Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies, Santa’s Pets & Aurora Hunt

Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies, Santa’s Pets & Aurora Hunt — A Practical Look at an Arctic Adventure

Imagine spending a day surrounded by snow-dusted forests, reindeer, huskies, and the possibility of catching the elusive northern lights—all while learning about Lappish culture from knowledgeable guides. That’s the essence of the tour in Rovaniemi that combines daytime activities with a late-evening aurora hunt. From a quick reindeer sleigh ride to feeding Santa’s favorite pets, and finishing with a cozy, guided northern lights excursion, this experience aims to give you a well-paced taste of Arctic life.

Two things I really appreciate about this tour are its small-group size, capped at just eight participants, which makes it feel more intimate and personalized, and the emphasis on authentic encounters—feeding reindeer, petting huskies, and learning tips for capturing the northern lights. Plus, the tour’s flexibility, with free time after the morning activities, allows you to explore Santa Claus Village at your own pace.

One potential drawback? The northern lights are a natural spectacle, so there’s no guarantee you’ll see them. Cloud cover and weather conditions can block the view, no matter how well-prepared the guides are. But even if the aurora remains elusive, the combination of scenery, culture, and fun activities still makes this tour worth considering.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Small group size ensures a more personal, less rushed experience.
• Authentic activities like reindeer feeding and husky rides provide memorable, hands-on encounters.
• Knowledgeable guides like Aurora and William bring depth and warmth to the stories and tips shared.
• Two northern lights viewing locations maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora, weather permitting.
• Well-organized itinerary balances daytime fun and evening adventure with free time and local snacks.
• Focus on value: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, and multiple activity locations, all for $271.

This tour offers a thoughtful mix of traditional Lapland experiences, cultural insights, and natural beauty, making it suitable for travelers eager for a genuine Arctic adventure without feeling overwhelmed.

An Authentic Day in Santa Claus Village

Your day kicks off with hotel pickup—if you’re staying in Rovaniemi, pick-up is typically around 9:00 am during high season, or 10:00 am in lower seasons. The drive is cozy, with a small group of no more than eight, which keeps things intimate and allows your guide to tailor the experience.

Once at Santa Claus Village, you’ll get a chance to snap photos at the Arctic Circle—an iconic must-have for your holiday album. Here, you can also try on traditional reindeer gear and take a short, 400-meter reindeer sleigh ride. Many reviews highlight how short these rides are—about 5 minutes—but they’re enough to feel the thrill of gliding over snow, and “feed the reindeer” is a highlight, with travelers noting how special it is to pet and interact with these gentle creatures.

Next, the husky ride—about 500 meters—adds a dash of high-energy fun. Guides, like Ella, praise their knowledgeable hosts who make sure everyone is comfortable and even take photos during the rides. The huskies, with their boundless enthusiasm, are a favorite among visitors, though some feel the rides could be longer. Still, with temperatures often in the -20s°C, even short rides feel exhilarating.

Post-activities, you’re free to explore Santa Village or grab some hot Finnish berry or fruit tea, a cozy way to warm up before heading into the evening.

The Magic of Aurora Hunting

After a break, you’ll be driven to two carefully chosen spots for the northern lights viewing—often near a dark Arctic lake or forest that provides the perfect backdrop. Guides like Aurora and William are praised for their friendliness, responsiveness, and knowledge. They share tips on photographing the aurora with your phone and tell stories about this natural phenomenon.

The timing is from 8:30 or 9:00 pm until around 11:30 pm, giving you a good chance to see the dancing lights. As some reviewers mention, cloud cover can obscure the display, but the guides’ efforts and the different viewing locations help maximize your chances. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the green ribbons of the aurora—many describe it as a memory that lasts a lifetime.

While there’s always a small chance of missing out, the experience of waiting around in a cozy hut with hot tea and sharing stories about the lights is very much part of the charm.

Logistics and What’s Included

This tour costs around $271 per person, which covers a lot of ground. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide who speaks English, and all the activities—reindeer and husky rides, feeding, and visits to Santa’s Pets. Snacks include Fazer chocolates and hot fruit or berry tea, adding to the Finnish flavor.

The experience is designed for small groups, with maximum of eight participants, which means more personalized attention. The duration is about 7 hours, blending morning and evening activities, and the tour is flexible—if you prefer, you can stay longer at Santa Village or be dropped off early.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic encounters—feeding reindeer, petting huskies, and listening to guide stories—you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to experience Lapland’s traditions in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Keep in mind, the short rides and busy schedule mean it’s less suitable if you’re seeking extended rides or a very leisurely pace. Also, as the northern lights are a natural occurrence, patience and a bit of luck are necessary. Guides like Aurora and William do their best, but no one controls the weather.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Experience

• Dress very warmly—layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof shoes are a must, as you’ll be outdoors in very cold conditions. Some reviews suggest renting snowsuits, which is a good idea if you didn’t bring your own.

• Bring a good camera or smartphone with manual settings to capture the aurora. Guides often provide tips, but a steady hand and patience matter.

• Arrive 5 minutes early for pickups and activities to stay on schedule.

• If you want extra time at Santa Village or the Aurora spots, communicate with your guide—most are happy to accommodate small adjustments.

This tour offers a well-balanced mixture of traditional Lapland experiences and the chance to witness the northern lights in a manageable, small-group setting. From the moment you feed a reindeer to the thrill of a husky sled, each activity provides a genuine taste of Arctic life. The guides, like Aurora and William, earn high praise for their warmth, knowledge, and responsiveness—making your day both fun and informative.

While the northern lights are unpredictable, the multiple viewing locations and clear explanations improve your odds—and even if you don’t see the green dance, you’ll leave with a heart full of snowy images, new knowledge, and some cozy memories.

This experience is best for curious travelers who seek authentic activities and don’t mind the cold. It’s ideal if you want a structured yet flexible day that combines tradition, adventure, and a bit of magic—and who’s okay with a chance that Mother Nature might not cooperate.

How long is the reindeer and husky ride?
The reindeer sleigh ride is about 400 meters, taking roughly 5 minutes, and the husky ride covers about 500 meters, which is also around 5 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the rides, feeding reindeer, visiting Santa’s Pets, hot berry/fruit tea, and transportation between locations.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults paying full price, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including waterproof shoes, hats, gloves, and thermal clothing. Renting snowsuits might be a good option if you don’t have your own.

Can I see the northern lights on this tour?
While the guides do their best with two different Aurora viewing spots, seeing the lights depends on weather and solar activity. There’s no guarantee.

How flexible is the schedule?
You can request to stay longer at Santa Village or the Aurora spots, but most pick-up times are 9:00 am in high season or 10:00 am in low season.

How do I prepare for the outdoor activities?
Bring extra warm clothing, especially if you tend to get cold easily. The activities take place outdoors in temperatures as low as -30°C, which can feel quite chilly.

What if I want to stay longer at Santa Claus Village?
The tour typically drops you back around 12:30 pm, but you can talk to the guide about staying longer if you wish—most are accommodating.