Main Photo: Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Partners
If you’re dreaming of a festive winter escape, Helsinki is the perfect destination for a cozy, charming holiday experience. Helsinki transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with sparkling lights and a warm holiday atmosphere that captures the heart of every visitor. When the weather is in our favor, we also get to enjoy the charming views of snowy streets and parks. Are you here for a short getaway or planning an extended stay? This guide will help you explore all the wonderful things to do during the holiday season.
Christmas markets are every shopper’s dream! Oh, the treasures you can find while enjoying the magical atmosphere.
Merry-go-round at the Helsinki Christmas Market
Photo: Kim Öhman/Helsinki Partners
One of the highlights of Helsinki during Christmas time is undoubtedly its enchanting Christmas markets. The most famous of these is the Helsinki Christmas Market, in Finnish known as Tuomaan Markkinat. Located in the iconic Senate Square, the market is the ideal place to dive into the festive spirit. Picture this: traditional wooden stalls, the aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine (glögi) wafting through the air, and locals mingling with visitors under the glow of a giant Christmas tree. To make the experience even more magical, there has traditionally been a merry-go-round that delights both children and adults alike.
At this market the focus is on small businesses that bring responsibly produced gift items and food for sale. Here you can shop for unique Finnish crafts, handmade gifts, and delicious treats to bring home. Whether you’re in search of reindeer sausages, woolen socks, or traditional Christmas ornaments, there are treasures for every taste to be found. Don’t forget to try the local specialties, such as warm, spiced glögi, and freshly baked joulutorttu – a star-shaped pastry with plum marmalade filling! Oh, and rice porridge. There’s no Christmas without a plate of steaming hot rice porridge, seasoned with sugar and cinnamon and maybe even with a luck-bringing almond hidden in it!
The market is open from late November/early December until a few days before Christmas, so plan your visit accordingly!
Tip: The Senate Square is located just around the corner from the Esplanade Park, where the Panorama Sightseeing tour starts and ends. So why not continue your day after the sightseeing tour with a lunch at the Christmas market!
Another delightful market to explore is the indoor Christmas Market at Vanha Ylioppilastalo – Old Student House. This week-long event, starting around mid-December, is held at the historic Old Student House, just opposite Stockmann department store. The market offers high-quality Finnish handicrafts created by some of Finland’s best designers and artisans. It’s a cozy spot to find unique gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This is also a lovely opportunity for anyone to marvel at the beautiful neo-renaissance-style building from the inside!
Starting from the end of November, the streets of Helsinki come alive with festive lights and decorations.
Christmas lights in the Esplanade Park
Photo: Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Partners
One of the must-see attractions is the Esplanade Park, which is beautifully lit with enchanting season lights. Strolling through the park is magical, especially after dark when the lights create a dreamy winter wonderland. The truth is that there might not always be snow in December, but if you get lucky with the weather, the Esplanade Park is the perfect setting for your holiday photos!
The traditional Christmas season opening parade on Aleksanterinkatu street is the most joyous and spectacular kick-off to the holiday season. Held on a Saturday afternoon towards the end of November, this event illuminates the beloved A-shaped Christmas lights high above the streets, followed by a charming parade that brings the smile to every face. Look closely, you might even catch a glimpse of Mr. Santa Claus, Joulupukki, himself!
This year, 2024, the parade will end at Narinkkatori in front of the Kamppi shopping center, where a Christmas Tivoli entertains the festive crowd.
The Christmas window at Stockmann department store is a hidden gem! Well, a hiding gem might be a better definition, since there are countless details to find and admire on this showcase diorama. Located at the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Keskuskatu streets, you simply can’t walk past this traditional eye catcher. The theme of the showcase is different every year, and each year the stories built within it tickle the imagination of both the young and the old.
If you want to dive deeper into Finnish Christmas traditions, the Seurasaari Christmas Path is a must-see! Held annually on a Sunday around mid-December, this free family-friendly event brings to life Finnish folklore and the magic of Christmas in a beautiful outdoor setting. On Seurasaari Island, you’ll wander along a charmingly lit path through the forest, encountering Christmas elves, traditional Finnish crafts, Christmas carols and heartwarming holiday scenes along the way. Children will especially enjoy the cozy storytelling and the friendly volunteers dressed as beloved Finnish Christmas characters. The event’s atmosphere is a lovely blend of folklore, festivity, and Finnish coziness – perfect for making holiday memories.
Nothing says “winter in Finland” like a steamy sauna session. Helsinki has no shortage of saunas, and they’re a perfect way to warm up after a day exploring the Christmas markets or sightseeing in the chilly air. Try Löyly, a modern and eco-friendly sauna that offers stunning views over the frozen Baltic Sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the icy sea before returning to the sauna—it’s a local tradition that’s sure to invigorate you! Another great option in the city centre is the Allas Sea Pool at the Market Square.
To truly experience the holiday season in Helsinki, don’t miss the opportunity to sample Finnish Christmas foods. Many local restaurants offer special Christmas menus in December, featuring traditional Finnish holiday dishes like roasted ham, gravlax (cured salmon), and creamy potato or carrot casseroles. For a unique experience, book a spot at a Finnish Christmas buffet – called joulupöytä – where you can sample a variety of seasonal delicacies. A meal like this is the perfect way to savour Finnish culture and holiday traditions on a cozy winter’s evening.
Entrance to the Helsinki City Museum
Photo: Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Partners
For colder days or if you’re in need of a break from outdoor activities, Helsinki’s many museums and indoor attractions offer engaging and warm spaces to explore. The Ateneum Art Museum showcases Finnish art, while the Design Museum and Museum of Finnish Architecture provide a fascinating look into the country’s rich heritage in design and architecture. For families, the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the interactive Children’s Town at the Helsinki City Museum are wonderful options. Many museums also offer seasonal exhibitions or special events in December, adding a festive touch to your cultural experience in Helsinki.
Tip: When planning your museum visits, you might want to check out the Helsinki Card. With this city card, you get free admission to the most important museums and attractions in Helsinki – as well as the Panorama Sightseeing Tour.
One of the biggest events in Helsinki during December is the New Year’s Eve celebration at Kansalaistori, in front of the central library Oodi. As the clock ticks down to midnight on December 31st, the square comes alive with live music and a festive atmosphere. Dress up warm and join the party!
There’s so much happening in the city! Check out current events with Helsinki This Week, a weekly info package designed to make planning your stay in Helsinki easier.
Check out on the map where to find all the locations and events mentioned above!
Red markers
Green markers: Christmas Markets & Events
Blue markers: Museums & attractions to visit
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