Overtourism hits Santa’s village, say Finnish locals

The Christmas magic of Finnish Lapland’s Santa Claus Village is facing a less festive reality as overtourism concerns grow in Rovaniemi. The town, known as the “official hometown of Santa Claus,” is drawing record numbers of visitors, sparking frustration among residents over housing, infrastructure, and quality of life.

Santa Claus Village, situated just north of the Arctic Circle, attracts over 600,000 visitors annually.