Hello, friends! What to do if newfangled routes for celebrating the New Year under palm trees on the seashore and ocean no longer tempt you. And I want a real Russian winter with everyone winter activities: real frosts, fluffy snow, skating, sledding and skiing, building snow forts and towns and cheerfully celebrating the New Year under a real tree in a real forest.
But there is a way out: you need to go not just anywhere, but to Lapland - the kingdom of the Snow Queen and to the habitat of Santa Claus. In one of the articles, I already talked about traveling with children and how, having visited this country, it is impossible not to visit where Santa Claus lives. This amazing place is located far to the north beyond the Arctic Circle, 9 kilometers from the capital of Lapland - Rovaniemi in the village of Joulupukki (Joulupukin Pajakyla).
Mysterious and unique Lapland
Lapland is an inexplicable and fabulous province located in Finland, with fantastic nature and unique culture, – of course, is close to us in many ways. We are also accustomed to severe frosts, like the Finns, we love winter fun since childhood.
But what you can see in Lapland will undoubtedly evoke many unexpected emotions. To these places with primeval nature with forests and mountains, many rivers and lakes, clean air, polar night every time under New Year Crowds of tourists come here, dreaming not only of enjoying the local beauty, but also of returning once again to a distant fairy tale from childhood.
And for children, this is an opportunity to see in person those places about which so much is already known from the books of Hans Christian Andersen and the Swedish writer Selma Lagerlöf. The adventures of Kai and Gerda, a reindeer who comes from Lapland, in the country of the Snow Queen and the characters from the book “Nils's Wonderful Journey with the Wild Geese” in Lapland are the first acquaintance with this northern country, which, without a doubt, requires continuation.
And we will begin our journey with Rovaniemi
The history of this northern city, the largest in area in Europe, begins in the 15th century. It is located 8 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, 800 kilometers from Helsinki and 1025 kilometers from St. Petersburg. It is this northern city that becomes the most beloved resort in Lapland by children and adults in winter.
And it's easy to explain. These are exactly the places where the beloved New Year's character, Santa Claus (in Finnish - Joulupukki), spends most of his time worrying about and preparing for the Christmas holidays. After all, it is here, just a few kilometers from the city, that the famous Santa Claus village is located.
It is clear that Santa Claus is almost the same as ours, but in a European manner. But the history of its origin is somewhat different. It is assumed that Saint Nicholas became his prototype: Santa - “saint”, Klaus - “Nicholas”. During his lifetime, this common Christian saint secretly helped poor people and children. And the tradition of giving gifts on St. Nicholas Day later transformed into the tradition of giving gifts to children at Christmas. And this is what modern Santa Claus does with great pleasure.
According to legend, Santa's permanent home and secret workshop, where Christmas gifts are prepared for children, are located on Mount Korvatunturi. But, since rumors began to spread among people about secret place his habitat, Santa Claus, in order not to be completely declassified, decided to appear to people and chose a place for this on the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi.
Here in Lapland, in a small village, Santa established his working residence, which is now known throughout the world. He comes here every day, receives visitors from all over the world, reads letters from all over the world (which can be sent to: Santa Klaus, 96930 Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finland), and from them he learns what children dream of and what gifts they waiting for Christmas.
But in fact, Santa Claus Village appeared back in 1950. And this was connected with the visit of the wife of the American President Eleanor Roosevelt to these places. For her arrival, a small wooden house, as Santa's temporary home. It has survived to this day and is located near Santa Claus's office.
That’s how, somewhere far beyond the Arctic Circle, among forests and snow sparkling in the sun, Santa’s village appeared many years ago. The good news is that such a wonderful place exists and you should definitely visit it at least once in your life.
Santa Claus Village Websites:
Where Santa Claus lives, childhood lives
This is the kingdom of Santa Claus, where reality and fairy tales are so closely intertwined, and on its territory, inhabited by fairy-tale characters, such amazing events take place that they make you believe in the reality of what is happening and in the possibility of miracles and happiness not only for small children, but also for adults aunty and uncle.
The village of Santa Claus is the office and post office of Santa Claus, Santa Park, cottages for tourists, many shops and restaurants, and a small deer farm. In winter, numerous slides are built on the square, from which you can ride for free. Near the village there is another amusement park - Arctic Winter World.
According to one of the hypotheses (I don’t know, scientific or also fairy-tale), the place for this magical village was not chosen by chance: since it is in this place that the earth’s crust is very thin, with the help of special mechanisms Santa Claus learned to control time and in particular, slow down the speed of rotation of the Earth. And this little trick helps Santa visit everyone in the world on the eve of Christmas in one night and give everyone gifts.
The village is small, but not small either. In the center of the Village stands big Christmas tree decorated with small flags different countries peace. Everything around you sparkles in festive attire, which immediately improves your mood.
Entrance to the village is free, but, of course, you have to pay for various services.
Santa Claus's office is the main attraction of the village
You can get to Santa's office in the office through a long fairy-tale corridor. The famous wizard himself and his constant assistants, the gnomes, joyfully greet the guests, and in the minutes allotted for the visit, you should try to tell Santa Claus about what is most important to you in this life, make a wish and sit next to him.
This is not difficult to do, since Santa has studied many foreign languages, including Russian. Santa gives gifts to good and obedient children.
Entrance to Santa's house is free. But if you want to capture yourself in a photo next to Santa Claus, then you will have to pay his assistants - gnome photographers - for this.
Playful and restless gnomes and elves help Santa entertain the guests.
In addition, they work in Santa's workshop, where they make amazing gifts for children.
Santa is a tireless worker himself. It receives guests every day, including weekends and holidays. Office opening hours depend on the time of year and holidays (in December, opening hours are longer and there may be queues).
Official website of Santa Claus office: santaclauslive.com
Santa Claus Mail
This is a must visit place after Santa's office. Almost half a million tourists come here every year.
Here you can order a letter from Santa Claus anywhere in the world. Such a letter to required language(available in 11 languages) the cheerful elves will help you compose and send them. Letters from children with their requests and wishes come here from different parts of the planet, which the elves parse and then pass on to Santa. Interesting statistic: Since 1980, Santa has received more than 16 million letters.
From Santa's post office you can send a Christmas card with good wishes to family and friends. All letters and cards are stamped with Santa's special seal and are immediately sent to their destination. Here you can buy various souvenirs and postcards.
Santa Claus' post office, like the office, is open all days of the year.
There is another attraction in the Village, which is associated with an interesting ritual that everyone who visits this place likes to perform: crossing the geographical and, to some extent, fabulous border of the Arctic Circle, depicted as a white line with the inscription “Arctic Circle”.
The most “brave” (that is, those who cross the Arctic Circle) are waiting for ceremonial presentation commemorative certificates in memory of this event.
There is another notable geographical landmark in the village: a large pillar with direction signs for the largest cities in the world.
Santa Claus Post Websites:
Santa Park - the magical cave of the elves
Near the Village there is an underground (at a depth of several tens of meters) Santa Claus Park, inhabited by cheerful elves. This structure is in the form of a series of tunnels that are laid right inside the rock. Before you are greeted by elves and fairy tale characters, you have a long descent ahead of you.
Santa Park's Adventure Cave offers a wide variety of... fun entertainment for each. Children especially have fun here. At the elf school you can master all sorts of elven wisdom and learn how to sign Christmas cards in calligraphy.
And those who have distinguished themselves will even be given a diploma successful completion course of a young elf.
In Mrs. Claus's bakery and kitchen you can not only try delicious gingerbread cookies, but also learn how to make them yourself. Moreover, this kind woman there are so many sweets in store.
It wouldn’t hurt to visit Santa Claus in his office and visit the Elven Post Office again (in case not all your friends have received postcards yet).
And the kingdom of the Ice Princess (not scary at all, rather the opposite) will simply surprise you with sculptures of northern animals and fairy-tale characters in the Ice Gallery.
You can also go on a fun journey with the elves on the magical “Seasons” train, play in a huge ball filled with snowflakes, or on the Angry Birds playground.
The annual colorful costume show will add to the long list of amazing adventures.
Delicious food awaits everyone who is hungry in the underground cafe, and those who did not have time to buy gifts for their relatives can do so in the local shops and souvenir shops.
Santa Park opening hours:
Santa Park is not open every day, but only during certain periods.
From November 11, 2018 to November 30, 2018 – daily from 10:00 to 17:00. From December 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019 – daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Santa Park website: santapark.com
Cost of tickets to Santa Park for 2018-2019:
Unlike free entry to the Village, entry here is paid.
From 11.11.2018 – 6.01.2019 (winter season):
- adults – 34€, children (3–12) years old – 28.50€
Children under 3 years old can enter Santa Park for free. The price of the ticket, which is valid for two days in a row, includes all the entertainment in Santa Park, and you can buy tickets at the ticket office from the elf.
Another wonderful place for children and their parents is located very close to the village of Santa Claus. But this amusement park is only open in winter - from early December to late March.
And every year this complex, which consists of a unique igloo hotel, slides for children and adults in fantastic lighting, a cafe and bar, beautiful sculptures, is rebuilt from snow and ice.
Everyone, from young to old, enjoys sledding and cheesecake rides down the ice slides.
You can conquer more and more slides all day long for a single entrance fee to the amusement park.
And after riding, you can take a break. The Ice Cafe or Bar will offer you delicious berry drinks - for children, and something stronger for adults. And all this in ice-cold glasses.
For a more complete experience of the Ice World, daredevils can spend the night in a sleeping bag in one of the ice-decorated snow rooms at the Arctice Igloo Hotel.
There are no other zoos in the world located this far north.
It is located approximately 80 kilometers (or an hour's drive) from Rovaniemi. More than 200 different animals and about 30 species of birds live here, including polar and brown bears, wolves and, of course, reindeer.
Created for animals excellent conditions: spacious enclosures, good feeding and care. The zoo stretches out in a long strip, about 2.5 km, in the forest. Therefore, children can borrow a stroller or sled for free at the entrance to the zoo. Children usually enthusiastically prefer sleds.
In addition to the zoo, you can also visit the children's fairy-tale park – the “Mur-mur” castle (or the castle of the elves), where gnomes and elves make Christmas gifts for children, where you can enjoy delicious sweets from the local confectionery factory “Fazer” or a rare northern berry - cloudberries.
The zoo is open daily. Opening hours and ticket prices depend on the season. You can travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua by car or bus.
Ranua Zoo official website: ranuazoo.com
Ranua Zoo opening hours:
- From September 1 to May 31 – from 10:00 to 16:00
- From June 1 to August 31 – from 9:00 to 19:00
Cost of visiting the zoo:
From 01.10.2018 – 09.12.2018 and from 11.01.2019 – 31.03.2019:
- For adults – 15€
- For children 4-14 years old – 13.50€
- For pensioners – 14€
- Family ticket – 51€
- For students – 13.50€
From 12/10/2018 – 01/10/2019:
- For adults – 18.50€
- For children 4-14 years old – 16€
- For pensioners – 17€
- For students – 16€
- Family ticket – 59€
From 01.04.2018 – 30.09.2018:
- For adults – 17€
- For children 4-14 years old – 14€
- For pensioners – 14.50€
- For students – 14€
- Family ticket – 51€
For children under 4 years old, visiting the zoo is free.
What else can you do in Lapland?
You can’t leave these places without riding in reindeer and dog sleds or on powerful snowmobiles.
More information about this can be found on the websites:
- wildlifesafaris.fi
- gulo.fi
There is a reindeer farm near Santa Claus's office in winter.
It is small, but sufficient for organizing wonderful sleigh rides pulled by reindeer.
And, of course, you will be very lucky if you manage to admire, according to eyewitnesses, the extraordinary beauty of the Northern Lights.
The time of this inexplicable appearance natural phenomenon difficult to predict. But still, suddenly you find yourself in the right place at the right time.
Where to live and how to get there?
There are no problems with accommodation or transportation in these places. Despite all the harshness of these places, the conditions for tourists here are excellent. You can stay on vacation in a hotel or in a separate comfortable and cozy cottage.
The city has a railway station, and just 10 kilometers from the city and 2 kilometers from the village of Santa Claus is Rovaniemi International Airport.
Cheap flights to Rovaniemi
| Where | departure date | Return date | Find a ticket | |||
Helsinki | ||||||
London | ||||||
Moscow | ||||||
Amsterdam | ||||||
Saint Petersburg | ||||||
Stockholm |
From the center of Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village there is a regular bus service “Santa’s Express” (route no. 8), the trip takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket per person is 3.80 €. A taxi from the center to the village will cost several times more – approximately 25 €.
And for complete immersion in the local atmosphere, you can get from the city to Santa Claus Village by reindeer or dog sled.
And if you want to celebrate the New Year as a family, in a cozy house by the fireplace in fabulous atmosphere – best place You can't find anything better than fabulous Lapland.
A trip to Finland is also good because we have a common border with this country. Therefore, the opportunity to travel to Finland from the northwestern part of our country is very simplified. For example, you can go there from St. Petersburg different types transport.
The easiest way is to get to Helsinki by high speed train"Allegro" or by car, bus, plane and even by ferry. You can also get from Russia by bus from Murmansk and Kandalaksha. Those who live in the central part of Russia can use the services of the branded Moscow-Helsinki train “Lev Tolstoy”.
The second advantage of this tourist destination is the relative ease of obtaining a visa. Finns willingly give Russian tourists visas.
Don't forget to take warm clothes with you! Happy holidays to you!
New Year is approaching, which means that all the children will be waiting for Father Frost or Santa Claus. And there will probably be curious people who will wonder where these creatures live. fairy-tale heroes. What should you answer to the baby?
Santa Claus: who is he and where does he live?
Santa Claus is a North American folklore character, a kind of Christmas grandfather who gives gifts to all children at Christmas. The prototype of this hero is considered to be the Christian saint Nicholas of Myra, in whose honor the gray-haired grandfather was named (“Santa” is a saint, “Klaus” is Nicholas). He was known for his charity and gave gifts to children from poor families.
Initially, in European countries, gifts were given on behalf of December 6, but then the period of the Reformation began, and the baby Christ began to give gifts. But then St. Nicholas was remembered again, but the day of presenting gifts was timed to coincide with Christmas and moved to December 24.
And the image came to America in the 17th century thanks to the Dutch colonists. And so, since then, a gray-haired old man in a red suit and a hat with white fur trims, every Christmas night, flies around all the houses on a sleigh drawn by a reindeer team, and puts gifts in socks, carefully prepared by children.
Where does Santa Claus live? Many have heard that he lives in Lapland. But does this country really exist? Yes, it exists. But this is not a country, but a province, or rather an ethnic territory, located above the Arctic Circle and covering the territory of Finland, Sweden and even Russia.
This province and, accordingly, the village of Santa Claus is located close (about 8 kilometers) from the small town of Rovaniemi. This city has an international airport, so getting here is quite possible.
It is believed that Santa Claus was born on Mount Korvatunturi, which in its outline resembles the ears of a hare (therefore its name literally translates as “ear mountain” or “ear mountain”). Santa lives there all year round with his family and his faithful gnome helpers.
But every year on the eve, he goes down the mountain to his office (located in the vicinity of Rovaniemi), where he takes orders for gifts and monitors their production. Initially there was only a small house, but then it was rebuilt and in 1985 an entire office was officially opened.
This is where tourists from all over the world come to see a real miracle. Now near the office you can see a post office, various workshops, puppet show and even a shopping center.
Not far from Santa Claus's office there is a whole amusement park - Santa Park. It is located in the Syväsenvaara cave and was opened in 1998. This place is open all year round, so anyone can immerse themselves in the Christmas atmosphere at any time, as well as ride on attractions, which include a fairy-tale sleigh and Santa Claus' helicopter.
And in the multi-video center you can see the gray-haired old man himself, racing on his sleigh across the starry sky. In general, having been here, anyone will believe in the existence of Santa Claus.
Santa Claus: who is he and where does he live?
In the fairy tale, Father Frost is a gray-haired and gray-bearded old man in felt boots, a sheepskin coat and a hat, who has a magic staff and can perform winter miracles (for example, “conjure” snow, freeze something). Today this character is the most important thing at New Year celebrations.
In fact, he is the East Slavic version of the Christmas giver (there are such givers in the culture of almost every country). Grandfather Frost is always accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka, and the old man travels on three horses.
In general, Santa Claus began to be personified with the celebration of the New Year in Soviet time when the Christmas tree became a New Year's attribute. But the image itself appeared earlier. So, East Slavs quite a long time ago they began to personify and personify such a natural element as frost. But initially the character was presented as a small old man who ran through forests and fields and caused winter bitter frosts by knocking.
Then Santa Claus began to appear in fairy tales, but he did not give gifts to anyone, although Good work could thank and praise. In the second half of the 19th century, attempts were made to create a character who would give everyone gifts at Christmas. But this hero, firstly, was persecuted by the authorities, and secondly, he was not recognized Orthodox Church. And only in the last century was Santa Claus finally accepted. Since then, he has been giving gifts to children for the New Year.
What should you tell your child if he asks about the place of residence of Santa Claus? Today it is known to many and is not hidden from anyone. In general, Veliky Ustyug, a city located in the northeast of the Vologda region, is traditionally considered the birthplace of the gray-haired old man. But there are other places where Santa Claus also appears.
The first homeland of this fairy-tale character was Arkhangelsk. But later (in 1995) the management of the Lapland Nature Reserve, located on Kola Peninsula, launched the project “Fabulous Lapland - the domain of Father Frost,” according to which the character lived in the Chunozero estate.
But then Veliky Ustyug was declared their homeland. And on December 25, 1999, the House of Father Frost was officially and solemnly opened, where he lives to this day. Today, this hero has residences in Moscow and Murmansk. The situation with several Santa Clauses can be clarified as follows: Santa Claus is a wizard, so he can move quickly and even be in several places at the same time.
In Veliky Ustyug there is a huge tower or even the palace of Father Frost, which has a bedroom, dressing room, Personal Area, workshops. There is a throne in the center of the palace. If you sit on it and make a wish, it will certainly come true.
By the way, the Belarusian Father Frost also has his own official residence. It was opened on December 25, 2003 and is located in Belovezhskaya Pushcha. And in Ukraine there is no hero at home yet, but soon he will probably appear.
How to write a letter?
You can write a letter to both Santa Claus and Father Frost.
Official postal address of Santa Claus:
162340, Russia, Vologda Region, the city of Veliky Ustyug, the house of Father Frost.
Santa Claus postal address:
Santa Claus Main Post Office, FI-96930 Arctic Circle, Lapland, Finland.
Now you know what to answer to your child and won’t lose face.
In Denmark he is called Sinterklaas, in Germany - Father Christmas, in Russia his name is Father Frost. This character has many names and many countries claim that their territory is the birthplace of Santa Claus or Father Frost. However, one of the contending countries recently took a step closer to being named the home of a beloved Christmas character.
Who is Santa?
Saint Nicholas, the generous saint of early Christianity, is considered the prototype of Santa. According to historians and church representatives, he was a church leader in a small Roman town located in modern Turkey.
The exact location of his burial is still unknown. According to some sources, he was buried in Italy, and according to others, in Ireland. In October 2017, Turkish archaeologists discovered a tomb in the foundations of the Church of St. Nicholas in the province of Antalya, not far from the place where the city of Mira stood in the 4th century, the same one in which St. Nicholas served. Archaeologists immediately suggested that the tomb belonged to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
If Turkey manages to earn the title of the birthplace of Santa Claus, a new place may appear on the map of Christmas lovers. However, his “second homeland” is ready to enter into a dispute over Santa.
Finnish Santa
If you ask any Finn where he thinks Santa Claus lives, he will tell you without a shadow of a doubt that Santa is from Lapland and lives among the hills of Korvatunturi.
These hills, or rather the three-headed hill, are almost always covered with snow and are home to wandering reindeer. It is there, as the Finns are sure, that Santa Claus’s secret workshop is hidden. And, despite the fact that this place was associated with Santa only at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Finnish Christmas tradition is much older.
Tradition and folklore
Before Christianity came to this northern country, the Finns celebrated Yule - a holiday winter solstice, popular among the Germanic tribes. On St. Knut's Day, January 13, which is still considered the end of the winter holidays in Scandinavian countries, special "demons" called Nuttipukki ("St. Knut's goats"), dressed in birch bark masks and fur coats, knocked on houses and demanded gifts and holiday food.
When the generous Saint Nicholas replaced the terrorizing demons, his image was mixed with the traditional one, and the Finnish Santa began to be called Joulupukki (“the goat of Yule, or Christmas”).
Joulupukki, dressed in red clothes, knocks on the door in the evening and asks if there are obedient children in the house. If there are children, he gives them gifts and leaves.
In November 2017, the Finnish Ministry of Culture and Education recognized this Christmas tradition as a living heritage of the state. UNESCO agreed with the decision. And even if in fact UNESCO will not be able to recognize Santa Claus for Finland, recognition of its ancient traditions is still an important achievement for Finland.
Christmas spirit
So why fight for the recognition of Santa Claus by our compatriots? Although, it would be more correct to ask why not all countries in the world are trying to make this character their property? After all, Santa Claus personifies the spirit of Christmas - a cheerful, friendly, generous and peace-loving character who strives with all his might to ignite the fire of goodness and joy in children. And let skeptics consider it just a commercial gimmick aimed at getting us to spend more money, one cannot but agree that without Santa there is no spirit of Christmas.
Tourism
In addition, Santa's house attracts many tourists. According to statistics, visits to Lapland have increased by 18% this year. Of course, people come not only for Santa Claus, but also for the northern lights, the snowy beauty of Lapland and the ski resort of Rovaniemi, but Santa's house still remains one of the main attractions of the region.
If Saint Nicholas does indeed come from Antalya, Turkey will still have to give in to Finland, which not only has its own Santa, but also the perfect winter landscape that surrounds him - snow, reindeer and aurora. Even the beaches of Antalya cannot argue with this.
It seems that this kind old man with a snow-white beard has always existed, but the symbol New Year's holidays it became only about 200 years ago. The image of Santa developed gradually, and each nation contributed something of its own to it, but its obligatory attributes were a white mustache and beard, gloves and a bag of gifts.
On December 19, all Orthodox Rus' celebrates the saint's day Nikola Ugodnik. It was he who became the prototype of today's Santa Claus, as he is called in the West. Where did the fat New Year's man in a red zipun come from, who rides around on reindeer, lives for some reason in Lapland and gives gifts to all the children? But Santa Claus, that is, Saint Nicholas, lived in the 4th century in the city of Myra in the country of Lycia (present-day Turkey), was a thin monk and hardly even saw snow. How did it happen that the name of one of the greatest ascetics of the Church became a character in a New Year's children's fairy tale? The answer is simple - apostasy, a general falling away from the Christian faith, from the Mother Church. Today's American does not understand what Christ has to do with Christmas, because the word Christmas itself - Christmass ("Christ's Mass") began to be written like this - "X-mas". The proximity of the memory of this saint to Christmas made him the hero of this holiday, which was lost for western man all sorts of Christian roots.
In many countries around the world, until recently, Santa Claus was the symbol of the New Year. Each people called it differently, sometimes very funny: Yolupukki (Finns), Deda Mraz (Croats), Noel Baba (Turks), Pere Noel (French).
It was, in fact, because of this very bag of gifts that another confusion occurred, which led to the fact that in England and America the traditional Father Frost began to be called... Santa Claus. And then in many other countries as well: Santa Nicholas (in Belgium), Svyatos Mikalaus (in the Czech Republic), Site Kaas or Sinter Klaas (in Holland). All these names are translated into Russian the same way - St. Nicholas.
Who was this same Saint Nicholas, who is revered all over the world, albeit in a completely fictitious image? The answer to this question is given by his biography or, in church language, his life.
The future saint was born around 270 in the city of Patara, in Lycia, on the southern coast of Asia Minor (now the territory of Turkey). His parents were noble and rich, but did not have children until they were very old. Through their fervent prayers, the Lord gave them a son, whom they named Nikolai, which means “victorious people.”
WITH youth The boy spent almost all his time in church; at a more mature age he was ordained a priest. When his parents died, leaving Nicholas a rich inheritance, there was no doubt for him that it should be used to help those in need. Such an opportunity soon presented itself.
Not far away lived a once noble and wealthy man, who had now fallen into extreme poverty. Having exhausted all possibilities to get out of the difficult situation, he decided to take an extreme measure: to sacrifice the honor of his three beautiful daughters. Having learned about this, Saint Nicholas decided to help them. Three times at night he sneaked up to their wretched home and threw a bag of gold out the window. Soon all the sisters got married successfully, the merchant’s trading business went smoothly, and he, in turn, also began to help people. When Nicholas was elevated to the rank of bishop of the city of Myra, he remained just as kind, sympathetic and caring. The doors of his house were not closed - he equally helped and strong of the world this, and the poor; He was a father to orphans, a breadwinner for the poor, a comforter to those who mourn, an intercessor to the offended...
Saint Nicholas died in 342, but his death did not stop his good deeds: countless miracles, one more amazing than the other, did not and will not cease to be performed for all who call on his holy name.
Special veneration of St. Nicholas in Germany began already in the 6th century, in Rome - in the 8th century, and therefore, already in the Middle Ages, a good custom was established here and in other European countries: on St. Nicholas Day, December 19, to give gifts to children, following his example.
But here’s the problem: when, a little over two weeks later, the Nativity of Christ came with its “gift” traditions - the Magi, who found the Infant Christ with the help of a guiding star, presented Him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh - it was again impossible to do without gifts. Therefore, over time, both of these “gift” traditions came together, eventually becoming an indispensable attribute of the Christmas holiday. And Saint Nicholas turned into... good wizard, giving gifts to children (remember the episode from his life with bags of gold) and fulfilling their cherished desires. And already from the 10th century, it was Santa Claus who congratulated German children; in Poland, from the 13th century, scholarships were distributed in schools in his name.
Today's Santa Claus is the joint brainchild of the Dutch (the trendsetters, so to speak), the Americans and the British. They tormented him for a long time: they either wrapped him in a cloak, or gave him the appearance of a slender smoker-chimney sweep, throwing his gifts through chimneys, or depicted him with lush sideburns, dressed in furs from head to toe... The beard was drawn for him in 1860 by the American artist Thomas Knight. Then he was dressed in a red fur coat trimmed with fur. The image of a good-natured fat man with an indispensable bag of gifts was invented by the Englishman Tenniel.
And then somehow, imperceptibly, this omnipresent Santa Claus became (no more or less) a symbol of Christmas! His first appearance in this capacity happened in 1885 in America: at the first Christmas greeting card(following the example of the British) he had already been drawn - in a red robe and cap, with white sideburns and thick eyebrows, with a red nose and a bag full of gifts.
Where does Santa Claus live?
Many northern countries are still debating where Santa Claus lives. Some believe that he lives at the North Pole, others believe that he settled in the town of Rovaniemi in northern Finland. IN modern Finland There is even a special service for answers on behalf of Santa Claus, and this is understandable, because... On average, in December he receives up to 80 thousand letters from children from different countries with requests and wishes.
The English word Santa Claus comes from the nickname Sinterklaas (from the word "ash") of St. Nicholas (in Orthodox tradition Nicholas the Pleasant) were the first Dutch settlers in America. He was considered the patron saint of sailors and children, for whom he prepared gifts all year, and on Christmas night he delivered them and left them in stockings prepared for gifts. True, this began to be considered later, and among the Dutch Sinterklaas was, rather, a stern teacher, for he poured ash into the stockings of those children who did not behave as they should. The main Christmas character gained particular popularity after the American professor of Greek and Oriental literature Clement Clark MOORE in 1822 wrote a poem for his children for the holiday about St. Nicholas, who appears on the night before Christmas, when even mice fall asleep, and goes down the chimney with a bag full of gifts to leave for the children. In a fur coat, with a white beard and a red nose, he rides around on a team of eight reindeer, and his approach can be recognized by the creaking of runners and the melodious ringing of bells tied to the reindeer necks.
The poem quickly spread and became popular, which somewhat offended the professor, since he was very serious and did not approve of the fun that the Christmas celebration had turned into.
And about forty years later, caricaturist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus, and the image became complete: a red fur coat and headdress, a wide leather belt and sparkling black boots.
Russian Father Frost looks a little different, and his history goes back to Morozko from Slavic folklore. If Santa Claus is more like a gnome, then Father Frost is a giant, a hero who patrols his possessions, freezes rivers and lakes with ice, and at the same time gives gifts to children. His downside is that he often asks him to perform something for himself. Not out of greed - the soul just asks. But for the voiceless, legless, and suffering from sclerosis, everything pays off in the fact that our Grandfather has a Snow Maiden - she will not only give gifts, but can also kiss.
Where was Santa Claus born?
The modern image of the good-natured, fat Santa Claus appeared in the United States relatively recently, on Christmas Day 1822. It was then that Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem “The Coming of St. Nicholas,” in which the Saint appeared as a cheerful and cheerful elf with a round, tight belly, indicating a passion for delicious food, and with a smoking pipe. As a result of his reincarnation, Saint Nicholas got off the donkey, acquired eight deer, and had a bag of gifts in his hands.
Remember that childhood New Year's feeling of magic and expectation of a miracle? Festive atmosphere in the house, cheerful bustle, the smell of spruce needles and tangerines? “And so she came to us dressed up for the holiday...”, and you, dressed as a snowflake or a bunny, eagerly await the arrival of the most important wizard. Probably every child would like to visit Santa Claus and see how miracles happen. Now everyone knows that the residence of Father Frost is located in Veliky Ustyug, and perhaps you have already visited there.
Santa Claus Village
Do you know where his Finnish brother, Joulupukki, better known around the world as Santa Claus, lives? Far in the north, near the Arctic Circle, on Mount Korvatunturi in the Finnish part of Lapland, Santa Claus’s secret hut is hidden from human eyes by endless snowy expanses. The shape of the mountain is similar to an ear, and there is a legend that this is why Santa can hear the wishes of all the children in the world.
The road to Santa Claus's home is long and difficult, and only his faithful assistants - elves and deer - know it. But you can meet Santa at his working residence - Santa Claus Village in the city, open all year round. This is truly a real village - with strong wooden huts, log towers, pointed towers and a paved stone square. The main building is the office of Santa Claus; it is easily recognizable by its high roof, on which there is an image of an old man with a bushy beard.
Most travelers begin by meeting the owner of the village; a long corridor leads to him. Santa is always happy to have his guests, because for him all people, even adults, are children! He speaks many languages and even a little Russian. At the residence, you can document your acquaintance with the main winter wizard by taking a photo with him as a souvenir.
Then everyone goes to the main Santa Claus post office, where you can choose a postcard with a picture of Santa, as well as his assistants - elves and reindeer, buy a stamp, and, after writing a couple of lines, throw the letter into the red mailbox. And then, regardless of the visiting season, your recipient will receive a letter right before Christmas. All the cards will be stamped by the hardworking elves with Santa Claus's personal seal, making a great souvenir.
In the courtyard there is a wooden pillar on which signs are nailed: “To Moscow - 1366 km”, “To Paris - 2465 km”, “To Rome - 2985 km”...
Nearby is a wooden chum restaurant. There are elk antlers attached to the door instead of a handle, and a stuffed huge trout hangs above the door - business card local cuisine.
A separate entertainment is crossing the Arctic Circle, which is clearly marked here. You can obtain a certificate confirming this fact. It would seem that, plain paper with a seal, but how many pleasant magical memories it gives - enough for the whole New Year!
Along the perimeter of the village there are many souvenir shops, reminiscent of museums, where you can walk for hours, looking at crafts made from cones, pine needles, bark, straw; sorting through the famous Finnish knives with bone handles; stroking the deer skins stacked high. There are wooden dishes, woolen sweaters, hats and scarves with patterns depicting deer, a wide variety of candlesticks and glass candelabra, and colorful candles of fancy shapes. And, of course, in any of the stores there are departments reserved for the mandatory attributes of Christmas and New Year: Christmas decorations, touchingly smiling porcelain and wax angels, big red socks and boots for gifts and much more.
A road called Santa Claus Road (Joulumaantie) runs through the village. From here the cheerful old man sets off on a journey around the world on a sleigh drawn by reindeer.
You can see a map of Santa Claus Village.
How to get to Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is open daily all year round and can be easily reached by taking the local number 8 bus or Santa's Express Bus, which depart every hour from the center of Rovaniemi. You can also go to Santa by taxi or car - the distance from the center of Rovaniemi is eight kilometers.
Opening hours of Santa Claus Village can be checked.
Entrance to Santa Claus Village is free, all additional services are paid.
Address: Santa Claus Village, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Napapiiri (Arctic Circle)
Official site: Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Park - SantaPark
Not far from the village of Santa Claus, a huge cave was carved right into the rock, where SantaPark, a unique thematic complex filled with entertainment, is located among the snow and permafrost. Elves rule here. Theater performances and slide shows, games and attractions, exhibitions and souvenir shops immerse you in the world of Christmas fairy tales and New Year's adventures. Ride the carousels and amusement rides, bake Christmas cookies in the gingerbread kitchen, ride a magical train, enjoy a fragrant drink in the ice bar and be sure to study at the elf school.
How to get to Santa Claus Park
You can get to Santa Claus Park by Santa's Express Bus .
Opening hours and ticket prices can be confirmed.
Address: Tarvantie 1, 96930 Arctic Circle
Official site:
It’s definitely worth visiting Santa Claus - the feeling of the holiday reigns here all year round, and in winter Finnish Lapland is exactly as you imagine in New Year's fairy tale: wrapped up whitest snow shaggy fir trees, creakingly fresh frosty air, flashes of the northern lights in the endless sky...
