Independence Day 2019

What to do with children on Independence Day, December 6, 2019?

Finland's Independence Day and Finland's 102nd birthday are celebrated on Friday, December 6, 2019. Due to the holiday, there are exceptions in opening hours and, for example, playgrounds and libraries are closed. Little Helsinki has compiled tips and events for families to celebrate Independence Day in Helsinki.

Official celebrations

The traditional student torch procession departs from Hietaniemi Cemetery on December 6, 2019 at 5 pm and passes by the Presidential Palace to greet the presidential couple. After the procession, Senate Square will feature choral singing and speeches at 5:55 pm. Anyone can join the procession!

Following tradition, two candles are lit in the window at 6 pm.

Presidential Palace celebrations can be watched as usual on television and online on Friday, December 6, 2019 starting at 6:30 pm.

An atmospheric walk through the cemetery as dusk falls. For example, Hietaniemi Heroes Cemetery and the presidential graves are a festive sight on Independence Day.

Fireworks

Little Helsinki has no information about fireworks being organized on Independence Day 2019 in honor of the day.

Helsinki Police inform on their Facebook page about a private fireworks display in Jolla on the evening of Independence Day between 9:30 pm and 10 pm, which may cause noise disturbance. The exact location is not known.

Celebrations and events for families

St. Thomas's Market on Senate Square begins on Independence Day, December 6, 2019 at 11 am. The carousel runs daily as usual in the middle of the square for free! You can find the market's program here.
St. Thomas's Market continues on Senate Square until December 22, 2019.

Fallkulla farm animals is open on Independence Day, December 6, 2019 from 10 am to 3 pm.

Museums such as National Museum, Tamminiemi and Ateneum are open on Independence Day, December 6, 2019.
Suomenlinna museums (including Toy Museum) and some other services are also open on Independence Day. More information on Suomenlinna's website.

Espoo: Badger's Forest Fairy Tale Time at Villa Elfvik Nature Center on Independence Day at 11 am. More information on Elfvik's website.

Dance Theater Hurjaruuth: Winter Circus Bau performance in Pannuhalli at Cable Factory on Independence Day at 12 pm and 4 pm. Tickets €37 / €26. More information on Hurjaruuth's website.

Children's Music Orchestra Ammu: Summers Winters album release concert at the National Theater's Main Stage on Independence Day at 3 pm. Tickets €20, family ticket €60. More information on the National Theater's website.

Pellet Jump Spectacular at Mäkelänrinteen swimming center on Independence Day at 3 pm. Tickets €18 / €12. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Everyone's Independence Day Celebration at Kanneltalo on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. Children will be offered a Puppet Theater Sytkyt performance in the Auditorium. Free admission. More information on Kanneltalo's website.

Uutela Star Trail takes you on adventures in nature and stargazing in the sky by flashlight. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Fortress Gnome Route at Suomenlinna November 30, 2019 - January 6, 2020.

Other ideas for Independence Day

Korkeasaari Zoo is open on Independence Day from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission fee.

Winter Garden is open on Independence Day from 12 pm to 4 pm. Free admission.

Ice skating is also available at Helsinki's artificial ice rinks on Independence Day. For more specific opening hours and information, visit Helsinki Active website. Small admission fee. Confirm the rink's opening hours from the city's website.

Jäähalli Ice Park at Railway Square is also open this winter.

Sea Life Merimaailma is open on Independence Day. Admission fee.

Finnair Sky Wheel at the corner of Market Square offers spectacular views over Helsinki. Open on Independence Day too, admission fee.

Science Center Heureka in Vantaa is open from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission fee.

Helsinki Spots article is a lifesaver for boring days with children!