Snowman World in Rovaniemi, Finland: Is It Worth Your Time & Money?

It admittedly took me way too long to visit Snowman World. I always filed it into the ‘will do later’ file but later never came because it is a seasonal attraction and I wasn’t keen on visiting when it was crowded.

I finally mustered up the energy to walk there (I live that close!) and visit… on their last day of the season! In this guide, I tell you about my experience, what to know before visiting Snowman World in Rovaniemi, how to pre-book your tickets, and some tips for your trip.

If you have any questions, please pop them in the comments so I can reply and other travelers can see. Thanks!

What is Snowman World?

Snowman World is a large attraction located at Santa Claus Village that is a snow playground for adults and children both.

They have ice/snow slides, a maze, an ice skating rink, a restaurant, an ice bar, and gorgeous ice sculptures. There is also a heated cafe inside with a lot of cute souvenirs, small eats, and hot drinks.

While I believe it is definitely more family-focused, it is still an affordable activity for a couple of hours for adults. I will discuss this more in detail below.

Snowman World is owned by the same team that runs the Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos and Santamus (one of the best places to eat at Santa Claus Village).

Please note that Snowman World is a seasonal attraction! It is open from December 6, 2025 until March 17, 2026. Cafe Ensilumi opens before the season in November, however.

Where is Snowman World located?

Snowman World is located at Santa Claus Village – you can’t miss it! Just look for the large snowdome and huge letters along a fence that say ‘Snowman World’.

It is also right beside the #8 bus stop in the village and behind the Santa’s Office area.

Entrance Tickets to Snowman World in Rovaniemi

While you may not see Snowman World sold out if you’re traveling during the busiest months (December and January), I highly, highly advise booking your tickets ahead of time because you may be unlucky waiting until the last minute.

I booked my tickets for Snowman World on GetYourGuide, which is the website I use all around the world because it offers easy cancelation and I can book all my tours in one place. It’s just easier and takes a lot off my mind when traveling!

Having your tickets pre-booked is also easier during the busier months because you don’t need to wait in the same line to secure tickets as those who did not pre-book their tickets.

You will be given a wristband that you will need to wear. Your wristband permits you access (and reentry) throughout the entire day.

Snowman World Highlights & Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do at Snowman World at Santa Claus Village! Below are some of the most popular things to do.

Snow Labyrinth

This is the only snow maze I have seen in Rovaniemi and it looks like a load of fun for kids!

I went inside and immediately saw a smaller crawling area and was like ‘nope!’ because I’m claustrophobic, but it still looked fun. It is located outside so the temperature and conditions will be affected by the elements.

Ice-skating Rink

Also outside by the snow maze is the ice-skating rink. Kids and adults can grab a pair of skates (and a support bar if needed) and take to the ice.

My skating skills are below par (to put it mildly), so I observed and just hung out for a while.

There is a daily Snowman Warm Up Dance that takes place on the rink at 11:45am, 2:45pm, and 6pm that is worth stopping by if you have kids!

Slides

Snowman World is all about the slides! There are four in total: one inside that is made from ice (you slide down on your bottom without a tube), a mini one outside made from ice, and the two larger ones.

One of the larger ones is considered smaller but you will still take a tube with you. The larger one is pretty big and goes fast! There will be a line to go down, so just wait your turn and enjoy!

Snow and Ice Sculptures

There are a lot of beautiful snow and ice sculptures throughout Snowman World and each year takes on a new theme!

The 2024-2025 theme was ‘Jungle’ and you could see animal sculptures and carvings throughout the ice park. Be sure to walk through the restaurant even if you’re not dining there – many of the sculptures are located inside.

Ice Bar (and Ice Disco)

The ice bar is one of the most happening places inside Snowman World and there are drinks for all, fun music, and even an ice disco on Wednesdays and Fridays from January 7 until March 17 (and every day from December 6 until January 6)!

There is a large bar area with some tables and seating and another large room attached with more seating.

The menu has everything from non-alcoholic ice drinks (in ice glasses) to liqueur-based drinks (including some Lapland favorites like Cloudberry Lapponia and Salmiakki (a salty licorice). They also have an array of hot drinks like hot chocolate, glogi, and hot blueberry juice. Card is accepted.

Entrance to the ice bar is only permitted if you have a valid Snowman World ticket.

Ice Restaurant

There are multiple rooms with ice and snow sculptures at Snowman World that are part of their restaurant. But, if you’re not on a budget and are traveling in a small group, having lunch or dinner at the ice restaurant is pretty fun, in my opinion!

You can pre-book a meal via their website or show up and hope for the best. In December, I would highly advise pre-booking as they sell out. If you’re visiting later in the season like I did, you can likely get away without pre-booking and booking upon arrival at the entrance of Snowman World (NOT the entrance of the restaurant).

There are multiple lunch reservation times: 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. The price is €24 for adults and €17 for kids. You will get to select your main course (I opted for a smoked cheese reindeer soup and it was DELICIOUS) and it came with a warm apple pie for dessert.

For dinner, it is €79 for adults and €45 for children and dinner service is at 5pm (there are additional services around Christmas). Each meal comes with a starter, a main, and a dessert.

For lunch and dinner reservations, you MUST have a valid ticket to Snowman World. It is not included in your reservation. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.

If you are not dining at the restaurant but would still like a cup of coffee or tea, you can grab one there for €4.

Cafe Ensilumi

Cafe Ensilumi is a large cafe that is heated and to the left as soon as you enter Snowman World.

You can visit the cafe from November until the end of the season and they sell an array of snacks, pastries, hot drinks, and more. There are also plenty of souvenirs to grab for your friends back home!

FAQ

Is Snowman World indoors?

Most of Snowman World is outside or in ice rooms. The temperature in the ice rooms is pretty stable (the lowest is around -5C or 23F) but the temperature outside (where the maze, ice rink, and slides are) will be whatever the temperature in Rovaniemi is that day!

Cafe Ensilumi is heated and can be accessed with or without tickets to the attraction.

Can adults visit Snowman World?

I did! I went by myself as an adult with no kids. I had fun – but I also went late in the season when it was not crowded and swarming with other people.

If you don’t have a limited budget and worry that this may be too juvenile for you and your travel companions, head out to the Arctic Snowhotel instead. The ice sculptures, rooms, and complex is a lot bigger.

How many hours do you need?

I spent about 2 hours there, including my lunchtime. If you are not planning to ice skate or partake in the ice disco, you can easily spend 2 hours there having a drink in the bar, lunch at the restaurant, and just wandering around.

When is Snowman World open for the season?

Snowman World is open from December 6, 2025 until March 17, 2026.

Is Snowman World wheelchair-friendly?

Yes! Snowman World is wheelchair-friendly and if you are a wheelchair user, you can bring one guest with you to assist free of charge.

Please note that some of the spaces in the restaurant can be narrower but you should have no issue accessing most places. There is also a spacious, accessible restroom at the entrance to the park.

What are the best places to stay near Snowman World?

You will want to stay around Santa Claus Village if you’re basing your hotel’s location on its proximity to Snowman World. Here are a few SCV hotels (or places nearby) that are within walking distance of the attraction:

• Glass Resort (my favorite hotel around SCV – they have jacuzzis outside of each cabin!)
• Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle (glass igloo hotels at SCV)
• Ibedcity (a capsule hostel about 1km from SCV – can walk to Snowman World from here)
• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (famous hotel not far from SCV)

Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting Snowman World

Guest of the Arctic Snowhotel? If so, you get free entrance to Snowman World. Just chat with them about shuttle services and plan your trip accordingly!

The busiest time of the day is from 12pm until 4pm. I chatted with a local worker there and she told me that this held true for the entire season (but obviously December is busy at all times of the day). The evenings are the least busy.

You can leave Snowman World and head back later that day without having to purchase a new ticket. This is great to know for those looking to book a meal there, enjoy the ice disco, or just want to step inside the cafe for a bit to warm up. Just show your wristband upon returning and you can regain entrance back into the snow park.

What to Bring and Wear on Your Visit

You don’t need to bring too much on your visit. Just wear what you’re planning to wear outside, including gloves. You can also bring a small backpack with what you need for the day. Be sure to pack warm boots, too!

Part of the park is outside, however. So, if it is snowing or bitterly cold, be sure to have your hat, gloves, and anything else you need handy.

Is Snowman World at Santa Claus Village worth visiting?

I do think that Snowman World is worth visiting if you’re looking for a unique experience at Santa Claus Village. However… if you have a visit scheduled to the Arctic Snowhotel in Sinetta, I would probably bypass visiting Snowman World unless you have kids traveling with you.

The ice hotel offers almost everything that Snowman World does but on a larger scale. The menus as the restaurant are even largely the same, albeit very delicious!

Please let me know if you have any questions about Snowman World. My photos in this guide are from the 2024-2025 season and I will head there as it opens next season to freshen the guide up a bit.