Levi: Day Trip to Santa Claus Village with Lunch

Levi: Day Trip to Santa Claus Village with Lunch – A Comprehensive Review

Traveling to the Arctic Circle is an experience many dream of, and a visit to Santa Claus Village is often at the top of that list. This day trip from Levi offers a well-rounded peek into the enchanting Christmas atmosphere of Lapland, complete with opportunities to meet Santa himself, explore snowy landscapes, and enjoy some family-friendly activities. While it’s not cheap at $407 per person, the combination of guided touring, diverse activities, and the chance to see Santa might just make it worth the splurge.

What really stands out for us are the stunning winter scenery en route, the authentic feel of Santa’s village, and the opportunity for kids to try snowmobiling — not to mention the chance to cross the Arctic Circle. That said, some reviews point out the overall value for money might be a little uneven, especially with optional photo packages and limited time at each stop. This tour is best suited for families, couples, or anyone craving a blend of scenic winter travel with the fairytale that is Santa Claus.

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Good To Know

• Beautiful Arctic scenery during transfer from Levi to Rovaniemi, perfect for photo ops.
• Flexibility in exploring Santa Claus Village with free time for shopping, photos, and visits.
• Includes a tasty buffet lunch and entry to Snowman World, providing good value for the price.
• Children’s snow activities like mini snowmobiling are available, making it family-friendly.
• Guided experience with transport, but some reviews mention the guide’s absence during parts of the trip.
• Limited time at each attraction may leave some travelers wishing for more.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 8-hour adventure begins with pickup from designated locations in Levi, starting approximately 30 minutes to an hour before scheduled departure. The journey itself is part of the experience — expect to see sweeping winter vistas, snow-covered trees, and possibly reindeer or huskies along the way. The drive offers a peaceful, scenic route that sets a festive mood even before arriving in Santa Claus Village.

Arrival at Santa Claus Village

Once at Santa Claus Village, you’ll have free time to explore, which is key to making the most of the experience. The village is a charming, bustling hub filled with Christmas shops, the Post Office, and the iconic Santa Claus Office where you can meet Santa himself. Some reviews highlight that photo opportunities are limited during the Santa visit — you can’t take your own pictures, but you have the option to buy professional photos and download them later. One reviewer mentions paying $60 for two photos and a video clip, which is a significant additional expense to keep in mind.

Snowman World and Activities

Your ticket includes access to Snowman World, which opens from December 6 until March 17, weather permitting. This ice-themed park features a stunning Ice World, ice slides, and snow fun activities. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the Arctic winter magic and let the kids play freely.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Mini Snowmobiling

A highlight for families is the 10-minute mini snowmobiling session for children aged 4-12, on a private track within Santa Village. This gives kids a safe and fun introduction to snowmobiling, often a memorable part of the trip. Some reviewers mention that their children loved this activity, and it offers a nice break from sightseeing.

Lunch and Other Inclusions

A buffet lunch is provided either in the village or nearby, offering a chance to warm up and fuel up for the rest of the day. The included entrance fees and snowmobiling make the price seem reasonable, though some feel the overall experience is slightly overpriced for what is included. Still, the lunch is generally described as tasty and filling enough for a day of winter adventures.

End of the Day

After your visit, you’ll be transferred back to Levi, leaving you with plenty of time to reflect on the day. You might find the timing a bit tight if you want to linger longer at each stop, especially at the Santa visit, which some reviewers say is rushed.

The Experience from Different Perspectives

One reviewer, Linda, felt that the cost was high for what was offered, especially criticizing the meager lunch and the lack of a guide during part of the trip. She appreciated the visit to Santa but was frustrated that self-photos during Santa meetings weren’t allowed, and photos had to be purchased afterward. Her experience highlights that if you’re hoping for a more relaxed or photo-rich Santa encounter, you might need to be prepared for additional costs.

On the other hand, Lisa praised the tour for having “brilliant” guides and drivers, emphasizing the professionalism and friendliness of the team. A good guide can make or break a trip, and her feedback suggests that when the guides are attentive and knowledgeable, the experience becomes more enjoyable.

Interestingly, some reviews express that the scenery and the setting are absolutely breathtaking. The drive itself offers chances to see snow-draped landscapes, reindeer, and even the Northern Lights if lucky, making the trip worthwhile even before arriving at Santa.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is included from select locations in Levi, with pickups starting roughly 30 minutes to an hour before departure. The vehicle size isn’t specified, but based on reviews, the group tends to be small — often a van for six people — which allows for a more intimate experience.

The drive to Rovaniemi is comfortable and scenic, giving travelers a chance to relax and take photos along the way. The actual time spent at Santa Claus Village is flexible, but the overall tour duration of about 8 hours means you’ll want to be ready for a full day of winter fun.

Price and Value Analysis

At $407 per person, this tour sits on the higher end for a day trip. Included in this price are transportation, a buffet lunch, entrance to Snowman World, and a short snowmobiling experience for children. For families or couples seeking a guided, all-in-one experience without the hassle of planning, this can be a worthwhile way to tick off Santa from your bucket list.

However, extras like professional photo packages and souvenirs can significantly add to the cost. Some travelers might find that the experience feels rushed, especially if they wish to spend more time with Santa or explore the village at their own pace.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for families with children, thanks to the snow activities and the chance to meet Santa, which is often the highlight for kids. It’s also suitable for couples or solo travelers who want a guided, hassle-free day that combines scenic travel with festive fun. Those seeking an in-depth, leisurely Santa visit or a fully customizable experience might find it lacking, but for a structured, enjoyable introduction to Lapland’s winter magic, it fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this tour offers a solid blend of scenic travel, festive atmosphere, and family-friendly activities. The guides are generally praised for their professionalism, and the scenery along the way is breathtaking. The inclusion of Snowman World and snowmobiling makes the experience feel well-rounded, although the overall value depends on individual expectations and budget.

If you’re after a convenient, guided day out that captures the essence of Lapland’s Christmas charm without the need for planning, this trip delivers. Just be prepared for the additional photo costs and the possibility of feeling slightly rushed at each stop.

This tour suits travelers who want to enjoy the fairy-tale setting of Santa Claus Village without worrying about logistics, and who are keen to combine scenic drives with family fun and festive sights.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from designated locations in Levi, such as Olo Resort, Reindeer Manor Levi, and others. Exact times are shared by email the day before.

How long is the transfer from Levi to Rovaniemi?
The drive takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, during which you’ll enjoy the beautiful winter landscape en route.

Can I meet Santa Claus during this tour?
Yes, you will have the chance to meet Santa Claus at the village. However, as some reviews note, self-photos during Santa visits aren’t allowed; photos must be purchased afterward.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy a visit to Santa Claus Village, a buffet lunch, access to Snowman World, and a 10-minute mini snowmobiling session for children. Entrance fees to Snowman World are included after December 6.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. Kids can try snowmobiling, enjoy Snowman World, and meet Santa — making it particularly great for families.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID card, as it’s required for the tour. Dress warmly, as you’ll be outdoors in snowy conditions.

To sum it up, this Levi day trip to Santa Claus Village offers a tidy package blending scenic Arctic views, festive sights, and family fun. It’s a good choice for those wanting a guided experience that captures the essence of Lapland’s winter wonderland, with some extra costs to consider for photos and souvenirs. Perfect for family travelers, couples, or anyone eager to tick Santa off their bucket list with minimal fuss.

You can check if your dates are available here: