Santa Claus – The Story of Korvatunturi
Santa Claus is one of the most iconic figures of the Finnish Christmas. The Finnish Santa Claus draws inspiration from various ancient Christmas traditions. His origins are linked to, among other things, the old *Nuuttipukki* (St. Knut’s Goat) tradition, which involved going from house to house during the Christmas season. This Christmas tradition is kept alive by stories told by parents and grandparents, passed down from generation to generation. On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus visits most families with children, bringing joy especially to the youngest members of the family. He asks the children about the past year and their good deeds, brings Christmas gifts, and creates a special festive atmosphere. Indeed, this visit is the highlight of the Finnish Santa Claus tradition.
Santa Claus and Lapland
A central element of the Santa Claus tradition is that he is an elderly figure who lives at Korvatunturi in Lapland. A rich storytelling tradition surrounds Santa Claus in Lapland. Korvatunturi is said to be located in Savukoski, in eastern Finnish Lapland. According to legend, this is where Santa Claus prepares for Christmas alongside his elves. An entire magical world has grown up around Santa Claus: elves, reindeer, Korvatunturi, gifts, Christmas letters, and the long journey on Christmas night.
Santa Claus’s Journey on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus’s most important task begins. He sets off in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, traveling across snowy Lapland and out into the wider world. An essential part of the Finnish Santa Claus tradition is waiting for him on Christmas Eve while listening for the sound of reindeer bells outside. The story of Santa Claus also encompasses the idea that he listens to children's Christmas wishes and brings Christmas joy to the entire world.
Rovaniemi became Santa Claus's official hometown in 2010 because the location of Korvatunturi is a closely guarded secret. Santa Claus’s Office is located in the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and you can visit Santa Claus there all year round.
Finland is home to the Santa Claus Foundation, an organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a global image of Finland as the true land of Christmas and the home of Santa Claus, creating opportunities to leverage this image, and promoting the well-being of children worldwide. The Foundation’s values are goodwill, authenticity, cooperation, and joy.
The story of Santa Claus is like a piece of Lapland magic—
born of snow, ancient traditions, and the joy of Christmas.
