Christmas Markets in Helsinki 2025 - Enjoy Nordic Hospitality
- By Niko Suominen
Christmas markets in Helsinki are a cherished tradition dating back to the 1800s. While Germany is often considered the heart of European Christmas markets, Helsinki offers an equally enchanting holiday experience. The markets in Finland may be smaller than those in larger European capitals, but they delight visitors with their cosy Nordic charm. When winter brings frosty air and perhaps a touch of snow, the city becomes especially magical. Even without guaranteed snow, Helsinki offers a warm and festive atmosphere, making it an excellent stopover for travellers flying via Helsinki Airport.
When visiting Helsinki’s Christmas markets, it’s a good idea to plan so you can make the most of your experience. December weather is crisp and wintry, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Remember to dress warmly to stay comfortable while exploring the beautifully decorated market stalls. Prices in Finland may be slightly higher than in some other European countries, but the quality of food, crafts, and service is excellent.
Entering Helsinki’s Christmas markets is free. All the markets are within walking distance. If you prefer transportation, Helsinki has a well-working public transportation network, and taxis are readily available. People are friendly, and the atmosphere is magical. Helsinki offers plenty of Christmas shopping options, including malls and department stores, which makes it an excellent pre-Christmas destination.
The Best Christmas Markets in Helsinki 2025
We present the best Christmas markets in Helsinki. While the details and programs may vary slightly each year, the overall atmosphere and structure of the markets remain delightfully consistent.
Helsinki Christmas Market – Tuomaan Markkinat
Helsinki Christmas Market (Tuomaan markkinat in Finnish) is the city’s primary Christmas market and one of Europe’s best. It is the oldest outdoor Christmas market in Helsinki and attracts 300,000 visitors each year. The Helsinki Christmas Market is held at Senate Square, Helsinki’s main square. The square was designed by Carl Ludwig Engel and completed in 1852. The location is excellent, especially for first-time visitors, as all the main sights of Helsinki are just nearby. Helsinki Christmas Market is open from November 28 to December 22, 2025.
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During our visits to the Helsinki Christmas Market, we have enjoyed exploring numerous stalls featuring talented artisans, small local producers, and passionate restaurant owners. We also had the opportunity to enjoy traditional Finnish food and drinks while purchasing remarkable local handicrafts and souvenirs.
To maintain high quality, vendors at the Helsinki Christmas Market undergo a meticulous selection process to ensure products meet specific criteria. These criteria include being domestically produced, of exceptional quality, responsibly made, and suitable for gifting, enjoying during Christmas festivities, or savouring on-site.
At the heart of the market, an old-fashioned carousel and a lively food court create a warm and festive atmosphere. Visitors can savour the flavours of Christmas, including the Nordic version of mulled wine, Glögi — a hot, spiced drink with a rich, distinctive taste. As Finland has strict alcohol regulations, note that you are allowed to enjoy alcoholic beverages only in the marked areas within the market.
In addition to the stalls, the market offers a variety of entertainment, from choirs singing to performances by elves. A giant Christmas tree makes an excellent backdrop for holiday photos. The market is suitable for the whole family. Children can enjoy the antique carousel rides, meet elves and cute animals, and not forget the delight of Santa Claus.
Entering the Helsinki Christmas Market is free.
Helsinki Christmas Market is only a 15-minute walk from the Helsinki Central Railway Station (Rautatientori).
Christmas Market in the Student House
Vanhan Joulutori is an indoor Christmas market held at the Old Student House. Seeing the building itself is an excellent reason to visit the market, which is open from December 15 to December 22, 2025. Entry is free.
Two floors are full of the best Finnish design products and handicrafts. While shopping, remember to stop by Cafe Vanha for coffee or drinks.
Old Student House is only a few minutes from the Helsinki Central Railway Station.
Manta’s Christmas Market
Manta’s Christmas Market is the newest addition to Helsinki’s Christmas market scene, even though the area has previously hosted small seasonal events. This year, the market will bring a stronger festive atmosphere to the South Harbour area from December 5 to January 6, 2025. At Havis Amanda Square, right next to the Market Square, visitors can enjoy Christmas treats and Helsinki’s maritime charm. At the heart of the market is the Christmas Pavilion, which serves both as a cosy meeting place and a stage for small performances.
Manta’s Christmas Market is located in an excellent spot just a few minutes’ walk from the Helsinki Christmas Market, making it easy to visit both on the same visit. The Manta’s Market is smaller than the Helsinki Christmas Market, but its location at the end of Esplanadi, near the Manta statue, makes it worth a visit. On some days, light entertainment is also offered.
Manta’s Christmas Market is only a 10-minute walk from the Central Railway Station.
Kukontori Christmas Market (Forum Christmas Market)
A brand-new Christmas event, the Kukontori Christmas Market, will open in Helsinki in 2025. Shopping centre Forum will host the event at Kukontori, a small outdoor square on the mall’s rooftop level. The area is compact, and the warm shopping centre next door, with its services, makes the experience more comfortable than at the Tuomaan Market.
The Kukontori Christmas Market brings a festive atmosphere right into the heart of Helsinki, in the Forum’s inner courtyard. The stalls offer seasonal treats, hot drinks and other Christmas-themed products in the middle of the city. On weekends, the market expands to the nearby Yrjönkäytävä, where artists and crafters sell their works and handmade items.
The market is open from December 1 to 21, 2025: Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 7 pm.
Kukontori (Forum Mall) is only a 5-minute walk away from the Central Railway Station.
Teurastamo Christmas Market
During the weekend of December 20 to 21, there is a Christmas Market at an old slaughterhouse in Teurastamo. Entrepreneurs sell unique design products, including clothing, aligned with other Nordic-inspired items. It is also a place to enjoy great food and drinks.
Teurastamo is in the Kalasatama area near the Helsinki Centre. You can reach it easily by metro (the Kalasatama station). Several bus lines also pass Teurastamo. If you plan to take the tram, the closest stop is Lautatarhankatu, thanks to multiple tram lines. Read our instructions on how to use public transport in Helsinki.
Teurastamo was founded in 1933 but opened to the public in 2012. Currently, Teurastamo is a reserved city culture hub open to everyone.
Just a short walk from Teurastamo is REDI, a fantastic mall, making it an excellent option for a day trip to Teurastamo and some retail therapy. REDI has a wonderful restaurant selection.
Did you know that the biggest shopping malls also have Christmas squares and major streets?
Ornamo Design Christmas
Ornamo Design Christmas is an annual sale event that brings together Finnish design and arts-and-crafts professionals. It offers the opportunity to purchase responsible Christmas gifts directly from designers. For example, you can buy live plants, art, Thanksgiving items, and jewellery.
Design Christmas 2025 will be held in the famous Finlandia Hall from December 12 to December 13. It is a 5-minute walk from Helsinki Central Railway Station.
Christmas Markets by Schools
Many schools and small organisations arrange their own miniature Christmas markets. These are less commercial, and the organisation often raises funds from schools or similar projects.
The best way to find during local Christmas markets is to use Google. Their websites can be found with the Finnish keywords joulumyyjäiset or joulumarkkinat. Experience the true spirit of Christmas by supporting local organisations and participating in local traditions.
Other Christmas Activities in Helsinki
Christmas Street Opening
Kluuvikatu was Helsinki’s first Christmas street, opened in 1930. In 1949, Helsinki promoted Aleksanterinkatu to “Christmas Street”. Currently, the street is reserved for pedestrians, trams, and taxis, which helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere. The Christmas street features traditional white lights. It is also heated, so there will be no ice during
Aleksanterinkatu Christmas Street is an excellent place to take a slow walk, shop, and eat in cosy restaurants. Stockmann is a major department store whose windows feature a captivating Christmas theme.
Christmas Street opens in November. On Saturday, November 22, Helsinki turns on the Christmas lights, and a Christmas parade through the city centre starts and ends at Aleksanterinkatu.
Independence Day
Finland’s Independence Day, celebrated on December 6, isn’t a Christmas Event but still falls within the festive season. It’s a national holiday, so expect the city centre to be bustling with locals celebrating the country’s independence. The Finnish president hosts a grand event with about 2,500 guests at his castle in the heart of Helsinki.
While the city will be lively, it may also become crowded as police close certain streets and areas for security during the presidential event. For instance, the Allas Pool in the city centre will close earlier than usual. Why not visit Helsinki’s attractions outside the city centre on Independence Day?
Lucia Day’s Parade
Every year, the city chooses a young maiden to represent Lucia on December 13. The parade will start at Helsinki Cathedral at Senate Square and, after a few kilometres, most likely end at the market square. Following the parade is free.
Helsinki Christmas Market is at the Senate Square.
Ice Skating in Helsinki
If you have never skated, you can try ice skating in multiple locations around the town. Check the location, seasonal and artificial rinks on the Helsinki website. Even though temperatures may rise above 0 °C in December, artificial skating rinks will remain open.
We recommend visiting the Brahe Sports Field artificial ice rink for excellent views. There, you can rent skates, helmets, and hockey sticks. Buy warm juice and hot chocolate to make your skating even more enjoyable.
Good to Know about Helsinki Christmas Markets
We want to emphasise a few minor things about local habits.
Alcohol in Finland is expensive. The alcohol laws are also strict. For example, alcoholic drinks bought from Christmas market stalls can only be drunk in the Christmas market’s specified areas for consuming alcoholic beverages. If you are used to German Christmas markets, the rules in Finland may feel more restrictive.
Helsinki may not be the cheapest capital, so Christmas-related activities may seem pricey, but you can enjoy the city’s Christmas without spending much. If you’re on a strict budget, you may opt to avoid unnecessary shopping.
Remember to buy Glögi. We love enjoying glögi when it’s cold. The recommended way to get essential bottles of Glögi is from the Government’s Alko. However, it is possible to buy cheaper, lower-quality glögg at the clear markets.
If you encounter severe problems in Helsinki, contact the friendly Finnish police (112).
Where to Stay
Most winter travellers stay in hotels for the amenities alone. We also recommend staying near the city centre to save time and reduce transportation costs. We picked up our favourite central hotels that won’t break the bank.
Sokos Hotel Vaakuna is a 4-star Finnish chain hotel above the Sokos department store. Its location is perfect for Christmas market visitors, and the hotel’s restaurant has a great view from the top.
Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel is a 4-star hotel well located near these Christmas markets.
Hobo Hotel is a modern, trendy hotel near Senate Square. It is just as well to walk from the Helsinki Christmas Market.
Citybox Hotel is a new self-service hotel in the Hakaniemi district, only two metro stops from the central railway station. It is an excellent budget choice for travellers who prefer a modern hotel with essential amenities.
Weather in Helsinki
Helsinki is a coastal city with humid air. Last year, there was more rain than usual outside the summer months, and it sometimes became stormy. In short, the weather is unpredictable. If you are lucky, white snow will also bring a merry Christmas atmosphere to Helsinki this year. The temperature is around -15 to 3 degrees Celsius in December. Warm clothing and thick coverings are essential when packing to protect yourself while outdoors.
One thing is clear: the days are short, and there is little daylight. The sun rises at 9 am and sets at 3 pm. That does not mean you will see the sun, as it is usually cloudy; in every case, it will remain low on the horizon.
Also, Helsinki has four seasons, and winter is the darkest. Indoor activities are popular during the winter. There are also many exciting budget winter activities to do outside. If you are lucky enough to visit Helsinki when there is snow and the sky is clear, do not waste time inside; enjoy the real winter. Local people love these cold but sunny winter days.
If you are looking for more snowy Christmas markets, we recommend flying to Rovaniemi, home of Santa Claus. In December, Lapland typically has abundant snow, and the northern lights are visible there as well.
Should I Visit Helsinki Christmas Markets?
Christmas markets in Helsinki are not the only reason to visit Finland; we also recommend visiting Finland to experience the Finnish winter. Helsinki is a lively city with much to see beyond its Christmas markets. Even though it is cold in Helsinki in December, you can always warm up in a sauna or try local spas.
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Yes. Tuomaan Markkinat (Helsinki Christmas Market) is the largest, but there are a few smaller ones as well.
The primary Helsinki Christmas Market is at Senate Square in the Helsinki Centre.
The temperature is around 0 Celsius, the sky is cloudy, and there is little daylight.
Yes, Helsinki is quite expensive, but it is cheaper than visiting other Nordic countries.
You may find mulled wine, but you will most likely find the more spicy Finnish version called Glögi.
Yes, the public transport network is reliable and affordable.
You can fly to Helsinki Airport or take a ferry from Stockholm or Tallinn to the Helsinki Centre.
Bottom Line
We recommend visiting Helsinki during the Christmas season. Despite the cold winter weather, the atmosphere is warm. The sun sets early, but the city’s lights brighten. More importantly, there is a magical Christmas atmosphere that visiting families with children will surely cherish.
After exploring Helsinki, we recommend visiting Porvoo for its Christmas, a less than one-hour bus ride away. Another good option is to head to Tallinn’s Christmas Market. Tallinn Christmas markets are cheaper, and Tallinn also has its fascinating Old Town that you won’t find in Helsinki. Our Tallinn Ferry Booking Guide helps you find the most suitable connection.
After you have explored Helsinki, Porvoo, and Tallinn, we recommend continuing to Stockholm by ferry. Stockholm has two more giant Christmas Markets and many smaller Christmas events. It takes just an overnight ferry ride to reach Stockholm.
Where is your favourite Christmas market in Helsinki? Comment below.