Saariselkä Christmas Festival
21.11.2026
The festival programme includes a Christmas market filled with local goods, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, an engaging Village Discovery Adventure, and a wide range of activities for all ages. The event invites visitors to experience the magical atmosphere of polar night closing in, enjoy local delicacies, connect with the community, and create unforgettable memories in Saariselkä.
Getting to the Festival Day
It is possible to travel to Saariselkä by public transport. Bus timetables can be found on the Matkahuolto website. In addition, the ski bus operates throughout the day. The bus operates on the event day between Ivalo, Saariselkä and Kiilopää, stopping at several hotels and key locations throughout the area.
The Ski Bus departs from Ivalo Bus Station at 9:00 AM and returns to Ivalo at 6:05 PM.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver:
Ivalo – Saariselkä €10 / one way
Day ticket within the Saariselkä area €6
Up-to-date timetables and bus stop information can be found on the Lapland North Destinations Ski Bus page.
If you are arriving by car, please note that the Christmas market area extends on both sides of the road near Holiday Club and the Brewery. We recommend parking in one of the larger parking areas located a little further from the event area, including those near Ski Saariselkä, Urho Kekkonen Park, and the K-Market.
For those taking part in the Village Adventure, convenient starting points include Ski & Sport Resort and the market square, where you can also meet Santa Claus.
Festival Pre-Party on Friday, 20 November
Get into the festival spirit already on Friday with ice swimming, Christmas ham bingo, and festival jam sessions!
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Pre-Party Sauna & Ice Swimming at Laanilan Kievari
Enjoy a relaxing sauna and refreshing ice swim in the sauna facilities of Laanilan Kievari. Come and unwind in the sauna and take a dip in the ice hole! You can also earn a checkpoint stamp for the Village Adventure at the sauna/ice swimming location.
The Kievari sauna will be heated for festival adventurers:
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: €10 per person
Registration and payment at the restaurant. Please bring your own towel and swimsuit. The smaller sauna is reserved for men and the larger sauna for women.
From 7:00 PM onwards | Christmas Ham Bingo, Pub Quiz & Festival Jam Sessions at the Brewery
Starting at 7:00 PM, the Brewery will host a Christmas Ham Bingo and Pub Quiz together with the local volunteer fire brigade (VPK). After the games, stay on for the festival jam session organized by Plemu ry (Northern Lapland Live Music Association) and enjoy an evening of live music and great company.
Festival Programme on 21st November
12-18 Christmas Market
At the heart of the festival is a charming Christmas Market, where visitors can discover unique gifts and local treasures. Browse the list below to see all registered vendors, meet the makers behind the products, and find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts from the North!
✨ Jewellery & Accessories
- Mielikoru – sterling silver jewellery
- Mucca Design – reindeer and fish leather jewellery, baked goods
- Keloa Eyewear – jewellery and eyewear frames made from reindeer bone
- Kammigalleria – reindeer antler jewellery and art products
- Miia Rautiainen – jewellery
- Ami Avellan – sterling silver jewellery
- Katja Magga – Sámi-inspired designer jewellery, silver jewellery and pieces made from northern natural materials, including reindeer bone, fish leather, reindeer hide and reindeer hoof
- Saana-Eerika Lappalainen – wool beanies
- Sisko Kiviniemi – wool scarves
- MollaMaija Luomus – woven and crocheted accessories
- Marja Lopina – woollen socks
- Tuula Lehtinen – woollen socks
🧶 Handicrafts, Gift Items & Fishing
- Kotometsä – candles and ceramics
- Minna-Carita’s – birch veneer products
- Arja Nousiainen – hand-bound books and greeting cards
- Jorma Mehtomaa – traditional Finnish knives
- Sami Duodji – Sámi handicrafts
- Jenni-Emilia Pehkonen, Päivi Pehkonen, Päivi Kujala, Raija Muukka and Anne Kuosku – handmade crafts
- Raili Huhtamella – willow table runners
- Loimu Lintu & Samek – handcrafted wooden jewellery and wooden crafts, Sámi handicrafts, silver jewellery and traditional northern products
- Perhokapteeni – fishing flies and wool products
- Lapin Morrit – fishing equipment and accessories
🌿 Natural Products, Wellness & Cosmetics
- Ilonka – Lapland and nature-themed books, natural products, handicrafts and homemade baked treats. Visitors can also enjoy coffee and juice, and meet two friendly huskies.
- Soilunka – natural products
- Ikifood – berry and natural products
- Ivalonatural – natural cosmetics and solid shampoo and skincare products
- Saunakammari Tulenväki – sauna and wellness products
- All Seasons Lapland – jams, baked goods and other local delicacies
12-18 Village Discovery Adventure
Join a festive Village Discovery Adventure for the whole family and discover Saariselkä in a fun and memorable way – And win amazing prizes!
Link to the Village Adveture will be added here on Friday 20th
Village Discovery Adventure takes participants around the village to complete challenges, solve puzzles, and take part in Christmas-themed activities. Along the route, you may meet Santa Claus, decorate a gingerbread cookie, try traditional lasso throwing, or take a chairlift ride to the top of Kaunispää fell.
Some checkpoints will test your knowledge, while others encourage creativity and problem-solving. You can participate at your own pace, alone, with family, or with friends. Bring your phone, dress appropriately for the weather, and set off on an exciting Christmas adventure around Saariselkä!
Checkpoint List
All checkpoints can be completed on Saturday, 21 November, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM unless otherwise stated. Detailed checkpoint instructions will be published on Friday, 20 November.
PRE-FESTIVAL CHECKPOINTS | Friday, 20 November
- Laanilan Kievari Sauna & Ice Swimming
4:00 PM–9:00 PM (see checkpoint 7) - Plemu ry Festival Jam Session at Panimo
From 9:00 PM onwards
FESTIVAL DAY CHECKPOINTS | Saturday, 21 November
- Tunturin Lääkärikeskus – Christmas Hero CPR Challenge – A Skill That Saves Lives!
Open Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Address: Lutontie 3, at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi. The entrance is at street level and signs for Tunturin Lääkärikeskus will guide you to the location. - Lapin Luontolomat Oy – Oh dear, a reindeer! – Try Lasso Throwing
Address: Lutontie 3. We are located behind the old main building of Tunturi Hotel (Pirtti Restaurant). Look for the illuminated Christmas tree, kota hut and snowmobiles in the yard. - Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort – Scenic Chairlift Ride
At the end of Kullanhuuhtojantie. Starting point at the chairlift lower station. - Partioaitta – Light a fire
Partioaitta store, Honkapolku 3. Ask a member of staff: “May I light the fireplace with a fire striker?” - Saariselkä Bowling – Inari 150 Photo Wall
Honkapolku 5, Saariselkä Bowling. Open from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. - Muossi Grilli – Grill Quiz
Address: Saariseläntie 5/7, right next to the event area in the centre of the village. Look for the illuminated Muossi Grilli sign on the roof. - Laanilan Kievari – Hot n’cold (Sauna & Ice Swimming)
Located beside Restaurant Laanilan Kievari.
Address: Sateenkaarenpääntie 9, approximately 2 km south of Saariselkä.
The sauna is heated for Village Adventure participants:
Friday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM and Saturday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Price €10/person.
Registration and payment at the restaurant. Please bring your own towel and swimsuit. The smaller sauna is for men and the larger sauna is for women. - Wilderness Hotel Kieppi – Gingerbread Decorating
Raitopolku 1. The gingerbread decorating station is located in the restaurant dining area. - Sámi Village – Ságe
Lutontie 2 A 8. Red townhouse opposite Kieppi. - Star Arctic – Poetic Moments
Ylämajantie 1, at the top of Kaunispää. - Savottakahvila – Mum’s Cup
Viskitie 2. - Kaunis Jorma – How to Separate an Egg from an Egg?
Pub Kaunis Jorma, Kiveliöntie 3 B. - Gastropub Giitu – Hot Chocolate Glow-up
Revontulentie 1. - Holiday Club Saariselkä -Enter the Prize Draw
Enter through the hotel’s main entrance. - Village Association – Meet Santa Claus
Santa’s Cabin at the Christmas Market. - Outdoor Expert – Fatbike Balancing Challenge
Lutontie 3.
15:00-16:00 Christmas Opening Ceremony and Inari 150 Anniversary Closing Celebration
The traditional Christmas opening ceremony and the closing programme of the Inari 150 anniversary year will be celebrated at the Saariselkä market square.
Celebratory speech
What an incredible year it has been! What highlights and experiences have been part of the Inari 150 anniversary year?
Performing artist: Ailu Valle
“Ailu Valle is a rap artist from Anár, Finnish side of Sápmi, who raps in Northern Sámi, Finnish and English. He has released three solo albums in Northern Sámi, “Dušši dušše duššat” (2012), “7” (2015) and “Viidon sieiddit” (2019). The main themes in these albums stem from the Sámi indigenous philosophical and spiritual perspectives, emphasizing the importance of living in balance with nature and surroundings and the connection with land and water and animals. Valle won the Finnish State Culture Prize in 2019, granted by Taike and the Best Songwriter/ Composer prize of the year, granted by Sámi Music Awards and TONO Norway in 2020 and Áillohaš prize in Guovdageaidnu in 2026. Valle is currently working on finishing an EP called Sámirai.
Additional Festival Programme and Special Offers
During the Saariselkä Christmas Festival, a variety of side events will be organised throughout the area, and local businesses will offer special festival-themed deals. Details will be published on this page closer to the event.
Come and enjoy the spirit of togetherness, the magic of Christmas, and the unique winter landscapes of Lapland. The Saariselkä Christmas Festival offers memorable experiences for the whole family!
Experience Savotta – Discover Traditional Lapland Logging Camp Culture!
We’ll be waiting for you at the Savotta Café!
Festival Special Offer valid from 11 November onwards:
Lapland’s own berry juice or a cup of Tazza hot chocolate, served with a gingerbread cookie
Price: €5 🎄☕
Ice Swimming & Sauna at Laanilan Kievari
Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna and refreshing ice swimming experience at the sauna world of Laanilan Kievari. Come and relax in the sauna and take a dip in the ice hole! Visitors can also collect a checkpoint stamp for the Village Adventure at the sauna/ice swimming location.
To celebrate the Saariselkä Christmas Festival, the Kievari sauna will be heated for adventurers:
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: €10 per person
Payment and registration at the restaurant. Please bring your own towel and swimsuit. The smaller sauna is reserved for men, while the larger sauna is reserved for women.
Festival Day Offers at Mettäbaari!
Hot Cocoa for Children: €4
Mint Hot Cocoa: €6.50
Feeling hungry? Grilled sausages are also available!
Teerenpesä offers festival visitors light snacks and refreshments at affordable prices!