Helsinki Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Helsinki is Finland's capital and most populous city, known for its architecture, interesting museum, innovative art, and culture. From scenic natural trails to elegant city amenities, Helsinki has plenty to offer locals and visitors, making it a favorite destination year-round.
However, the holiday season brings an entirely new vibe to the Finnish capital with dazzling Christmas lights along the cobblestone streets, piping-hot saunas, concerts, and live performances. The Christmas street, Aleksanterinkatu, also becomes busier, with pedestrians admiring the white lights and dining at cozy restaurants.
If you want to start your Christmas shopping early, the best places to go are the Christmas markets in Helsinki, Finland, as well as the holiday fairs and bazaars. They’re already popping up in November and remain busy until Christmas Eve, giving you plenty of time to buy unique gifts, handcrafted items, homeware, and toys for kids. In addition to shopping, Christmas markets allow you to sample seasonal jams like hot glögi and freshly-baked buns.
So, are you ready to get into the holiday cheer and festive Finnish spirit? Stow your bags away in a luggage locker in Helsinki to enjoy complete freedom while strolling through the busy markets!
Helsinki Christmas Market – Tuomaan Markkinat
The main Christmas market in Helsinki, Tuomaan Markkinat, will take place at Senate Square from December 1st to 22nd, 2022. It’s the capital’s oldest outdoor Christmas market and is one of the best in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It was held at the central Market Square last year but is now back at Senate Square, which has been the city’s main square since the 17th century.
The Helsinki Christmas market is one of the highly-anticipated events this Christmas season. It’s an excellent place to enjoy the festive atmosphere, savor delectable food around urban bonfires, and warm up with a cup of your favorite mulled wine. Endless shopping opportunities await you there with unique gifts and handmade items by artists, producers, and craftsmen and women.
It's a merry Christmas in early December as the young visitors and the young at heart can have a chance to take pictures with Santa Claus. The center of the Christmas market is an old-time carousel and a food court inviting everyone to have fun while tasting all the Christmas flavors.
What to do near Tuomaan Markkinat
You’re sure to marvel at the famous neoclassic buildings and majestic landmarks surrounding Senate Square. It includes the 19th-century Helsinki Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, the Bock House, and the Helsinki City Museum, just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Helsinki Christmas market.
Vanha Christmas Market
Visit this favorite traditional Christmas market in Helsinki and spend time with family and loved ones while browsing one-of-a-kind handicrafts, Finnish design items, and homemade sweets. Vanha Christmas Market is an indoor holiday fair in the elegant event venue in the heart of the city, The Old Student House.
From December 15th to 22nd, 2022, the two levels of the historic event house will be filled with high-quality local arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, and beautiful gifts created by some of the country’s best artisans and designers. Everyone is welcome to this free event. It will open daily between 11 AM to 8 PM from Monday to Friday and 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
What to do near Vanha Christmas Market
Just a short walk from the Vanha Christmas market is the stunning Three Smiths Statue located at the Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie intersection. It’s an impressive sculpture created by Felix Nylund and a favorite meeting place in the city centre.
Ornamo Design Christmas
One of the vibrant Helsinki Christmas markets you should visit while in the city is the Ornamo Design Christmas. It’s a much-awaited design sales event in both Helsinki and Porvoo, bringing together world-class Finnish designs and arts and crafts professionals in Finland’s gorgeous cities.
The holiday market will kick off in Helsinki before Christmas time from November 25th to 27th at REDI Shopping Center. It will be open from 11 AM to 7 PM on Friday and Saturday and from 12 noon to 4 PM on Sunday. There’s no entrance fee required, so come and discover impressive design pieces as Christmas gifts or as a present for yourself.
This Christmas market in Helsinki has everything for everyone, whether you’re looking for looking and accessories or jewelry, ceramic, textiles, or glass. You can also meet the designers and learn about the product's origin and materials from direct sources.
What to do near Ornamo Design Christmas
Ornamo Design Christmas market in Helsinki is close to a subway station, so it will take you to several places in the city. But if you’re looking for a heart-pumping adventure around the area, check out Kiipeilyareena – Kalasatama. It’s a rock-climbing facility, just a short walking distance from the Shopping Center. It has a multiple rock-climbing arena for all levels.
Visit Cozy Helsinki Christmas Markets
Glistening with Christmas lights and gorgeous Christmas trees, Helsinki is the ultimate place to feel the festive spirit and enjoy Christmas peace. Its Christmas markets remain a favorite winter activity for tourists and Finns, allowing them to discover new items to add to their homes or gift a loved one. Besides the famous Helsinki Christmas market, there are plenty of other destinations just a short distance from the capital of Finland to shop, taste traditional cuisine, and enjoy free rides and ice skating.
An hour’s drive west of the city is the Fiskars Christmas Market. Then a short train ride from Helsinki will take you to another popular event, the Jyväskylä Christmas Village or the Tampere Christmas market. So no matter what type of winter adventure you’re looking for, this Finnish city is a wonderful holiday destination you should add to your calendar. Start at Helsinki Station and see where you end up!