Christmas in Helsinki 2026

Experience Christmas in Helsinki. Discover the best Christmas markets, festive events, winter walks, lights and seasonal dining.

Christmas Markets in Helsinki

Tuomaan Markkinat (Helsinki Christmas Market)

Helsinki Christmas Market, Senate Square

When: November 27-December 22, 2026

Where: Senate Square (Senaatintori)

Helsinki's most iconic Christmas market takes place in the historic Senate Square, surrounded by neoclassical architecture and the majestic Helsinki Cathedral. With over 100 stalls, this market offers Finnish design, handmade gifts, local delicacies, and mulled wine (glögi). The traditional carousel and daily performances add to the family-friendly holiday spirit.

Vanhan joulutori

When: December 15-22, 2026

Where: Old Student House, Mannerheimintie 3

The Old Student House Christmas Market, held in a historic venue in the city center, features a wide selection of gifts, treats, and decorations crafted by skilled local artisans and small businesses. Spread over two floors, the market offers unique home décor, jewelry, graphics, ceramics, and design items — all carefully made to bring festive joy.

Helsinki Christmas Street

Aleksanterinkatu in Helsinki

Opening ceremony: November 21, 2026

Where: Aleksanterinkatu

The official Christmas season in Helsinki begins with the lighting of Aleksanterinkatu, known as the city’s "Christmas Street." Strolling under the festive lights, visitors can enjoy pop-up stalls, window displays, and nearby cafés offering seasonal treats like gingerbread and rice porridge.

Teurastamo Christmas Market

When: December 19-20, 2026

Where: Teurastamo, Kalasatama

The event gathers there both entrepreneurs and artisans selling Christmas delicacies and handicraft. Teurastamo is the former Helsinki abattoir from 1933, re-opened in 2012. It is a melting pot of food and urban culture.

Manta Christmas Market

When: December 4, 2026-January 6, 2027
Where: Market Square

Set by the waterfront at Market Square, the Manta Christmas Market brings festive atmosphere to Helsinki well into the New Year. Browse charming stalls, enjoy seasonal treats and warm drinks, and soak up the Christmas spirit by the sea.

Aino Christmas Market

When: December 18-20, 2026
Where: Wanha Satama, Katajanokka

The Aino Christmas Market fills the historic halls of Wanha Satama with Finnish crafts, design, local delicacies and unique gift ideas. Held indoors, it offers a cosy Christmas experience regardless of the winter weather.

Things to Do in Helsinki at Christmas

Christmas brings festive events, twinkling lights and seasonal flavours to Helsinki. Stroll along Aleksi Christmas Street beneath its sparkling lights, enjoy the atmosphere of the Most Beautiful Christmas Carols concerts, or take a winter walk through Senate Square, Esplanadi and Katajanokka. Unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna and round off your day with a delicious Christmas lunch.

Day trip tip: For even more festive charm, take a day trip to Porvoo. The picturesque streets of the Old Town, cosy Christmas stalls and the Porvoo Christmas Path make it one of the most enchanting destinations to visit during the holiday season.