Lapland left lonely as tourists stay away from Santa's homeland
23 Dec 2020
Santa and his elf, Vanilla, read letters separated by a plexiglass screen to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Gulf Today Report
International visitors usually flood the Santa Claus Village amusement park, in Finland’s snowy far north, for the reindeer rides, snow castles, and a meeting with the jolly man himself.
As the virus cases soar around the world, the pandemic restrictions are more scrutinized.
However, crowds in the Lapland town of Rovaniemi have dwindled to just a trickle and the cheerful winter wonderland feels ghostly and abandoned.
"This year has been an exception and a tough year," Santa tells from behind a plexiglass screen installed in his grotto, adding that his visitors have appreciated being able to forget a tough year and enjoy the Christmas cheer.