Helsinki City Board resolved 9 December to allot plots for the realisation of three new projects within the Re-thinking Urban Housing programme. In sum, these projects will produce 274 housing units.

The City of Helsinki initiated collaboration with Aalto University’s Department of Design last spring to evaluate the impact of design activities. The evaluation represents the first extensive survey of the City’s design projects and the benefits and challenges of those projects. The results of the evaluation were presented at the closing seminar of an Aalto University design course in December.

In a couple of years, the Töölö neighbourhood will welcome a unique urban addition with Soulmade Helsinki, a sustainable spa and accommodation concept that provides an extension of its neighbours’ living room, as well as a space for community, mindfulness, fitness, spa and accommodation for locals and travellers alike. The place will be a combination of private and public space that is meant to cater to the different needs of Helsinki people and visitors.

Stars of the evening are ALMA, who has made a name for herself internationally, Pyhimys and Gasellit, the leading artists in the domestic rap scene, and the children’s favourites Pikku Papun Orkesteri and Blind Gut Company.

The official route of the Lux Helsinki light festival in January 2020 will stretch from Senate Square to the Tokoinranta shoreline. Lux Helsinki is a bright spot in the winter that will once again present a diverse range of top Finnish and international light art from 4 to 8 January 2020.

Christmas in Helsinki is so much more than jingles and bells. The dark time of the year and cold temperatures offer the chance to discover the calm and peaceful side of Helsinki.

Helsinki Christmas Market, to be held from 6–22 December, will gather 72 domestic crafts professionals and small producers as well as 12 restaurants and other food vendors at Senate Square. Visitors will again be entertained with a carousel placed in the centre of the market.

Helsinki develops high-quality English-language services with comprehensive service chains to help build an increasingly international, open and attractive city.