What will this year’s Advent markets be like in Helsinki? Program and important information in one place

Get in the Christmas spirit in a place with plenty of winter and snow—the Christmas markets in Helsinki make it easy.

Finns really get into the holiday spirit. In early December, folks get together for pikkujoulu (or “little Christmas”) parties, and the markets are buzzing with people sipping on hot Finnish mulled wine, also known as glögi.

Helsinki is the second northernmost capital in the world, offering an unforgettable winter fairy tale experience. Check out these awesome Finnish Christmas markets to totally get into the Yuletide mood.

Christmas Markets in Helsinki

The Helsinki Christmas markets, or Tuomaan Markkinat, are among the most beautiful and interesting in Europe. A number of stalls in the Nordic style contribute to the creation of the right Christmas atmosphere. Many of them offer hot glögi, or Finnish welder.

Helsinki Christmas Market

When and where will it all take place?

Helsinki Advent Fair Program

The Helsinki Christmas Market is the oldest outdoor Christmas market in Helsinki. The market takes place on Senaatintori, or Senate Square, dominated by the white Lutheran cathedral designed by Carl Ludwig Engel. Every year on December 13, the newly crowned Saint Lucia descends the steps of the cathedral. The Saint Lucia Procession is a very important pre-Christmas tradition for Finns.

It’s a tradition for many folks, with over 300,000 people checking it out every year. You can grab some tasty eats and find cool gifts made by the craftsmen and women themselves. Plus, the vibe is super cozy and relaxed, giving you all those warm Christmas feels.

The heart of the Market is a beloved old-time carousel and a fully licensed food court where you can sample all the delicious Christmas flavors. Every year, the Helsinki Christmas market has over a hundred wooden stalls, offering a wide range of handicrafts, Christmas decorations, local products, and refreshments.

The Helsinki Christmas Market does good things, too, like making eco-friendly choices, reducing food waste, recycling, supporting charity and local producers, and offering sustainable Christmas gifts.

One must-try classic for every visitor is the glögi drink, which is similar to mulled wine and is seasoned with ginger, cinnamon, or cloves.

The food menu typically includes traditional warm Christmas rice porridge and other snacks.

Popular attractions include an ancient carousel in the middle of the square and various workshops introducing visitors to the world of glassblowing and metalworking. The program also features many live music performances, and children can look forward to meeting Santa Claus and his elves.

You can better understand ​​the Christmas markets in Helsinki by watching the following video.

Experience the Magic of Helsinki's Christmas Market: Over 300,000 Visitors Each Year

Oulu Christmas Market

The spirit of Christmas has enveloped Oulu with even more charm this year, making it a destination worth visiting from afar.

Oulu, a city on the west coast of Finland, with a population of about 200,000 people, was founded in 1605 by Sweden’s King Charles IX. The city sits at the mouth of the Oulujoki River on what was once an ancient maritime trading site.

Because of its location in the middle of the country, Oulu is often considered Finland’s gateway to the north. It’s also home to the southernmost fell region, making it a popular winter holiday destination for both downhill and cross-country skiers.

You’re almost sure to have snow here during Christmas, providing the perfect ambiance for the Tiernatori Christmas Market.

Held in Rotuaari Square in the heart of Oulu, this busy marketplace fills with handmade Christmas products and traditional fare each December.

It also features a unique Nordic re-telling of the classic Christmas carol, ‘We Three Kings,’ on the Rotuaari stage.

This year, Tiernatori expands, setting up traditional red huts in Kauppurien Square in front of Valkea. At Tiernatori, you’ll discover Christmas gifts, handicrafts, and food products.

Moreover, the Craftsmen’s Gift Workshop is situated nearby, at the corner of Kauppurienkatu and Isokatu, in the former Balmuir store. Starting on December 9th, the Tiernapoika choir performs daily from 5 PM until Christmas, alternating between Rotuaari’s Christmas Forest and Kauppurien Square’s Tiernatori.

Taito Shop’s Christmas Store and Festive Handicraft Workshops

Taito Shop Oulu’s Christmas Store is a treasure trove for Christmas enthusiasts, offering gift ideas for everyone! The products are of domestic quality, showcasing Oulu’s craftsmanship.

The store hosts a Christmas-themed workshop every Wednesday and Saturday. Some workshops are free, while others have a small materials fee. Before the Christmas Store’s opening, Taito Shop’s Christmas celebration will take place at the familiar Rautatienkatu store on Saturday, November 25th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. There will be a demonstration of himmeli, frame weaving, and candle painting.

This Christmas season in Oulu promises enchanting experiences and festive moments for all, making it a delightful destination to embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories.

Enjoy the Christmas Decors

Across the Old Town, you can find Christmas decors – big and small, Christmas street lightings, and various other decorations.

The most impressive Christmas lights are traditionally lit along the Esplanade, Aleksanterinkatu, and all the connecting streets; Mikonkatu, Kluuvikatu, Sofiankatu, and Katariinankatu are always nicely decorated.

Interesting places in Helsinki 

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland.

It was founded in the middle of the 16th century when the country was part of Sweden. Today, despite the extreme cold in some months of the year, the Finnish metropolis has an extraordinary social life, and local residents spend a lot of time outside.

The city is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the land of a thousand lakes and is home to many architectural monuments, which are worth visiting during the Christmas market in Helsinki.

Senate Square Helsinki

Christmas Markets take place in the unique setting of a square flanked by four magnificent buildings: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Building, the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland. The beauty and harmony of Senate Square are the work of the architect Carl Ludvig Engel. The statue of Tsar Alexander II in the middle of the square speaks of Finland’s often problematic and conflictual relations with neighboring Russia.

Helsinki Cathedral

The Orthodox Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) is an iconic symbol of Helsinki. Its distinctive green domes have been a dominant feature of the city’s skyline since its completion in 1851.

The cathedral’s architectural design was partially inspired by the Paris Pantheon. It holds significant historical and cultural importance in Helsinki.

In addition to its religious significance as a church, the cathedral is also a versatile venue for a wide range of events.

Exploring the Interior of Helsinki Cathedral

It has hosted important gatherings such as the parliament’s opening and closing sessions, Independence Day celebrations, and events marking the University of Helsinki’s milestones.

As a Protestant temple, the cathedral’s interior decoration is characterized by its simplicity and austerity. Visitors should not expect to find elaborate frescoes, mosaics, or ornate decorations. Instead, the interior highlights include the organ, altar, and pulpit, which stand out as focal points within the serene and understated ambiance of the cathedral.

Fortress Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) is a sea fortress built on islands near Helsinki, Finland.

It was built in 1748 by Sweden, then controlled by Russia, and now belongs to Finland. The fortress was key in defending these countries, featuring bastions, barracks, and even a dry dock.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued for its military architecture and role in history.

Now, it’s a popular tourist spot and home to 850 residents. The fortress faces challenges like rising sea levels and erosion, but efforts are made to protect and manage it.

Rovaniemi’s year-round Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus has long been associated with the snowy landscapes of Lapland. But his original dwelling wasn’t always easy to find. Legend has it that he first resided on Korvatunturi, a hidden mountain known only to a select few.

However, in 1985, Santa decided to establish a more accessible base of operations. He settled in Rovaniemi, which has since become his official hometown.

Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village welcomes visitors year-round, eager to meet Santa and experience Christmas magic. This winter wonderland attracts over 500,000 annually. Festive shops and cozy cafes line the streets, while the Main Post Office handles countless letters to the North Pole. And, of course, visitors can meet the reindeer, Santa’s trusty helpers.

Beyond the village, the spirit of Christmas permeates Rovaniemi throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting during the winter months, when snow blankets the landscape and the Northern Lights dance across the sky, or during the summer, when the Midnight Sun casts a golden glow over the region, you’re sure to find yourself enchanted by the festive atmosphere.

In Rovaniemi, the magic of Christmas is truly for everyone, no matter who they are, where they live, or how they celebrate the holiday season.

Aurora Borealis – A Must-see Magical Phenomena

The area around and above the Arctic Circle is famous for the magical phenomena of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.

While the lights can occasionally be seen as far south as Helsinki, Finland’s capital, the optimal location to witness this breathtaking spectacle is undoubtedly Lapland in northern Finland.

Although sightings of the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, you can significantly increase your chances by joining meticulously crafted local tours. These tours often offer evening excursions coupled with accommodations at the stunning Aurora Village Glass Cabins, strategically positioned to maximize your opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in Finland.

Moreover, December and early January stand out as the darkest winter months above the Arctic Circle. As winter progresses, the daylight hours gradually increase, allowing you to explore and appreciate the beautiful snowy landscapes during the day. However, rest assured, it still gets sufficiently dark in the evenings, ensuring you have the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Finland.

If you decide to travel to Finland in December to experience the festive Christmas markets, you will also have the unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking natural spectacle of the Northern Lights illuminating the wintry sky.