Over the time Santa has become a character transcending the boundaries of festival, community and religion. He is being loved everywhere. The Christmas tree, gifts, and Santa Claus hat have become part of a celebration across countries and communities. He has become the ultimate wishmaster. That is why people around the world write to him and he perhaps wishes fortune to all of them. To many, Santa Claus is a mythological character. So, while Saint Nicholas was indeed a 4th century historical figure, his embodiment as Santa has continued for centuries as an icon for peace, joy, giving and caring. Hence all those in need used to convey their wishes to Santa. Thus a tradition to write letters to Santa, specially around Christmas came into being. But where all these letters go? There are many countries whose postal services maintain and manage posts to and from Santa. But, perhaps nothing is more iconic than the one in Lapland. Truly, this is a fairytale setting, which captures all imaginations related to Santa.
Santa’s real post office exists in Lapland, Finland. So if you have a word or two to share with him before Christmas, be sure to start writing, and he will read it before taking off with Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is situated at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, where Santa opens his doors to the public every day of the year. His Post Office, maintained by the Finnish Posti Group Corporation, is not an ordinary one: every year, around 500,000 letters arrive from every corner of the world addressed to a particular person: Santa Claus himself. And they arrive every single day! Around 30,000 every single day! It keeps his Posti elves pretty busy, sorting and preparing the letters for the Big Guy. You can be sure the hard-working elves will get that letter straight to the Big Guy himself! During the Christmas season, Santa Claus gets a lot of letters at the Santa Claus Main Post Office in Rovaniemi.
He gets letters of all lengths, sizes, sorts and languages. They come from every corner of the world! Most of the letters that Santa receives are written by children, but sending a letter to Santa is definitely not limited to the small and pink-cheeked. Santa gets letters from children, adults, families, schools, businesses and even politicians and pop stars. So why not you? And remember, his very favourite letters are kept at the National Archives of Finland. If you want to mail your greetings or wishes to him this Christmas, just send your letter to his address:
Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Arctic Circle, Finland
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The Post Office, as well as Santa’s Office, are great places to visit throughout the year too. Every year, half a million people step in to enjoy the genuine Christmas feeling, and maybe send their greetings back home with an authentic Santa’s Post Office stamp on their letters. Of course, if you’re in Rovaniemi, any time of year, you can visit the Arctic Circle. Here you can meet Santa’s reindeer, his capering elves, and deliver your Christmas wishes and greetings in person. He’s always happy to see you, whether it’s July or Christmas Eve. You can meet the Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village every day of the year (yes, even on Christmas Day!)You can visit his office and get a picture with the big guy himself. You can also have a ride pulled by reindeer or husky dogs, or go on a snowmobile safari through Santa’s home–Lapland. So if you plan to go to Rovaniemi, be sure not to miss that exciting opportunity!
Christmas Around Lapland
But while Santa’s office is on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, in winter, he loves to travel Lapland and spend time in the towns and villages that dot the countryside. The town of Levi prepares for the big day with a Christmas Market, Christmas meals, activities and events in December. Reindeer safaris are also available. Santa Claus himself pays a visit on Christmas Eve to Kids’ Land! Inari-Saariselkä is a Christmas wonderland, crisp snowy landscapes in every direction. The town hosts a variety of Christmas and holiday feasts and programs.
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Good food! Friends!! Family!!! Celebrate Christmas in Ruka and Kuusamo with a husky or reindeer ride across the snow-covered fell. On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus and his reindeer pay a visit to Ruka Village. In Salla, you can take a one-hour husky ride across the snowy fields to the Salla Reindeer Park and see Santa’s most important helpers up close. Feel the spirit of Christmas in Pyhä, alongside Santa Claus and his reindeer. You can try traditional Finnish Christmas porridge and enjoy concerts in the chapel.
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Santa’s helpers and Syöte mascots Musti and Lysti help celebrate the holiday season with slalom and tobogganing events as well as New Year’s adventures for children. For families with children, there could hardly be a more perfect place to spend Christmas.
Have you ever written a wish to Santa? Share your special moments with us in the comments section below.
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