Christmas in Helsinki
Joulusauna. Joulunavajaiset. Joulupöytä. Joululaulut. Joulumarkkinat. Joulunpyhät…Pikkujoulut! Guessing already what joulu means? Yes! Christmas! So what is Helsinki joulu made of?
It’s made of the sea breeze and islands, winter time swimming, romantic getaways and parties, festivals for every taste. It’s made of dark starry nights, candles and criss-crossing lights (the latter making up for the darkness and, well, for the occasional slushy Christmas when the snow did not fall as anticipated!).
It’s also made of local bazaars, crazy art and libraries that stay open late. It’s made of public saunas, heated throughout the holidays. It’s made of singing Christmas carols – or karaoke, if you prefer! It’s made of lutefish and lanttulaatikko – or opting out from tradition and eating whatever you want (a cold vegan pizza perhaps).
Most of all, Helsinki Christmas is about peace and freedom to do whatever you want and to be whoever you want.
Helsinki Christmas highlights:
Christmas and New Year 2025 opening hours
Many places are open around Christmas, some even on the Big Day itself! See a list of cafes, restaurants, museums, libraries, saunas and more:
Christmas and New Year 2025 Atmospheric markets around town
Experience Helsinki’s many Christmas markets and stalls coming to life, selling seasonal treats, hot glögi and locally hand-made arts and crafts.
Christmas saunas & icy sea
Steam and ice? No need to think twice! During Christmas-time, Helsinkians love to go to sauna – and a dip in the cold sea!
Snow fun (if you're lucky!)
Once the snow arrives there is no stopping us! Sledding down the hills of Helsinki or -ice-skating around town. Now those are the best Christmas activitivies one can think of! (if you exclude sauna and swim, of course!)
Island adventures
Christmas-time calls for a venture to the snowy Helsinki islands. Seurasaari Island’s Christmas path is one of season’s highlights!
Helsinki during Christmas-time:
What is Christmas in Helsinki all about? What to do with kids in Helsinki when they eagerly await for Santa and there is still sooooo much time left before The Eve? Where to go when you yearn for silence and darkness amidst the fervent preparations? And where to go when you want action? What to eat and drink – and where? And where to buy locally-made, beautiful presents for loved-ones?
That is the question.
Snow? Or no snow?
Some Christmas market picks:
If you wish to get into a truly Helsinkian holiday spirit, head to a cozy Christmas bazaar or outdoor market. They offer everything from seasonal delicacies and local produce to Finnish design, art and crafts.
Tuomaan Markkinat
Helsinki’s oldest outdoor Christmas market – Tuomaan Markkinat – offers delicious eating experiences and unique locally made gifts. In the heart of the Market is a beloved old-time carousel and an atmospheric food court.
Helsinki Christmas Market 2025 Vanhan Joulutori
Held at the historic venue, Old Student House, the legendary Vanhan Joulutori Christmas Market offers two floors full of skillfully created interior items, graphics, ceramics, jewelry, delicacy and much more.
Vanhan Joulutori Christmas Market Teurastamo Christmas Market
A melting pot of food and urban culture, Teurastamo is the place to go! Christmas market at Teurastamo gathers both entrepreneurs and artisans selling Christmas delicacies and handicraft.
Teurastamo Christmas Market Mantan joulutori
By the legendary Havis Amanda statue next to the Market Square you can find Mantan joulutori Christmas market. At the heart of the square is a Christmas pavilion for meeting friends and enjoying small performances on stage whilst enjoying Christmas delicacies. Open till 6 January!
Mantan joulutori Freelance Graphic Designers’ Christmas
Go to Helsinki’s legendary Cable Factory and discover what creative craftsmanship can be! Around 50 of Friikku’s wonderful works are on display – graphic design, illustrations, art and visual stories.
Freelance Graphic Designers’ Christmas 
Christmas concert picks:
Helsinkian Christmas is all about music too! People gather into big concert halls, iconic churches and small local venues to listen to timeless pieces or more contemporary interpretations of Christmas classics. It is also a very Finnish thing to sing carols together. Be prepared to queue for a place in the Cathedral’s Most beautiful Christmas Carols event on 16 December!
Medieval Christmas Concert
Munx Gregoriana is a new Finnish vocal ensemble that combines medieval music with 21st-century video game soundtracks – quite amazing! Helsinki concerts are held in Olaus Petri Church in Töölö neighbourhood and in the lighthouse church of Suomenlinna Island.
Medieval Christmas Concert Rajaton Joulu
Experience the magic of the season with Rajaton, the crown jewel of Finnish a cappella music, as they return to stages across the country with their beloved Christmas tour.
Rajaton Joulu 2025 Christmas of Fairytales
Come experience the fairytale magic of Christmas with the Musiikkitalo organ. The concert features familiar Christmas carols, organ music with Christmas themes, and sing-alongs accompanied by the large concert organ.
Christmas of Fairytales More seasonal highlights:
For a full list of Christmas and New Year opening hours see here.
