Christmas Markets in Helsinki: An Insider’s Guide to Local Markets
Do you want to experience the magic of Christmas? Helsinki’s Christmas markets offer a festive atmosphere for all ages. Every year, thousands of people visit Christmas markets in Helsinki.
1. Helsinki Christmas Market 1.-22.12.
Helsinki Christmas Market, known as Tuomaan Markkinat, takes place at Senate Square, in front of Helsinki Cathedral. It’s the oldest, largest, and most renowned outdoor Christmas market in the city.
The market boasts around 100 artisans, small producers, and over 20 delicacy vendors, cafes, and restaurants.
Visitors can explore a variety of stalls offering Christmas treats, crafts, decorations, and traditional Finnish foods.
There’s plenty of entertainment for the little ones, including a free vintage wooden horse carousel, a favorite among children. Kids also have the chance to meet Santa Claus.
The Christmas Market will be open from December 1st to December 22nd, which may seem unusual as many expect such markets to remain open until Christmas Eve.
However, in Finland, the Christmas Market focuses more on the lead-up to Christmas than Christmas itself.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are family-centric (Santa coming to families on Eve), and public events tend to wind down before this.
Live performances like accordion players and choirs add to the festive atmosphere.
Notably, the British Army Band Sandhurst performs traditional Christmas carols on Sunday, December 10th, at 12:00 and 14:00.
A magnificent Christmas tree adorned with glowing lights is a picturesque backdrop for festive photographs.
The Christmas market has even earned international recognition, with CNN praising Finnish Christmas delicacies and placing it on a top list.
- Website
- Address: Senate Square, Helsinki
- Location: Google Maps
2. Old Student House Christmas Market 15.-22.12.
During its Christmas market, the historic Old Student House becomes a hub for Finnish craft entrepreneurs and designers.
The historical setting creates a unique atmosphere, offering an intimate and cozy experience. With around 100 vendors, visitors can explore two floors filled with gifts, treats, and decorations provided by artisans and small business owners.
The market is easily accessible, just a short walk from the central railway station.
The Old Student House café remains open throughout the market, offering specialty coffees, mulled wine (glögi), refreshments, pastries, and lunch options.
The market runs from December 15th to December 22nd, 2023. Opening hours are from 11:00 to 19:00 on Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays. From 11:00 to 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Website
- Address: Mannerheimintie 3, Helsinki
- Location: Google Maps
3. Xmas Garage 4.-30.12.
For fashion and interior design enthusiasts, My O My has once again created two delightful Christmas worlds in the heart of Helsinki. The Xmas Garage pop-up shops feature over 50 Finnish businesses, offering diverse items, including toys, Christmas decorations, paper products, cosmetics, books, candles, sweets, home decor, and accessories.
You can find Xmas Garage easily on the 2nd floor of Kämp Galleria, Pohjoisesplanadi 33, and on the ground floor of Forum shopping center, Mannerheimintie 18.
These festive pop-up shops provide a perfect opportunity to explore and shop for unique, locally crafted gifts and decorations.
4. Teurastamo Christmas Market 16.-17.12.
Teurastamo (old slaughterhouse), with the area dating back to the 1930s, transformed into a center of urban culture in 2012.
Christmas celebrations at Teurastamo are for the entire weekend on Saturday and Sunday, December 16th-17th. With various vendors, the two-day market takes over the Teurastamo courtyard, event spaces, and restaurants.
You can find home decor, ornaments, and handcrafted items suitable for both the home and Santa’s gift sack. The restaurants in the Teurastamo area offer a variety of products, including beverages and food.
Located in the Kalasatama district near the heart of Helsinki, Teurastamo is easily accessible by metro, with the Redi shopping center right nearby.
The Teurastamo Christmas Market is typically extremely popular, and it also attracts many families with children. Be prepared for crowds, especially in the cramped indoor areas!
This Christmas market is one of our favorite destinations every year because of its unique location and lovely atmosphere.
The market is open only for two days on Saturday and Sunday, December 16th-17th, from 11:00 to 17:00.
- Website
- Address: Työpajankatu 2, Helsinki
- Location: Google Maps
5. Ornamo Design Christmas 9.-10.12.
Ornamo Design Christmas is an event that brings together enthusiasts of Finnish design and the designers behind the products.
This year’s event takes place in Helsinki over two days, on December 9th-10th, in the picturesque surroundings of Pikku-Finlandia by the Töölönlahti Bay near the city center.
The event features around a hundred brands and creators of Finnish design.
You can converse with the designers, explore second-hand sales points, or even participate in workshops.
Visitors can also indulge in Christmas delights and take a break at the atmospheric Finlandia Cafe & Wine, which is open throughout the event.
The venue is at Karamzininranta 4, Helsinki, providing a scenic backdrop for a festive and creative atmosphere.
- Website
- Address: Little-Finlandia, Karamzininranta 4, Helsinki
- Location: Google Maps
6. German Christmas Market 2.12.
Experience a small yet charming German Christmas market in the courtyard and cafeteria of the German School in Helsinki.
This festive market, held on December 2nd, offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy steaming Christmas mulled wine, roasted almonds, German sausages, and other delicious treats.
Spoil yourself with German Christmas pastries, jams, juices, and other homemade products.
The market is open on Saturday, December 2nd, from 11:00 to 16:00, providing an opportunity to explore and shop for unique German-inspired Christmas goods.
The location is at the German School in Helsinki, Malminkatu 14.
Christmas Markets in the Nearby Area
Porvoo Christmas Market 9.-10.12.
The traditional small Christmas market in the charming Old Porvoo is held at the Old Town Hall Square.
You can shop for Christmas delicacies, crafts, and gifts.
Organized by the local Lions Club, the proceeds from the market’s booth rentals contribute to charitable causes.
The market takes place on December 9th-10th, from 10:00 to 16:00.
Tallinn Christmas Market 1.12. – 7.1.
Tallinn’s traditional Christmas Market is a beloved destination during the holiday season.
The Town Hall Square in the Old Town transforms into a Christmas wonderland from December 1st, 2023, to January 7th, 2024.
Recognized as one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, Tallinn’s market exudes the atmosphere of an ancient Hanseatic city.
The Christmas tree tradition in the middle of the market dates back almost 600 years.
Market stalls offer crafts and Estonian Christmas foods, from blood sausage to sauerkraut and Estonian gingerbread cookies.
You can warm up with festive drinks for both body and soul.
The market also features carousels for the little ones and various Christmas entertainments.
