Introduction
1996 animated television film
Santa Claus and the Magic DrumFinnish: Joulupukki ja noitarumpuBased onSanta Claus and the Magic Drum by Mauri KunnasDirected by Mauri Kunnas Pekka Lehtosaari Starring Esa Saario Ulla Tapaninen Henna Haverinen Olli Parviainen Aarre Karén Countries of origin Finland Hungary ProductionProducerJussi-Pekka KoskirantaEditorPäivi MyllymäkiRunning time51 minutesProduction companyYleisradioOriginal releaseRelease24 December 1996 (1996-12-24) Santa Claus and the Magic Drum (original Finnish title: Joulupukki ja noitarumpu, Swedish: Jultomten och trolltrumman) is a 1996 Finnish-Hungarian animation film. The story is based on a 1995 children's book of the same name by Mauri Kunnas. The 51-minute film has been recorded in Finnish, English (British) and Swedish. It was made for TV broadcasting and was first shown on Christmas Eve 1996, and has been broadcast on YLE TV2 nearly every Christmas Eve since. Santa Claus and the Magic Drum has been sold to over 40 countries. In addition to Mauri Kunnas and his wife Tarja Kunnas, the illustrator Sami Toivonen and the cartoonist Kari Korhonen participated in the designing of the animation. The animation work of the film was subcontracted to a Hungarian animation studio Funny Films, operating in Pécs, and involved 50 people.
Plot
[edit] While reading his usual gift wish mail, Santa Claus stumbles upon an unusual letter which everyone assume to be a gift wish letter from a boy called Vekara. Santa Claus can not decide what kind of gift the letter, which is a child's drawing, asks for, so he and his two helpers Noora and Ville decide to go and show it to the master elf. At the same time odd things are happening around Santa's village, and strange accidents follow Santa. The peculiar events are traced back to a noaidi practicing shamanism with a powerful magic drum. At the end of the film the shaman explains that he sent the mysterious letter as a child, and the drawing is him dressed as an elf because he wanted to be Santa's little Christmas helper. By accident the letter was not delivered to Santa, and as years passed and Santa did not reply, Vekara became begrudged. After both sides of the story are told the situation is resolved, Santa grants Vekara his wish and makes him a helper elf, and all ends well.
Cast
[edit] Finnish voice actors:
Esa Saario
Santa Claus
Ulla Tapaninen
Mrs. Claus
Henna Haverinen
Noora
Olli Parviainen
Ville
Aarre Karén
Vekara
Veikko Honkanen
Agricola, Sakari Sokeri
Vesa Vierikko
Juho Vaneeri
Eija Ahvo
Tara
Markku Riikonen
Feetu Faktori
Rinna Paatso
Nelli Nukkemaakari
Annamari Metsävainio
Bertta Bitti
Antti Pääkkönen
Martti
Sami Aarva
pilot
Jarkko Tamminen
pilot
Seppo Pääkkönen
Antti
The theme music "Joulupukin töissä" was performed by J. Karjalainen and his band Electric Sauna.
Television broadcasts
[edit]
Date
Channel
24 December 1996
YLE TV2
29 November 1997
FST
6 December 1998
YLE TV2
21 December 2001
YLE TV2
21 December 2002
YLE TV2
23 December 2004
YLE TV2
23 December 2006
YLE TV2
24 December 2007
YLE TV2
22 December 2008
YLE TV2
24 December 2008
YLE FST5
24 December 2010
YLE TV2
24 December 2011
YLE TV2
24 December 2012
YLE TV2
24 December 2013
Yle TV2
25 December 2014
YLE TV2
24 December 2015
Why This Little‑Film Sticks in the Christmas Line‑up
Even with a modest 51‑minute run‑time, the film has become a ritual for many British families with Finnish roots or a taste for the offbeat. Its charm lies in the gentle mixture of folk‑tale magic and a distinctly Nordic take on Santa – not the commercialised figure, but a wood‑cutter‑type Joulupukki who drums up goodwill. The story’s pacing fits perfectly between a Christmas dinner and the opening of presents, offering a soothing pause that doesn’t overstimulate children. Because it’s been aired almost every Christmas Eve on Finland’s YLE and then picked up by broadcasters worldwide, it enjoys a nostalgic cachet that feels fresh each year, making it a low‑key alternative to the usual blockbuster re‑runs.
Buying Guide: Getting the Best Version for Your Home
The film was produced in three language tracks – Finnish, British English and Swedish – so check the DVD or streaming version for the English dub, which retains the original humour without heavy localisation. Look for releases that include optional subtitles; they’re handy for younger viewers still learning to read. If you prefer a physical copy, choose an edition with a slipcase that features the original book’s artwork – it doubles as a festive coffee‑table piece. For streaming, verify that the platform offers the full 51 minutes; some cuts omit the opening song, which is a favourite among kids. A modest‑priced set will give you the full charm without extra fluff.
What Viewers Often Miss: The Folk‑Music Backbone
The ‘magic drum’ isn’t just a plot device; it’s a nod to traditional Finnish runo‑song rhythm that underpins the film’s soundtrack. The drum beats sync with the visual storytelling, subtly guiding the audience’s emotions – a slower tempo during the snowy trek, a lively roll when Santa rallies the elves. This musical layer is easy to overlook amid the colourful animation, yet it anchors the narrative in genuine cultural heritage. If you play the film with the volume turned up, you’ll hear the percussion cues that signal a change in mood before the dialogue does. Appreciating this nuance adds depth and makes repeat viewings feel richer.