Hop Aboard This Little-Known Sleeper Train For Europe’s Most Festive Winter Adventure

Spring cleaning is old news.

Right now is the best time to dig deep into your closet and dust off your puffer jacket, grab your favorite beanie, and book a trip to Europe to join in Christmas cheer with endless cups of mulled wine and savory treats.

While renowned cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Munich are rightfully scoped out as some of the most festive destinations, there’s one surprising country that’s breaking tourism records, with one trendy town in particular celebrating Christmas every day of the year.

Though their small airport has become more connected with newfound fame thanks to social media, what many travelers may not know is that there’s a far more adventurous way to get here than sardine seating on Ryanair.

Departing Helsinki, Finland’s underrated capital, visitors can hop aboard the Santa Claus Express, an overnight train serving as a comfy hotel on rails to wake up in the heart of Lapland, the Arctic’s most sought-after winter wonderland.

Finland Expects A Record-Breaking Winter Season

At Travel Off Path, we get it — it’s tempting to follow the crowd to Europe’s household names because you know what you’re gonna get.

But more reports keep revealing new travel trends; one of which is exploring the lesser-known to avoid crowds and regurgitated itineraries.

What better place to do just that than Finland, a surprisingly well-connected country to many U.S. airports via Finnair, its flagship 4-star airline.

In fact, Lonely Planet recognized Finland as the “best place for finding happiness in wild places”.

As such, Finland is expecting a record-breaking tourism season this winter, ready to welcome well over one million tourists between December and February.

But let’s pause on Lapland for a moment and look at other Finland destinations gaining steam.

Certainly, Helsinki is one of them. Boasting a timeless Old Town (Vanhakaupunki) and underrated Christmas markets, Helsinki could easily be your mainstay or a weekend exploration before venturing deeper into the country to discover unsuspecting delights.

Little-known Turku is roughly a 2-hour train ride from Helsinki (not the Santa Claus Express). This is Finland’s oldest city, beautifully standing the test of time with medieval castles and riverside market square — not to mention a small airport connecting to other awesome European cities.

If there’s a true hidden gem ready to shine, it’s gotta be Oulu. Featured on National Geographic’s 2026 must-visit destinations guide, this unheard-of Nordic wonder boasts unparalleled Northern Lights sightings and was named Europe’s 2026 Capital of Culture.

Plus, who could possibly pass up the chance to sign up for the Air Guitar World Championship?

Rovaniemi: The World’s Only True Year-Round Christmas Destination

Finland as a whole may be expecting a rush of tourists, but Rovaniemi already beat its beloved homeland to the punch by welcoming a record number of visitors in its own right.

You don’t have to wait for Black Friday sales or clearance racks the day after Christmas to get in the holiday spirit out of season — Rovaniemi is Christmasy every single day of the year.

Of course, visiting in the heart of winter brings snow-covered forests and common Northern Lights sightings, plus there’s just something magical about sipping mulled wine or hot cocoa in frosty Arctic air.

But have you ever heard of “Christmas in July”?

It’s a real thing in Rovaniemi, Lapland’s increasingly popular vacation destination, with everything from real-life reindeer and scenery seemingly pulled from a Hallmark movie.

Anchored by Santa’s Village, a free-to-enter “North Pole” for Christmas enthusiasts ready to immerse themselves in decked out halls — there’s truly no place like it.

Just know that while many places across the globe consider December the off-season, it’s the complete opposite for Rovaniemi, so expect bank-busting prices for hotels.

But we have the ultimate loophole for you!

Presenting The Santa Claus Express: Europe’s Secret Sleeper Train

Riding on the Santa Claus Express is truly a thrill, and one where you don’t have to worry about snagging a window seat.

Finland sees minimal daylight during bone-chilling winters, but hey, that just increases your odds of witnessing the dark skies dance green away from city light pollution.

This little-known sleeper train has increased service during its busy winters. Travelers have numerous time slots to choose from, all departing Helsinki from 7:29 pm – 11:40 pm for a sleeper cabin.

Otherwise, if you do want to snag that window seat, you’re better off departing earlier in the day for a minimum 8-hour journey.

We recommend scoring a sleeper cabin so you don’t double your spending on accommodations, our favorite hotel hack here at Travel Off Path.

Rates start at $57, but that’s the best-case scenario. Rates are likely to surge the closer it gets to Christmas.

Individual sleeper cabins suit up to 3 people (or 4 with a partition between adjoining rooms).

Downstairs accommodations are typically less expensive. For an upgrade, choose an upper-level cabin for more privacy with showers and toilets.

Cabins feature multiple power outlets, free wifi, and bunk beds (but purchasing a single bed is not an option).

Unless you’re a sled dog owner, chances are you’re not traveling with Fido, but pets are welcome.

We recommend sifting through the on-board restaurant menu as well as their helpful tips before boarding for a seamless trip to Finland’s top winter wonderland.