Christmas in Finland: Lights, Traditions, Markets… and My First Finnish December

Vol.28, Issue 12, 05th December 2025

Since I was a child, Christmas has always been one of my favourite times of the year. For me, it always felt magical. So, spending the month of December in Finland, the country of Santa Claus himself, is something I still find unbelievable. When I arrived here, I promised myself that I would enjoy every part of my first Finnish Christmas, because it’s something I will probably experience only once in my life.

Now that December has started, I can already feel the Christmas atmosphere everywhere. The streets and home have Christmas lights, and even if the days are very dark, the decorations make everything look warm and beautiful. I love walking around the city after classes and the little lights shining in the windows. It feels like living inside a Christmas movie, even if it’s true that I would have liked to have experienced this month with more snow….

I also discovered some Finnish Christmas traditions. One of them is drinking glögi, a warm drink with spices. At first, I didn’t know if I would like it, but now I think it is perfect for cold evenings. I also tried joulutorttu, small pastries with jam in the middle. They are simple, but really delicious.

Another thing I enjoy a lot is visiting Christmas markets. I went to see the one in kouvola which was small but nice. And I plan to go see the one in Helsinki which looks amazing, and to go see the ones in the neighboring cities. I love the Christmas markets for all their stall, the Christmas atmosphere, and the hot drinks. In addition, everything is usually handmade!

What I like the most about Christmas in Finland is the atmosphere. It is calm, peaceful, and very cozy. People don’t rush; they take their time, enjoy the lights, and spend moments together. Even if I am far from my family this year, I feel grateful to live December in such a special place.

I know that this first Finnish Christmas month will stay in my memory for a long time. It is a unique experience, and I am happy to live it, even just once in my life.