Everyone knows Santa – the one and only – comes from Finland. What some people don’t know, however, is that it is possible to meet him in person all year round. Santa’s official office, situated on the mysterious Arctic Circle, is open to each and everyone.

German immigrants brought Santa Claus figurines to Ohio in the 1800s and once like the blue Santa were made locally. The director of the American Toy Marvel Museum says the blue color was traditional for the German version of St. Nicholas. It’s MORNING EDITION from NPR News.

But have you ever wondered why, of all colours, red is Santa’s signature hue? It may surprise you to discover that Father Christmas hasn’t always dressed in red. His bright red suit and hat are relatively modern inventions, only becoming common and recognisable over the last hundred years or so.

Lapland had served as a sort of nebulous home base for Santa Claus in the European tradition ever since 1927, when a Finnish radio host proclaimed to know the secret of Santa’s hometown. He said it was in Korvatunturi, a mountainous region in Lapland shaped like the ears of a rabbit.

Tour Details Just after Christmas is a quieter time to visit Santa’s Lapland too, offering an unforgettable experience soaking up the atmosphere of Europe’s last unspoiled wilderness as you set out into the magnificent snowscapes for a range of snow activities.

Rovaniemi

Best places to visit in Lapland

1. ROVANIEMI. BEST FOR: • The indoor Santa Park, which features a post office where you can send postcards home.
2. KITTILA. BEST FOR: • The Snow Village, made from real ice and snow.
3. IVALO. BEST FOR: • Snowmobile and husky sled rides, plus meet the reindeer.
4. KUUSAMO. BEST FOR: • Snowmobile and husky sled rides, or tobogganing.

While at the North Pole Experience, you can meet Santa and his elves, tour his 400 year old workshop and attend Elf University.

Longyearbyen

The North Pole: FAQs It’s only possible to travel to the North Pole by ship during June and July. Outside of these months, you can consider travelling by plane and helicopter, or by the hauled-sled route. Ask our specialists for more details on your options.

The North Pole is at the center of the Northern Hemisphere. The nearest land is usually said to be Kaffeklubben Island, off the northern coast of Greenland about 700 km (430 mi) away, though some perhaps semi-permanent gravel banks lie slightly closer.