Christmas in Finland wraps you in warmth even when the air feels crisp. Families gather on Christmas Eve for gifts, sauna time, and a feast that fills the house with cozy aromas.
Meanwhile, the most Christmassy place in Finland is often linked with Santa, yet city magic shines across the south as well. In Helsinki, lights glow along Aleksanterinkatu, and the festive market at Senate Square fills with craft stalls and glögi. In Turku, the historic Christmas Peace sets a calm tone for the nation at noon on the 24th. Because each town brings something special, you can roam from markets to skating rinks and candlelit streets with ease.
Curious about the stories, tastes, and places that make this season feel unique? Keep reading to discover traditions and joyful spots to visit across Finland!
Key Takeaways
- You experience Christmas in Finland most deeply on Christmas Eve, with sauna time, gifts, and family meals.
- Helsinki shines with the Senate Square market and Aleksanterinkatu Christmas Street lights that frame the old center.
- You can witness a rare tradition when Turku proclaims the Christmas Peace on the 24th at Old Great Square.
- Food lovers enjoy baked ham, casseroles, rice porridge, and star pastries that define a Finnish holiday table.
- Skaters and light seekers find winter fun across cities like Helsinki, Porvoo, and Tampere.
Historical Background of Christmas in Finland
Roots and Early Customs
Finnish Christmas draws on Christian practice and older winter rites. As the season approached, people once marked Tuomas Day on December 21 and kept the mood festive until early January. Over time, Lutheran traditions shaped church services, carols, and readings of the Christmas gospel at home. Meanwhile, the harvest feast called kekri left its mark through straw crafts, himmeli mobiles, and the Yule goat. Because the countryside valued good fortune for the farm, families also set out grain sheaves to feed birds.
The figure of Joulupukki
Joulupukki, the Finnish bringer of gifts, has roots in the old goat figure and was later blended with Father Christmas. He visits in person on Christmas Eve, which adds excitement for children who meet him face to face. The home becomes the stage for greetings, songs, and the handover of presents. Because the evening carries such importance, many workplaces treat the day as a paid holiday.
Celebrating on December 24
Finns celebrate mainly on December 24, like their Nordic neighbors. Families gather for the sauna before dinner, and they share rice porridge with a hidden almond for luck. Many light candles at family graves to honor loved ones, and many enjoy quiet streets after the early evening. Then the season continues through Epiphany in January, with school breaks and lingering lights.
Interested in who else also celebrates Christmas on December 24th? Read our guides to Christmas in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway to find out!
Fun Facts about Christmas in Finland
When you spend your Christmas in Finland, don’t forget to enjoy these unique customs:
- Turku declares the Christmas Peace at noon on the 24th, and the moment sets a gentle tone nationwide.
- Many families visit a cemetery to light candles that glow in the snow and honor relatives.
- Swedes often eat rice porridge at breakfast, and someone finds the hidden almond for luck.
- Pre-season parties called pikkujoulu (little Christmas) bring friends and coworkers together in early December.
- Some celebrate Christmas with kalsarikännit, the art of relaxing at home in comfy clothes with alcoholic drinks.
Top Places to Experience Christmas in Finland
Helsinki Christmas Market, Helsinki
Helsinki’s oldest market fills the grand square below the cathedral with stalls, treats, and a classic carousel. You can browse local crafts, sip spiced glögi, and take in views of neoclassical facades that feel made for the season. Because the market usually runs from late November to late December, you can plan a visit around concerts and pop-ups nearby.
Aleksanterinkatu Christmas Street, Helsinki
The capital’s most famous shopping street becomes a glowing corridor of white lights. Trams rattle past festive windows, and the warmed paving keeps the stroll comfortable even on cold nights. As you wander, you can cross to Senate Square or detour into market halls for salmon soup and pastries. The relaxed pace makes it easy to take photos and enjoy the city vibe.
Declaration of Christmas Peace, Turku
For a powerful tradition, stand among the crowd at Old Great Square in Turku at noon on the 24th. From the Brinkkala balcony, officials read the text that invites calm and goodwill for the day. You can explore medieval lanes, visit cafés, and soak up the historic setting that fits the message. Because this ritual spans centuries, it feels both solemn and welcoming.
Porvoo Old Town Lights and Christmas Path
Cobblestone lanes, wooden houses, and a riverside view give Porvoo a storybook look in December. The Porvoo Christmas Path spreads stalls and activities along the center, so you discover treats and crafts as you wander. You can visit small boutiques, meet Santa on select days, and warm up with mulled drinks. It works as an easy day trip from Helsinki.
Brahe Sports Field Ice Skating, Helsinki
Photo: Stanislav Andreev, resized to 600*400
If you want a classic winter activity, head to Brahenkenttä in the Kallio area. The rink splits space for casual skating and hockey, and you can rent skates on site. Trams and the metro make access simple. After a few laps, you can grab a drink from the park café and continue your evening under city lights.
Top Christmas Foods and Desserts in Finland
- Kinkku (Baked ham): Slow-roasted ham sits at the center of many tables. People serve it with mustard and enjoy leftovers in pea soup after the holiday.
- Lanttulaatikko (Rutabaga casserole): Sweet and earthy, this casserole brings a rustic note from older farm kitchens. Families often bake several trays in advance.
- Riisipuuro (Rice porridge): Warm and simple, it comes with cinnamon and sugar. The hidden almond adds a playful wish for the finder.
- Joulutorttu (Star pastries): Flaky pinwheels filled with plum jam appear in cafés and homes. The aroma signals that the season has begun.
- Glögi: Spiced, steaming, and sometimes with almonds and raisins, this mulled drink keeps shoppers happy at markets and outdoor events.
Conclusion
Christmas in Finland balances lively city scenes with heartfelt traditions at home. You can follow the lights along Aleksanterinkatu, browse crafts at Senate Square, and then travel to Turku for the Christmas Peace. Meanwhile, a sauna, a warm bowl of rice porridge, and a visit from Joulupukki keep family time at the center.
If you want a hassle-free holiday, consider a private experience in the capital. With Amitylux’s private tour in Helsinki, you can customize every stop to match your pace and your interests. You choose the markets, the tastings, and the neighborhoods, and we handle the details. For trip planning, you can also explore our guides to the best hotels in Helsinki and Christmas in Lapland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Finland celebrate Christmas?
Families gather mainly on Christmas Eve for sauna, gifts, and a festive meal. Many light candles at graves and enjoy quiet time at home. Markets, concerts, and outdoor skating fill the season with extra joy.
Is Finland good to visit at Christmas?
Yes. Cities offer markets, lights, and easy winter activities, while traditions give the season depth. You can enjoy Helsinki’s market and Christmas Street, then add day trips to Turku and Porvoo.
Where is the most Christmassy place in Finland?
Many travelers point to Santa-themed sites in the north, yet city gems shine too. Helsinki glows with the Senate Square market and Aleksanterinkatu lights, and Turku’s Christmas Peace offers a moving moment.
Do Finnish people celebrate Christmas on the 24th?
Yes. Finland focuses on Christmas Eve for the main meal, sauna, and gift giving, similar to other Nordic countries.
