I visited Christmassy Lapland in the middle of summer – with reindeer rides & Santa meet-and-greets in 27C temperatures
'Welcome to Lapland,' says the Uber driver as he flashes a smile.
6
6
It's mid-July, and I've arrived at 'the official home of Santa Claus'.
I'd heard whispers about Rovaniemi's summer scene, but I hadn't quite realised how passionately the city upholds its year-round festivities.
My first stop is the Santa Claus Village — an immersive Christmassy epicentre north of the Finnish city centre. If it sounds bizarre, it certainly feels it.
On the drive to the village, I watch bikini-clad crowds weaving through Rovaniemi's streets towards the Rovaniemen Uimaranta — a sandy beach on the banks of the River Kemijoki.
It's 27C and summer is underway. Yet the signs of the city's festive subculture are unmissable.
Free-roaming reindeer sunbathe next to roadsides, and we whizz past a barbershop named 'Santa Hair'.
I'm basked in sunshine as I step into Santa Claus Village, a collection of red-painted alpine buildings amid fir and pine trees.
Aside from Santa meet-and-greets, there's the functioning Main Post Office, Santa's Pets and Arctic Circle Husky Park. With free entrance, you can explore at your own pace.
It's not the lack of snow that strikes me first, but the absence of crowds.
Rather than hordes of thermal-clad tourists, there's a summery serenity in the air.
In the main square, residents casually cross the white line that marks the official Arctic Circle boundary — accompanied by plodding dogs on leads.
Last December, there was a three-hour waitlist to begin queuing to see Santa Claus, now I watch a young family walk straight in.
Ignorance is bliss and I've decided I'm too anxious to discover if I'm on the 'naughty or nice' list.
Instead, I'm focused on meeting some of the four-legged helpers. I dash towards the reindeer, where visitors are promised intimate hand-feeding encounters.
Elves serve ice cream
Summer is a special season for the reindeer. Their antlers are at their largest and most of the females have calves at foot.
Adjoining the reindeer pen is the home of another Christmas celebrity: Mrs Claus.
6
6
6
Her lodge is set back from the main walkway and if everyone else is aware that it's July, the elves in charge of decor have not got the memo.
A floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree glistens in the corner, while beaming elves serve ice cream and pastries. 'When people visit in winter, I always tell them to visit in summer,' says Mrs Claus, in a lilting voice with a twinkle in her eye.
She spins a rhythmical tale: Summers spent swimming, fishing for salmon ('Santa's favourite') and picking blueberries to incorporate into her baking.
The thawing of the forest shapes the activities that Santa Claus Village has on offer, though not as dramatically as you might expect.
Inside the Post Office, the elves still stamp and mail letters, sorting selected letters into a designated post box marked 'December 2025'.
The Husky Park welcomes tourists to play with puppies or take rides on wheeled sledges adapted for snowless conditions.
While trainers replace clunky snowshoes for walks along forest trails.
Christmas isn't a season, but a mindset.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Justin Trudeau jets to Italy with his daughter for ANOTHER sun-soaked summer holiday after stepping back from politics - following Katy Perry dating rumours
Justin Trudeau has jetted to Italy with his daughter in his latest trip abroad this summer after stepping away from political life - and fuelling dating rumours with Katy Perry. The former Canadian Prime Minister, 53, has been navigating life outside of 24 Sussex after his resignation in January following a dramatic fall from grace. High on his list of priorities was spending quality time with his children by spending time away with each of them after their heartfelt plea to see 'more of him at home, and less of him online'. His latest trip was with his only daughter Ella-Grace, 16, who he spoiled with a dreamy holiday to Italy where they explored the sights of Rome, Siena, Florence and Lake Como. In adorable snaps of the pair, they were seen eating bruschetta in rolling Italian hills, beaming in front of St Peter's Basilica and enjoying a cosy dinner. He wrote on his Instagram account: 'Third of the kid trips this summer: Italy with Ella-Grace. Loved exploring Rome, Siena, Florence and Lake Como with her.' The holiday is likely welcome to his daughter who has previously spoken about how absent he has been during his political career. She said ahead of Trudeau's concession speech in March: 'I'm looking forward to seeing more of him at home, and less of him online, but I would never trade the last few years for anything.' Even though she hinted at not spending enough time together, Ella-Grace ended the emotional tribute with 'dad, I'm so proud of you'. Despite a taxing, decade-long career as PM, Trudeaus' love for his children is obvious, with the doting father posting a sweet snap of the pair together skiing and captioned 'the best days of my life are the ones I've spent outside with my kids'. And earlier this year he wrote for her birthday: 'Happy birthday, Ella-Grace! From the fearless little girl to the smart, young woman who inspires me every day — you've always been unstoppable. Je t'aime.' Meanwhile, his eldest son, Xavier, 17, was taken on an adventurous trip to Switzerland 'for some mountaineering, hiking, via ferrata-ing, and more melted cheese than anyone should safely eat'. Shots of the adrenaline-filled getaway showed the duo climbing up a snowy slope in Zermatt, ice axes in hand and mountaineering rope tied between them, clambering across steep drops and rocky edges. Xavier, who is a budding singer, began to join his father on work trips while he was in office when he was a teenager, visiting places like India, Indonesia and Singapore. He also caused a stir online after he and his father opted for a full pink outfit to see Barbie. A few days later, Trudeau posted another snap, this time with Ella-Grace, as they went to watch the cinema rival Oppenheimer. The move comes after the former-PM's daughter said she was 'looking forward to seeing more of him at home, and less of him online' (the family pictured in 2021 as they watch election coverage on TV) Spending the last 10 years of her childhood in 24 Sussex meant Ella-Grace (pictured as a child) grew up in busy environment with her father called away at a moment's notice Hadrien, his youngest son who he once described as 'fun, fearless, and adventurous', went on a sun-soaked road trip with his father 'from Vancouver to Whistler and Victoria' where they enjoyed 'loads of fun activities together'. In an amusing snap the former-politician was seen grinning white water rafting with his son, as well as scenic shots of the pair in the mountains and forests. A daring seal also took their chance and gave the newly-single once 'hottest politician' a quick peck on the cheek. Clearly enjoying his time away from the office for what could be argued as more adventurous activities, he also shared a post of him with his two sons rock climbing. Trudeau shares his three children with ex wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, from whom he announced a split in August 2023 after 18 years of marriage. Sophie was a childhood friend and classmate of Trudeau's older brother Michel, who died in an avalanche in 1998 aged 23. They began dating in 2003 after reconnecting as adults and were engaged a short time afterwards. Despite splitting up, Trudeau and his ex-wife took their children on a trip to British Columbia only a week after announcing they were going their separate ways. 'They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment,' the PM's office said at the time. It added: 'Both parents will be a constant presence in their children's lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together.' Sophie moved out of the 22-room Rideau Cottage they had lived before but was said to move back in when Trudeau was travelling as the couple took on co-parenting roles. As well as spending quality time with his children, Trudeau has also been exploring other connections. The day after he shared his holiday snaps with Hayden, he was spotted at a cosy dinner date with popstar Katy Perry. The singer, 40, who confirmed her split from fiancé Orlando Bloom in June, and Trudeau were filmed dining together in Montreal at the city's Le Violon restaurant. Perry and Trudeau started their romantic evening with a park stroll, and headed for drinks after dinner at Taverne Atlantic, with sources telling TMZ they enjoyed some drinks on the terrace. In a video obtained by Daily Mail, the pair leaned over a table towards one another as they intimately chatted. Despite splitting up, 'they remain a close family' with the five of them going on holiday together a week after they announced their separation (pictured during the Liberal election night party in 2021) A smiling Perry, who was on the Canadian leg of her panned Lifetimes Tour, was seen gesturing as Trudeau intently listened. They were later seen grabbing drinks together. A source has told the Daily Mail that those close to the singer do not believe their rendezvous was anything serious. They explained that Perry 'usually wears her heart on her sleeve' so if a new romance was brewing, her pals would have heard about it. 'As of right now, Katy and Justin are treating their get together as just that, a get together,' our insider said. Social media erupted at the pair's date, with one fan writing: 'Did not have that one on my celebrity hookup bingo card. Others wrote: 'Both reminiscing their peaks in 2015.' Trudeau announced on January 6 that he was stepping down as the Liberal party leader but stayed on as prime minister until his successor was chosen on March 9. In emotional remarks Trudeau, who served as Prime Minister since 2015, said: 'Last night over dinner I told my kids about the decision that I'm sharing with you today. I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister.' With his government in turmoil, Trudeau said Parliament would be suspended until March 24 while his Liberal Party chooses a new leader. He was succeeded by Mike Carney. The scion of one of Canada's most famous political families had become deeply unpopular in recent years over a range of issues including the soaring cost of food and housing, and surging immigration.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
King begins Balmoral residency with military ceremony
The King greeted tourists from across Europe at the gates of Balmoral as he marked the official start of his summer residency in Scotland with a military ceremony involving a Shetland pony. On Monday morning, Charles arrived in the Aberdeenshire castle in his state Bentley and inspected regimental mascot Corporal Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony, as it stood with handler Corporal Rory Stewart as the monarch inspected his Royal Guard. A Guard of Honour was held by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) to officially welcome the King to Balmoral, although he attended a church service there on Sunday in a private capacity. After the ceremony, there was a performance from the Pipes and Drums, formed by soldiers from across the regiment, including from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Battalions, in a display of pageantry which was closely linked to this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Charles is the Colonel in Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and wore his relatively new King Charles III tartan which was designed on the date of his coronation, May 6 2023, and is restricted for the exclusive use of the Royal Family members. The King greeted tourists and holidaymakers from France, the Netherlands and Germany in temperatures which reached 23C. Cruachan IV, the mascot since 2012, was wearing a regimental horse rug in Government 1A tartan worn by the Royal Regiment of Scotland and embellished with medals. The pony, which lives in Edinburgh, was on its best behaviour during an inspection by the King. A crowd of around 60 people waited to try to speak to Charles at the castle gates. Officer Commanding Balaklava Company, Major Tommy Blair, said: 'Balaklava Company has the unique privilege of supporting His Majesty The King and The Royal Household during their Summer Court in Scotland. 'It's a huge honour to command this parade today marking His Majesty's arrival at Balmoral, and we're looking forward to spending the coming months in Royal Deeside.' Pipe Major Davies, 2 SCOTS said: 'It is an honour to be taking part in this year's arrival parade at Balmoral. For the first time since the regiment's formation in 2006, members of 2, 3 and 4 SCOTS pipe bands are on parade for this high profile ceremonial event. 'As we are all taking part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we thought it would be a good opportunity to showcase the regiment's strong piping and drumming traditions, performing a colourful and musical spectacle for His Majesty and the public.' Drum Major Muir, 3 SCOTS said: 'It is always an honour to welcome His Majesty The King to Scotland, as our head of state we take great pride in welcoming him to Balmoral.'
Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Scotsman
Leeds Festival 2025: Pick up and drop-off points and local taxi companies in Leeds
Make that transfer from train to taxi that much easier with our guide to getting a taxi or private hire to Leeds Festival this year. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For those of you using public transport, in particular a train, to get to Leeds this year - this one is for you. If the prospect of getting on another crowded form of public transport to get to the festival site is not your idea of fun, you could take a taxi or private hire instead. Here's what you need to know when getting a taxi to Leeds Festival this year, from where the collection points are to how much it could set you back. Heading to Leeds Festival can be an adventure in itself, but with so many people descending on Bramham Park, navigating the travel can be a daunting task. The logistical nightmare of hopping off the train and then running to transfer to a shuttle bus after a particularly long journey, and one to come, and setting up camp (unless you're glamping, in which case it's slightly easier) is not one you want to contend with. Where are the correct pick-up points at Leeds Train Station? Where are the designated drop-off zones at the festival grounds? Sounds stressful, right? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So to aid you with a smooth transfer from train to private hire or local taxi, here's our guide to where your chariot to get to Bramham Park from Leeds Train Station, where you'll need to be dropped off when you get closer to the festival site, and an idea how much it 'could' cost you for the ride - and why it seems so expensive this year. We've also included a few local taxi companies also, if you're not having much luck with Uber and the throng of other people, no doubt in the same boat as you, waiting for surge pricing to calm down. Where are the taxi pick-up points at Leeds Train Station? Can't stomach another ride on public transport when it comes to that last leg to get to Leeds Festival this year? Let us help you out with your guide to private hire and taxis available in the city this year - and those all important pick up points. | Canva/Getty Images Taxis and private hires can pick you up from the Leeds Train Station car park, situated just off New Station Street. To make your way to that area: Come out through the main gates at Leeds Train Station, and walk towards the main exit. Take a left where you see the ticketing offices, ticketing machines and a selection of shops such as Sainsbury's Local and Starbucks. Keep walking in that direction until you see on your left-hand side a pair of electric doors, leading to the car park. Be aware that the level of traffic that will be around that area, especially during the Friday morning of the festival, means that some taxis and private hires may have to either drive into the car park itself to wait (you'll see the parking spaces when you walk outside, to your left hand side) or on other occasions you may need to exit the station (right hand side) to identify your private hire. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Where are the drop-off points at Leeds Festival for taxis? Leeds Festival has a specific, designated Pick Up and Drop Off zone for all private vehicles and taxis. This zone is located off York Road (A64) and is marked with dedicated signage. For your return journey from the festival, there is a dedicated taxi rank at the site, which is typically located near the Red Gate. Marshals are on-site to help organise queues and manage the flow of people and vehicles. How much could the trip from Leeds Train Station to Bramham Park cost me? The cost can vary significantly based on traffic, demand, and time of day. However, official fare information from the Leeds Hackney Carriage Drivers Association suggests a standard taxi fare for a car with up to four passengers is approximately £40 - £45 for the journey from Leeds Train Station to the festival. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is important to note that this is a guide price, and the final cost may fluctuate, especially if you're using Uber, which can bring surge pricing due to the demand for transport. I don't use Uber - what other local taxi companies can I use to get to Leeds Festival? Leeds has several well-established local taxi companies that you can use. Some of the most prominent ones include: Veezu (formerly Amber Cars and Wheels Private Hire) - 0113 202 2112. Central Cars - 01132 523 523 Streamline-Telecabs - 0113 244 3322 Leeds Cab - 0113 455 5888 These companies operate through phone bookings and dedicated mobile apps, and they are typically the most reliable alternatives to Uber in the Leeds area. Why are the Uber and taxi fares so expensive to get to Leeds Festival this year? Inflation, petrol prices and demand. Take your pick. Ride-hailing services like Uber operate on a surge pricing model. With tens of thousands of people descending on a single location at the same time, demand far outstrips supply, causing fares to increase dramatically. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The route to Bramham Park is always subject to heavy traffic congestion, especially on peak days. Taxi meters and app-based fares are calculated based on both distance and time, so sitting in a traffic jam for an hour can significantly drive up the final cost. However, many local taxi services, including hackney carriages, will implement a fixed fare for the festival route to bypass the meter and account for the guaranteed traffic and long queues for drop-offs and pick-ups - for better or for worse.
