When I met Santa Claus

Imagine driving through countryside landscapes, in the dark night when only stars and the full moon as your lights. Imagine arriving at a cottage, a picture perfect red cottage with white window frames. The warmth from inside the cottage is tangible as you walk over the yard to the door.

“Welcome!” We take off our jackets and shoes; it feels like at home… stepping into the main room of the cottage, there is magic in the air, a smell of gingerbread cookies and Santa Claus himself in his rocking chair, with Mrs Claus next to him. We are warmly greeted; Santa was expecting us, of course. As we sit down in the cozy lounge, we let the unhurried atmosphere take a hold on us and let go of our everyday thoughts. This is a very special moment; we are guests at Santa Claus Cottage. Mrs Claus serves gingerbread and hot glögg (Finnish sweet mulled wine). Santa tells us stories of his fascinating life, all the places he has lived in, his travels with reindeer and he reveals some secrets as well. Did you know why Santa lives in Lapland? Well, there is a very good reason for that…

After a while we have to leave, continue our drive through the winter night. Santa Claus and Mrs Claus come out to wave for us and wish us all the best on our journey. No matter what goes on in the world, Christmas comes every year. It is a time to spend with family and friends, a time to relax and feel good. After my meeting with Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, the Christmas spirit slipped into my heart, the Christmas Season is here!!

An unforgettable night

As the end-of-the-year festive season approaches, the thought of doing something special for New Year's Eve comes to our minds. "This year we will do something extrodinary, it will be a New Year's celebration to remember..." A party under the northern sky, accompanied by all the fairytale figures of Lapland would surely be an unforgettable night.

Everyone knows that Lapland is the home of many fairy tales, myths and legends… On the magical night of New Year’s Eve they gather for a party under the stars. At Midnight festive fireworks will light up the northern sky and cover the stars and possible Northern Lights for a while.

The powerful Shaman greets you, that is how your New Year’s Saga begins… Mingle with the sparkling Snow Fairy, playful Elves and tricky Trolls at a stunning outdoors party area with ice bars, a Kota-lounge and arctic dance floor. The mighty Neptune usually rises from his kingdom and comes to Oivanki at New Year and So does Santa Claus together with Mrs Claus. Indoors soft music is playing and the fireplace is adding a touch to the atmosphere.

The Program - New Year’s Party Under the Stars with Festive Dinner
19.00 / 19.30 Departure from Ruka and Kuusamo
20.00 Dinner at a stylish grey log restaurant
Delicious starters of fish, salads and vegetables are served to the tables
Main course from the buffet: Sauteed Elk and Baked Salmon with potatoepuré
and roasted root vegetables
Desert buffet serves pudding, layered cake, cookies and fruit
22.00 Shaman’s greeting outdoors. The Shaman is in a ring of fire…
Meet and party with the fairy tale figures, chill at the ice-bar, hang out in the Kota-lounge, swing at the arctic dance floor…
23.30 Arrival of Santa Claus…
00.00 Splendid fireworks will light up the northern skies!
01.00 & 02.00 Return transfers

Price: eur 185 / adult
eur 115 / child (5-12 years)

Party Under The Stars
21.00 / 21.30 Departure from Ruka and Kuusamo
22.00 Shaman’s greeting outdoors. The Shaman is in a ring of fire…
Meet and party with the fairy tale figures, chill at the ice-bar,hang out in the Kota-lounge, swing at the arctic dance floor…
23.30 Arrival of Santa Claus…
00.00 Splendid fireworks will light up the northern skies!
01.00 & 02.00 Return transfers

Price: eur 130 / adult
eur 90 / child (5-12 years)