Camper spends night outdoors at Santa Claus Village as viewers watch

An unknown person slept outdoors in front of a live camera at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi overnight, drawing attention from viewers, Yle reported. The village’s camera attracts about 11 million viewers a year, and some travellers use it to check conditions in Rovaniemi.

More than 100 people discussed the overnight camper in a Facebook group on Sunday. Some questioned why the person had camped beside a thermometer showing minus 8 degrees Celsius, while others expressed concern.

Antti Nikander, the village’s development manager, said the person was properly equipped for the weather and appeared to be in no danger. The camper had a backpack, and Nikander said they looked like a winter hiker. Police also received information about the person. A security guard checked on them, and police said they were well equipped and caused no disturbance.

The camper arrived at about 1 a.m. and left after 7 a.m., when a maintenance vehicle arrived. They packed their belongings and continued on their way.

Nikander said a few people had camped in public places in the village before, but that it was not common. A hiker who stopped there in the summer said they wanted to pause at a meaningful place, and Santa Claus Village was one.