In this blog
Christmas arrives gradually
In Finland, the weeks before Christmas build their own atmosphere. Early darkness makes candles and window lights more noticeable. Snow often adds to the scene in Lapland, while conditions farther south can be quite different.
Advent lights and calendars
Jouluvalot are Christmas lights, seen in towns, villages and homes. A joulukalenteri, or Advent calendar, gives children and many adults a small daily moment of anticipation, whether it contains chocolate, tea or another surprise.
Letters and little Christmas celebrations
Children may write a kirje joulupukille, a letter to Santa, describing their wishes. Families have their own stories about how elves collect or read the messages.
Pikkujoulu gatherings take place among friends and colleagues before the main holiday. They can be lively parties or quieter evenings with glögi, conversation and shared food.
Lucia on 13 December
Lucia celebrations are especially associated with Finland's Swedish-speaking communities. White clothing, candles and singing bring a message of light into the dark season, with visits and public events varying by place.
Decorating the home
A tree may be brought inside close to Christmas and decorated with lights, baubles and straw ornaments. Himmeli are geometric hanging decorations traditionally made from straw. Electric candle arrangements in windows are another familiar part of the season.
Markets and music
Christmas markets, joulumarkkinat, bring together crafts, food and warm drinks. Helsinki's Tuomaan Markkinat is one well-known example. Finnish Christmas music often has a reflective tone, alongside lighter and more familiar festive songs.
Sweet food and warm drinks
Piparkakku ginger biscuits are baked and decorated in many homes. Joulutorttu are star-shaped pastries, commonly with a plum filling. Glögi is a spiced warm drink that may be non-alcoholic or alcoholic, often served with raisins and almonds.
Christmas Eve is central
Many families focus their celebrations on 24 December. Children may watch Joulupukin kuumalinja on television. Rice porridge, riisipuuro, is a familiar breakfast or lunch, sometimes with one hidden almond associated with good luck.
At noon, the declaration of Christmas Peace in Turku is broadcast nationally. It is a shared ceremonial pause before the evening's celebrations.
Church, candles and sauna
Some people attend a Christmas service; others place candles on relatives' graves. The lit cemeteries can be particularly moving. A joulusauna, or Christmas sauna, is another familiar way to mark the transition into the holiday evening.
The Christmas table
Joulukinkku, oven-baked ham often finished with mustard and breadcrumbs, is a traditional centrepiece. Accompaniments include rosolli beetroot salad and laatikot casseroles made with ingredients such as potato, carrot or swede. A fish table, kalapöytä, may include herring and salmon dishes. Families adapt menus to their tastes and diets.
Joulupukki comes to the door
In many family traditions, Santa visits on Christmas Eve and asks whether there are well-behaved children in the house. Children may sing or speak with him before presents are handed out by name. The details vary from family to family.
Afterwards, the evening often becomes simple: opening gifts, playing, eating remaining sweets and changing into comfortable clothes.
The following days
25 and 26 December are public holidays. Families may stay home, take a walk, enjoy leftovers or share games and sauna time. Check shop and service hours in advance if you are travelling.
For a visit during the season, see a private Santa visit and staying at Mökki Tikka.
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