Riding Tour with Finnhorses at Santa Claus Village

A Finnhorse walking through a snowy forest is a quieter way to meet Lapland than another stop in Santa Claus Village’s busy central area. This roughly one-hour ride begins with an introduction to horses, follows a route paced for the least experienced rider, and ends with a warm drink and cookies by a campfire.

I like two things in particular: the thoughtful pace for beginners and the chance to hear about Finnhorses after the ride, rather than simply climbing aboard and heading straight back. The small group, capped at five, also leaves room for individual support.

The main consideration is winter clothing. You need warm clothes suitable for riding, shoes, and gloves, and the helmet is mandatory. The meeting point is about a 10-minute walk from the main Santa Claus Village area, so allow time to get there.

• A forest ride, not just a photo stop: The main activity is a guided trek on Finnhorses, with the route pace set by the least experienced rider.
• A gentle introduction: The programme starts with an introduction to horses before you mount up.
• A warm finish: After riding, you can sit by a campfire with a hot drink and cookies while hearing about Finnhorses.
• A genuinely small group: The maximum is five participants, useful if you are new to riding or want the guide’s attention.
• Clear age and weight limits: Riders must be over 7 years old and weigh less than 120 kg (265 pounds).
• Winter prep matters: Bring riding-appropriate warm clothes, shoes, and gloves. A helmet is required and provided.

From Santa Claus Village to the forest

Santa Claus Village is best known for its Christmas-themed attractions, but a short horseback ride offers a different sort of outing. You leave the main village area behind and ride through forest, with snow and winter light shaping the experience when conditions allow.

The meeting point is Aurora Horses on Joulumaantie. It is not right in the center of the village: allow about 10 minutes to walk from the main area, based on the reported distance. That is easy enough, but it is worth factoring in if you have a tight schedule or are arriving with children in heavy winter gear.

The activity lasts about an hour. That makes it a manageable addition to a day at Santa Claus Village, rather than a half-day commitment. Keep in mind that the ride itself is only part of the programme. The introduction beforehand and the warm drink and cookies afterward are part of the appeal, so avoid scheduling another activity immediately after.

A useful start for first-time riders

Before setting off, the programme begins with an introduction to horses. That matters if you have never ridden, or if your experience is limited to a short pony ride years ago. The aim is to help you feel safe before heading out, not to assume you already know how to handle a horse.

The group’s pace is set according to its least experienced rider. That is a practical approach for a mixed group, particularly when a child or first-time rider is taking part. You should not expect a fast ride or a technical lesson. Think of this as a guided trek, where a steady pace gives you time to take in the forest and focus on feeling comfortable in the saddle.

The group is limited to five participants. That small cap is a real plus: it gives the guide a better chance to notice if someone needs reassurance or help. One family described a son who had never ridden being well assisted, which points to the value of the introductory approach. Still, support does not remove the need to follow instructions and dress for the conditions.

Riding a Finnhorse through the trees

The ride takes place at Santa Claus Village and heads through forest. In winter, the snow-covered route is a major part of the experience. The setting can feel especially appealing around sunset, when the fading light adds atmosphere to the trees and snow.

Expect a calm, measured outing rather than a demanding ride. The pace is chosen for the least experienced participant, and the horses are described as calm, with a smooth ride. If you are a confident, frequent rider seeking speed or a challenging trail, this may feel too gentle. For a first ride, a family outing, or a chance to see the forest from horseback, that steady rhythm is more likely to be a benefit.

Conditions can affect how the route feels. Deep snow has sometimes made the ride feel simple or less varied, so do not book expecting a long wilderness expedition or a route with a guaranteed set of dramatic views. You are paying for an accessible horseback outing in a winter setting, not a strenuous trek through remote country.

Winter light is also a consideration. One ride took place near sunset, which made the forest especially atmospheric. Your timing and conditions may differ, but the possibility of a dusky winter ride is part of the appeal. If you are visiting in summer, a rider expressed interest in returning for the midnight sun. The experience is not limited to a single season, though the route and feel can change with the weather.

A campfire pause with Finnhorse stories

After the trek, the group gathers at a campfire for a warm drink and cookies. That small pause gives the outing a satisfying ending: you can warm up, take a breath, and spend a little more time around the horses rather than stepping straight off and rushing away.

You will also hear a story about Finnhorses. This adds context to the ride and gives the horse itself a place in the experience, not just a role as transport. The programme does not specify how long the post-ride gathering lasts, so think of it as a simple, informal finish rather than a long talk or a full meal.

There may be time to take photos with the horses after the ride. If that matters to you, keep your phone or camera accessible, but protect it from the cold. The most memorable part may be the quiet encounter itself, not a perfectly posed shot.

Dressing for a cold-weather ride

Warm, suitable clothing is essential, and it is not included. Bring clothes that let you stay warm while riding, plus shoes and gloves. The helmet cap and riding helmet are included, and wearing a helmet is mandatory.

The advice from someone who rode in winter was to dress properly and bring a pocket heater. That is especially sensible if you tend to feel cold or are traveling with a child. A horse ride is not the time to discover that your gloves are too thin or your footwear leaves your feet cold.

There is no detailed clothing checklist beyond warm riding clothes, shoes, and gloves, so use your judgment for the day’s weather. The activity depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What the price buys you

At $126.03 per person, this is not a low-cost way to spend an hour. The value depends on what you want from your Santa Claus Village visit. The price covers more than time in the saddle: you get a horse introduction, a small guided group, a forest trek, a required helmet and helmet cap, and a warm finish with a drink, cookies, and Finnhorse stories.

For a child who is excited about horses, or an adult who wants to try riding in a winter setting, that combination can make the price worthwhile. It is less compelling if you only want a quick photo with a horse, or if you are an experienced rider looking for a long or challenging route. You are paying for a guided, small-group experience, not a full riding day.

The outing is also short enough to fit into a packed visit, but do not judge its value by riding time alone. The introduction and the post-ride pause are part of the programme. As this is often booked about 34 days in advance, plan ahead if it is a priority for your trip, especially when traveling on fixed dates.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This is a good fit for families with children over 7, first-time riders, and anyone who wants a calm outdoor activity alongside the more familiar attractions at Santa Claus Village. The approach is deliberately set around the least experienced rider, and the group limit of five helps keep the outing personal.

It can also suit a keen horse lover who wants a short, scenic ride and time to spend near the animals afterward. One rider enjoyed it enough to book a second ride during the same visit. That enthusiasm makes sense if you value the horses and forest atmosphere more than speed or distance.

It is not suitable for children under 8 or anyone weighing 120 kg (265 pounds) or more. Nor is it the best choice if you dislike cold, cannot manage winter clothing, or expect a long, varied trail. One unhappy rider felt the route was dull in snowy conditions and was disappointed not to know that beforehand. Go in with modest expectations about distance and variety, and the outing is easier to appreciate for what it is.

Booking and practical details

The tour is offered in English, with a mobile ticket. Confirmation is provided at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is described as suitable for most participants, subject to the stated age and weight limits.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund or change. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. The same choice applies if poor weather cancels the ride.

Should you book the Finnhorse ride?

Book it if you want a small-group, beginner-friendly ride through the forest and like the idea of finishing with a warm drink, cookies, and a little Finnhorse lore. It is particularly appealing for families with a horse-loving child, provided the child is at least 8 and meets the weight limit.

Skip it if you want a long or demanding ride, are not prepared to dress warmly, or would rather spend your money on a longer activity. For the right person, this offers a welcome change of pace at Santa Claus Village. Plan for the walk to the meeting point, bundle up, and treat the outing as a gentle forest experience rather than a grand expedition.

FAQ

How long does the ride last?

The activity lasts approximately one hour. The programme includes an introduction to horses and a warm drink and cookies by the campfire after the trek.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Aurora Horses, Joulumaantie, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the meeting point inside the main Santa Claus Village area?

The meeting point is about a 10-minute walk from the main village area. Allow time to walk there before your start.

What is the minimum age for riders?

Riders must be over 7 years old, so the stated minimum is 8.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Riders must weigh less than 120 kg, or 265 pounds.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothes suitable for riding, shoes, and gloves. A helmet is mandatory, and a helmet cap and riding helmet are included.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

The programme begins with an introduction to horses, and the trek is paced according to the least experienced rider. The group is limited to five participants.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is five participants.

Can I cancel if my plans change or the weather is poor?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.