Blog post - 8 October 2020 13:55

Changed by Rovaniemi – Childhood dream came true 2/7

n our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Helen from Taiwan, who’s childhood dream came true at the Arctic Circle.

“In Asian countries and in our culture, Christmas is not the biggest festival. However, it is a very important day for my soul, because Christmas has Santa Claus!”

When Helen was a kid, her godmother used to invite her to stay in her house a weekend before Christmas. In the evening they had a nice dinner with the family, enjoying each other’s company. The next morning, all kids received a gift of their own, carefully selected by Helen’s godmother – just like Santa Claus gives gifts to the children. This special day of the year has always felt like the happiest day, and since a little girl, Helen has hoped to be able to visit Santa Claus and the elves someday.

In winter 2015, Helen’s friends wanted to visit Lapland to see the Northern Lights, and Helen did not doubt to join, as the destination was Rovaniemi – The Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.

“We were so excited to visit Santa Claus Village! At the moment I saw Santa Claus, I immediately started to cry. I felt so touched meeting him in real life – happiness just fulfilled my heart! Santa Claus was so funny and warm. He also signed his name on a postcard for me.”

Helen from Taiwan with Santa Claus in Rovaniemi Lapland Finland

After the meeting, Helen went with her friends to a café nearby to write some postcards. They met a local guy working at the café, that they humorously named “Santa’s brother”. The employee was extremely friendly, funny, and had a huge beard, just like Santa Claus. This special day of 2015 will stay in Helen’s heart as a warm memory forever.

Helens post card in Rovaniemi Lapland Finland

Stay tuned for more “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, where we share unique stories from true travelers of Rovaniemi.. What will change you <3

Missed the first part of the blog series? Read it here: Proposal at the Arctic Circle 1/7

Have a look at Changed by Rovaniemi Film based on true stories:

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Contacts

Sanna Kärkkäinen

Press contact Managing Director, Media visit and PR Public relations and inquiries sanna@visitrovaniemi.fi +358 40 576 3414

Salla Tauriainen

Press contact Media visit and PR Coordinator Media visits & inquiries, Tour operator visits, Marketing salla@visitrovaniemi.fi +358 40 776 2418

Changed by Rovaniemi – Proposal at the Arctic Circle 1/7

In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Australian Jayde, who got proposed at the Arctic Circle.

8 October 2020 13:55

Santa Claus Village a dream realized on the Arctic Circle

Rovaniemi is The Official Hometown of Santa Claus® and as Christmas approaches, Santa Claus receives many questions about visiting the Santa Claus Village. Rest assure no matter what, Santa Claus will always be in Santa Claus Village, continuing his life mission: to enhance the well-being of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spread the message of love and goodwill and the Christma

30 October 2020 09:51

Changed by Rovaniemi – Arctic Rally 3/7

In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Marco from Germany, who visits the Arctic Rally -event in Rovaniemi every year. Arctic Lapland Rally 2015 in Rovaniemi Lapland

30 October 2020 09:51

Changed by Rovaniemi – Believing in Santa Claus 4/7

In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Irish Andrew, who’s daughter started to believe in Santa Claus right upon the arrival to Rovaniemi Airport.

30 December 2020 09:57

Changed by Rovaniemi – Anni and the dogs 5/7

In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of German Anni, who’s dog Sola has met Santa Claus already twice.

21 January 2021 08:19

Changed by Rovaniemi – South Africans at the Arctic 6/7

In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Carin, who visited Lapland with her five colleagues all the way from South Africa.