Where Santa Flies This Year: Finnair Shares His 2025 Route
Every winter, Finnair works with Finland’s Santa Claus to bring a bit of Christmas closer to people in different parts of the world. The partnership began in 1983 and has since become a steady tradition. Each year, Santa travels abroad with support from the Santa Claus Foundation, helping introduce Finnish Christmas customs to global audiences and raising awareness of the foundation’s work with children.
Finnair explains that the partnership grew on its own over the years. Both Santa and the airline carry a part of Finland’s identity abroad, and both are closely linked with winter traditions and international travel. These yearly visits help keep that connection alive, particularly in places where interest in Nordic customs and Lapland’s winter atmosphere has stayed strong. Santa’s trips often attract crowds, particularly in places where Finnish Christmas folklore is less familiar.
"The excitement is palpable when Santa arrives. People of all ages want to capture the moment with the authentic Finnish Santa Claus, recognised by his long white beard and warm, approachable presence."
In 2025, Santa will visit several major cities, including London, Manchester, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Seoul. These stops tend to draw significant attention, with families turning out for a chance to meet what many view as the "official" Finnish Santa. According to the Santa Claus Foundation, the appeal is consistent: queues form early, and the mix of curiosity and nostalgia creates an atmosphere that feels special for both children and adults.
These visits also draw attention to cities that already share strong ties with Finland. London and Manchester remain familiar stops for Finnish travellers, while Santa’s appearances in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Seoul show how much interest in Finland has grown across East Asia. His trips keep that connection visible and remind people why Finnish winter traditions stay so popular there. For people living in these cities, meeting Santa offers a small taste of Lapland’s winter season. It often encourages interest in planning trips north for snowy landscapes, reindeer farms, and the Arctic Circle.
Santa’s annual tour is meant to bring a small part of Finnish winter to cities that rarely see it. His visits often create a sense of shared celebration and remind people of the simple traditions behind the season. This year’s route gives many the chance to meet him without travelling to Lapland, and it may encourage some to explore Finland’s winter landscapes for themselves.
