Helsinki Welcome Day 2026
Helsinki Welcome Day 2026The City of Helsinki welcomes new international residents every year with an exciting event!
Every year, new residents who move to Helsinki from abroad receive a special invitation to Helsinki Welcome Day. Later in 2026, there will also be neighbourhood welcome events.
What is Helsinki Welcome Day?
Helsinki Welcome Day is an event for new residents who have recently moved to Helsinki from abroad. At Helsinki Welcome Day, participants will enjoy a diverse programme about living a good life in Helsinki and discover leisure activities in the capital.
Helsinki Welcome Day will be at Helsinki City Hall on Thursday 4 June 2026. The event is free to attend, but sign-ups will be required.
Personal invitations to Helsinki Welcome Day will be sent out by post in May 2026.
Date: Thursday 4 June 2026
Time: 15–19
Location: Helsinki City Hall, Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13
The sign-up link will be published on this page soon.
What to expect from Helsinki Welcome Day
Helsinki Welcome Day helps new international residents settle in, feel at home and start building their life in Helsinki.
The day offers a warm welcome to Helsinki and brings together city services, partners and newcomers in an open and friendly atmosphere. There will be stands from different organisations and a range of activities where new international residents can connect with services and meet other participants, as well as a stage programme to enjoy.
The event is family friendly and will include activities for children. Pets should be left at home.
Activities
Participants can join fun activities such as Tote Bag Tuning and Friending Tables, where they can make crafts and meet new people. There are many activities for all ages to enjoy at the event.
Children can take part in a series of open workshops featuring music, storytelling, and creative activities. The programme includes playful music sessions, interactive storytelling, and a hands-on activity where children can try different instruments and create music together. The workshops are especially suited for young children and primary school-aged participants.
Programme
15.00 Doors open
15.05 Welcome words from the Mayor of Helsinki
Daniel Sazonov is the Mayor of Helsinki, committed to developing a welcoming, functional, and forward-looking city. He has previously served as Deputy Mayor for social, health, and rescue services and holds a background in law.
15.15 Introduction to the day's schedule, contents and activities
15.30 Keynote – What Helsinki has to offer for Leisure Activities
Jonathan Heino is a Marketing Manager for the Culture and Leisure division in the City of Helsinki.
15.50 Fun Helsinki-themed quiz
16.20 Children’s Violin Group: Meri-Helsingin Musiikkiopisto
The performance features two lively pieces: Mamma Mia, a familiar and cheerful melody, and Drowsy Maggie, a spirited Irish tune full of rhythmic energy. Together, they showcase the group’s enthusiasm and developing ensemble skills.
16.35 Keynote – Novelties and Highlights in Helsinki in Summer 2026
Heidi Johansson works as PR Manager at Helsinki Partners, a city marketing, investment, and talent attraction company owned by the City of Helsinki. As a certified Helsinki guide, she works daily to narrate the city to international journalists, influencers, and delegations visiting Helsinki.
16.55 Fun Helsinki-themed quiz
17.30 Choir performance: Maailma-kuoro
Maailma-kuoro performs a cappella renditions of global music, capturing strong melodies and soulful harmonies as well as telling stories to reflect the diversity of our community. Jennifer Moir has been working with Maailma-kuoro as conductor and artistic director since fall 2024. In addition to musical activities, the choir strives to act as a meaningful social environment for its members and to promote appreciation for different cultures and diversity through its concerts and performances.
17.55 Welcome words by the Director of Helsinki's Migration Affairs
Glenn Gassen is the Director of Migration Affairs at the City of Helsinki. Over 15 years ago he moved from Germany to Finland and found happiness here.
18.05 Fun Helsinki-themed quiz
18.30 Keynote – 6 Finnish Things you’ll love about Helsinki
Joel Willans is the the Creative Director at digital marketing agency Ink Tank Media, and creator of the social media sensations, Very Finnish Problems and Very Brexit Problems. A best-selling author, his prize-winning fiction has been broadcasted on BBC radio and published in countless magazines and anthologies worldwide.
19.00 End of event
Highlights
Where is Helsinki Welcome Day?
Helsinki Welcome Day takes place at Helsinki City Hall on Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13.
It is in central Helsinki and is easily accessible by foot and public transport from nearby places, such as the Central Railway Station or Esplanadi Park.
How Helsinki Welcome Day looks like
Helsinki Welcome Day 2024
The first Helsinki Welcome Day was organised in 2024. See the highlights, including welcoming words from the previous Mayor Juhana Vartianen.
Neighbourhood welcome events
Would you like to learn more about your neighbourhood and local services as well as hobby and leisure time opportunities? Take part in the Welcome Day events in your neighbourhood:
- Welcome Day Vuotalo(Link leads to external service) on Friday 12 June at 15.00–18.00 in Vuosaari, Mosaiikkitori 2
- Welcome Day Stoa on Thursday 20 August at 15.00–18.00 in Itäkeskus, Turunlinnantie 1
- Welcome Day Malmitalo on Thursday 10 September at 17.00–20.00 in Malmi, Ala-Malmin tori 1
- Welcome Day Kanneltalo on Wednesday 16 September at 16.30–19.00 in Kannelmäki, Klaneettitie 5
Everyone is welcome, even those who have lived in Helsinki for a longer period of time!
You can find more details of the events on this page from 8 June onwards. The events are free of charge and you do not need to register in advance.