Saariselkä Christmas Fastival
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.
Festival Programme
12-18 Christmas Market
The heart of the festival is a cozy Christmas Market, where visitors can discover unique gifts and products made by local artisans. And of course, Santa Claus himself will be there to meet guests and spread Christmas cheer!
12-18 Village Discovery Adventure
Join a festive Village Discovery Adventure for the whole family and discover Saariselkä in a fun and memorable way!
Prizes will be raffled among participants. More detailed instructions will be published before the event.
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!
Detailed participation instructions and the adventure link will be published closer to the event.
Join a festive Village Discovery Adventure for the whole family and discover Saariselkä in a fun and memorable way!
The 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!
Detailed participation instructions and the adventure link will be published closer to the event.
Link to the adventure page will be added later15:00-16:00 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 🎄☕