Events
Santa Claus Marathon
June
Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Marathon is not a race between red-clad and red-faced Santas, as the name suggests. This is actually a fairly standard marathon, though it starts at Santa’s workshop watched over by the man in red, and passes over the Arctic Circle.
Men's 100m
August
The Men’s 100m is a light-hearted romp through Rovaniemi’s pedestrian heart on the first weekend of August. Young and old take part in the race, with varying degrees of seriousness, and plenty of amber refreshments to ease sore muscles.
SimeRock
August
Thousands of music fans descend on Rovaniemi for this two-day rock festival in the open air, making the most of the long hours of sunlight.
Jutajaiset
July
This week-long folklore festival celebrates Lappish Sámi culture, music and traditions as well as providing a stage for international performers.
Grand Opening of Christmas Season
November
It’s Christmas time all year round in Rovaniemi, but the Santa-mania builds to a crescendo at the end of November, when the big man and his elves officially open the Christmas season at Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle.