Helsinki Christmas Markets 2023

Helsinki Christmas Markets 2023

Helsinki is home to one of Europe’s most stylish and sophisticated Christmas Markets, cementing the city’s reputation for design and an essential part of Helsinki’s pikkujoulu (pre-Christmas party) season.

• Stay close to the markets, right by the Cathedral. Stay at the “Superb” rated Hotel F6 a design hotel just steps from the market with stylish rooms and excellent breakfast options. 

The Markets

• Helsinki’s main Christmas markets are located along Senate Square by Helsinki Cathedral, complete with a traditional merry-go-round.
• More than 140 different vendors sell a wide range of Finnish hand made products while shoppers sip on hot Finnish mulled wine or glögi
• Highlights include himmeli ornaments (geometric mobiles made of straw), pine and birch candles, cosy wool socks and contemporary jewellery.
• Local restaurants provide pop-up experiences in the food court, serving special holiday menus and treats to more than 300,000 visitors.
• The market is open on weekdays from 11 am to 8 pm and on Sat and Sun from 10 am to 7 pm.
• Senate Square is a 6-minute drive or 12-minute walk from the downtown district, home to the city’s gay bars and clubs.

Market Traditions

• On December 13th, the newly crowned St. Lucia descends the Helsinki cathedral’s stairs, followed by a procession through the markets.
• It’s a Christmas tradition that honours the 4th-century Christian martyr, and it’s an important and symbolic occasion for Finns.
• After you visit the market, browse the shops of Aleksanterinkatu and take in the sophisticated window displays and festive lights.

Ornamo Design Christmas Market

• If you’re Christmas shopping for stylish friends, head to the Ornamo Design Christmas Market, held the first weekend of December.
• Shop from a wide range of contemporary crafts from the Finnish Association of Designers, including interior decor items and handmade ceramics.
• Treat yourself to a weekend at the Hotel Kamp for a superb Christmas Stay, rated “Superb” by guests, offering spacious rooms and suites in a grand and luxurious location.

Suomenlinna

• Suomenlinna is a fortress town on an island off the coast, and visiting makes the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city markets.
• The iconic fortress hosts several Christmas events.
• A ferry service runs from the Market Square to Suomenlinna throughout the year.
• The trip takes 15–20 minutes and offers magnificent views of Helsinki and the surroundings from the sea.
• During Christmas, the trip through the ice-covered waters is a unique experience.

Porvoo

• Located just half an hour’s drive from Helsinki, Porvoo holds a charming holiday market that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
• Perfectly-preserved wooden houses and riverside huts dress up for the occasion, and cobblestone streets are strung with lights.
• Ski on the frozen river, stroll through town to shop for gifts, eat in pretty cafes, and meet with friends.
• Visit the Christmas market in Old Town Hall Square, where vendors dressed in old-time costumes sell regional crafts and food items.
• The Christmas Market at the Art Factory is more contemporary and focused on design.
• Porvoo is one of the most popular attractions for visitors in the country and is easily reachable via the city’s pristine bus service.

Recommended Hotels in Helsinki

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

EasyHomes ,    Scandic Simonkenttä,    Radisson Blu Royal Hotel,    Solo Sokos Hotel