Christmas is such a magical time in Finland. Beautiful Christmas decorations and lights around city centers and in shop windows. People enjoying their first hot glögi(Finnish version of mulled wine)in cozy cafes. Slowly falling snowflakes and white scenery(if we are lucky). And the hustle and bustle of Christmas Markets. This is Finland during Christmas and we Finns love it!
We have collected some of the most atmospheric Christmas Markets in this post. So if you happen to be in Finland around Christmas time don´t miss these.
Helsinki
One of the probably best known Christmas Markets is found in the capital of Finland. This traditional Christmas Market is the oldest outdoor Christmas Market in Helsinki and there are over 300 000 visitors each year. You will find delicious Christmas treats and other food products, unique handicrafts, cosmetics, home decor, jewelry and much more. There is also lovely old-time carousel for the kids and a food court for the hungry ones. This year the traditional Helsinki Christmas Market will be held at Market Square. The Market is open daily from 27 November to 22 December. Visit Tuomaanmarkkinat.fi to read more info.
Turku
Finland´s oldest city, Turku, hosts one of the most atmospheric Christmas Markets in Finland. The Old Great Square is open on four weekends before Christmas. Here you will find high-quality handicrafts, Christmas treats and different kind of performances and music shows. Meet the Santa and enjoy a hot cup of glögi while wandering around the beautiful market area. This market is open on Saturday-Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Read more about Turku Christmas Market suurtorinjoulumarkkinat.fi
Porvoo
Idyllic Porvoo is only a short drive away from the Finnish capital. Stroll around Porvoo Old town and admire enchanting Christmas decorations, buy some local gifts and homemade delicacies. Stop by in one of the cozy cafes and enjoy a hot coffee or your first glögi of the season. The actual Christmas Market of Porvoo is organized on the Main Square(Kauppatori)and it is open from 20 November to 21 December this year(closed on the 6th of Dec). In additition you can visit in Brunberg chocolate factory to get some sweets for the Christmas table or as a gift. If you wish to know more about Porvoo Christmas Market visit visitporvoo.fi.
Hamina
Want to experience the magical Christmas wonderland and merry atmosphere? Head to the Southeast coast of Finland, to Historic Hamina and experience this unique circular city during the Christmas time. This year Christmas Market is open from 3 December to 19 December. Buy some homemade Christimas treats, unique Finnish design and jewellery, admire the beautiful Christimas decorations and enjoy the merry atmosphere. More info can be found hamina.fi, or if you wish to visit during the Christmas market at the old arches read more here hamina.fi.
Tampere
Tampere is located in the Southwest of Finland in Lakeland district. It is well-known as a former textile factory town, but also as a sauna capital of the world. Something you could also try while in Tampere? However, Tampere Christmas Market in Central Square offers multiple events like concerts, performances, theatre and the cozy Christmas spirit with great shopping possibilities. There is also Tallipiha Stable Yards Christmas Market where you will find some cute farm animals to pet and a carousel for the kids. Visit Tampereenjoulutori.fi or VisitTampere.fi to read more about the opening times.
We hope you enjoy Christmas time in Finland like we Finns do!
– Elämys DMC team