It is said that Finland is where Santa Claus lives. in the northern part of Finland called Korvatunturi, and thus Christmas in Finland It is celebrated somewhat differently from the way the rest of the world celebrates it. It is an important holiday for the Finnish people and visitors to Finland during Christmas have a memorable time and experience.
Finland Christmas Traditions
Traditions in Finland are part of Christmas celebrations and are slightly different from other countries. The first Sunday of December, also known as the First Advent in Finland, marks the beginning of Christmas in Finland. December 13 is celebrated as St. Lucia Day and on this day in Finland people go shopping and start exchanging cards and decorating the Christmas tree. However traditionally the Christmas tree is still bought and decorated on Christmas Eve. On this day people celebrate and light many candles and the eldest daughter wears a robe and crown of candles and serves cookies, buns, coffee or mulled wine to her parents.
Christmas Eve marks the beginning of the “Christmas Peace” which lasts for 12 days and this tradition has been celebrated in Finland since the 13th century. On Christmas Eve everyone tries to be free, people attend mass prayers, visit saunas and some families even go to cemeteries to light candles on the graves of their deceased loved ones. After Christmas dinner, Christmas gifts are distributed.
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The day after Christmas is known as St. Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day, where family visits are common and there is a tradition of horseback riding or sleigh rides as St. Stephen was the patron saint of horses. Christmas in Finland lasts for the next 13 days after Christmas, that is why it is called the Christmas season. Christmas traditions in Finland have continued uninterrupted since the 13th century, even though the rest of the world has lost or changed some traditions.
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Finland Christmas Food Recipes
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A variety of meals are prepared and served during the Christmas season that include various traditional foods. On December 13, St. Lucia’s Day, the eldest child serves his parents cookies, buns, coffee and Golgi or Muller wine, a traditional hot Finnish drink. People drink Golgi during the entire Christmas season and it is very popular. During Christmas Eve people eat rice porridge for breakfast or lunch and anyone who finds almonds in their porridge is said to be lucky.
Sweets and pastries are also an important part of the Finland Christmas meal as people bake foods such as the popular star shaped pastries and decorated gingerbread which people also hang on spruce trees. Christmas dinner is one of the more important aspects of Christmas and one of the most popular and iconic Christmas dinner casserole recipes in Finland is oven baked ham.
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Best time to visit
If you want to enjoy Christmas in Finland then the best time to visit would be the months between November to January, so that you can experience the full spirit of Christmas and indulge in skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing and other activities. Can get time to happen.
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how to reach?
You can reach Finland by flight and the best place to go would be Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and you can reach most of the parts of Finland through flight like Kemi, Lapland, even Rovaniemi which is the official hometown of Santa Claus. It is believed. Be it train or bus.
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Where to stay in Finland at Christmas?
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There are many accommodations and places to stay in Finland and if you want to know where to stay in Finland at Christmas, you can book a hotel in Lapland or Rovaniemi. If you want to stay in a glass igloo then booking an igloo hotel will provide you a unique experience. Arctic Treehouse Hotel is a glass igloo hotel located 2 km away from Santa Claus Village. Apukka Resort also has an igloo style cabin and is a little cheaper than other igloo style hotels. Hotel Hulu Poro is a hotel in Rakkavaranti and is a comfortable place to stay and in budget.
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Things to do in Finland during Christmas
There are many things to do in Finland during the Christmas season. With roads and houses covered in snow, one can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and fishing. One can also go shopping at the Christmas markets and in Alexandrinkatu or Christmas Street. There is also Korkesaari Zoo where you can see animals in the snow and Helsinki also has the Winter Circus which is amazing.
After a tiring day you can relax in the sauna and during Boxer Day, one can see pubs, bars and restaurants coming alive. One of the main attractions during Christmas is Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, known as the house of Santa Claus and this amusement park is worth visiting during the Christmas season. You can also stay in Finland for New Years, and if you’re lucky you can even see the Northern Lights during the months of January to April.
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Christmas 2023 Tours in Finland are available for booking now and if you want to experience a White Christmas in Finland then it is best to book a Finland Christmas Tour that will give you that experience. Christmas in Finland is truly magical, so book your trip now to experience this magic!
FAQ about Christmas in Finland
How do they celebrate Christmas in Finland?
Traditions on Christmas Eve in Finland include going to Christmas Mass and a visit to a Finnish sauna if you are Catholic.
What is Santa Claus called in Finland?
Santa Claus, called Joulupukki in Finnish, usually visits most homes on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts.
What is Christmas like in Finland?
Happy/Merry Christmas in Finnish is ‘Hiva Jaulua’.
How does Finland decorate for Christmas?
The Christmas tree is decorated with candles, lights, glass balls and ribbons.
What does traditional Christmas decoration include in Finland?
Burning paper stars is quite popular in Finland. Among the decorations, the traditional Nordic billy goat made of straw is highly used.
What do they eat at Christmas in Finland?
Oven-baked ham, root vegetable casserole, mixed beetroot salad, liver casserole and pâtés, meat aspic, gravlax or smoked salmon, fish roe
How cold is it in Finland in December?
In northern Finland, winter temperatures often drop to -30°C or -50°C.
What are some traditions in Finland?
Finnish Christmas follows the traditions of Joulu, Christmas trees and advent calendars. Holidays start from 23rd December.
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