How is Christmas celebrated in Finland?
Did you know that Christmas begins on December 13 in Finland? And yes, it's not called the official home of Santa Claus for nothing!
Legends say that he lives in Korvatunturi in Lapland. And that from this mountain Santa Claus can hear whether children are good or not!
Christmas traditions in Finland
Christmas markets in Helsinki
One of the Christmas traditions in Finland is, as in many countries, the Christmas market! In the capital, Helsinki, you will find the best-known and most renowned market: the Saint Thomas market. Here you will find many gift ideas such as kuksa.
Saint Lucia: the kick-off to Christmas
In Finland, as in many Nordic countries, December 13 marks the start of the Christmas festivities! This day marks the longest night of the year and the arrival of Christmas decorations and the Christmas spirit.
Let's celebrate the Christmas Peace in Turku
One of Finland's oldest traditions is the Christmas Peace "Joulurauhanjulistus", observed on December 24. It takes place in Finland's oldest city, Turku. At noon on that day, the city's mayor reads the declaration of peace from the town hall balcony.
This speech is broadcast live on television and radio so that as many people as possible can hear it.
Why give a kuksa for Christmas?
The kuksa is a wooden cup hand-carved from a single piece of wood. Traditionally from the burr of the Masur birch, a birch that grows in Scandinavia and endures very low temperatures.
Kuksa were first produced and used by the Sami, an indigenous people living in Lapland. And, according to the Sami, to give a kuksa is to give happiness. Because what matters are the values they convey, and no matter what you call them, a real kuksa is a cup made by your own hands or given to you.
Finland, the land of reindeer and Santa Claus
Finnish Lapland currently has more reindeer than inhabitants. And, as everyone knows, reindeer are part of Santa's life. In fact, Santa's official village is located in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland! A magical place, full of great gift ideas for young and old. You can even meet 8 reindeer pulling the sleigh.
Would you like to receive more information about Finland? 🇫🇮
Browse the fascinating regions and landscapes of Finland and discover their traditions and history. By subscribing, you'll receive information about Finland once a week.
How to prepare a 100% Finnish Christmas?
In Finland, during the Christmas period the nights are very long because the sun sets around 3 p.m. The Christmas atmosphere can be felt all day long.
Making Himmeli
This traditional decoration is common in Scandinavian homes. It is made of rye straw and can be hung from the ceiling or attached to the Christmas tree, depending on its size. It is a handmade decoration.
Pikkujoulu
December is a month of celebration in Finland. Families and friends get together to celebrate "pikkujoulu", mini-Christmas parties where people gather around the fire. They eat herring or ham and drink mulled wine!
Piparkakku or Porkkanalaatikko
As in all countries, during the holiday season certain recipes are coveted. In Finland we find the "Piparkakku", shortbread with spices. But also the braised ham and the carrot gratin also called "Porkkanalaatikko".
Enjoy Christmas in agenuine Finnish wooden cup: the kuksa
Your Christmas table the Finnish way
- A complete Kupilka service for your Christmas table
Kupilka is one of Finland's best-known brands since its inception in 1996. Kupilka offers a wide range of ecological and recyclable tableware to use at home or outdoors during a hike or a trip.
For your Christmas table, you can use their plates, cutlery, boards and cups! For a sober table, choose a single color but for the more creative, mix colors among the 5 proposed by the brand!
- A hearty, healthy and simple Finnish Christmas meal
I'm going to talk about traditional Christmas meals, but not all Finns eat this on Christmas Eve!
One of the most traditional dishes is the roasted ham "joulukinkku" served with various vegetables and gratins, such as the carrot gratin "Porkkanalaatikko". Fish such as herring and salmon are also featured.
This delicious food is accompanied by Christmas beer or the famous hot spiced wine "glögi".
For a sweet note, there are the spiced shortbreads "Piparkakku" and the jam-filled cookies "Herrasväen pikkuleivät", as well as the famous flaky stars "Joulutorttu".
Discover our Finnish Christmas recipes 🎅🏼🤶🏼🎄
Spiced cookies or jam-filled ones, carrot gratin, Christmas stars, mulled wine, and much more!
HOT DRINKS
Finnish Glögi 🧋🎄
To warm up your winter afternoons or evenings, make yourself a delicious glögi. It's a hot drink with cranberry, apple juice and spices.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Finnish Christmas Glossary
- Joulua: Christmas
- Hyvää Joulua: Merry Christmas
- Joulupukki : Santa Claus
- Glögi : Hot wine with spices
- Pikkujoulu : Little Christmas
- Piparkakku : Spiced cookie
- Porkkanalaatikko : Carrot gratin, Christmas specialty
- Joulukinkku : Roasted ham
- Herrasväen pikkuleivät : Cookies with jam filling
- Joulutorttu : Christmas stars, a star-shaped puff pastry filled with prunes
- Joulurauhanjulistus : Christmas truce or peace
- Lohikeitto: Finnish salmon, potato, carrot and dill soup
Unique wooden mugs for unforgettable moments
Start shopping now 🌿
Come and discover our wooden tableware from Finland. Handmade tableware that will accompany young and old alike for years to come!
Our Customers' Favorite Kuksa Cups
Durable, lightweight and timeless, the Kuksa is perfect for those seeking to combine tradition, nature, beauty, and functionality.
Saimaa kuksa 25cl
This generous kuksa, with its reindeer antler handle, is perfect for enjoying a large drink in nature while appreciating traditional craftsmanship.
Kuukkeli kuksa 20cl
Inspired by the lucky bird of the Far North, this lightweight and versatile kuksa can be taken anywhere, making it perfect for an outdoor break.
Kaniini kuksa 20cl
Combining practicality and elegance, this kuksa with its reindeer antler handle accompanies all your adventures, offering a perfect balance between tradition and functionality.
Hirvi kuksa 25cl
This large, sturdy kuksa offers a good grip. Ideal for those looking for a high-capacity, durable, natural, and authentic cup.
Pollo kuksa 25cl
Large yet compact, this kuksa allows you to drink a large beverage during outdoor outings, hikes, or workdays.
Want to know more about kuksa?
If you're passionate about kuksa, then these articles should be of interest to you too.
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
