Santa’s Reindeer & Husky Safari + Santa’s Pets + Aurora Hunt!

Exploring Rovaniemi in winter often conjures images of snow-dusted forests, glittering skies, and the chance to spot the iconic Northern Lights. This tour packs a hefty punch with reindeer rides, husky safaris, visits to Santa’s pets, and a dedicated Aurora hunt—making it an appealing choice for those who want a full Arctic experience. The 7-hour journey expertly combines daytime encounters with adorable animals and the thrill of a night-time aurora chase.

One thing we love about this tour is how seamlessly it combines multiple activities into one smooth day, meaning you get a lot of value for your money — especially with hotel transfers included. On the flip side, the short husky ride and the somewhat unpredictable northern lights weather might leave some wishing for longer or more guaranteed sightings.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to tick off a variety of Arctic highlights in a single day, especially families, animal lovers, or those eager to chase the Northern Lights without the hassle of organizing each activity separately.

Key Points

• All-in-one Arctic experience featuring reindeer rides, husky safaris, pet visits, and Aurora hunting.
• Included hotel transfers make logistics easy and stress-free.
• Guided by knowledgeable professionals who add insight and a friendly touch.
• Two different dark sky locations improve chances for a Northern Lights sighting.
• Short but sweet activities — perfect for travelers with limited time.
• Reviews praise the guides and the value for the comprehensive nature of the trip.

First Impressions and What’s Included

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of what Rovaniemi has to offer in winter. For around $277.50 per person, you get a full day of Arctic-themed adventures, guided by friendly professionals like Rafi, William, Alexander, and others. The tour is sold well in advance — booking, on average, 62 days ahead — which speaks to its popularity.

Including hotel pickup and drop-off, the experience alleviates the usual stress of coordinating transport, especially important in cold, dark winter months. Plus, the package features Fazer chocolates upon arrival (a sweet touch), hot fruit or berry tea to warm you up, and visits to Santa’s Village, reindeer farm, and husky farm.

The Morning: Santa’s Village, Reindeer, and Huskies

The day kicks off with a visit to Santa’s Village, a central highlight for many travelers. Here, you can try on reindeer gear, meet and feed the reindeer, and even take a short reindeer ride (around 400 meters). The reviews indicate this part is both charming and engaging — Lesley_D mentioned how her guide Alexander made it enjoyable with his friendly attitude and knowledge.

The huskies also steal the show during this morning segment. Guests get to meet the energetic Siberian huskies, experience a 500-meter husky sled ride, and visit the kennels to see the dogs up close. Several reviews highlight how well-cared-for the huskies appear, with Rafi Chowdhury earning praise for his detailed explanations and care of the animals.

Travelers note that while the husky experience is “short” (about 500 meters), it’s packed with excitement and photo opportunities. One reviewer, Miranda, mentions “riding the huskies was incredible,” and others appreciated the chance to pet and feed the animals freely.

The Santa’s Pets visit, where you can interact with the reindeer and other farm animals, is a delightful way to connect with Arctic wildlife in a relaxed setting. It’s especially appealing for families or animal lovers wanting a hands-on experience.

Free Time and Optional Activities

Post-morning activities, guests have free time in Santa’s Village to explore, shop, or simply soak in the wintry charm. This flexibility is appreciated; reviews mention being able to customize the day, such as switching pick-up points or spending more time at certain locations.

The Evening: Aurora Hunting in Arctic Darkness

From 8:30 p.m. to around 11:30 p.m., the tour shifts gears to chasing the Northern Lights, a highlight for many travelers heading to Rovaniemi. The journey takes you away from light pollution to two different dark sky locations, both near arctic lakes and forests, increasing your odds of witnessing this elusive spectacle.

Travelers like Miranda and Charles describe the Aurora hunt as “fantastic,” especially because guides like Rafi or William share their knowledge about the phenomenon and help with photography tips. The reviews suggest that weather conditions are pivotal, with some guests unlucky due to heavy snow or overcast skies. However, the effort made by guides to select the best spots truly enhances the chances.

One notable aspect is the presence of open areas, which are essential for a good aurora viewing experience. The tour’s focus on “dark sky” locations shows an understanding of how to maximize your potential for seeing the lights — even if nature doesn’t always cooperate.

Guests are offered hot fruit or berry tea to keep warm and stories about the aurora from guides, making the experience cozy and educational.

Transport, Group Size, and Atmosphere

The tour uses luxury Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen vans, with a maximum of 8 participants per vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. This smaller group size fosters a more personal experience, with guides paying attention to individual questions and needs. Several reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and extensive knowledge, especially Alexander, Rafi, William, and Paul, who are repeatedly described as “amazing” or “fantastic.”

Value for Money and Potential Drawbacks

While at first glance, the price of $277.50 might seem high, it covers multiple activities, transfers, guide services, and hot drinks, which would add up if booked separately. Travelers frequently mention the good value — especially considering the convenience of door-to-door pickup and the variety of experiences packed into one day.

However, some guests expressed disappointment about the short husky ride and the uncertain nature of the Northern Lights. The weather plays a significant role; if heavy snow or clouds roll in, sightings can be missed, despite the best efforts of guides. Plus, lunch isn’t included during the daytime activities, so travelers might want to budget for that separately.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

What sets this tour apart is its authentic focus on Arctic wildlife and culture. Meeting reindeer, petting huskies, and learning about the Sami traditions (albeit briefly) adds depth beyond just sightseeing. Multiple reviews note that guides like Rafi and William go out of their way to make the experience personal and memorable, from sharing knowledge about the animals to helping guests capture perfect photos.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a comprehensive, no-fuss Arctic adventure that combines animal encounters, cultural highlights, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. It’s suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who prefer guided tours with smaller groups. If your priority is longer husky rides or guaranteed Aurora sightings, you might want to explore additional or alternative packages.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of Arctic animal encounters, culture, and night-time Aurora hunting. The inclusion of hotel transfers, knowledgeable guides, and multiple locations makes it a convenient and engaging choice. The short activities are packed with charm, and the guides’ friendliness and expertise shine through in reviews.

While weather conditions and the short husky ride could be considerations, the overall experience delivers genuine value — especially for those seeking a full day of authentic Rovaniemi winter magic. It’s ideal for travelers who want variety, comfort, and a touch of Arctic adventure under one roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel / accommodation transfer in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen vehicle.

What activities are included in the morning?
You’ll visit Santa’s Village, experience a short reindeer ride (around 400 meters), meet and feed reindeer, and take a husky sleigh ride (about 500 meters).

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour makes an effort by visiting two dark sky locations, Aurora sightings depend on weather conditions, so sightings are not guaranteed.

How long is the husky ride?
The husky safari is approximately 500 meters — enough for a quick, fun ride and some memorable photos.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but hot fruit or berry tea is offered during the evening Aurora hunt.

What is the group size?
The tour is designed for a maximum of 8 participants per vehicle, making for a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers; outdoor Arctic conditions can be very cold, especially at night.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews indicate it’s family-friendly, especially with the gentle reindeer and husky activities.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Weather and solar activity influence Aurora visibility. Guides do their best to find good viewing spots, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

This experience makes for a lively, authentic, and comfortable way to enjoy Rovaniemi’s winter magic, offering a mix of animal fun, cultural moments, and the elusive Northern Lights—all in one well-organized package.