Rovaniemi is a city in Finland and the regional capital of Lapland, situated near the Arctic Circle in the northern interior of the country. It serves as the administrative capital and commercial centre for Finland's northernmost province, Lapland, as well as its southern part, Peräpohjola. The city lies between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. Its location just south of the Arctic Circle defines its geographical identity within the subarctic region.

Periodic land clearance for agriculture began around 750–530 BC, with artifacts suggesting increased travel to the area from 500 AD onwards. Rovaniemi was first mentioned in official documents in 1453 as a collection of small villages focused on agriculture and animal husbandry. The exploitation of natural resources in the 1800s boosted growth through logging and gold mining, establishing it as the provincial business centre. It became a market town in 1929 and merged with the surrounding rural municipality in 2006.

The city was largely destroyed during World War II when retreating German forces used scorched earth tactics, leaving only 10% of buildings intact. It was rebuilt with input from architect Alvar Aalto, who designed the footprint to resemble a reindeer's head with roads forming antlers. The urban area is situated in an area of about 59 km2, while the consolidated municipality covers 8,017 km2. Notable sites include the Ounasvaara hill, which hosts outdoor facilities and a winter sports resort, and the nearby German cemetery.

Rovaniemi is one of Finland's most significant tourist cities for foreign visitors and is considered the official hometown of Santa Claus. It was listed by CNN in 2024 as one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas. The city hosts the University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences, giving it a university town feel. Cultural venues include museums and the Rovaniemi Pentecostal Church, while the area offers access to the midnight sun and northern lights.

The population is 65,329 as of 2024, making it the 17th most populous municipality in Finland. The economy is driven by government institutions, tourism, and its role as a transport hub. Rovaniemi Airport serves the city, which is 2,613 km south of the North Pole. The climate is subarctic with short summers and long, cold winters. Average annual temperature is 0.9 °C, with snow on the ground for 175 days annually and very low sunshine levels in winter.