Christmas in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, truly feels like stepping into Santa Claus’ world. The snow drapes everything in white softness and Christmas illuminations light up the streets. Known as the “Daughter of the Baltic”, Helsinki was founded in 1550, but was redesigned in 1812 by the Russian tsars as a mini St Petersburg. The stunning Finnish capital is an international metropolis, but it still has a small town feel. Helsinki is a wonderful city to explore all year round, but it is especially magical in the winter.
Helsinki in winter
The city is draped in Christmas lights and the main street, Aleksanterinkatu, comes alive with shoppers. Although the sun barely rises above the horizon, the long nights and dark days are lit up with decoration and cheer. Shop windows are illuminated, each one trying to be more radiant than the next.
Even when the temperatures are low, people gather in cosy pubs and restaurants to eat and drink with friends and loved ones. Try some Glögi, which is a warm traditional drink made from spiced wine with a dash of vodka and a sprinkling of almonds and raisins. It will warm you up from the inside out.
The city is also a great base for the many winter outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in Finland, including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog sledding and more. After a big day of exploring the icy wilderness, you can warm up with an authentic Finnish sauna experience.
Christmas market at the Senate Square
Senate Square is where you can soak up the Christmas cheer and search for that perfect gift at the Christmas market. It is the largest and most famous Christmas market in Helsinki, made up of nearly 120 stalls, each filled with decorations, handmade crafts, drinks and desserts made by local artisans and vendors.
There are over one hundred booths to explore, so give yourself plenty of time to wander and browse. You can also treat yourself to a warm meal or a hot drink while you listen to the live music.
While you are there, walk over to Aleksanterinkatu Street (also known as the Christmas Street) next to the Senate Square to check out the Christmas illuminations and decorations put up by shop owners. If you plan on spending Christmas in Helsinki, that’s definitely the heart of the event.
Buildings and museums in Helsinki
Located in Senate Square, the impressive Helsinki Cathedral is the most iconic place in the city. All covered up in snow, it truly looked like some Russian palace out of a fairy tale. And indeed, the cathedral was originally built as a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, which was Tsar Nicholas I at the time.
Close to the Cathedral is the City Museum that documents the history of Helsinki and its inhabitants. It’s a great place to get started on a tour of Helsinki as it helps you understand the local culture and traditions.
Walking away from the city center and towards the sea, the Katajanokka neighbourhood is where the old prison “Nokka” and the beautiful Uspenski Cathedral are. This quiet little neighbourhood is surrounded by the sea, and a stroll on the old pier will reveal incredible views on the completely frozen waters of the Gulf of Finland. It felt like winter had frozen some waves in their tracks.
A little further away from the city centre, the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the “Rock Church”, is a modern and unique building, directly excavated into solid rock. The big dome looks incongruous in the middle of these old buildings. In this city of design, nothing feels wrong as everything is made with beauty in mind.
Fortress at Suomenlinna
If you have an extra day in Helsinki why not check out Suomenlinna? Located on a group of islands off Helsinki, this amazing fortress was built in 1748 by the Swedish. Named as the “Gibraltar of the North,” it is one of the greatest sea fortresses in the Baltic, a UNESCO listed heritage site and an important monument to European military history.
However, when the Russians attacked in 1808 the Swedish army was unprepared and withdrew, allowing Helsinki to be conquered by the Russians and the fortress to be besieged. When you visit this historic site, you will feel like you have stepped back in time to an era of cast iron cannons and stone fortifications – long before cars and modern technology.
The fortress can be reached via a ferry from the Market Square, which is included in your Helsinki public transit day ticket. The journey only takes 15 minutes. Entry to the island is free and you can also visit the museums for a small fee.
Surrounded by the frozen sea and dusted with snow, Helsinki in the winter is truly stunning. The peace and the stillness of the icy streets, contrasted with the warm glow and friendly hospitality within the buildings, will draw you in and enchant you.
Tips on walking safely in snow and ice
We had a few slips and fall on the first two days after arriving in Helsinki. I have compiled some tips that can help you get around in snow and ice safely. After all, you do not want to get injured while on holidays.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Make sure your footwear has visible treads, if possible, opt for a heavy treaded shoe with a flat bottom.
- When walking, bend slightly forward and walk flat-footed with your centre of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
- Keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Anticipate ice. Be wary of thin sheets of ice (black ice) that may be on wet pavement.
- When walking up or down stairs, make sure you use the handrails for support.
- Make sure you look at the floor as you enter a building as the floor may be wet with melted snow and ice.
- Don’t take shortcuts over snow piles or icy areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible.
- Look out for falling snow and ice when you walk under awnings and buildings.
See also:
- Adventures in snowy Lapland – a photographer’s dream
- Exploring Sweden’s beautiful capital
- Snowy Reykjavik – a magical Christmas in Iceland
- Norway in a Nutshell – Part 1: Oslo
- Norway in a Nutshell – Part 2: Myrdal, Flam and Fjord Cruise
- Norway in a Nutshell – Part 3: Bergen
