These are the best Christmas markets in Helsinki

Helsinki's most iconic Christmas market takes place in one of the city's most beautiful settings: Senate Square, surrounded by the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral and elegant neoclassical buildings. With such an impressive selection of food, gifts and festive treats, it's little wonder CNN has named Helsinki Christmas Market one of the best Christmas markets in the world. And of course, Santa Claus himself makes an appearance.

For more than three weeks, nearly 30 food stalls serve everything from traditional Finnish Christmas rice porridge to Georgian khachapuri. The gift stalls showcase Finnish craftsmanship and small independent brands, with everything from wild herb-flavoured marmalades to delicious apple treats from the Åland Islands.

A firm family favourite is the free carousel, while the varied entertainment programme ranges from live music to circus performances.

Santa Claus will be visiting Helsinki Christmas Market on the following dates:

• Fri 27 November, 4–7pm
• Sat 28 November, 1–4pm
• Sun 29 November, 1–4pm
• Sat 5 December, 1–4pm
• Sat 12 December, 1–4pm
• Sun 20 December, 1–4pm
• Mon 21 December, 1–4pm

Where? Senate Square. Nearest metro: University of Helsinki.

When? 27 November–22 December 2026.

Just a block away from Helsinki Christmas Market, Manta Christmas Market keeps the festive spirit alive well into January.

The market takes its name from the famous Havis Amanda statue, a completely naked young woman who stands in the middle of the square. If you think Helsinki is cold in December, spare a thought for poor Manta!

New for 2026 is a covered ice rink – and about time too! We've been waiting for one right in the heart of Helsinki. Bring your own skates or hire a pair on site.

Where? Havis Amanda Square, next to Market Square.

When? 4 December 2026–6 January 2027.

Helsinki's Christmas market season kicks off as early as 20 November, when the courtyard of Train Factory, a former railway workshop complex in Vallila, transforms into a festive Christmas Factory.

The atmospheric red-brick industrial setting comes alive with twinkling lights, market stalls, festive treats and gift ideas. There'll also be a changing programme of entertainment and activities for families. You can easily combine a visit with dinner or drinks at one of Train Factory's restaurants. And the Christmas spirit here continues well into January.

Where? Train Factory, Vallila.

When? 20 November 2026–10 January 2027.

The Old Student House Christmas Market is Helsinki's most charming Christmas market. And the warmest. Held indoors in the magnificent Old Student House, right next to Stockmann department store, it's a wonderful place to escape the winter cold.

The focus here is firmly on shopping rather than food, with dozens of craftspeople and artisans selling their creations. You're almost guaranteed to come away with some lovely Christmas presents.

Don't forget to head upstairs, where you'll find more stalls and a magnificent fresco, Kullervo Sets Off for War, painted by Finland's celebrated national artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The tragic hero Kullervo sits astride a white horse, blowing into a great birchbark horn, while the northern lights blaze across the sky behind him.

Where? Old Student House. Nearest metro: Central Railway Station.

When? 15–22 December 2026.

Teurastamo Christmas Market

On the weekend before Christmas, Teurastamo Christmas Market takes over the red-brick buildings and courtyards of Helsinki's former abattoir, now a lively hub of restaurants, bars and food businesses. First held in 2014, the market has become something of a local Christmas tradition.

The organisers don't usually reveal much about the vendors in advance, but one thing we can promise is excellent food. After all, Teurastamo is home to several reliable restaurants where you can enjoy a tasty meal.

Once you've finished browsing the stalls, head to the Helsinki Distilling Company's bar for a drink – or join one of its public distillery tours on Saturday.

Where? Teurastamo, Helsinki's former abattoir. Nearest metro: Kalasatama.

When? 19–20 December 2026.

Just off Senate Square, Helsinki City Museum hosts a Christmas fair on the last weekend of November, bringing together Finnish craftspeople, small producers and museum shops from across the Helsinki metropolitan area. The museum carefully selects its vendors, focusing on high-quality, distinctive and locally made products.

Santa Claus will also be there on both days from noon to 5pm. And once you've finished your Christmas shopping, take some time to explore the museum itself. Admission is free, too.

Where? Aleksanterinkatu 16, Kruununhaka.

When? 28–29 November 2026, 11am–6pm. Free entry.

Christmas shopping gets an early start at the Pinta Christmas Fair, held at Helsinki's Museum of Technology in November. The grand old Energy Hall fills with art, design and festive cheer, bringing together 65 Finnish artists, designers and craftspeople.

Expect ceramics, jewellery, home accessories, artwork and plenty of original Christmas gift ideas. Between shopping, you can join festive workshops, enjoy treats at the Pikkukakkuset café or even pop into a tattoo pop-up. DJ Äänilevy On Ystävä provides the soundtrack.

Where? Energy Hall, next to the Museum of Technology, Viikki.

When? 21–22 November 2026, noon–6pm. Free entry.

Hobo Hotel gets a colourful dose of queer art in late November, when the popular Homotaidemarkkinat art market returns with a festive twist. The hotel's second floor brings together LGBTQ+ artists and other creatives selling their work.

Expect original artworks, a relaxed Sunday atmosphere and Christmas gifts that are anything but ordinary. Previous editions have featured photography, illustrations and other visual art.

Where? Hobo Hotel, Kluuvikatu 4, Helsinki city centre.

When? Sunday 29 November 2026, 1–5pm.

If traditional Christmas markets feel a little too traditional, head to Cable Factory. Held on 21–22 November, FunDesign Christmas Market brings together more than 150 local artists, craftspeople and designers in the vast Merikaapelihalli hall. Expect original artwork, inventive design and Christmas gifts you certainly won't find in your average department store.

Spread across more than 3,000 square metres, the event also offers creative workshops, opportunities to meet the makers and a café for a well-earned break. The idea is to make Christmas shopping a fun day out rather than another festive chore.

Unlike most Christmas markets, this one charges an admission fee. However, your ticket is valid for both days and includes two tokens that can be exchanged for drinks or special offers from participating vendors.

Where? Cable Factory, Merikaapelihalli, Kaapeliaukio 3, Ruoholahti.

When? 21–22 November 2026. Saturday 11am–6pm, Sunday 11am–5pm. Admission around €5; free for children under 12.

Designed by legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, Finlandia Hall hosts a weekend Christmas market dedicated to Finnish design in mid-December. Expect art, ceramics, natural cosmetics, clothing, accessories and jewellery.

While you're there, don't miss Finlandia Hall's new exhibition exploring Alvar Aalto and his influence on Finnish design. For refreshments, head to Finlandia Cafe&Wine, furnished with Aalto-designed furniture and lighting. Its large windows offer beautiful winter views over Töölönlahti Bay.

Where? Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13 E. Nearest metro: Central Railway Station.

When? 12–13 December 2026.

After a break of almost a decade, Christmas markets are returning to Wanha Satama in Katajanokka. Built in the 1890s, these red-brick harbour warehouses once stored goods such as coffee and spices. Today, the historic halls provide an atmospheric setting for exhibitions, celebrations and other events.

This Christmas, Wanha Satama will host Aino Christmas Market, organised by Anne-Kristiina Nurkkala, who has previously made a name for herself with Christmas markets in Porvoo and Järvenpää. Staff will be dressed in traditional costumes, while carefully selected craftspeople, small producers and designers will offer handmade products, original Christmas gifts and festive treats.

Where? Wanha Satama, Pikku Satamakatu 3–5, Katajanokka.

When? 18–20 December 2026. Friday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–4pm. Free entry.