Christmas and New Year's Events
Many traditional and newer events bring light and joy into the darkest weeks of the year in Helsinki.
St Thomas Market
Lucia Parade
New Year's Eve Celebrations on Senate Square
Lux Helsinki
St Thomas Market
Photo Lauri Mannermaa
The traditional St Thomas Market takes over Senate Square on 7-22 December. Red booths are filled with diverse Christmas delicacies, ceramics, jewellery and Christmas ornaments, as well as leather, fur and wool products.
Lucia Parade
Photo Kimmo Brandt
Based on a catholic saint legend, the Lucia Maiden brings light into the deepest darkness. Lucia recieves her crown of candles and descends the stairs of Helsinki Cathedral on 13 December. The colorful parade with Christmas elves, horses and historical cars starts at 6pm on Senate Square.
New Year's Eve Celebrations on Senate Square
Photo City of Helsinki Media Bank
Every year, tens of thousands of people gather on Senate Square for New Year's Eve celebrations on 31 December. The program includes music, New Year's greetings and community singing. When the clock strikes midnight, the sky will be filled with spectacular fireworks.
Lux Helsinki
Photo Hannu Iso-Oja
Urban event and light festival Lux Helsinki will spread into the city centre on 4-8 January 2014, with light installations on display at 12 different venues. The light installation route will lead visitors from Töölönlahti Bay to the National Opera, pass via Helsinki Music Centre and Kansalaistori Park on its way to the New Student House, and continue onwards to Senate Square, the central stage of the event. Merikaapelihalli in the Cable Factory will host an exhibition of light art.