As winter descends, Helsinki shines with festive warmth and Nordic charm. The Finnish capital celebrates Christmas with a perfect balance of calm and joy — where candlelight, sea breeze and seasonal flavours combine to create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Across the city, streets glow with light, cafés serve steaming mugs of glögi, and locals embrace the long winter nights with cheer and togetherness. Discover all about Helsinki Christmas market and other festive events.
A City Illuminated for the Season
The celebrations begin on 22 November with the traditional Opening of the Christmas Street on Aleksanterinkatu. When the lights are switched on, this grand boulevard glows all the way to Senate Square, marking the official start of the festive season. Nearby, Esplanade Park shimmers with elegant light installations, inviting evening strolls through the frosty air.
Lucia Day: Helsinki’s Festival of Light
Each year on 13 December, Helsinki honours Lucia Day, a beloved Finnish tradition celebrating hope during the darkest days of winter. Dressed in white with a crown of candles, Lucia leads a moving procession from Helsinki Cathedral through the city centre. This symbol of light and kindness has been part of the city’s celebrations since the 1950s and remains one of the most heartfelt highlights of the Helsinki Christmas Market season.
Lux Helsinki: Light Art in the New Year
See our preview of Lux Helsinki.
Helsinki Christmas Markets and Festive Flavours
The Helsinki Christmas Market, held at Senate Square from 28 November to 22 December, is the heart of the city’s celebrations. It’s the oldest and most atmospheric market in Finland, filled with crafts, local design, hearty food and a nostalgic carousel. Warm up with glögi (mulled wine), gingerbread, or modern Finnish street food as you browse the wooden stalls beneath twinkling lights.
Other festive highlights include:
Manta’s Christmas Market (5 Dec–6 Jan) – A vibrant new space near the Havis Amanda statue, with sweet treats and live events.
Teurastamo Christmas Market (20–21 Dec) – Urban, creative and food-focused, in the Kalasatama district.
Hakaniemi Sunday Market (7 Dec) – Traditional stalls and handmade gifts, continuing inside the Hakaniemi Market Hall.
Korttelit Art Festival (28 Nov–7 Jan) – An open-air celebration of light and art in the Torikorttelit district.
Nordic Calm and Winter Traditions
Beyond the Helsinki Christmas Market, the city invites visitors to slow down and savour the season. Public saunas remain open for those seeking warmth and relaxation, while candlelight concerts, snowy seaside walks and cosy cafés reflect the Finnish art of finding peace in winter.
For more information on festive events and seasonal tips, visit MyHelsinki.fi.
