Top 5 Cities to Visit in Finland During the Christmas Season

Featured image is courtesy of Visit Rauma.

The magical winter season in Finland has finally arrived and the joy and warmth of Christmas can be already felt in the crispy air. As we venture into this festive time of year, let’s explore five beautiful Finnish cities, each a perfect destination to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

These cities come alive with bustling Christmas markets, a joyful atmosphere illuminated by festive lights, and the melodic sounds of Christmas music. From sipping warm glögi to experiencing unique local traditions, join us on a journey through Finland’s most enchanting cities, where the spirit of Christmas is not just an event, but an experience.

Rauma

First on our list is Rauma, more specifically Old Rauma. A unique gem in Finland, Old Rauma spans about 0.3 km² in the center of Rauma city, including 600 historic wooden houses. Celebrated for its distinctive wooden architecture and medieval layout, this well-preserved area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991, marking it as one of the few medieval towns remaining in Finland.

During the Christmas season, Lace Town in Rauma transforms into a festive wonderland with snowy roofs and lights from late November to early January.

The Rauma Christmas Market, located in the heart of Old Rauma is open on weekends from November 25 and daily from December 8 until Christmas Eve.

Additionally, the “Joulevangeeljum” Musical Play, an interactive performance exploring Rauma’s history, will be held on December 15 and 16, 2023. Participants will walk down the historic streets and alleys of Old Rauma as part of the procession, singing along with the choir.

See the full Rauma Christmas program here.

Porvoo

Porvoo, with its charming old town, is another magical Christmas destination in Finland. Renowned as a shopper’s paradise, its picturesque old town is dotted with small shops offering an array of souvenirs, antiques, and unique Christmas gifts.

Thousands of people are drawn to Porvoo for its Christmas opening events. Fun fact: there are two Christmas openings in Porvoo: one in Old Porvoo and the city center.

The Porvoo Christmas Market, open daily from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Market Square from November 26th until December 22nd, 2023, offers a festive carousel, a variety of vendors, dazzling Christmas lights, and events for the whole family. Savor a cup of hot mulled wine and find unique Christmas treats and gifts as you soak in the holiday spirit.

Additionally, the Porvoo Cathedral, a historical gem, holds enchanting Christmas concerts. These performances set in the majestic cathedral surroundings offer a tranquil and joyous atmosphere, ideal for experiencing the true essence of the Christmas season.

Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi

Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi is the quintessential home of Christmas. We’ve extensively featured this magical destination on our Facebook page and website. We believe that Santa’s Village is a must-visit destination for everyone, a place that deserves a spot on every bucket list for at least one visit in a lifetime.

Why is it so enchanting? Firstly, it’s the official residence of Santa Claus, nestled right on the Arctic Circle. It’s a fantastic destination for all ages, packed with activities. Here, you can meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in person, visit Santa’s Post Office to send unique postcards to loved ones, explore an elf’s farmyard, join in at the Elf Hat Academy, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and embark on memorable reindeer and husky rides. For a comprehensive list of activities, check out our article on winter adventures in Santa’s Village.

Helsinki

Helsinki’s Christmas season starts at the end of November with the lighting of the Christmas lights along Aleksanterinkatu and the Esplanade. The city buzzes with activity, hosting its largest Christmas markets from November until Christmas Eve.

Key events include Finland’s Independence Day on December 6th, featuring special events and concerts, and Lucia Day on December 13th, marked by a parade with the Lucia Maiden, elves, horses, and vintage cars. The Seurasaari Christmas Path on December 10th, 2023, offers a fairy-tale experience for families. Additionally, Helsinki’s churches and concert halls present carol services and the ‘Most Beautiful Christmas Carols’ concert series throughout the season.

More about the Christmas program in Helsinki.

Tampere

Tampere is a beautiful city nestled between two lakes, Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi. Regarded as the most attractive city by Finns themselves and ranked 26th among 446 global hipster cities, Tampere is famous for its vibrant cultural scene and stunning natural surroundings, making it a must-visit destination in Finland.

Since 2008, the Tampere Christmas Market has been a cherished, traditional event organized by the city. Located at Keskustori along Hämeenkatu, it’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and accessibility.

The central Christmas market creates a joyful atmosphere with festive flavors, unique Finnish crafts, and performances. Vendors from across Finland and Germany offer their handmade products in cozy wooden huts. After shopping, you can relax in a café, enjoy the Christmas lights, and listen to live Christmas music – perfect for taking beautiful photos.

The Glögi restaurant (Glögiravintola) remains a beloved Christmas gathering spot in Tampere, offering a festive atmosphere for all. Here, you can indulge in Moro-Klök, Glühwein, and a variety of other Christmas beverages, both hot and cold, alongside rice porridge, soups, and savory snacks. The iconic glass igloos, reminiscent of those in Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi, are available for booking again this year. They offer a unique dining experience, perfect for an unforgettable meal with friends.

You can find more information and photos on Tampereen Joulutori website.

Experience the Tampere Christmas Market as if you were there with this fantastic 4K video footage from last year’s event.

These five cities are our picks for the most beautiful and atmospheric destinations in Finland to visit during the Christmas season. Each city offers its unique charm and festive spirit. Would you add any other Finnish cities to this list? Let us know in the comments!