Held every year in Senate Square, the Helsinki Christmas Market will run from November 28 to December 22. Expect festive entertainment, food and gifts – and of course, a visit from Santa himself.
This endlessly atmospheric market is one of the season’s highlights. Everything here is spot-on year after year: the glowing lights, the charming stalls and the bustling programme of events. In 2024, CNN named it one of the best Christmas markets in the world, and this year’s edition promises the same magic – and more.
The traditional outdoor market runs for more than three weeks, offering delicious food experiences, distinctive and sustainable gifts and an unhurried festive atmosphere. Family favourites include the free carousel and the cosy food courts, complete with heated seating areas.
Nearly 30 food and drink vendors are taking part, serving up everything from spiced Christmas porridge and handmade Finnish pastries to Georgian khachapuri, Korean corn dogs and sweet bubble waffles. Naturally, there’s plenty of glögi, glühwein and other warming drinks on offer too.
Alongside the food stalls, the gift lane features a range of Finnish and sustainable small businesses, with some spaces reserved for weekly rotating vendors. This year’s selection includes locally made scents and treats, such as marmalades infused with Finnish wild herbs and apple products from Åland.
There’s also a full schedule of performances and activities, from circus shows and a cappella groups to Santa’s much-anticipated appearances.
Helsinki Christmas Market programme
(Programme as of November 12 2025; subject to updates and changes.)
November
Fri November 28
15.00–19.00 Meet Santa
17.30 A cappella group Flok
18.00 Opening speeches (Mayor Daniel Sazonov and Santa), Christmas tree lights switched on
18.30 A cappella group Flok
Sat November 29
13.00–17.00 Meet Santa
Sun November 30
13.00–14.00 Sing it Out Loud
December
Mon December 1
16.00–19.00 We Jazz DJs x Helsinki Christmas Market: Jazz Evening
Tue December 2
17.00–17.20 Circus Kolmen Kopla: Gift Panic
Wed December 3
17.00 & 18.00 Töölö Brass
Thu December 4
16.00–19.00 Circus Kolmen Kopla: Gift Panic
Sat December 6
13.00–17.00 Meet Santa
Around 17.45–18.15 Students’ torchlight procession and programme on the Cathedral steps
Sun December 7
14.00 & 15.00 A cappella group Flok
Mon December 8
17.00–17.30 Välke: Aito Iskelmä’s Aito Joulu – Christmas music performance
Tue December 9
11.00–13.00 Meet Santa
12.00–14.00 Krista Baars and Lauri Keskinen
14.00–16.00 Milla Mattila and Kati Launiainen
Wed December 10
17.00 & 18.00 Töölö Brass
Thu December 11
17.00–17.20 Circus Kolmen Kopla: Gift Panic
Sat December 13
17.00–18.00 Lucia coronation in Helsinki Cathedral
Around 18.15 Lucia procession from Hallituskatu
Sun December 14
13.00–17.00 Meet Santa
Tue December 16
12.00–14.00 Krista Baars and Kati Launiainen
14.00–16.00 Milla Mattila and Jenni Alexandrova
15.00 Club For Five performance
Sat December 20
16.00 & 17.00 A cappella group Flok
Sun December 21
13.00–17.00 Meet Santa
Mon December 22
13.00–17.00 Meet Santa
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