Main image: Jules Hatfiels & Christine Williams/Helsinki Partners
Are you planning to visit Helsinki in January? Brave choice! You’ve picked the time of year when the city is at its most authentically Nordic. With weather that can swing from freezing sunshine to wet, slushy gloom (sometimes all in one day), January in Helsinki might challenge you—but it’s also an adventure you’ll never forget.
Here’s your tongue-in-cheek guide to not just surviving but enjoying Helsinki in January.
Don't worry, Helsinki isn't hibernating, not even in January! Events, museums and activities keep you busy during your stay in Helsinki. First, head to the Senate Square and start your holiday with the Panorama Sightseeing tour to get an overview of the city. After the tour enjoy a hearty lunch and then head to all the experiences Helsinki has to offer!
Tip: for latest information on events around Helsinki, check Helsinki This Week!
Okay, technically New Year’s Eve is in December, not January, but if you’re planning to arrive early, you might get to join in on Helsinki’s biggest party of the season!
The main celebration happens at Kansalaistori, a central plaza flanked by the modern Oodi Library and the Helsinki Music Centre. The evening kicks off with a family-friendly event featuring music, performances, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Later, as the clock nears midnight, the vibe shifts to an open-air party for adults, complete with live performances, DJs, and a pyrotechnic show to light up the winter night.
If you’re not a fan of crowds or standing outside in the cold, there are plenty of cozy bars and restaurants around the city where you can toast to the New Year indoors. For higher-ground views of the fireworks, check out Hotel Torni’s Atelje Bar, Hotel Vaakuna’s Restaurant 10. Kerros (10th floor), Nightclub Maxine in Kamppi, or Clarion Hotel Helsinki’s Skyroom Bar. Be sure to check opening hours in advance—special events like New Year’s often come with adjusted schedules. Also note that private fireworks are not permitted in many areas of the city center, so point your watchful gaze in the opposite direction.
Photo: Lauri Rotko/Helsinki Partners
Start your January adventure with a burst of color and light at LUX Helsinki, the annual light art festival spreading in several locations across the city. The festival is held in the first half of January. This event transforms Helsinki’s streets, parks, and iconic landmarks into a huge outdoor art exhibition. From dazzling projections on historic buildings to interactive light installations, often complemented with sound, it’s a much-needed splash of brightness in the otherwise dim Nordic winter.
The festival is free, mostly family-friendly, and a great way to explore the city after dark—don’t forget your camera for those Instagram-worthy shots!
If you're in Helsinki during mid-January, don’t miss the Matka Travel Fair, one of the biggest travel events in the region. The fair brings together destinations from across the globe at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, giving you the chance to explore the world without leaving the city.
Whether you're dreaming of tropical beaches or snowy adventures, Matka offers a sneak peek into a variety of travel experiences. It’s a great way to plan your next holiday while exploring what’s new in global tourism—all under one roof.
Photo: Jirina Alanko/Helsinki Partners
Helsinki in January might not be all glittering snow and sunny skies—let’s face it, many days are grey, and snow often melts into an unappealing slush. But don’t let that dampen your spirits! When the weather does cooperate, parks like Esplanade Park and Kaivopuisto Park look enchanting under a dusting of snow.
A great way to spend a beautiful winter day outdoors is doing some winter sports. Go tobogganing or cross country skiing - take a bus to Paloheinä recreational area where you can rent skis, snow shoes and other equipment. At Brahenkenttä - Brahe sports field in Kallio you can enjoy ice skating during the public hours. Ice skating is free of charge, skates you can rent in the cafe.
On days when the weather isn’t on your side, take a walk along Töölönlahti Bay—even frozen puddles can be picturesque with the right mindset (and waterproof shoes). If it’s downright miserable, escape to the Helsinki Winter Garden, where tropical plants provide a mini mental vacation.
The trick to enjoying Helsinki in January is dressing for every possibility. Layers are your best friend—prepare for icy winds, sudden snow, or rain that turns the streets into a Nordic Slip ’n Slide. Invest in waterproof boots unless you enjoy wet socks. And don’t forget your gloves, scarves and hats!
If the sun graces you with its presence, don’t get too excited—it probably means the temperature is so low that even your breath freezes. Since Helsinki is by the sea, temperatures below -25°C are rare. But if it does happen, January is the most likely time.
By the way, the secret ingredient in layering is wool. Wearing wool as the base layer next to your skin can make a huge difference. Don’t forget a wind-proof outer layer!
Photo: Sasa Tkalcan/Helsinki Partners
Feeling frozen to the core? Enter Finland’s greatest invention: the sauna. Nothing beats the bone-deep warmth of the sauna after a wet and chilly day. Pro tip: If you dare, follow the locals’ lead and take a quick plunge into the icy Baltic Sea after your sauna—it’s invigorating, or so they say.
If you’re not familiar with sauna culture, check the sauna section on our Helsinki Practical Information package, choose your sauna and step in! Sauna is definetively the best way to defrost and embrace Finnish culture all at once.
Photo: Laura Dove/Helsinki Partners
Let’s be honest—there will be days when the outdoors feel more hostile than inviting. That’s your cue to dive into Helsinki’s indoor treasures. Visit the Ateneum Art Museum, the body-and-mind-moving TAHTO Sports Museum or take a metro and head to Kaapelitehdas, where you’ll find the Hotel and Restaurant Museum, the Finnish Museum of Photography and the Theatre Museum, all conveniently under one roof. They’re warm, fascinating, and perfect for forgetting the weather outside.
Tip: The entrance to all of the museums mentioned here is free of charge with the Helsinki Card – as is the metro ride and other public transportation.
Cold weather calls for hearty food, and Helsinki delivers. Warm up with lohikeitto (salmon soup), reindeer stew, or karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty) slathered in egg butter. Restaurants like Savotta or Kappeli offer traditional dishes in cozy settings.
Or find a cozy café, order a steaming cup of coffee, and treat yourself to a korvapuusti (cinnamon bun). Watching the grey drizzle through a café window? It’s practically a local pastime.
Craving something sweet? A piece (or ten) of mouth-watering Finnish chocolate will fuel your explorations—or your strategic retreat back to your hotel. Check the Fazer Café at Kluuvikatu, where you'll forget the stormy wind outside while deciding which delicacies to enjoy now and which to take home.
Photo: Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Partners
For extra adventure, take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Suomenlinna. The fortress is charming, even in January, though sturdy winter shoes and determination are a must. During the ferry ride to Suomenlinna you might even get an opportunity to admire the peculiar phenomenon of "merisavu", sea smoke. This occurs when very cold air moves over the warmer sea water, creating a mystical fog that rises from the surface. It's a breathtaking sight that adds a touch of magic to your winter journey.
Looking for exciting day trips from Helsinki in January? Consider joining an adventure with Taiga Times, where you can explore the stunning Finnish wilderness through guided tours and activities like forest hikes and experience the Finnish sauna. Another great option is Polar Jämi, offering thrilling experiences such as sleddog rides with huskies. Both Taiga Times and Polar Jämi offer discounts for Helsinki Card holders, making these adventures even more enticing. Get ready to discover the beauty of Finland beyond Helsinki!
Helsinki in January isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you embrace the quirks of its winter weather and dive into its culture, it’ll reward you with memorable experiences. Think of it as character-building with a side of cinnamon buns and chocolate.
So layer up, laugh at the slush, and let Helsinki show you its unique winter charm. After all, if you can survive January here, you can handle anything.
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