Rovaniemi | The Grand Opening of Christmas Season 2024 – countdown to Christmas begins!

The year has gone by so fast, and it is time to start the countdown to Christmas again. Traditional Rovaniemi Christmas Opening Event will be held on November 3rd, 2024, at 6 pm in the central square of Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle, and the event can also be followed remotely via live streams.

In the middle of the darkest season, candles and Christmas lights light up again as people slowly begin to look forward to Christmas. In Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus, the approaching Christmas is also strongly visible in the city’s streetscape, and officially the Rovaniemi Christmas Opening Event is traditionally held at the Arctic Circle in Santa Claus Village at the beginning of November, starting the countdown towards Christmas.

At the Christmas Opening Event, Christmas themed musical performances lead the audience into joyful moods and the evening culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus himself and his greetings. More information about the evening’s performers can be found on VisitRovaniemi’s social media channels. In addition to the Christmas atmosphere, music and Santa greetings, the event will also announce the donation amount of the City of Rovaniemi’s and Visit Rovaniemi’s annual joint donation to UNICEF Finland, which everyone has the opportunity to participate in and donate for the benefit of the children of the world this year.

The event is open to all and free of charge, and there will be a free shuttle bus to/from Rovaniemi city centre. Welcome to experience the magic of Christmas in Santa’s hometown and share joy together!

There is a free shuttle bus from Rovaniemi city centre to the event. There are two non-stop buses between City centre and Santa Claus Village from 5 pm to 8 pm. The starting point in the city centre is Korkalonkatu 36 and in Santa Claus Village the bus stop is in front of the Gift House.

The event can also be accessed by local bus Linkkari no. 8 aboard. Route: railway station – city centre –
Santa Claus Village (departures from the city centre e.g. at 13.50, 15.05, 16.20 and 17.35). In addition, the Santa Claus Bus (www.santaclausbus.fi) will also run to the event. Please prefer public transport, as parking in Santa Claus Village is limited.

You can also follow the event remotely via live streams: