Rovaniemi is promoted as the official hometown of Santa Claus in Finland.
The city lies on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland and has built a major Santa-themed tourism industry. Santa Claus Village, located just north of the city center, welcomes visitors throughout the year and includes Santa's official post office.
Rovaniemi's Santa identity became especially prominent after the opening of Santa Claus Village in 1985. The Arctic Circle location helps connect the city with the modern image of Santa's northern home, although older Finnish folklore also includes Joulupukki and traditions that do not depend on Rovaniemi.
The city is sometimes confused with Korvatunturi, a remote fell traditionally described as Joulupukki's home in Finnish folklore. Rovaniemi is the tourism and visitor center associated with Santa, while Korvatunturi is the folkloric home.