Explore the enchanting network of Santa Claus villages across Europe
Did you know there's a network of magical Santa Claus villages in Europe? Imagine visiting Santa’s real home in Rovaniemi, Finland, and then discovering his “outposts” in other charming locations across the continent. With the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), you can explore these delightful destinations.
Christmas has already arrived in our Network—start your adventure today!
The goal of the project is to spotlight the most magical Christmas experiences across Europe and connect them into a one-of-a-kind tourist circuit. In collaboration with Rovaniemi's Santa Claus village (Finland), Magico Paese di Natale di Govone (Italy), and the Enterprise Europe Network's Tourism and Retail sector groups, we’ve created a map of European Christmas villages. This initiative opens up exciting opportunities for collaboration among the villages involved and a chance to exchange good practices about sustainability and digitalisation projects.
Rovaniemi serves as the inspiration and model for other selected locations. With the support of the Enterprise Europe Network, we’re building a network of European Christmas events that celebrate holiday traditions and highlight the unique charm of each location all over the year (not just in the Christmas period).
Why these villages?
While traditional Christmas markets have undeniable charm, our focus is on a different kind of holiday magic. We selected locations that offer some of the following relevant criteria:
- fairytale settings: events are held in castles or similarly enchanting venues, enhancing the holiday atmosphere
- Christmas decorations: stunning, detailed light displays and festive setups that transport visitors into a winter wonderland
- Santa’s house: a special place where children can meet Santa Claus and share their holiday wishes
- family-friendly entertainment: joyful shows, games, and activities for all ages, designed to create lasting memories
- UNESCO recognition: some of our locations are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, adding historical and cultural significance
- local history and folklore: these events are steeped in tradition, offering authentic, locally-rooted holiday experiences
Project goals
Our initiative has several key objectives:
- promote cultural heritage: create a network of Christmas events that celebrate European culture and landscapes
- boost off-season tourism: encourage travel during the holiday season to support local economies
- support local businesses: help local retailers grow by connecting them with international partners through the Enterprise Europe Network
- foster collaboration: build new commercial and technological partnerships across Europe
- share experience and best practices on sustainable practices regarding managing large flows of tourists
Don’t miss out on this festive adventure!