Christmas in Finland

The holiday season in Finland is a magical time, where the snow-covered landscape and the northern lights create a picturesque backdrop for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. For digital nomads and expats and digital nomads experiencing their first winter holidays in this Nordic country, Finnish traditions offer a cozy and heartwarming experience amidst the cold and dark days.

Christmas and New Year's in Finland In Finland, Christmas is a time for tranquility, reflection, and family. The festive season starts from the beginning of December, with the anticipation building up to Christmas Eve, which is the main event. New Year's, on the other hand, is a more boisterous affair, with fireworks and public celebrations marking the start of the year. Both holidays are steeped in tradition, with Finns cherishing the time spent with loved ones and the joy of giving and receiving.

Finnish Holiday Celebrations Finns celebrate the holidays with a blend of old and new traditions. Homes are adorned with decorations, including the iconic Christmas tree, and candles are lit to fend off the darkness. Christmas markets pop up in town squares, offering handicrafts, seasonal treats, and a festive atmosphere. In Helsinki, the Senate Square Christmas Market is particularly renowned for its cheerful stalls and holiday spirit.

On Christmas Eve, many families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones, illuminating the snowy grounds with countless candles. It's a serene and touching sight that adds depth to the holiday's meaning. As evening falls, the much-awaited Christmas sauna is a tradition for many, providing warmth and relaxation before the night's festivities.

The Finnish Santa Claus Finland is known as the home of Santa Claus, or Joulupukki as he's called in Finnish. According to tradition, he lives in Korvatunturi, in Finnish Lapland. Children eagerly await his visit on Christmas Eve, often catching a glimpse of him as he delivers gifts in person, rather than sneaking down the chimney. The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a popular attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the magic of Christmas in Santa's official hometown.

Gift-Giving and Traditional Foods Exchanging gifts is a key part of the Finnish Christmas. Presents are often thoughtful and practical, reflecting the down-to-earth nature of Finnish culture. Traditional Finnish Christmas foods include a variety of dishes such as ham, fish, casseroles, and a selection of bread and cheeses. For dessert, rice porridge and gingerbread cookies are favorites, often accompanied by the spiced drink glögi, similar to mulled wine.

New Year's celebrations also have their culinary traditions, with sparkling wine and a buffet of savory and sweet treats. The practice of molybdomancy – casting molten tin into water and interpreting the resulting shape – is a unique Finnish New Year's custom, said to predict the future.

Christmas Eve and Day Traditions Christmas Eve is the heart of the Finnish Christmas. It's a day of calm and reflection, culminating in the evening's family dinner. Many attend Christmas Eve services at church, with the Helsinki Cathedral hosting a particularly famous ceremony. The day is considered so special that it's treated as a public holiday, with shops closing early and the streets quieting down as families gather to celebrate.

Festive Hotspots For those looking to immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere, certain towns and neighborhoods stand out. Helsinki's aforementioned Senate Square, Turku with its historical Christmas market, and the picturesque old town of Porvoo are all must-visit locations for their decorations and festivities. Lapland, with its winter wonderland setting, is the ultimate Christmas destination, offering reindeer rides, snow activities, and a chance to meet Santa Claus himself.

As the holiday season unfolds in Finland, digital nomads and expats and digital nomads will find themselves enveloped in a celebration that is both serene and joyous. From the peaceful remembrance of loved ones to the conviviality of Christmas feasts and New Year's toasts, Finland's winter holidays are a blend of contemplation and festivity. Whether it's through participating in local customs, enjoying traditional foods, or simply taking in the snowy scenery, the Finnish holiday experience is one that will linger in the memory long after the northern lights have faded.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Login