Levi: Day Trip to Santa Claus Village with Lunch

Planning a trip to Lapland and considering a visit to Santa Claus Village? If so, this day trip from Levi offers a chance to soak in the Christmas magic, see the Arctic landscape, and enjoy some festive fun. While the tour packs quite a bit into an 8-hour window, it’s worth weighing what you’ll get against the price and what you’re hoping to take home from the experience.

What we really like about this tour is the opportunity to meet Santa himself—always a highlight! Plus, the scenic drive to Rovaniemi through the snowy, wintry landscape is a treat that makes the journey memorable even before you arrive. On the downside, some reviews mention that the value for money isn’t perfect, especially considering the limited time in Santa’s village and the photo policy. This trip suits those who want a straightforward, guided Santa experience with some added winter activities, especially if you’re traveling with kids or looking for a taste of Lapland’s festive charm.

Key Points

• Meet Santa Claus in a dedicated, festive setting.
• Explore Santa Claus Village at your own pace, including shopping and visiting the Post Office.
• Enjoy scenic transportation through beautiful Arctic landscapes.
• Experience Snowman World, with ice attractions and snow fun, including mini snowmobiling for kids.
• Includes a buffet lunch, although some find it modest.
• Guided experience with pickup and drop-off from Levi, making logistics easier.
• Price point is $407 per person, noted as somewhat steep by some travelers.
• Weather-dependent activities; Snowman World is open from December 6 through mid-March.
• Small-group feel with personalized touches, but can vary depending on the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Levi Day Trip

This tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Levi, usually scheduled within an hour before the trip. The drive itself is a major part of the experience—think wide-open views of snowy forests and frozen lakes, all under a sky that often teases the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. The scenery is truly something to behold, and it’s a peaceful way to transition from your hotel to the Christmas wonderland.

Once you arrive at Santa Claus Village, you’re given free time to explore, which is a real plus. This means you can wander at your own pace, take photos, visit the Post Office, and do some gift shopping. The village is bustling with festive cheer, and crossing the Arctic Circle is a fun milestone. Keep in mind that during the visit, you’re not allowed to take personal photos with Santa unless you buy the official photos, which some find frustrating. Expect to pay extra if you want to download these images later.

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to Snowman World, where you step into an ice castle filled with sculptures and activities. Along With the impressive ice structures, families will appreciate the snow fun activities, including mini snowmobiling, which is available on a private track for children aged 4-12. The children’s mini snowmobiling is limited to a 10-minute session, but it’s usually enough to get a good taste of snowmobiling without needing to brave a full tour.

The day naturally culminates in an opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself—an experience that often brings smiles, especially for children. The staff are typically helpful, and the visit can be quite magical, provided you’re prepared for the photo restrictions and some of the logistical quirks. For those who love a good Christmas atmosphere, this part of the trip is often the most memorable.

Lunch is served at Santa Claus Village, with a buffet-style setup. While some reviewers find it modest, it’s generally enough to keep you fueled for the day’s activities. The meal options tend to be straightforward, typical of a holiday buffet, and may not be gourmet, but they do the job.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is included from specific pickup points in Levi, such as Olo Resort, Arctic Nook, and Levi Panorama. The transfer is comfortable, and the drive offers beautiful views—perfect for snapping a few quick photos en route. Group sizes tend to be small, especially if you book early or travel in a smaller group (as one reviewer noted, their van was just for six people). This makes for a more intimate experience, with the guide providing helpful commentary along the way.

Keep in mind, your pickup time will be communicated the day before, and punctuality is essential. Missing your pickup might mean missing out on the tour, as there are no refunds for missed trips.

Cost and Value

At $407 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. It includes transportation, a guide, entrance fees at Snowman World (after December 6), a buffet lunch, and the mini snowmobiling experience for children. However, some reviewers, like Linda, feel that the overall value isn’t quite there—they mention that the lunch was meager and that the visit to Santa was the highlight, but the experience felt somewhat rushed, especially with limited time in Santa’s village.

Others, like Lisa, appreciated the guides and drivers, emphasizing how their professionalism contributed to a smooth day. The fact that the tour is guided and includes pickups simplifies logistics, which can be a real advantage when you’re trying to maximize your time in such a compact holiday experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is well-suited for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free visit to Santa Claus Village combined with some winter fun. It works well for families, especially with kids who enjoy snow activities and meeting Santa, but adults looking for a quick festive outing will also find it enjoyable. If you’re after a more in-depth or longer Santa experience, this might feel a bit limited. Conversely, if you prefer a flexible, self-guided visit, you might find the schedule restrictive.

Travelers who value scenic drives and picturesque landscapes will love the journey, and those eager to check the Arctic Circle milestone off their list will find this trip satisfying. However, if budget is a concern, or if you’re seeking a more immersive or personalized experience, exploring other options might be worthwhile.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re after a photo-worthy, family-friendly adventure that combines Rudolph’s home with snow activities and a visit to Santa himself, this trip from Levi checks many boxes. The scenery alone makes it worth the price, and the guided aspect means you won’t have to worry about logistics. Just be prepared for some restrictions on Santa photos and to keep your expectations in check regarding the meal and overall time in Santa’s village.

Ultimately, this tour offers a snapshot of Lapland’s Christmas magic—a quick, scenic, and festive day that leaves many travelers with treasured memories. It’s not a deep-dive into Lapland’s culture or wilderness, but if you’re after Santa, snow, and a bit of holiday cheer, it’s likely to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children tend to enjoy the snow activities and meeting Santa. The mini snowmobiling session is designed for kids aged 4-12, making it family-friendly, though parents should note the limited time for snowmobiling.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select locations in Levi, a guide, entrance fees at Snowman World (after December 6), a buffet lunch, and a 10-minute mini snowmobiling session for children.

How long is the drive from Levi to Santa Claus Village?
The drive to Rovaniemi, where Santa Claus Village is located, is part of the total 8-hour itinerary. The drive itself offers beautiful winter scenery and is comfortable.

Can I take my own photos with Santa?
Not during the official visit. To get photos with Santa, you need to purchase them, as personal photos are not allowed. The official photos are available online for download at an extra cost.

What is Snowman World?
Snowman World is an ice-themed attraction featuring sculptures and snow activities, open from December 6 to March 17. Access is included after that date, weather permitting.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID, warm clothing, and perhaps some extra cash if you want to buy photos or souvenirs. Dress warmly—Lapland winters are cold!

What if I miss my pickup?
Since pickups are scheduled and communicated the day before, missing your pickup means you might miss the tour. No refunds are available for missed pickups.

Is this tour flexible?
The schedule is fixed, with allocated times for exploring Santa’s village and Snowman World. If you prefer more time or a self-guided experience, consider other options.

How do I book or cancel?
You can reserve now with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. Just be sure to confirm your pickup details.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect Santa photo, snowy adventures, or just a scenic ride through Lapland’s winter wonderland, this trip offers a neat package. It’s a solid choice if you’re okay with the cost and looking for a guided, hassle-free experience that captures the holiday spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here: