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In recent years, the Finnish Christmas Markets, especially those in the capital Helsinki and the town of Rovaniemi, have become an attraction for tourists who arrive in Finland during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Finland’s best-known Christmas Market is the one that takes place in the capital Helsinki in the garden avenue of the Esplanadi, but the true Christmas city of Finland is that of Turku, the ancient capital and the oldest city in the country. The city of Rovaniemi, in Lapland, is instead known for being the home of Santa Claus, here the atmosphere of Christmas is present throughout the year, there are Santa Claus Village and Santa Claus Park.
HELSINKI CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The capital of Finland has many small Christmas markets during Christmas, the most important of all being the one that takes place near the Esplanadi park (Esplanadin puisto). Helsinki Christmas Markets.
ROVANIEMI CHRISTMAS MARKET
In distant Lapland is the country of Santa Claus, the small town of Rovaniemi, located along the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi Christmas Market.
TAMPERE CHRISTMAS MARKET
A city located in the interior of the country, between the two lakes of Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, Tampere is, by population, the third largest city in Finland after Helsinki and Espoo. Founded by the Swedes in the 18th century as a market place, it became an important industrial center in the 19th century. Today Tampere is a popular cultural center home to many museums, theaters and the Särkänniemi amusement park which also houses an aquarium, a planetarium, a children’s zoo and an art museum.
1) Tampere Christmas Market (Tampereen Joulutori). The Tampere Christmas market is made up of over 40 typical wooden houses that fill Keskustori square, in the city center, where the Theater (Tampereen Teatteri) and the old church (Vanha kirkko) are located. The German cities twinned with Tampere of Essen and Chemnitz also participate in the market.
TURKU CHRISTMAS MARKET
Turku, the oldest city in Finland, founded by the Swedes in the 13th century, is located in the south-western area of the country, facing the Baltic Sea and the archipelago of the Åland Islands, about 165 km west of Helsinki. The city was the capital of the country, which was part of the kingdom of Sweden, until 1812. Among the most beautiful historic buildings are the castle and the cathedral, and don’t miss a visit to one of the many museums in the city.
Turku is officially Finland’s Christmas Town (Joulukaupunki). Christmas in Turku, the Christmas city of Finland, is not only represented by the market, there are many organized events, there is also a special program for children, made up of games and entertainment shows. Christmas concerts and thematic exhibitions complete the city’s Christmas programme.
1) Christmas market in Turku’s old big square (Vanhan Suurtorin Joulumarkkinat). The market is located in front of the cathedral, in the stalls you will find all sorts of gifts, beautiful handmade objects by Finnish craftsmen, decorations, puppets, candles, clothes and sweaters. The gastronomic part of the market is very well stocked, where there are typical Finnish Christmas foods and the ever-present smoked fish.
LOHJA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Lohja is a town located on the shores of Lake Lohjanjärvi, less than 40 km from Espoo and about 60 km north-west of Helsinki. In the town there is the medieval church of San Lorenzo (Lohjan Pyhän Laurin kirkko). Also worth visiting is the ancient mine now transformed into a museum (Tytyri Mine Museum), which is located about 100 meters below the surface.
1) Lohja Christmas Market of yesteryear (Lohjan Menneen Ajan Joulumarkkinat). Finnish historical market that takes place for two days around the medieval church of San Lorenzo (Lohjan Pyhän Laurin kirkko).
It is one of the most fascinating markets in Finland, a welcoming and friendly event, the market consists of 230 stalls selling handicrafts, wooden objects, ceramics, gifts, Christmas decorations, candles, agricultural products, Christmas delicacies and sweets.
Here you can taste the delicacies and experience the warmth, aromas and flavors of the past, as well as become familiar with the works of past eras. The market will also feature street performers, fire eaters, music and Finnish Christmas carols.