Christmas Eve

Christmas trees play an important role among Finnish families. Traditionally trees were brought from their own woods, but these days trees can be bought from street markets throughout Helsinki. Finns take home their Christmas trees on the morning of Christmas Eve (24 December) at the latest and keep them until Epiphany on 6 January.

Finns celebrate on Christmas Eve, when families enjoy a Christmas sauna, presents are handed out and the main Christmas meal is served. It is also traditional for Finns to pay respects to family members who have passed away by lighting candles at their graves. Helsinki’s cemeteries are breathtakingly beautiful as they are lit up by thousands of candles. Churches are also illuminated for the festive season.