Info · Christmas in Helsinki
Christmas opening hours in Helsinki
In Finland, Christmas Eve, 24 December, is the main day of celebration.
Most of Helsinki slows down from midday as people head home to
their families. A good number of cafés, restaurants, saunas and
museums stay open over the holidays, though, so with a little planning
there’s plenty to do.
Christmas opening hours 2026
This year’s opening hours will be added here about 10 days before Christmas. Until then, use the general guide below and check the venue’s own website before you go.
Christmas Eve, 24 December
Most shops and supermarkets close around midday or early afternoon, and many restaurants and museums are closed. At noon, the Declaration of Christmas Peace is broadcast nationwide from Turku. Public transport runs a reduced timetable that ends earlier than usual. Some public saunas hold Christmas Eve sessions, which are a popular Finnish tradition.
Christmas Day, 25 December
The quietest day of the year: most shops, restaurants and museums are closed. Hotel restaurants are usually open, and some cafés and saunas are too. Public transport runs a reduced timetable.
Boxing Day (St Stephen’s Day), 26 December
The city starts to wake up again. Many restaurants, bars and some shops reopen, and Boxing Day is a traditional night out in Finland.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
On 31 December, shops usually close earlier than normal. On 1 January, many places are closed or open later in the day.
Tips for visiting Helsinki over Christmas
Book Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals in advance. Hotel restaurants are the safest bet.
Do your food shopping by the morning of 24 December.
Check HSL's holiday timetables before travelling, especially to and from the airport.
Visit the HSL website Plan a sauna, a winter walk by the sea or a museum visit on 26 December.
Christmas opening hours in Helsinki FAQ
Is Helsinki open on Christmas Day?
Partly. Christmas Day is the quietest day of the year, and most shops, restaurants and museums are closed. Hotel restaurants are usually open, as are some cafés and public saunas. Check this year’s list above before you go.
Are shops open on Christmas Eve?
Most shops and supermarkets open in the morning and close around midday or early afternoon. Do your shopping early.
Are saunas open on Christmas Eve?
Some public saunas hold special Christmas Eve sessions, often in the morning or early afternoon. A Christmas sauna is a Finnish tradition, so book ahead where you can.
Does public transport run over Christmas?
Yes, on reduced holiday timetables. Services end earlier than usual on Christmas Eve, so check HSL’s journey planner before you travel, especially to or from the airport.
Where can I eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Hotel restaurants are the safest bet, and many serve a Christmas menu. Some other restaurants open too. Book well in advance, because tables fill up fast.
Are the Christmas markets open on Christmas Eve?
Most Helsinki Christmas markets close before Christmas Eve. Mantan joulutori by the Market Square runs into January, so check its holiday hours on the event page.
Are museums open between Christmas and New Year?
Most museums close on 24 and 25 December, and many reopen from 26 December. Opening hours vary, so check each museum’s website.
When will this year’s opening hours be published?
We update this page about 10 days before Christmas, once venues have confirmed their holiday hours.