Magical facts about Santa Claus

Where did Santa come from?

There's lots of stories about how and why Lapland is Santa's true home, from finding the best place for his reindeer to live to using all the snow to hide away his home - hence why we call it Santa's hideaway!

It's said that the local Finnish people of Lapland discovered the secret of Santa's hideaway. In 1927, a radio host accidentally revealed, live on air, that Santa's hideaway was in fact located in Lapland.

Others say that the appearance of the Magic Star over Lapland was proof that someone with a magical presence must reside there. 

The real magic can be found in a hidden village tucked away behind the snow-covered fells. This is Santa’s home, where the Northern Lights dance overhead. Here, Santa lives, surrounded by bustling elves who help him make toys, care for the reindeer and read letters from children from all around the world.  

Who is Santa?

Santa’s story begins with his original name, Saint Nicholas – who has always been known as a generous soul for his secret gift-giving.  

Names for Santa from around the world: 

• America calls him Santa Claus
• United Kingdom call him Father Christmas & Santa
• Russia calls him Grandfather Frost
• France calls him Père Noël
• China calls him Christmas Old Man   

Letters to Santa 

A very important and stead-fast tradition is writing your letter of Christmas wishes to Santa and posting it to him. If you're not jetting off to Lapland this Christmas, you can send Santa your list: 

Mr Santa Claus,  
Santa's Grotto,  
Reindeer-land, 
Lapland, Finland  
XMA S25 

If you're whisking off on a Santa Breaks holiday this coming festive season, then hold on tight to those letters all the way there so that you have them ready to share with Santa.

Santa finds the time to read every single child's wish-list before Christmas!  

Discover Santa's sleigh

Every year, on Christmas Eve, Santa harnesses his sleigh, led by his flying reindeer – including Rudolph with his glowing red nose – and sets off across the sky. With a sack full of gifts, he visits children everywhere, delivering presents to those who believe in the magic of Christmas. 

Santa Tracker

It's very important to keep on top of all things Santa and Christmas, so it's best to spend time doing your research on the Santa Tracker.

Here you'll discover more secret Santa facts, keep an eye on Santa’s journey as he speeds around the world on his sleigh on Christmas Eve and top up your Christmas skills with games and quizzes.  

Meeting Santa in Lapland 

You'll never forget the day you meet Santa - it's a moment of pure magic on a Santa Breaks holiday. Imagine flying all the way up to Lapland, Finland (north of the Arctic Circle) where the world turns into a snowy fairy tale.

A Santa Breaks is a magical trip full of snowy adventures and festive fun. Inghams provides Arctic thermal suits and snow boots for everyone aged 3 and above so you can play in the snow easily and stay warm and dry.

The absolute best part? A private meeting with Santa himself in his magical hideaway where you will get your very own special gift from him, then on to fun and games with the elves.