What to Do on Independence Day in Helsinki

Independence Day in Helsinki is more about quiet reflection than a big celebration. For visitors, the torchlight procession by students is a bright spot, and yes, the Christmas Market at Senate Square is open.

Here’s the lowdown: Finns are glued to their TVs at 7 pm watching the Presidential Palace ball, checking out guests’ fancy attire.

It’s not an ideal day for trips elsewhere; Porvoo’s quiet. Thinking Tallinn? Good, but brace for crowds.

Now, in Helsinki: flag-raising at Tähtitorninmäki, a flyover at Hietaniemi cemetery, and a student torchlight march from 5 pm onwards. Expect demonstrators, some traffic chaos, and street closures. It’s a national holiday, so services have limited hours.

Finnish traditions? Blue and white candles in windows, cemetery visits, and a fancier dinner at home. Don’t miss the Independence Day Reception at 7 pm – it’s on national TV, a big deal here.

Opening Times

• Shops and shopping centers are open, but with exceptional opening times. For locals, it is an excellent day to start Christmas shopping.
• Some restaurants are open, but they might have exceptional opening times.
• If Independence Day is mid-week, it’s a nice extra day off. The restaurants might be crowded on the eve.

City Traditions: Independence Day Events in Helsinki

1. Flag-Raising Ceremony

The national flag-raising ceremony on Independence Day is at Tähtitorninmäki at 09:00. A small event featuring a choir singing, with the Speaker of Parliament delivering a speech.

2. Flyover

The Air Force performs a flyover with four fighters over the Hietaniemi cemetery at 10:30 am. At the same time, the President lays a wreath at the cemetery’s war memorial.

3. Torchlight Procession of University Students

A torchlight march of university students wearing their traditional white caps goes from Hietaniemi cemetery to Senate Square, paying respect to war heroes.

The festivities begin with the laying of wreaths at the Hietaniemi cemetery war memorial at 4 pm.

The march starts from the cemetery around 5 pm. The route covers Hietaniemi – Arkadiankatu – Pohjoisesplanadi – Presidential Palace – Mariankatu – Aleksanterinkatu – Senate Square.

After the students arrive at Senate Square, there is a small civic celebration around 5:55-6:15 pm.

At both ends, choirs sing patriotic songs.

You can stop by along the route to see how it looks! Or go to Senate Square a little before 6 pm.

4. Demonstrations

Independence Day, unfortunately, attracts the attention of demonstrators in support of various causes, and multiple demonstrations are held during the day.

Some gather outside the Presidential palace, shouting about societal inequality and political issues. However, their numbers are typically minimal.

The city also witnesses various torch march demonstrations (e.g., a far-right demonstration and a counter-protest). They typically gather either on Töölö Market Square (Töölöntori) or Kansalaistori Square around 4-6 pm and march to Hietaniemi cemetery.

5. Traffic Disruptions in Helsinki During the Independence Day

Processions and protests cause significant traffic disruptions. Up-to-date information on public transport, such as alternative routes, can be found on HSL’s website.

Some streets around the Presidential Palace are closed.

6. National Holiday Alert

Please note that Independence Day on December 6 is also a national holiday.

Some services in Helsinki are closed or have limited opening hours.

7. Other Independence Day Traditions in Finland

People place blue and white candles in their windows, a tradition dating back to the 19th century to signify Finnish nationalism.

Many visit the cemetery to light candles, so the whole area glows beautifully.

There are no unique dishes for this day, but most people have a fancier dinner at home.

The most anticipated time is when the Independence Day Reception starts at 7 pm in the presidential castle in Helsinki. This event is broadcast on national TV, the most-watched TV program in Finland.