FEEL HELSINKI

Cold Outside. Warm Inside. Helsinki Awaits.

From late November onwards, Helsinki takes on a special festive atmosphere, with Christmas lights illuminating the city centre until the end of January.

Explore the Helsinki Christmas Market at Senate Square, open from 27 November to 22 December, or experience Finland’s Independence Day on 6 December, an important date in the Finnish calendar.

Experience Lux Helsinki, the city’s spectacular light festival, taking place from 30 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, when impressive light installations transform Helsinki into an open-air gallery.

Warm up the Finnish way at a sauna or take a dip at Allas Sea Pool, even in the middle of winter, right in the heart of Helsinki.

Then discover the flavours of Finland. Warm up with a warm cup of Finnish glögi, a traditional festive drink, or enjoy a bowl of hot lohikeitto, traditional Finnish salmon soup — a comforting winter favourite. Try reindeer, other local specialities and modern Nordic cuisine, and discover the distinctive taste of cloudberries and other Nordic berries in everything from jams and desserts to liqueurs, ice cream, yoghurt and other Nordic berry products.

Christmas & New Year

Spend the festive season in Helsinki surrounded by Christmas lights, Finnish traditions, cosy restaurants and seasonal experiences. Explore museums and exhibitions, enjoy concerts and live performances, discover Finnish design and enjoy shopping in the city centre.

On New Year’s Eve, Helsinki hosts a large open-air concert in the city centre, organised by the City of Helsinki. Welcome the New Year with live music and festive dining, explore Lux Helsinki, enjoy a Finnish sauna and outdoor swimming, or combine your stay with a visit to Tallinn, Lapland or historic Porvoo.

Come for the lights. Taste Finland. Feel Helsinki.