needs to be experienced in person. Charge your phone fully – you’ll want to capture every corner.

Expect to pay: €35 for adults, €17 for children
Address: Lehtoahontie 27
When? From 15 December daily 10:00–20:00

It’s like visiting a friend’s home. Heishala is locals at their most local – a place where the sauna is hot and there’s an ice pool to dip into. Time slows down here, and even the most stressed-out mind finds calm. Wonderful solo, but great with friends too. Heishala is also known for its yoga classes, though yoga takes a break in December. Sauna sessions are themed separately for lovers of intense heat and for those who prefer a gentler experience. Introverts can opt for Silent Sauna sessions where quiet is part of the ritual.

Expect to pay: Single sauna visit €15
Open: By advance booking only. Sessions can be reserved via Heishala’s booking calendar
Address: Korvanranta 36 B

Korundi House of Culture is the city’s handsomest building, inside and out. Inside, the Rovaniemi Art Museum’s changing exhibitions offer a unique experience for everyone. It’s a great spot for a date or a family outing. Art always looks different when you hear someone else’s perspective. On Thursdays from 16:00–18:00 you can visit the exhibitions for free during Art Thursday. There are also free workshops for visitors, with themes that change weekly. In December you’ll get to try at least fabric painting. We also recommend browsing the museum shop and grabbing an excellent lunch at Korundi. The museum also serves art outdoors. On the Lapinkävijäntie side you’ll find large, colourful works, and sculptures in the courtyard.

Expect to pay: Art Thursday 16:00–18:00 free entry. Free with Museum Card. At other times tickets €11, children aged 7–15 €5
Address: Lapinkävijäntie 4
When? Open Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00

When Lapland’s artisans show their skills, the results are top-notch. You can browse and shop these tradition-inspired creations when the Taitava Lappi Christmas Market opens for two days at Lyseonpuisto Upper Secondary School. The central location makes it easy to visit, and you can conveniently combine Christmas shopping at the Revontuli shopping centre right across the street.

Address: Ruokasenkatu 18
When? 13–14 December 10:00–16:00 on both days

December is prime time for the northern lights. When the frost deepens, it usually means clear skies and a better chance of witnessing the multicoloured phenomenon. You might think otherwise, but there’s never a guarantee of seeing the aurora. This winter the Sun is in a very active phase, so the odds are higher than usual – great news for anyone travelling to Lapland. For the best photos and the easiest experience, head outside the city centre where there’s no light pollution. If you’d rather leave the hunt to an expert and simply enjoy the ride, Rovaniemi has plenty of companies specialising in aurora chasing. It’s also worth learning about the phenomenon itself, as most of us don’t think about how Earth’s magnetic field affects us on a daily basis. Nordic Odyssey offers a two-hour Aurora Workshop indoors (in English), with less focus on magic and myths and more on the facts – how auroras really form and how to find them. After the workshop you’ll feel confident heading out on your own to hope for the best.

Expect to pay: €25 per person
Address: Jaakonkatu 4–6
When? Tuesdays and Saturdays at 16:00, advance booking only