Finland is well-known for its thick blankets of snow, the Northern Lights, and the holiday spirit that is deeply rooted in tradition and family values.
From visiting Santa’s village to participating in traditional Finnish rituals, Finland, the “official homeland of Santa Claus,” provides some of the most enchanting holiday experiences to its tourists.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas in Finland, from the essential destinations to the cherished traditions that make this season so memorable.
The onset of Finland Christmas

The Christmas season in Finland kicks off with the First Advent, which falls on the first Sunday of December.
This is when families start to get into the holiday spirit, decorating their homes and planning for the celebrations ahead.
One delightful tradition during this time is the Advent calendar, filled with little surprises that get everyone, especially the kids, excited for the holidays.
As December rolls on, St. Lucia Day on December 13th becomes a special highlight. It’s a day filled with shopping, exchanging cards, and more Christmas prep.
On this day, the eldest daughter often dons a white robe and a crown of candles to serve cookies and mulled wine (glögi) to her family, bringing a lovely symbol of light to those dark winter days.
And, of course, we can’t overlook the decorations!
Homes transform with twinkling lights, fragrant evergreen wreaths, and traditional ornaments called Joulukoristeet.
An iconic sight you’ll often find in town squares is the straw goat, which represents good luck and really adds to the festive atmosphere.
All these traditions come together to create a magical lead-up to Christmas in Finland!
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Vienna’s Christmas markets, or “Christkindlmarkts,” are an integral part of the city’s festive charm.
Their history dates back to 1298, making them a long-standing tradition.
From mid-November to late December, the city’s squares transform into magical wonderlands, filled with twinkling lights, the aroma of freshly baked goods and hot punch, and the joyful sounds of Christmas carols.
Each market has its own unique character and offerings, promising a diverse and unforgettable experience.
Celebrate Christmas in Finnish style this year!
As you plan your upcoming Christmas celebrations, plan your trip to Finland to experience the authentic and unique customs of this country.
Here’s what all you can do when in Finland during Christmas:
Begin with a visit to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, is famous as Santa Claus’s “official” hometown, making it the ultimate place to kick off an unforgettable Christmas adventure in Finland.
The town features breathtaking snowy landscapes, incredible views of the Northern Lights, and, best of all, Santa Claus Village, where the holiday spirit is alive and well all year long.
Buy This TicketOther famous destinations for Christmas:
Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is a magical spot where you can meet Santa himself, send a postcard from his post office (complete with a special Arctic Circle stamp), and even cross the Arctic Circle!
There’s a lot to do here, with activities like reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, and snowmobile adventures.
It’s the perfect place for families and thrill-seekers to have a blast together!
Santa Park
Santa Park, an underground amusement park that captures the charm of Christmas tales and folklore, is conveniently located near the village.
This is where you may go to elf school, make gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus, and take a wonderful indoor journey through a snowy wonderland on the magic train.
It’s a fantastic location for getting into the holiday spirit!
Why not combine everything in one visit? Try the Rovaniemi guided tour
Pro Tip
Did you know that Santa Claus has an official address? Letters to Santa can be sent to Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Finland, 96930. Every year, thousands of children from around the world send letters that are personally answered by Santa’s elves!
Stay in a glass igloo or snow hotel

Spend a night in a snow hotel or a glass igloo and feel the enchantment of a Finnish winter night!
Numerous locations in Finnish Lapland offer comfortable accommodations with transparent glass roofs, which allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape and, with any luck, the Northern Lights directly from your bed.
Just outside of Rovaniemi, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a well-liked destination because of its breathtaking glass igloos and snowy lodges.
Here, you may take in the beautiful Northern Lights while encircling the tranquil countryside.
In addition, the resort offers enjoyable activities that will allow you to fully experience the Arctic winter, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer sleigh rides.
Related Reads
Vienna’s Christmas markets, or “Christkindlmarkts,” are an integral part of the city’s festive charm.
Their history dates back to 1298, making them a long-standing tradition.
From mid-November to late December, the city’s squares transform into magical wonderlands, filled with twinkling lights, the aroma of freshly baked goods and hot punch, and the joyful sounds of Christmas carols.
Each market has its own unique character and offerings, promising a diverse and unforgettable experience.
A tip for you can miss!

You’ve got to try the famous Christmas sauna! This beloved Finnish tradition is all about taking a moment for peace and cleansing before the holiday celebrations begin.
On Christmas Eve, families head to the sauna to unwind and refresh before their big Christmas feast.
Many saunas get decked out for the occasion with candles and festive scents, creating a calm and cozy vibe.
Go Northern Lights hunting

December is one of the best times to catch the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, in all their glory!
Finnish Lapland has some of the best conditions for this phenomenal natural light show, thanks to its clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution.
Plenty of tour operators run guided Northern Lights tours, and many of them even include a cozy stop at a traditional Finnish hut for warm drinks and some great storytelling.
You can choose one of them:
It’s a fantastic way to experience this breathtaking phenomenon, so be sure to check it out!
Take a husky safari

A husky safari through Finland’s snowy wilderness is an absolute must during the Christmas season!
You can find husky tours all over Lapland, where you get to steer your sled through the gorgeous snowy landscapes, guided by a team of enthusiastic huskies.
Many husky farms offer experiences where you can meet and interact with the dogs, learn all about their training, and even take a turn driving the sled yourself.
It’s an unforgettable way to dive into the winter magic, so don’t miss out on this adventure!
Enjoy a traditional Finland Christmas market

Finnish Christmas markets are magical spots packed with local crafts, handmade gifts, and delicious seasonal goodies.
Each market has its own unique vibe, but here are a couple you definitely don’t want to miss:
- Helsinki Christmas Market: Taking place in Senate Square, this is Finland’s oldest and largest Christmas market, featuring over 100 stalls filled with Finnish handicrafts, holiday decorations, and yummy treats. Also, here’s a charming carousel and lots of holiday-themed performances to enjoy! Get directions
- Turku Christmas Market: Situated in the Old Great Square, the Turku Christmas Market has a whimsical atmosphere with live music, theater performances, and stalls selling everything from traditional crafts to hot cocoa and glögi. Get directions
In Finland, it’s traditional to visit the graves of loved ones during Christmas to light candles, creating a beautiful display of lights that symbolize remembrance and respect.
Celebrate with a Finnish Christmas Service

In Finland, attending a Christmas service is a beloved tradition, and many churches have special services on Christmas Eve.
One of the highlights is Turku Cathedral, which is one of the most iconic churches in the country—it really makes for a memorable Christmas experience!
Turku has a unique tradition of declaring “Christmas Peace” on Christmas Eve, a practice that goes all the way back to the 1300s.
This announcement is broadcast across Finland, reminding everyone to embrace the peace and goodwill of the season. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the spirit of Christmas!.
Try ice skating or snowshoeing

Winter sports are a fantastic way to dive into the Christmas spirit in Finland!
Ice skating rinks pop up all over towns and cities, letting both locals and visitors soak up the holiday vibe outdoors.
One great spot is Helsinki’s Ice Park, right in the city’s heart. It’s super popular for festive ice skating, complete with music, twinkling lights, and tasty seasonal treats.
Try snowshoeing in the breathtaking Finnish nature if you want a more daring experience!
Finnish Lapland offers guided snowshoeing excursions where you can hike across amazing unspoiled snowfields and take in the serene allure of Finland’s winter scenery.
Take a Reindeer safari

Riding on a reindeer safari is a great way to experience the essence of the season, as reindeer play a significant role in the Finnish Christmas tradition!
All around Finland, there are reindeer farms that provide sled rides, allowing you to go through wintry woods while being drawn by these gorgeous creatures.
A lot of these safaris also include a comfortable stop at a typical Finnish hut, where you may sip hot beverages and listen to interesting tales about the Sami, the native inhabitants of Finnish Lapland.
You can also visit reindeer farms on a snowmobile.
Do you know?
There are more reindeer in Finland than people! This makes the reindeer sleigh rides not just a festive experience but also a significant aspect of the local culture and economy.
Join their Joulurauhan Julistus (Christmas Peace Declaration)

Every Christmas Eve at noon, the historic Joulurauhan Julistus takes place in Turku, signaling the official start of the holiday season.
It’s a lovely tradition that encourages peace and goodwill, and you’ll find crowds gathering in the city to catch this solemn proclamation, which has roots that stretch all the way back to medieval times.
Enjoy Finnish Christmas sweets and desserts

No Christmas in Finland is complete without treating yourself to some delicious festive sweets and desserts!
Here are a few traditional goodies you definitely have to try:
- Piparkakut: These Finnish gingerbread cookies are usually shaped like stars, hearts, and adorable animals. They’re a holiday classic!
- Joulutorttu: These star-shaped pastries are filled with sweet prune jam and are best enjoyed with a warm cup of glögi. Trust me, they’re irresistible!
- Riisipuuro: This tasty Finnish rice pudding is often sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. There’s a fun tradition where a single almond is hidden in the pudding, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck in the year ahead.
Also, don’t miss the chance to savor traditional Finland Christmas food during your visit. Its a treat to have!
A traditional Finnish Christmas dinner often includes dishes like roasted ham, herring, and a variety of casseroles, including potato and carrot.
One unique dish, lipeäkala, is a dried cod that has a long-standing tradition in Finnish households.
Take part in the Finnish Yule Goat tradition

The Yule Goat, or Joulupukki, is a fun and quirky Finnish Christmas tradition with deep roots in pagan culture.
While Santa Claus has pretty much taken over the spotlight, you can still spot Yule Goat decorations and hear stories about this legendary figure who once roamed the Finnish countryside.
Fun Fact:
The Yule Goat (Joulupukki) was originally a figure who would go around asking for Christmas wishes rather than delivering gifts. In fact, it’s said that the Yule Goat would sometimes demand a drink as part of the tradition!
According to Finnish folklore, the Yule Goat was known for spreading holiday cheer, delivering gifts, and even scaring off evil spirits. So, keep an eye out for this festive character as you celebrate the season!