Christmas Markets in Helsinki 2024 - Lights, Music, and More

Christmas markets in Helsinki are an old tradition dating back to the 1800s. For the majority, Germany is perhaps the most well-known country to host Christmas markets. Still, surely, it is possible to experience the same or even better Christmas atmosphere in Helsinki. Christmas markets in Finland are not as large as in bigger European capitals but visitors can be enticed by a special Nordic atmosphere. Combined with a white winter, Finland is an excellent option for enjoying Christmas time. Helsinki is also a great stopover destination for those who fly via Helsinki Airport.

There are a few things to know when visiting Christmas markets in Helsinki: The weather in December is cold and the prices are more expensive than in many other European countries. Alcohol laws in Finland, like in every Nordic country, are strict. When visiting Helsinki Christmas markets, be aware that there are designated areas where you can enjoy mulled wine and other alcoholic drinks.

Entering Christmas markets in Helsinki is free. All the markets are within walking distance. If you prefer transportation, Helsinki has a well-working public transportation network and taxis are easily available. People are friendly and the atmosphere is magical. Helsinki offers plenty of Christmas shopping options, including malls and department stores, which makes it a good pre-Christmas destination

The Best Christmas Markets in Helsinki 2024

We list the best Christmas markets in Helsinki. The descriptions are based on previous years so slight changes may occur this year. Based on our experiences, there’s not much variation in the markets from year to year.

Helsinki Christmas Market

Helsinki Christmas Market (Tuomaan markkinat in Finnish) is regarded as the main Christmas market in Helsinki and one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. It is the oldest outdoor Christmas market in Helsinki which attracts 300,000 visitors every year. Helsinki Christmas Market is located at Senate Square, Helsinki, the Finnish capital’s main square. The square was designed by Carl Ludwig Engel and completed in 1852. The location is excellent especially for first-time visitors since all the main sights of Helsinki are just near it. Helsinki Christmas Market is open from November 29 to December 22, 2024.

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During our earlier visit to the Helsinki Christmas Market, we enjoyed exploring numerous stalls featuring talented artisans, small local producers, and passionate restaurant owners. We also had the opportunity to indulge in delectable traditional Finnish food and drinks while also purchasing remarkable local handicrafts and souvenirs.

To keep the quality high, the vendors at Helsinki Christmas Market undergo a meticulous selection process to guarantee that the products meet specific criteria. These criteria include being domestically produced, of exceptional quality, responsibly made, and suitable for gifting, enjoying during Christmas festivities, or savouring on-site.

The heart of the market is an old-time carousel and a fully licensed food court that invites visitors to enjoy the flavours of Christmas. For example, you can taste the Nordic version of mulled wine called Glögi. Glögi is a hot spicy alcoholic drink just like mulled wine but the taste is stronger.

In addition to the stalls, the market offers many kinds of entertainment from choirs singing to playing elves. Of course, a big Christmas tree makes a great background for holiday photos. The market is suitable for the whole family. Children can enjoy the antique Dutch carousel rides, meet elves and cute animals not forget the delight of Santa Claus.

Entering the Helsinki Christmas Market is free.

Helsinki Christmas Market is only a 15-minute from the Helsinki Central Railway station (Rautatientori).

Christmas Market in the Student House

Vanhan Joulutori is an inside Christmas Market. It is arranged in Old Student House and seeing the building itself is a good reason to visit the market. It is open From 15 December to 22 December 2024. Entering the market is free.

There are two floors full of the best Finnish design products and handicrafts. While shopping, remember also to have coffee or drinks in Cafe Vanha.

Old Student House is only a few minutes walk away from the Helsinki Central Railway Station.

Teurastamo Christmas Market

During the weekend from the 21st to the 22nd of December, there is a Christmas Market at an old slaughterhouse, Teurastamo. Entrepreneurs sell their unique design products including clothes, lamps and other Nordic designs. Great food and drinks can be bought.

Teurastamo is located in the Kalasatama area near the Helsinki Centre. It can easily be reached by metro (the Kalasatama station). Multiple bus lines pass Teurastamo too. If you intend to go by tram, the closest tram stop is Lautatarhankatu, which is served by tram lines 6 or 8. Read our instructions on how to use public transport in Helsinki.

Teurastamo was founded in 1933 but it was opened to the public in 2012. Nowadays, Teurastamo is a food & city culture hub open to everyone.

Just a short walk from Teurastamo, you’ll find REDI, a fantastic shopping mall. Consider combining a day trip to Teurastamo with some retail therapy. REDI has an especially good restaurant selection.

Did you know that also the biggest shopping malls have their Christmas squares and streets?

Ornamo Design Christmas

Ornamo Design Christmas is an annual sale event bringing together Finnish design as well as arts and crafts professionals. It offers the opportunity to purchase responsible Christmas gifts directly from designers. For example, you can buy top design and arts, fashion and jewellery.

In 2023, Design Christmas is arranged from the 7th to the 8th of December in Little Finlandia. It can be reached in 5 minutes from the Helsinki central railway station by foot.

Christmas Markets by Schools

Many schools and small organisations arrange their own small Christmas markets. These are less commercial and money is often collected for school projects or similar things.

The best way to find small but very local Christmas markets is to use Google. Their websites may not be in English so we recommend looking for them with the Finnish keywords joulumyyjäiset or joulumarkkinat. Experience the true spirit of Christmas by supporting local organizations and participating in local traditions.

Other Christmas Activities in Helsinki

Christmas Street Opening

Kluuvikatu was Helsinki’s first Christmas street opened already in 1930. In 1949, the Christmas street was changed to Aleksanterinkatu. Nowadays, the street is meant only for pedestrians, trams and taxis so the atmosphere is relaxed. The Christmas street is traditionally decorated with white lights. It is also heated so there will be no ice or snow.

Aleksanterinkatu Christmas Street is a nice place to have a slow walk, do some shopping and eat in cosy restaurants. Stockmann is a big department store whose windows are nicely decorated with a Christmas theme.

Christmas Street opens on 23rd November 2024. On this Saturday, the Christmas lights are turned on and there is a Christmas Parade through the city centre. The parade starts and ends at Aleksanterinkatu.

Independence Day

Finland’s Independence Day celebrated on December 6th, isn’t a Christmas-related event but coincides with the festive season. It’s a national holiday, so expect the city centre to be bustling with locals celebrating the country’s independence. The Finnish president hosts a grand event with about 2,500 guests at his castle in the heart of Helsinki.

While the city will be lively, it may also become crowded as the police close certain streets and areas for security reasons due to the presidential event. For instance, the Allas Sea Pool in the city centre will close earlier than usual. It may be a good idea to see Helsinki’s attractions outside the city centre on Independence Day.

Lucia Day’s Parade

Every year a young maiden is chosen to represent Lucia on Dec 13th. The parade will start from Helsinki Cathedral at the Senate Square and after a few kilometres, it will end most likely at the market square. Following the parade is free.

Helsinki Christmas Market is located at the Senate Square.

Ice Skating in Helsinki

If you have never skated before, you can try ice skating in multiple locations around the town. Check the locations of traditional and artificial skating rinks on the Helsinki website. Even though the temperature may rise over 0 Celcius in December, artificial skating rinks will still stay open.

We recommend heading to the Brahe sports field artificial ice rink in the Kallio district. Skates, helmets and hockey sticks are available for rent there. Make your skating even more enjoyable by buying warm juice and hot chocolate.

Good to Know about Helsinki Christmas Markets

There are a few minor things we would like to emphasize about local habits.

Alcohol in Finland is expensive. The alcohol laws are also strict. For example, alcoholic drinks bought from Christmas market stalls can only be drunk at the Christmas market’s specified areas for consuming alcoholic drinks. If you are used to German Christmas markets, the rules in Finland may feel more restrictive.

Helsinki is considered an expensive city so, Christmas-related things may sound pricey too. Still, you can enjoy the Christmas feeling while visiting the city without spending much. You may opt to avoid unnecessary shopping if you’re on a strict budget.

Remember to buy Glögi. Hot glögi is the best to be enjoyed outside when it’s cold. The recommended way to buy a souvenir bottle of Glögi is to visit the Government’s alcohol store, Alko. Though it is possible to buy cheaper but lower quality glögg from supermarkets.

If you encounter any serious problems in Helsinki, just contact the friendly Finnish police (112).

Where to Stay?

The majority of the travellers in the winter season stay only a few days in Helsinki. That is why it is advised to stay close to the city centre. We picked up our favourite central hotels which won’t break the bank.

Sokos Hotel Vaakuna is a 4-star Finnish chain hotel above the Sokos department store. The location is perfect for Christmas market visitors and the hotel has a restaurant with a great view from the top.

Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel is a 4-star hotel and well-located near these Christmas markets. Radisson Blu chain is a great choice place to stay if you are looking for stable quality.

Hobo Helsinki is a 4-star modern and trendy hotel close to Senate Square. If you are looking for a place to stay just a short walk from the Helsinki Christmas Market, this hotel is your best choice.

Citybox Hotel is a new self-service hotel in the Hakaniemi district, only 2 metro stops away from the central railway station. This is an excellent budget choice for travellers who like to stay in a modern hotel with all the basic services.

Weather in Helsinki in December

Helsinki is a coastal city and snow arrives usually late. Last year in December, there was a lot of snow and it became stormy at times. In short, the weather is unpredictable. If you are lucky, white snow will bring a merry Christmas atmosphere to Helsinki this year, too. The temperature is around -15 to 3 degrees Celcius in December. Warm clothing and thick coverings are therefore a consideration when packing your things to protect yourself while outside.

One thing is sure. The days are short and there is not much daylight. The sun rises at 9 am and sets at 3 pm. That does not mean that you will see the sun because it is usually cloudy and in every case, the sun will stay low on the horizon.

Helsinki has four seasons and the winter is the darkest of them. Indoor activities are popular during the winter but there are also many interesting budget winter activities to do outside. If you are lucky enough to visit Helsinki when there is snow and the sky is clear, do not waste time inside but enjoy the real winter. Local people love these cold but sunny winter days.

If you are looking for more snowy Christmas markets, we advise you to fly to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus. In Lapland, it is common to have much snow already in December. Seeing the northern lights is possible there too.

Should I Visit Helsinki Christmas Markets?

Christmas markets in Helsinki are not the only reason to visit Finland but we advise you to come to Finland to experience also the Finnish winter. Helsinki is a lively city and there is much to see in addition to Christmas markets. Even though it is cold in Helsinki in December, you can always warm up yourself in a sauna or try local spas.

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Bottom Line

We recommend visiting Helsinki during the Christmas time. Despite the cold winter weather, the atmosphere is warm. The sun sets early but events and Christmas lights keep the city still bright. More importantly, there is a magical Christmas atmosphere which surely visiting families with children will cherish.

After exploring Helsinki, we suggest seeing Porvoo’s Christmas Market less than a 1-hour bus ride away. Another good option is to head to Tallinn Christmas Market. Tallinn Christmas markets are cheaper and Tallinn has also its fascinating Old Town that you won’t find in Helsinki. The Tallinn ferry booking guide on the Finnoy Travel website helps you to find the most suitable connection.

After you have explored Helsinki, Porvoo and Tallinn, we recommend continuing to Stockholm by ferry. Stockholm has two bigger Christmas Markets and many smaller Christmas events. It takes only an overnight on a ferry and you will be in Stockholm.

Where is your favourite Christmas market in Helsinki? Comment below.