MAIN Christmas Europe Christmas in Finland

Like many of the Nordic countries, Finland lights up the holidays with laughter, feasting, and lots of candles. They can be seen nearly every window - in homes, schools, shops - and just about everywhere at Christmastime.

It truly is a joyous time of year and a good opportunity to shake off the gloom of winter with holiday parties usually beginning in early December ... as the clock ticks down to Christmas Eve.

That's the day when Finland relaxes from weeks of cooking, baking, and cleaning to enjoy a day filled with fun and family.

Christmas Eve begins with a traditional noonday Christmas sauna, later followed by a feast filled with Finnish specialties such as Christmas ham or codfish, platters of salted meats or pickled herrings, and carrot or potato casseroles.

The traditional bowl of Glogi, or mulled wine is usually presented along with delicious sweet treats such as joululeipa, the traditional Christmas bread, and a heaping plate of homemade Piparkakut, Christmas gingerbread cookies in the shape of crescents and stars.

Around the Web, check out more information on other seasonal customs observed around the country, including a virtual visit to Santa Park in northern Finland, photos and videos from Turku where the official Christmas proclamation is read, and traditional events planned in Helsinki, the capital city ...

More information about Christmas in Finland around the Web:

Finnish Christmas traditions - Christmas in Finland is all about feasting, with an illustrated overview and related Christmas dinner recipes.

Helsinki: one-stop holiday shopping - Colorful, practical guide to the best shops along the Esplanade for buying arts, crafts and gifts, along with information on top department stores and holiday hours.

Santa Park - The official site of the "official" home of Santa, and Finland's most popular theme park with admission prices, hours and contact details.

Turku, the Christmas City of Finland - View the video or click on the text link to learn more about how the old medieval city observes the holiday, with more on magical Lapland and the Northern Lights.

also see in Holidays -> Christmas Cookie Recipes | Christmas Party Ideas

Christmas Recipes | Christmas Trees | E-Cards

Epiphany | Holiday Planner | Music | Santa Claus

also see in Travel -> Finland Tourist Attractions