"A tourist attraction marketed as St. Nick’s hometown, offering a festive stop and cultural attractions tied to the region’s Christmas traditions." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A family-focused winter attraction where visitors can meet Santa, and take part in activities like reindeer safaris and dog sledding; uniquely, guests can stay in igloo-style accommodation and use the town as a base for viewing the Northern Lights." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A tourist complex in Finnish Lapland dedicated to Santa Claus that lets visitors meet Santa and experience reindeer encounters amid snowy Arctic landscapes and excellent opportunities to see the northern lights." - Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Opened in 1985 on the Arctic Circle, this amusement-park–style attraction draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and centers on festive experiences like meeting the man in the red suit and other family-oriented activities; it is touristy but widely regarded as worth the visit for the novelty and photo opportunities." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Straddling the Arctic Circle about 440 miles north of Helsinki, this amusement park markets itself as the official hometown of Joulupukki (the Finnish Santa) and aims to make it feel like Christmas every day; visitors can take reindeer rides, visit an on-site post office that handles tens of thousands of letters, and enjoy a range of wintry attractions and themed shops that lean into local Lapland traditions." - Nicholas DeRenzo