Helsinki Christmas Market, Tuomaan Markkinat in Finnish, is the city’s best-known Christmas market. Every December it fills Senate Square, in front of Helsinki Cathedral, with more than 100 stalls run by Finnish artisans, small producers and food vendors, plus a vintage wooden carousel. It has been held since 1994: first in Esplanadi Park, later moving to Senate Square.

Tuomaan Markkinat means St Thomas’ Market. St Thomas’ Day, 21 December, was traditionally when Finns began celebrating Christmas, remembered in the old saying “hyvä Tuomas joulun tuopi”, good Thomas brings Christmas. The market keeps to that rhythm and traditionally closes on 22 December, just as the Christmas holidays begin.

CNN Travel included Helsinki Christmas Market in its lists of the world’s best Christmas markets in both 2023 and 2024. Visitors seem to agree: the market drew a record of around 600,000 visitors in 2024, according to Finnish broadcaster Yle. Its organisers describe it as Helsinki’s oldest outdoor Christmas market.

Less mass-produced decoration, more Finnish design and handicraft. Look for wool socks and hats, jewellery, natural cosmetics and handmade sweets from small makers. The food leans local, with plenty of vegetarian choice. Two classics to try: glögi, the Nordic spiced mulled drink, and Christmas rice porridge. Visitors ate around 50,000 servings of porridge at the 2024 market.

The market opens in late November or early December and traditionally runs until 22 December. Opening hours have stayed the same for years: 11:00–19:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 11:00–20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. You’ll find this year’s exact dates in the market list above.

No. Entry to the Helsinki Christmas Market is free, and so is its carousel. You only pay for what you buy, eat or drink. The other markets listed below are free to enter too.

Senate Square is in the heart of the city centre, less than a 10-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station, and several tram lines stop on Aleksanterinkatu right next to it. The square is cobbled and slopes towards the Cathedral, so wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time with a pushchair or wheelchair.

December in Helsinki is usually around freezing, often damp or windy, and the sun sets around 3:15 pm in mid-December. Dress in layers, with a warm hat, gloves and waterproof shoes. The upside of early darkness: the market stalls and the Christmas lights glow from mid-afternoon.

Yes, each with its own character:
Vanhan Joulutori at the Old Student House on Mannerheimintie: indoors on two floors, with ceramics, jewellery, graphic art and design, usually in the last week before Christmas.
Teurastamo Christmas Market at Teurastamo, a former 1933 abattoir turned food and culture venue: local food and craft over one December weekend.
Mantan joulutori on Havis Amanda Square, next to the Market Square: stays open after Christmas, into early January.

There are also often new additions every year so check our event calendar for more the most up-to-date information

Walk Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki’s Christmas Street since 1949, lit from late November into January. Warm up in a Christmas sauna, many of them by the sea, or find more ideas in 7 things to do in Helsinki at Christmas. Travelling with children? See our Christmas tips for kids.