Embracing the chilly season with its distinctive Nordic charm, Helsinki is known for its winter activities and opportunities for a cool winter escape. A standout event is the Helsinki Christmas Market.
In this article, I share the unconfirmed dates, opening times and local specialties you’ll find at the stalls.
Helsinki Christmas Market
The centrepiece of the city’s holiday celebrations is the Christmas market in Helsinki’s Senate Square.
This traditional winter market offers a broad selection of homemade crafts, unique ornaments and special gifts.
Live music and entertainment feature prominently at the market, contributing to the festive mood.
The Christmas tree at the centre of the market is a major draw, further enhancing the holiday vibe. It is an ideal spot for visitors to enjoy a warm cup of glögi and fully appreciate the pretty location.
Dates and Location
Helsinki Christmas Market dates: 29th November to 22nd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Senate Square.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 7pm. Friday and Saturday: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Jääpuisto Ice Park.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Unique Finnish traditions; extensive range of homemade crafts; distinctive glögi experience amid enchanting holiday decor.
Recommended tour: City centre walking tour with a local guide.
Specialities: Glögi, Finnish pastries, smoked salmon, sausages, rye bread; local, seasonal, heart-warming delicacies.
Where to stay: Solo Sokos Hotel is a highly-rated hotel, not far from the event.
Convenient Hotels
The Kruununhaka neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw from Senate Square, is an excellent place to stay because it is close to events and attractions.
For accommodation, I suggest the Solo Sokos Hotel. It’s a high-rated hotel perfectly positioned to experience the festive atmosphere.
Event Location
Recommended Tours
This small group walking tour of Helsinki is highly recommended for first-time visitors; it’s an efficient way to see numerous city highlights under the guidance of a local guide and at a reasonable cost.
You’ll be able to visit iconic attractions such as the historical Senate Square, the impressive Helsinki Cathedral and the unique Temppeliaukio Church, carved directly into solid rock.
Alternatively, consider delving into the Finnish culinary scene through this dedicated food tour. These tours have recently gained popularity and offer an engaging way to understand local culture through its cuisine.
What to Expect
Regional Specialties
Karelian pies: These are traditional Finnish pastries, typically baked with a rye crust and filled with rice porridge. Originating from the eastern region of Karelia, they are a versatile delicacy often served with egg butter.
Joulukinkku: As you navigate the food stalls, you’ll come across Joulukinkku. This Finnish ham is cooked and glazed slowly in the oven, typically served cold and thinly sliced.
Lanttulaatikko: This translates to ‘swede casserole’, one of the essential dishes in a traditional Finnish meal. Swede is cooked, pureed, mixed with bread crumbs, treacle and spices, then baked in an oven till it gets a lovely caramelised top.
Rosolli: Rosolli is a classic Finnish salad. It includes diced beetroot, potato and carrot mixed together with pickles and topped with a creamy dressing made from whipped cream and beetroot juice.
Joulutorttu: These star-shaped pastries are made from puff pastry and filled with prune jam. They’re often dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Glögi: A warm, spiced drink, similar to mulled wine, enjoyed during the holiday season. Non-alcoholic versions are made with blackcurrant or grape juice, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and other seasonings. Alcoholic versions might include wine, vodka, or brandy.
Piparkakut: These are thin, crisp gingerbread cookies. They’re often intricately decorated and can be found in various shapes and sizes.
At the Food Stalls
Finnish Sausages: You can sample the hearty Finnish sausages, known locally as ‘makkara’. They are usually grilled or smoked and often enjoyed with mustard.
Liha Perunat: A common street food staple, liha perunat translates to ‘meat potatoes’. It consists of diced meat and potatoes, typically pork, fried together and served hot, perfect for warming up in the chilly weather.
Finnish Pancakes: Also known as ‘letut’, these pancakes are thicker and smaller than their American counterparts. They are typically topped with jam or sugar, providing a sweet treat amidst the savoury options.
Gingerbread: While gingerbread cookies, or piparkakut, are a Finnish tradition, they’re also commonly found across Europe.
Roasted Chestnuts: The vendors roast them over an open fire, providing a warm and comforting snack perfect for walking around the market.
Mulled Wine: Known as glögi in Finland, this warm, spiced wine is always popular and you’ll sometimes find non-alcoholic versions.
What to Buy
Finnish Design: Helsinki is renowned for its design scene, and the market reflects this. You can find everything from home decor items to clothing and accessories that showcase Finnish design aesthetics. They typically display a minimalist approach, drawing inspiration from nature.
Handmade Crafts: You might encounter beautifully crafted wooden items, ceramics, and jewellery, each echoing the artisan’s skill and creativity.
Nordic Sweaters: Warm, woolly, and adorned with Nordic patterns, these sweaters are practical and stylish. They’re typically knitted with heavy wool to combat the Finnish winter and often feature traditional patterns and designs.
Finnish Food: Local food products make excellent gifts. Popular choices include Finnish honey, berry jams, and salmiakki (Finnish liquorice).
Decorations: These range from traditional elves, known as ‘tonttu’, to beautifully crafted ornaments made of wood or glass.
Sauna Accessories: Saunas are a significant part of Finnish culture. The market sells various sauna-related products, from aromatic sauna oils to beautiful wooden ladles and handcrafted sauna buckets.
Finnish Literature: You might find a selection of books by Finnish authors, both in English and Finnish. They’re an excellent way to learn about Finnish culture, folklore and history.
Traditional Toys: Handmade wooden toys make an excellent, timeless gift for children. These toys, often hand-painted, provide a quaint, old-world charm that contrasts beautifully with modern mass-produced toys.
Visit Finland is a great resource for anyone planning a trip to Helsinki. It provides helpful information on the city’s attractions, transportation, and events, making planning your trip easy and ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
Sustainability Tips
Public Transport: Helsinki has an efficient public transportation system. It includes trams, buses, ferries and metros, most of which run on renewable energy sources.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Numerous hotels in Helsinki have embraced sustainability. They use renewable energy, follow strict waste management practices and focus on energy efficiency.
Avoid Food Waste: When faced with delicious market foods, it’s easy to overorder. However, to prevent food waste, try to order only what you can finish.
Locally Produced and Ethical Souvenirs: Look for local crafts and produce. These purchases support local artisans and businesses and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.
Eat Sustainably: Helsinki has a vibrant food scene with many restaurants sourcing local, organic ingredients. Eating at such places supports local farmers and reduces your food’s carbon footprint. Additionally, consider vegetarian or vegan options, as plant-based diets are generally more sustainable.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
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