Explore the Christmas Markets to find Finnish gems

Christmas is right around the corner and we all need to take a short break from the festive preparations. Exploring Finnish Christmas markets is a great way to share warm moments with your loved ones, discovering some of the most typical Finnish treats and unique local handicrafts.

But where to find these Finnish Christmas Markets to bring back home some of the most unique hand-made gifts?

Merry Helsinki Christmas!

The biggest of all Finnish Christmas Markets, St. Thomas Christmas Market, is held at the Senate Square each year from the beginning of the month until the 22nd of December. In 2015, the Huffington Post ranked Helsinki Christmas Market among the 15 Best European Christmas markets.

There are more than 100 booths selling Finnish craft, design, canned foods and sweets. You will get plenty of inspiration for gift ideas among the modern, traditional and home decoration items available. Stop at the food yard to enjoy a bowl of warm porridge or taste many different versions of the traditional hot Christmas drink, ‘glögi’.

An old carrousel, located in the middle of the square, is offering free rides to every child willing to take a spin.

St. Thomas Christmas Market in Helsinki. Photo by: Jussi Hellstén / Visit Helsinki / Visit Finland

St. Thomas Christmas Market in Helsinki. Photo by: Robert Smith / Visit Finland

Another traditional Christmas event in Helsinki is the Womens’ Christmas Fair in The Old Harbor (Wanha Satama). Every year more than 370 Finnish exhibitors from all across Finland gather together to share their passion and sell their high-quality products.

Once there, you will discover the finest hand-knitted and embroidered Christmas decorations, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional home-made Finnish Christmas delicacies. Everything is 100% hand-made in Finland and exclusively by Finnish women.

Helsinki has many other Christmas events during December offering great gift ideas and seasonal food throughout the city.

The Cable Factory (called Merikaapelihalli) converts into an indoor Christmas market during two weekends in December. This Christmas festival showcases products from hundreds of artisans and designers completed with a fully entertaining program built with Christmas spirit.

It is worth visiting the event during both of the weekends as most of the exhibitors change in between.

Finland’s most talented designers and artisans have the opportunity to show the visitors their best work and high-quality handicrafts during the traditional Christmas market  in downtown Helsinki at the historic venue of Vanha Ylioppilastalo.

Read more about the evens in the Christmas city of Helsinki.

A very merry atmosphere in Tampere

Located in the heart of the city, the Tampere Christmas Market offers another festive atmosphere. A large variety of performers helps to keep the Christmas spirit really alive, which makes this market stand out from the rest.

A variety of vendors, artists and artisans are showing and selling their local artworks and products. It’s definitely the place to find a unique gift.

Tampere Christmas Market is located in the central square of the city. Photo by: Jari Kurvinen / Vastavalo / Visit Finland

Each year Tampere Christmas Market will be open every day from the start of December until the 22nd of December. The market is quite international and has vendors coming from Germany and many other European countries.

Escape the Christmas commercial frenzy at Porvoo’s Old Town Christmas Market

The old town of Porvoo offers a one-of-a-kind stage for the Finnish Christmas markets. If you are looking to escape the commercial Christmas frenzy, this market is the place to be. The organizers pay special attention to only present local (strictly from the region), home-made and organic products.

Christmas Market in the old town of Porvoo. Photo by: Visit Porvoo / Visit Finland

The inhabitants of this historical small town have a great sense of community, and the market offers a unique opportunity for visitors to chat with locals and dive into Finnish culture for a few moments.

Extra tip: If you’re looking for Medieval charm, you should definitely consider heading over to Turku Christmas Market.

Are you visiting Finland in December but not staying in the cities mentioned in this post? Head over to Visit Finland’s website and find out if there is a Christmas Market near to your holiday destination.