1. Christmas lights
Christmas in Helsinki is a chance to appreciate how Helsinkians soften winter’s darkness. Growing out of the tradition of candles, these days residents place carefully chosen lights, sometimes coordinating designs across whole buildings to spread the joy. And don’t miss Stockmann’s, a department store with charming and impressive displays, particularly on Aleksanterinkatu and Mikonkatu streets.
2. Christmas Markets
No Christmas travel feels quite complete without a visit to a Christmas market. In Helsinki, they start in November and go on until Christmas Eve. If anyone knows how to make socks and hats a Christmas-worthy gift, it’s surely the textile-king Finns. Of course at every turn there are design-oriented objects and handicrafts too. Check out the seasonal produce. And who could resist artisanal wooden toys and decorations from Finland? When you need sustenance, the food yard at the oldest market is the place to head. You can sip mulled wine (see below!) around bonfires and admire the old-fashioned carousel.
3. Saunas
Finns need no excuse to hop in a sauna but just in case, they’ve ensured there’s an age-old pre-Christmas sauna ritual to soothe you and get you all buffed up for the celebrations. Don’t forget to leave offerings of a bucket of water, a birch switch and beer for the Christmas elves.
Public saunas can be found throughout the city. Kallio district’s Kotiharju Sauna offers a retro vibe and allows your own snacks. Dive into a hole cut in sea ice in Löyly design sauna, looking out onto the Gulf of Finland. Or if you’re really feeling the Christmas spirit, you might want to try skinny-dipping at Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall.
4. Independence Day
If your trip coincides with Finland’s Independence Day on 6 December, you’re in for a treat. Special events and concerts happen throughout the city, including a torchlight parade and the live broadcast Independence Day Ball at the Presidential Palace.
5. Lucia Day
At Helsinki Cathedral on 13 December, the Lucia Maiden brings light to the darkness with her candles. A new Lucia Maiden is crowned there on the steps annually. In her white dress, red sash and crown she parades through the city, with a train of Christmas elves, horses and vintage cars.
6. Christmas concerts
Christmas music is a big deal in Finland. In fact, Helsinki’s churches and concert halls host atmospheric choral and rock events across the Christmas season. The Most Beautiful Christmas Carols (Kauneimmat joululaulut) is a series of concerts held in churches throughout the city and country. Around a million Finns join in!
Be on the look out for Star Singers, or ‘epiphany singers’ when you’re out and about. These roving singing processions of young people wear crowns and carry a star on a rod.
7. Christmas food
The Finnish food scene is exciting. From the autumn run-up to Christmas itself, restaurants will be combining modern Finnish cuisine with seasonal favourites, including cured ham, comforting casseroles, and of course herring and rosolli root vegetable salads. To start Christmas morning like a Finn, Christmas porridge is de rigeur. It’s a delicious rice pudding made with milk and butter. Coffee Sisters (Kahvisiskot) tent in Hakaniemi Market serves it throughout the year.
8. Christmas drinks
Glögi is a Finnish mulled wine, drawing on a tradition going back 2000 years. Warmed, spice wine can be traced back to the Romans, and its popularity spread north along the Rhine to Nordic countries. The Finnish version brings extra fire to your belly with an optional dash of vodka. While some Finns turn to ready-made glögi at shops or state-run Alko liquor outlets, others are excited to share their homemade concoctions on blogs and online forums. Along with the traditional almonds and raisons, new recipes add fruit juice such as blueberry or strawberry, or involve a touch of luxury with cherries or warming ginger.
9. Christmas paths
Enjoy the crisp air by joining in with the Finnish tradition of ‘Christmas paths’ – free-of-charge events with trails and activities. The Seurasaari Christmas Path attracts around 15,000 children and adults every year and takes place on the recreational island of Seurasaari. Christmas paths are also organised on Suomenlinna island and Vuosaari. Christmas at Suomenlinna’s historic fortress starts with Advent, from tomorrow November 26th and continues until Epiphany on January 6th.
Restaurants and cafes on the island will serve Christmas flavors. Christmas trees will not be the only delights twinkling here and there: you can also spend a night under the stars. For children, check out the Lighthouse Keeper’s route. Christmas shopping at the museum shops and Christmas concerts and other seasonal programs will help you get into Christmas spirit. And if that doesn’t sound Christmassy enough, how about a visit to the toy museum?
10. Boxing Day dances
Most Finns spend Christmas Day peacefully with their families, but on Boxing Day Helsinki bursts back to life. Restaurants and clubs hold dances, people gad about on sleigh rides and sledding, and the cinema is a popular option for cosy entertainment.
