During the months leading up to Christmas kids make wishes and ask for presents from Santa Claus. It’s up for the adults to make this wish come true as they take the role of being Santa for their children.

But aside from becoming Santa Claus to kids, there are actually places in the world you could visit that closely ties their customs and traditions to the great gift giver. One of the most popular destinations in the world related to Santa Claus is the province of Lapland in the northernmost region of Finland. Tourists specifically visit Korvatunturi, which is a small village part of Lapland.

The Story behind Korvatunturi

Korvatunturi literally means “Ear Fell” because of its altitude (486 meters above sea level). According to the story, Korvatunturi is considered the ears of Santa Claus which allows him to determine which kids are naughty or nice.  The area is located near the border of Finland and Russia where the actual Ear Fell is located. Kids around the world can write to Santa Claus in this village.

The Santa Claus Village

Aside from Korvatunturi, tourists can also visit Rovaniemi, the home of “Santa Claus Village”. Holidaymakers can visit the border of the Arctic Circle from Rovaniemi and even find the office of Santa Claus. Aside from the post office Santa Claus and its offices, there are also small shops around the city that features souvenirs related to Santa Claus.

Reaching Rovaniemi is very easy because it allows for a direct flight to the dedicated airport and a bus that takes the tourists to the Christmas Village.

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If it is really cold in Helsinki (and chances are it will be), you can walk on the frozen sea (but be prudent, though) or go ice swimming along the coast, where you can also find saunas.

Because the festive season has begun, you can enjoy a couple of hours in Helsinki’s Holiday Markets, St. Thomas Christmas Market being one of the most popular. This is a market that is located in Esplanade Park and has more than 120 stalls that sell handicrafts, festive treats, and gifts for those close to you. This market also displays the typical Finnish artifacts like furs, skis, sledges, ice skates, and knives. The St. Thomas Christmas Market is the greatest seasonal event where locals and visitors alike can enjoy pastries, grilled sausages, and fried herrings, as well as mulled wine that has a dash of vodka. At the Old Market Hall, which is located in South Harbour, everyone can enjoy wild boar, venison, pates made from rabbit, pheasant, and salmon.

Another Christmas Market in Helsinki is the one located in the Old Student House. This one usually begins in November and ends around Christmas. There are more than 160 sellers at this market that sell handicrafts and other products, which include knitted goods, cards, candles, clothes, and even ceramics.

There is also a third seasonal market in Helsinki called the Women’s Christmas Market, which is held at the Wanha Satama every winter. This is a very popular market in the city where Finnish women get the opportunity to present and sell items of high quality, which they design and make themselves. Some of these items include garments, knitwear, decorations, leather and wood products, ceramics, toys, and even carpets. They also make an array of sweets and savouries to put on the Christmas table.

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