August 13, 2025, 4:47 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Work for a season where others vacation—in the heart of Lapland. If you’re interested in spending winter in a unique way, you can apply to be a Christmas elf until October. TRAVELBOOK reveals what’s behind the job and how to apply.
Whether as Santa’s helper, a tour guide, or in the service sector, Lapland’s Christmas villages, home to Santa Claus, are once again seeking seasonal workers this year. If you’re eager to step into the role of an elf for about three months, you can apply now.
Lapland Seeks Christmas Elves
Christmas elves are considered the invisible helpers of Santa Claus, living and working year-round in the magical village at the North Pole or in Santa Claus Village in Lapland. This idea is the basis for numerous experience villages in Finland, centered around Christmas magic, Arctic nature, and Nordic traditions. Since these mythical creatures don’t actually exist, organizers offer the opportunity to apply as staff each year.
Specifically, this involves the Christmas villages in Rovaniemi, Ylläs, Saariselkä, Levi, Hetta, and Pallas. Operated by a private Finnish travel company, visitors can stay in themed accommodations in a typical Finnish village. Elves are an essential part of the Christmas villages, ensuring visitors have an authentic Christmas experience.
The job includes wearing typical elf attire—pointy hat included. Classic activities are also on the agenda: storytelling, entertaining children, singing Christmas carols, or guiding guests to Santa. According to “talentadore.com,” practical tasks also include supervising tour groups, moderating bus rides, or assisting with activities. Often, elves also take on small acting roles or lead tours through the village. Currently, the company offers positions in various areas, such as head of the “Elf School,” as a music-loving “Melody Elf,” in customer service, or as a guide. Many tasks overlap to some extent.
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These Are the Requirements
If you want to apply for an elf position in winter, you should bring one thing above all: time. According to “Laplandstaff.fi,” the job usually lasts from late November to early January. Applicants should speak fluent English, be open-minded and resilient, as workdays are long and temperatures often freezing. Depending on the location, additional languages and a Class B driver’s license are advantageous. Experience in similar fields is also helpful but not required.
EU citizens working or traveling in Finland for less than 90 days do not need to register. For stays longer than 90 days, registration is required—this also applies to citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Those not from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland generally need a work permit. Additionally, note that travel costs to and from the location must be covered by the applicant.
How to Apply
On the organizers’ website, each position has its own description—including information on the application process. After filling out the application form, the next round involves a virtual interview, and with some luck, a job offer follows. The application process for the 2025/26 season runs until mid-October. Before the official start, all prospective elves receive training. During the stay, accommodation is usually in shared rooms. In some locations, the employer assists with finding housing. And if you’re wondering whether the elf job is paid: The answer is yes, with the hourly wage starting at 10 euros gross.