If you are looking for a family-friendly winter wonderland escape this Holiday season, then there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas than Santa Claus Village in Finland. Located just 8 kilometers from the center of Rovaniemi, this magical themed attraction is an entire theme park designed to bring the mystery of Santa’s workshop in the North Pole to life. The heart of Santa Claus Village lies in Santa’s House and Post Office, where you can meet the man in the red suit himself. Here, children and the young at heart can share their holiday wishes, listen to Finnish folklore, and dance with elves. Santa’s home and office are built with natural stone and local pine to resemble classic finnish log cabins, so when you step inside you can breathe in that distinct, earthy smell of wood and imagine yourself to truly be in Santa’s timeless workshop. After meeting Santa you can unleash your creativity at the Elf Academy, where participants create their own Christmas ornaments and toys.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, you can fulfill every child’s fantasy of riding in Santa’s sleigh with a magical reindeer ride. Glide through the snowy landscape, surrounded by nature’s beauty, right in the backyard of Santa Claus’ office. If you crave a faster-paced experience, there is also the option to go husky husky sledding through the nearby fir tree forest.
After a day of fun-filled activities, you have a plethora of dining options, including Finnish delights at the Three Elves Restaurant, traditional salmon, or a unique culinary experience . There are also three bars and lounges available for adults who wish to warm up with a cocktail or glass of wine. As night descends, leave the bustling town behind and embark on a Northern Lights Safari. Venture into the Arctic circle and, with a bit of luck, witness the awe-inspiring dance of the Northern Lights, illuminating the night sky with breathtaking hues. At the end of the day, there are a range of cozy lodging accommodations to suit your preferences. Stay in warm glass igloos, beautifully decorated in Scandinavian contemporary style, complete with private saunas for the ultimate relaxation, or embrace the cold and experience the unique thrill of staying at an ice hotel, crafted entirely from snow and ice.
If you’d prefer a snow free Christmas, but still want a generous dose of history, culture, and tradition, then Rome is the perfect destination for you. While the city may not have a white Christmas, it offers a warm and festive ambiance that is both enchanting and memorable.
Experience the true essence of Christmas in a traditional sense by attending a special Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at the Vatican, led by Pope Francis. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica is an awe-inspiring architectural feat that all people can enjoy. The Midnight mass (which actually starts at 9:15) is attended by roughly 15,000 people annually, and many who have gone report that the midnight mass atmosphere as being more like a rock concert than church. Though the event is free, it is ticketed due to the massive turnout every year. Take careful note that Christmas mass tickets are difficult to come by and must be requested far in advance. To obtain a ticket yourself, you need to fill out a request form and send it by email, post, or fax to the Vatican’s office two to six months in advance. Once you are in Rome, four to five days in advance of the mass itself, you will be informed whether or not your ticket request was granted. If it was not and your trip is already well-booked ahead of time, don’t fret! The city offers dozens of other spectacular masses, live shows, and exhibits you can attend to create lifelong memories.
Beyond midnight mass, you can take a private tour and connect with a guide who can show you the thousands of years of history in the city, bring you to the best holiday markets, and point out the best food joints that the locals eat at. While you’re wandering the streets, it’s recommended that you step into a few of the dozens of elaborately decorated churches of Rome and find elaborate wooden nativity scenes, also known as “presepi.” These beautiful displays depict the birth of Jesus and are a large source of pride for local artisans and religious communities.
If you choose to extend your stay in Rome beyond the New Year, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate one of Italy’s grandest holidays: the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th. This is the day when the three Magi met baby Jesus and bestowed upon him their three gifts. The locals celebrate this occasion with a fascinating pre-christian Italian folklore character, La Befana. La Befana is an old witch who rides a broomstick and is believed to bring gifts to children on the night of January 5th. According to custom, children leave an orange and a glass of wine out for her on a plate, and in return, La Befana flies through the window and fills their stockings with toys, chocolates, and candies. On the Epiphany, which marks the end of the Christmas season, parades of people dressed in regal renaissance garments and biblical era robes march the streets of rome. During the parade you can listen to live music, purchase street food, and try to spot La Befana live performers dancing for the crowds.
