Christmas Time in Helsinki

You can find Christmas atmosphere and light for the dark months in Helsinki in many ways. Admire the lights in Espoo Park, go on an adventure along the Fortress Elf route, bring Christmas surprises to animals living in the city, or find Christmas scents and flavors at various Christmas markets and ride on a carousel. Helsinki is a wonderful Christmas city!

Lights for the City

Already in November, Helsinki's parks, streets and buildings are lit to bring light to the darkness and Christmas atmosphere to the city. Keskuskatu has already received its illuminated Christmas trees, the lights and animal figures in Espoo Park will be lit in the coming days, the lights on Aleksi's Christmas Street will light up on 24.11.2019, and numerous Christmas lights and various Christmas decorations shine in many shopping centers and their surroundings.

Light in the darkness is also brought by the Lucia procession, which travels through the city on 13.12.2019. More information about the Lucia tradition can be found on Folkhälsan's pages.

Christmas Windows

The Christmas windows of large shopping centers are opened in November. Helsinki's Stockmann fairy tale window has already been opened and can be admired all the way to Epiphany at the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Keskuskatu. The Fazer Christmas window on Kluuvikatu is also worth visiting.

Christmas Events

Helsinki hosts numerous Christmas events in November and December 2019. The range of events is wide and there is something to do for all tastes and ages. Pienten Helsinki's Christmas events listing has been compiled with events specifically suitable for children through Epiphany.

Helsinki's classic Christmas events include at least Seurasaari's Christmas trail, Aleksi's Christmas Street opening, and Vuosaari Christmas trail event.

Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are held in many places, both indoors and outdoors, and you can find various Christmas gifts and Christmas treats at the markets. Thomas Markets spread across Senate Square on 6.-22.12.2019 and the main attraction of the markets this year is again a large carousel, which you can ride for free.
Other upcoming Christmas sales and markets can be found in Pienten Helsinki's Christmas sales and markets 2019 article.

Christmas Events in Playgrounds

Helsinki's playgrounds host various Christmas events, Christmas parties and porridge parties in December. More information about all December events at playgrounds can be found in Helsinki City's event calendar or on the playgrounds' own websites.

Helsinki Winter Garden

The City of Helsinki's Winter Garden will be decorated in Christmas atmosphere around mid-December and you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere until Epiphany. More information coming to the Winter Garden's website soon.

Animals' Christmas

You'll find animals and farm animals with Christmas atmosphere at both Haltiala and Fallkulla farms.

Haltiala farm hosts a traditional Christmas event on 15.12.2019.

At Fallkulla farm Christmas atmosphere is on the program starting 1.12.2019, when the farm barn is decorated in festive attire.
Fallkulla is open to the public Wednesday to Friday 10-18 and Sunday 10-15. From 16.12.2019 to 6.1.2020, the farm is open to the public daily 10-15.
You can bring dried bread and other Christmas packages for the animals to Fallkulla's gift box.

Fortress Elf Route in Suomenlinna

You can go on an adventure following the Fortress Elf independently in Suomenlinna, when you go on an adventure with the Fortress Elf on the route in Suomenlinna from 30.11.2019 to 6.1.2020. The map for the self-guided task trail can be picked up from the Rantakasarmi tourist information office.

Christmas in Museums

Many of the city's museums host Christmas events and decorate the museum spaces in festive attire.

Christmas Carols

Christmas carol events are held in churches, as well as for example in libraries, city cultural centers, and for example at Music Hall.

Uutela Star Trail

Uutela Star Trail takes you on an adventure in nature in December's darkness, when you go on an adventure on Uutela's paths in the glow of flashlights and stars in December. Read more about the Star Trail from the event's Facebook page.

Adventure in Unique Places

Uunisaari island in front of Kaivopuisto has received a bridge connection for the winter months, and on the rocky island you can gaze at the horizon, marvel at passing ships, and enjoy warm drinks and other treats at Restaurant Uunisaari.
For an independent winter trip far from the Christmas shopping crowds, it's worth heading to Lammassaari, the peace of Kruunuvuorenlampi, or the Kivinokka trails.