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World video travel guide
The hometown of Santa Claus and the Santa Claus Village enjoy a festive atmosphere
Santa Claus’ busiest season began at the Arctic Circle
The international wait for Christmas began in Rovaniemi on Saturday with the Grand Christmas
Opening. The traditional outdoor festival in Santa’s hometown attracted thousands of people and media
from all over the world to the Arctic Circle and the Santa Claus Village. Rovaniemi Tourism and
Marketing Ltd is responsible for this year Grand Christmas Opening in Rovaniemi with the programme
arranged by Unique Lapland Ltd.
In the afternoon, the central plaza of the Santa Claus Village saw Elf Acrobatics, a hot air balloon and a giant trampoline
show. Naturally, the highlight of the evening was the appearance of Santa Claus on the stage.
The
true wonder of Christmas is made up from the very best magical elements the world has to offer. We have the
twilight; we have bright lights, plenty of Christmas spirit, a dash of stardust and a good helping of angel laughter. More
heartwarming
Christmas elements include the fairytale atmosphere, being good, the sweet smell of gingerbread and the
joy of giving – and indeed receiving – Christmas gifts. But, my Dear Friends let us not forget what is most important
about Christmas – spending quality time together! This Christmas, together we will enjoy activities together that children
will remember for the rest of their lives – and one day, these children will pass on their wonderful Christmas experiences
to their own children and grandchildren. Today’s authentic Christmas Magic will be handed on to the generations of the
future!
Santa Claus also sent his greetings to every corner of the globe:
Dear
Friends; we have now reached the time to enter into the wonderful world of Christmas; the most cherished and
mystical fairytale moment of the year. It is with great pleasure – and of course with great honour – that together with you
all, I proclaim Christmas 2010 officially open in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland, and all over the world! With all my heart, I
truly hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Unicef Partnership Town collections continue through to the end of the year
Over the past year, Rovaniemi has had the honourable task of being the official Unicef Partnership Town. A variety of
events has been arranged to succeed in already exceeding the intended amount of donations, and collections continue
through till the end of December. The main sponsor of the town’s collection, Lappset Group encouraged the charity
activities with its kind donation of 10,000 euros for the cause at the Grand Christmas Opening.
Indeed, Santa Claus also encouraged the folk of his hometown to remember those in need of Unicef assistance in the
midst of all the Christmas rush.
At The Grand Christmas Opening, the Unicef flag for hosting collections was passed on to the Satakunta district, which
will continue the good cause as the next partner for the organisation in 2011.
The Grand Christmas Opening marks the start of the busiest season
The Grand Christmas Opening is the official start of Rovaniemi’s most popular tourist season. The Christmas Season
accounts for around a third of all overnight stays in Rovaniemi during the winter season. Last year saw Rovaniemi receive
a total of approximately 440,000 overnight stays.
Also Santa’s grotto SantaPark has opened the doors for Christmas season and will be open every day until the 8th of
January 2011.
Special for the coming season are the even wider provision of services, as an increased number of sales points for various
safari and activity programme companies have now been established in the town centre.
Rovaniemi’s Christmas destinations and Christmas events have all been brought together at www.visitrovaniemi.fi.
Further information available from:
Managing Director Sanna Kortelainen, tel. +358 40 576 3414, sanna.kortelainen@rovaniemi.fi, www.visitrovaniemi.fi
