Snow drifts gently through the northern air. Lanterns glow along snowy paths, and the warm light of log cabins spills into the dusk. Laughter, sleigh bells, and the cheerful chatter of elves fill the air. Welcome to Santa’s Secret World, where Christmas truly comes alive.
A Dream Christmas for Irish Families
The magical Christmas village was created in partnership with the Irish tour operator Sunway. Last winter, the first groups of Irish families flew to Ruka to experience the true spirit of a northern Christmas. “About 1,200 happy visitors joined us,” says Mika Määttä, Director of Business Operations at Rukapalvelu. “We also continue our long-term cooperation with the British company TUI, though their program is a bit different.”
Feedback from last winter helped refine the experience. “Irish families have high expectations for a Christmas trip, and we do everything we can to meet, or better yet, exceed them,” Määttä smiles. “Our elves attend special training to master the Christmas spirit, and every detail is designed to create a warm and genuine experience.”
The goals are ambitious. In the coming years, December visitor numbers are expected to double, and the season will stretch from November to January.
A Perfect Home for Christmas Magic
Surrounded by ancient forests and traditional log buildings, this northern hideaway offers the ideal setting for the story of Christmas. “These wooden halls have true history and soul,” Määttä says. “They hold a warmth and mystery that cannot be staged.”
In Santa’s cozy office, families meet the man himself and take a keepsake photo.
“The children brought wish lists, drawings, even gifts for me. It was touching,” says Santa Claus, taking a short autumn break before the busy season.
Guests can send postcards from Santa’s Post Office, decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus’s Bakery, and meet Santa’s animal friends, reindeer and huskies ready to whisk guests through the snow.
A World Full of Elves and Stories
There is also Elf School, where visitors learn “Elphabet,” the elves’ own letters and numbers.
“In Elphabet, the letters go in a different order, and there is no number eight. We think it looks too much like a snowman!” laughs Elf Lotta Rahikkala.
Stories are at the heart of everything. One of the most common questions is, How old is Santa? “You can tell from Santa’s beard, and Mrs. Claus’s braids, that they have seen quite a few Christmases,” Lotta smiles. “After six hundred years, even the elves have lost count. Mrs. Claus is just over a hundred years younger.”
According to legend, Santa keeps the key to his gift chest hidden here in the North. Forged long ago under the northern stars, it is the only key that can unlock the chest and release gifts to children around the world.
One Place, Endless Christmas Magic
Santa’s Secret World is proof that imagination, local expertise, and international teamwork can create something truly special. “This is a shared effort,” Määttä says. “Every elf, guide, chef, and organizer plays a part in the story of Christmas. It is an honor to bring the magic of Christmas to thousands of families and to share a piece of the North with the world.”
Group visits are available throughout the season, with a few dates still open: December 24, 26, 27, 29, and 30.
For more information and reservations, contact sales@rukapalvelu.fi.
