Joulupukki or Santa? Inside Finland’s Lapland Christmas

When December arrives, Finnish Lapland turns into a true Christmas realm. Lights twinkle, snow muffles the world, the air smells of cinnamon and gingerbread—and there he is, the white-bearded figure in a red coat. But here’s the twist: do locals call him Santa Claus, or Joulupukki? In Finland, that choice is more than semantics. It’s about tradition, culture and, to a degree, business.

Who is Joulupukki?

Joulupukki is not simply a “Finnish Santa.” His name translates as the Christmas Goat, and once upon a time he looked very different. In earlier days, Joulupukki could even come off as a touch unsettling: a person in a goat hide knocking on doors and asking for treats. Over time he softened and turned into a benevolent gift-giver.

Today he is a cheerful old man with a white beard and red clothes who brings presents to children. Yet he remains distinct: he speaks Finnish, he dwells in the forests of Lapland, and his image carries the imprint of local customs.

Santa Claus: a global icon

Santa Claus is known almost everywhere. His modern image took shape largely in the United States and Europe, and advertising and cinema helped spread it far and wide. He brings gifts, flies a reindeer-drawn sleigh and, according to legend, lives at the North Pole.

In Finland, though, there’s a different tone. People here are convinced the real holiday magician lives with them. The name matters too: they call him Joulupukki.

Where does he live—on a mountain or in a village?

Joulupukki has two “homes.” The first is the mythic Korvatunturi, a fell on the border with Russia. It’s considered his true dwelling, but reaching it is nearly impossible: the area is protected, and access requires permission.

The second is the city of Rovaniemi in Lapland. Here, an entire Santa Claus Village welcomes visitors from around the world. You can meet Joulupukki in person, send letters from his post office and even see him at work in his residence. And while the place looks very much like a “Santa village,” Finns insist it’s the same Joulupukki—just presented in a more modern way.

Why it matters to Finland

For Finland, Joulupukki is more than a fairy-tale character. He’s part of the national fabric, a symbol of the winter holiday and even a source of income, as thousands of tourists come because of him.

At the same time, Finns are intent on preserving what makes their tradition unique. They don’t want Joulupukki to turn into a copy of Santa. That’s why, in official texts, they often state that Santa Claus is also known as Joulupukki—essentially signaling that Santa’s true name here is Joulupukki. The nuance may seem small, but it protects a story they’re not ready to lose.

What comes next?

Finland seems to have found its own way. Joulupukki stays familiar and distinctive, while the Santa image helps make the holiday easy to grasp for visitors. It doesn’t feel like a battle—more like a calm coexistence. The country keeps what’s its own and gladly shares the Christmas spirit with the world.

When a child in Rovaniemi walks up to the kindly old man in a red suit, names don’t matter. The child believes in wonder. For Finland, though, the name carries weight—because behind it stands a whole story they intend to keep alive.