Booking Joulukka – Santa Claus Secret Forest
We decided to book everything ourselves for our Lapland trip. That way, we could tailor everything exactly as we wanted, and it was working out much less than the packages we'd looked at.
It was all quite overwhelming at the start – so many choices, especially with Santa visit options.
This was a big part of the trip for us, though, as I know it is for many others. Our children had got to the age where we thought this was our last chance for it to be quite such a magical visit, and that it would be a once in a lifetime family experience.
It was with that thinking that my budget had gone completely out of the window! I was then in the mindset that we weren't looking for the cheapest, but for one with great reviews - that looked like it would be really memorable and a unique experience we could only have in Lapland.
...And when we found Santa Claus Secret Forest, Joulukka, I couldn't look past it.
It was much more than we planned to spend, and a pretty extravagant day trip, but we had saved money elsewhere and as a one off, we decided to go for it. We booked the Dream Joulukka Package.
More details available on their website: https://santaclaussecretforest.com
The Journey to the Secret Forest
We got to Santa Claus Holiday Village, Rovaniemi, for our 9am pick up to the Secret Forest.
It truly is secret – you can't arrive by car or your own transport, and it's not shown on a map. The elves have to transport you there themselves. I feel this really adds to the mystery and magic.
The elves came to greet us and were incredible!! Such amazing characters, and this created excitement right from the get-go. The journey was short, with a few other pickups en route, and the elves entertained everyone on board.
The Elves Academy
We arrived deep in a snowy forest, greeted by more of Santa's very jolly elves. It felt really exciting and the first stop was to the Elves Academy. There was a short, fun elf lesson, and then we all got to decorate gingerbread biscuits. It was really warm inside, so easy layers are definitely recommended.
The Toy Workshop
Next we headed over to the toy workshop - I think this was my favourite part. I’m not going to give to much away about it all or share too many photos as surprises when you get there are good.
Each family got to enter individually, which was really lovely. A wooden building with the traditional look you would imagine when thinking of Santa's toy workshop. We especially enjoyed the wind-up music box, and the safe door was impressive. We wished we could have stayed here longer - it was lots of fun.
Marshmallows, Snowball Fights and Elf Games
While waiting for other families, We warmed by the fire pit - toasting marshmallows with an elf, and you could help yourself to warm juice drinks here too. Ours weren't keen, so just ate cups of snow instead!!
There was time for playing in the snow and a giant snowball fight with the elves and other guests. The elves were great at entertaining everyone and making up games in between the different visits.
Santa's Telecommunications, Delivery Centre and Post Room
We got to go inside "Santa's Telecommunications Centre, Delivery Centre and Post Room" These were really interactive and magical!
I don't think it matters what age children are here, as it's just so lovely, but I feel it definitely suits the younger age groups more. Our youngest (8) had so much fun throughout and would love to go back. Our older son (11) loved being there and all the fun with the elves in between, but perhaps not quite as much the workshops.
Meeting Santa
We thought we were still making our way through the last workshop, but walked round the corner to suddenly see Santa. I have to be honest here – we weren't expecting it at that point. I think they were maybe going for the "surprise" factor, but we all felt a little build-up would have worked better – maybe a chat with an elf, an "Are you ready?" moment, and a little time waiting there.
Considering how amazing this place is, it really wasn't the best setting for Santa. It's all amazing, and then where Santa was sitting was really quite underwhelming – not a match for the rest of this setting. Perhaps it was just different/temporary location for some reason? I'm not sure, but that was our only negative feedback.
They still loved seeing him though. He looked great, gave them a gift they loved, and I really do feel this day was much more about the whole experience than just this moment.
Our Final Moments in the Secret Forest
We enjoyed more marshmallows and snowman building before we had to go. Nobody was ready to leave - they were enjoying it all so much. It was great that we could take as many videos and photos as we liked throughout to look back on.
The kids also wrote all the little details and memories in their Lapland journals to keep them safe.
We will have lifelong memories from Santa Claus Secret Forest, and thank all the elves for making it so magical and fun. I got stuck mimicking the elves characters afterwards, which the kids found hilarious, amazing and a little unnerving all at once!
Would We Recommend Joulukka?
I would definitely recommend it, especially if you have young children – they will be totally enthralled by it all. Its an incredible place and experience overall.
Tip: Be prepared with easy layers for going in and out lots, and if Santa is still as much of a surprise, be prepared for that too!
For up to date information on the different packages available, what's included, timings and prices, I'd recommend visiting the official Joulukka website, as these details can vary.
I hope you enjoy your journey and have as magical and fun a time as we did if you visit Santa Claus Secret Forest, Joulukka.
Kelly - Our Own Path