An overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Finland, takes a total of 12 hours but promises Christmas lovers a real treat.

The journey takes place on the Santa Claus Express, a Finnish double-decker night train that departs twice a night embarking through the bright lights of the city winding its way up north.

The magical journey passes through the snowy mountains before ending at the heart of the Finnish Lapland and where the Arctic Circle starts.

It’s at the Arctic Circle where the Santa Claus Express sets off making its way to the hometown of Santa Claus.

Here, a buzzing population of 63,000 residents welcome tourists sharing in each other’s love for all things Christmassy, ensuring a getaway that encompasses all the magic of the special season. 

Regardless of age, the Santa Claus Express is a different way to travel from Helsinki to Lapland.

This overnight 12-hour train journey includes a hearty dinner of your choice such as meatballs and mash potatoes as the gentle drum of the train wheels sends most into a blissful sleep. 

The journey passes through cities and forests and at 7am travellers are awoken by the conductor as the train reaches its destination, the home of Mr Santa Claus himself.

After an exhilarating journey through the rich Finnish nature, travellers can disembark and enjoy the magic of winter in Lapland.

The local passion for the festive holiday is even evident in its reindeer-shaped design- a plan by Finland’s national architect, Alvar Aalto.

To keep the festive spirits up they’re plenty of wintry activities in Rovaniemi including snowmobiling and dog-sledding.

You can even get an Arctic Circle stamp added to your passport found at the centre of the village at the Santa Claus Main Post Office.

Here you can meet the big man himself alongside his reindeers.

One review on TripAdvisor said of the Santa Express: “Great experience in a double-decker! Loved every bit of it.

“Slept well, my daughter 8 hours, adults between 5-6 hours. Quiet train. Lovely little rooms.”

Another wrote: “Great way to travel to Lapland if you fly to Helsinki. Overnight train. It was great to wake up and just take in the views.”

The Santa Claus Express takes you comfortably to either Kilari, Rovaniemi or Kemijärvi with the direct overnight route departing nightly at 7.29pm and 11.13 pm.