Pienten Helsinki
What to do with children on Independence Day, December 6, 2021?
Finland's Independence Day and Finland's 104th birthday are celebrated on Monday, December 6, 2021. Due to the public holiday, opening hours are subject to exceptions and, for example, playgrounds and some libraries are closed. Little Helsinki has collected tips and events for families to celebrate Independence Day in Helsinki.
NOTE! Always confirm the latest event information and
any changes on the organizer's website. Some events
may require a corona passport for those over 16 years old.
Official celebrations
The traditional student torch procession departs from the Hietaniemi Cemetery on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 5 p.m. and passes by the Presidential Palace to greet the presidential couple. After the procession, choir singing and speeches will be heard in Senate Square at 5:55 p.m. Anyone can join the procession!
According to tradition, two candles are lit in windows at 6 p.m.
The President's Independence Day Reception, or Castle Ball, has been canceled in 2021.
An atmospheric walk through the cemeteries as dusk falls. For example, the Hietaniemi Heroes Cemetery and the presidential graves are a solemn sight on Independence Day.
Things to do and events on Independence Day for families
Uutela Star Trail is again available on the Uutela riverside trail! This year, a mobile map guides visitors to the Star Trail checkpoints, so there are no checkpoint markers in the terrain.
St. Thomas Market at Market Square from November 27 to December 22, 2021. The market will delight children again this year with a traditional carousel. Open on Independence Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
Kanneltalo Independence Day celebration for families on Monday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Children's Independence Day celebration at Annantalossa is fully booked.
Independence Day evening celebrations at Lapinlahden Lähde on Monday from 12 (2) p.m. to 4 p.m.
Oodi Central Library is open on Independence Day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas season fairs and markets -list can be found here!
The Fortress Christmas and Fortress Elf route in Suomenlinna from November 27, 2021 to January 6, 2022.
Online event: Espoo Independence Day celebration concert online at 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway in Tapiola at the Länsituuli shopping center, is open on Independence Day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. More detailed location instructions can be found on the Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' website.
Ice skating? Several Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa artificial and natural ice rinks offer ice skating! Ice skating on artificial rinks is free again this year. Current ice rink condition information can be found in the Outdoor Recreation.fi service.
Cross-country skiing? Several snow-prepared trails are already in use! Current trail information can be found in the Outdoor Recreation.fi service.
Korkeasaari Zoo is open on Independence Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee applies.
Winter Garden is open on Independence Day from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
Merimaailma Sea Life is open on Independence Day. Admission fee applies.
Finnair Sky Wheel at Market Square corner offers spectacular views over Helsinki. Also open on Independence Day, admission fee applies.
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