Given it's the capital of Finnish Lapland – and the 'official hometown of Santa Claus' – it's no wonder that Rovaniemi is a year-round festive getaway. The Christmassy city has a dreamy location on the Arctic Circle (the line is proudly marked, so visitors know when they're crossing into the Arctic) and guests can visit Santa Claus any day they like at his HQ in Santa Claus Village (pictured).

Rovaniemi is also home to Santa Park, a jolly indoor theme park with seasonal shows, an elf school, and a festive train. Beyond the parks, reindeer-led sleigh rides, farm visits and (depending on timings) Northern Lights chasing awaits.

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