Helsinki – things to do in December 2025

One of Helsinki’s most beloved festive rituals are the Christmas windows of Stockmann, the city’s grand old department store. This year the display has been taken over by skating Moomin characters, gliding across a wintry scene that stops passers-by in their tracks. For many families – and more than a few grown-ups – Christmas in Helsinki doesn’t begin with the first snow, but with the first look at this window.

Think of it as Helsinki’s answer to Macy’s holiday display in New York, only with more Moomins and less Manhattan.

The Christmas decorations will remain in Stockmann’s window until 6 January 2026.

Helsinki knows how to do Christmas markets properly. Throughout December, the city hosts several beautiful festive fairs, the most famous being Tuomaan Markkinat on Senate Square – named by CNN last year as one of the best Christmas markets in the world.

Be sure to visit the newer additions too, such as the Kukontori Christmas Market and the Manta Christmas Market, as well as the markets at the Old Student House and Teurastamo. Each one has its own character, its own flavours and its own distinct atmosphere.

Grab a cup of glögi, wander from one market to the next, and let Helsinki’s winter magic do the rest.

Finland celebrates Independence Day on 6 December, and in Helsinki the day comes with its own set of traditions. You can start the morning with an Independence Day brunch at the classic Fazer Café on Kluuvikatu (€45.90).

In the early evening, around five o’clock, the traditional student torchlight procession makes its way from Hietaniemi cemetery to Senate Square – a beautifully solemn sight. At 6pm, Finns place two blue-and-white candles in their windows, a long-standing gesture of remembrance.

For dinner, head to Finnjävel, known for transforming Finnish traditional dishes into modern fine dining. In the Michelin starred restaurant’s more relaxed side, Finnjävel Sali, a five-course menu (€79) ends with an impressive dessert table. The restaurant also screens the Presidential Independence Day Reception – a national tradition so uniquely Finnish that it often leaves visitors baffled.

It is, after all, the one moment each year when this strongly democratic nation indulges in a hint of royal pomp: cameras broadcast hours of footage of the President shaking hands with a long line of notable Finns. Don’t worry if you don’t quite understand the fascination – many foreigners don’t – but for locals, it’s an essential part of the day’s charm.

One of the most inspiring ways to spend Independence Day is at the Radio Symphony Orchestra’s gala concert at Helsinki Music Centre. The two-hour programme features works by great Finnish composers Jean Sibelius and Kaija Saariaho, as well as Uuno Klami’s Kalevala Suite.

The City of Espoo hosts a free Independence Day concert at the Espoo Metro Areena (advance reservation required), with performances by Suvi Teräsniska, Yasmine Yamajako and the Tapiola Upper Secondary School chamber choir.

For something completely different, head to Kulttuuritalo for the Finnish rap Independence Day celebration, featuring Averagekidluke, Etta, william, Timo Pieni Huijaus, Jami Faltin and Senya, plus rising “Next Up” talents Blacflaco, FUGE, Kullervo, M//O and Sonia. The evening also includes a performance by BADU, winner of the Finnish rap demo competition.

Urho Kekkonen may be best remembered as an avid skier and fisherman, but how did Finland’s long-serving president actually spend Christmas? You can find out at Tamminiemi’s retro Christmas, held at his former official residence from 6 December onwards.

For anyone curious about Finnish history, Tamminiemi is a brilliant place to visit. The museum offers an engaging – and gently tongue-in-cheek – look at the man who dominated Finnish politics for decades, and whose larger-than-life personality still colours the national imagination.

During the winter season, Tamminiemi is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11.00 to 17.00.

Helsinki’s outdoor ice rinks open as early as late November, and this winter there’s one spot you simply shouldn’t miss: the newly renovated Oulunkylä Sports Park, home to the largest continuous artificial ice track in all of Europe.

For something atmospheric right in the city centre, head to the Johannes Park rink. Framed by St John’s Church and handsome historic buildings, it’s easily Helsinki’s most beautiful place to skate. Afterwards, wander over to The Tart for something warm to eat or drink – and if it’s Sunday, pairing a skate with The Tart’s Sunday roast is a winter treat worth seeking out.

Skate rental is available at selected rinks, and skating on Helsinki’s outdoor tracks is free of charge.

Christmas lunches (joululounas) are a deeply rooted Finnish tradition. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, families, friends and colleagues gather for a festive meal that marks the end of the year – long before the actual holidays begin. It’s a way to ease into the season, share good food and enjoy a moment of midwinter warmth together.

The most iconic place in Helsinki to experience this tradition is the Round Room at Hotel Kalastajatorppa, where Christmas lunch has been served for more than 50 years. For many Helsinkians, this is the Christmas lunch, a festive ritual you simply have to experience at least once.

The buffet is an abundant parade of Finnish seasonal classics and Nordic flavours: tables laden with fish specialities, traditional casseroles, and mustard-crusted ham. There are also more refined dishes, such as spiced roasted duck breast and perfectly cooked venison sirloin.

Then comes the finale: a dessert table with over 30 sweets, including the Bûche de Noël, the French-style Christmas log that has become a house favourite.

Kalastajatorppa’s Christmas buffet (€78) is served 9–25 December 2025. Weekdays: 11:30–15:00. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, an evening seating is offered.

In Helsinki, the festive season also comes with a touch of circus magic. Hurjaruuth’s Winter Circus is already a beloved classic, and this year it sweeps audiences into the world of filmmaking. Circus Helsinki’s Christmas Circus, meanwhile, follows an elf who grows tired of the quiet life on Korvatunturi and sets off in search of adventure.

These aren’t grand, high-gloss spectacles in the style of Cirque du Soleil, but they are charming, imaginative and absolutely ideal for a fun outing with children during the Christmas season.

Finland has a festive tradition unlike anywhere else: heavy-metal Christmas concerts. The long-running Raskasta Joulua (‘Heavy Christmas’) tour has been shaking up the season since 2005, turning classic Christmas songs into full-blown rock anthems – a phenomenon that now draws thousands of loyal fans each year.

On stage, well-known Finnish rock and metal musicians deliver holiday classics with soaring vocals, electric guitars and plenty of Nordic drama. This year’s line-up includes a new addition: Timo Kotipelto, frontman of the legendary power-metal band Stratovarius.

The concert takes place at Helsinki Ice Hall on 12 December 2025 and offers a darker, louder and unmistakably Finnish take on the Christmas spirit.

The Let it Show Christmas concerts are feel-good events in every sense – the name says it all. The Aventur choir boldly blends pop and rock classics with a cappella arrangements, beatboxing and inventive vocal effects. Expect beloved Christmas standards alongside fresher festive favourites.

Performances take place across the Helsinki region: 12 December (Malmi Church), 16 December (St Lawrence’s Church, Vantaa), 19 December (Helsinki Old Church) and 22 December (Espoo’s Louhisali).