Helsinki Christmas Market 2024
A great place to absorb authentic Northern Christmas vibes
Dates: November 29–December 22, 2024
Despite the cold outside and little sun, Helsinki glows with holiday lights and radiates a warm, festive ambiance during the Christmas season. Check out the city's bustling Christmas market and experience the magic yourself.
Oldest Outdoor Christmas Market
Helsinki Christmas Market, also known as Tuomaan Markkinat or St. Thomas Christmas Market, is a beloved holiday destination located at Senate Square, right next to the iconic Helsinki Cathedral. As Helsinki's oldest outdoor Christmas market, it attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year. It has become a cherished tradition, offering a festive atmosphere and a dose of holiday cheer for all who visit.
Market Highlights
The Market presents a delightful Christmas atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy delicious culinary treats and shop for unique handcrafted gifts directly from artisans. The fair features over one hundred stalls, selling all kinds of handmade Christmas ornaments and traditional Finnish treats, like glögi (the local version of mulled wine). Besides, kids can enjoy free rides on an old-fashioned merry-go-round.
Entertainment
Visitors at the Helsinki Christmas Market can enjoy meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and delight in live Christmas music performed by various ensembles, often featuring traditional holiday carols. Additionally, the Market offers popular craft demonstrations at vendor stalls, where guests can learn about glassblowing, chestnut roasting, and metal forging, providing an immersive festive experience.
Schedule
The Helsinki Christmas Market will be open at Senate Square from November 29 to December 22, 2024. Visitors can enjoy the market from 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 am to 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the market is free.
Besides the Shopping
Helsinki has several other wintry activities to enjoy other than holiday shopping. Get into the festive spirit while wading along the sparkling Aleksanterinkatu street, or practice your whirls at the Ice Park next to the Railway Station. Also, if you're visiting during St. Lucia Day, which is on December 13, seize the unique opportunity to witness a colorful procession starting from the Helsinki Cathedral. The celebration showcases the newly crowned Lucia along with horse-drawn carriages, elves, and Santa.
