Everyone knows that Santa Claus comes from Finland, but a Finnish Christmas is so much more than Santa with his bushy beard and sack of presents. In Finland, the holiday season is about slowing down, enjoying peace, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Traditions and Customs

Finnish Christmas is rich with traditions that create a warm and special holiday feeling. Before the main celebration on Christmas Eve, it is common to decorate the Christmas tree (“Joulukuusi”) on December 23rd. In the countryside, families often cut their own tree from the forest, turning this into a cherished tradition.

On December 24th, one of the most important traditions is the proclamation of the “Christmas Peace” (“Joulurauha”) in Turku at exactly 12 noon. This custom has been followed since the 13th century. The announcement, given from the balcony of Brinkkala House, is broadcast live on TV and radio so that everyone can hear it. The message reminds Finns to celebrate the holiday in harmony and peace, while crimes committed during Christmas are said to be punished more strictly. Traditional music is part of the event, and people sing the carol “Jouluyö, juhlayö” (“Silent Night, Holy Night”). After the proclamation, all shops close, and public transportation stops. For many Finns, this moment officially begins the three days of Christmas peace.

Attending church is also a beloved tradition. Many families join a Christmas Vespers or Midnight Mass. On Christmas Eve, it is also  traditional to visit graveyards to light candles on the graves of loved ones. The graveyard  shine beautifully with hundreds of candles, creating a peaceful and moving atmosphere.

Another uniquely Finnish tradition is the Christmas sauna (“Joulusauna”), enjoyed in the afternoon of Christmas Eve. This sauna session before Christmas dinner is intended to have a relaxing and cleansing effect, helping people prepare for the evening festivities.

Typical Christmas Dishes

Christmas Day often starts with a simple but traditional breakfast: rice porridge (“Riisipuuro”) served with cinnamon and sugar. An almond is hidden in the porridge, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck for the next year.

The Christmas Eve dinner is the highlight of the day, featuring a wide range of traditional dishes. At the center is “Joulukinkku,” a delicious Christmas ham baked in the oven with a mustard and breadcrumb crust. Alongside the ham are various casseroles (“Laatikot”), such as carrot, rutabaga, or sweetened potato casserole. Other common dishes include cured salmon (“Graavilohi”) with dill and “Rosolli,” a colorful beetroot salad with potatoes, carrots, pickles, and sour cream.

For dessert, Finns enjoy “Joulutortut,” star-shaped pastries filled with plum jam, and “Piparkakut,” spiced cookies similar to gingerbread. A favorite drink is “Glögi,” Finnish mulled wine, often served with almonds and raisins.

The Festive Atmosphere

Christmas in Finland has a magical atmosphere. The holidays, including December 25th (“Joulupäivä”) and December 26th (“Tapaninpäivä”), are quiet and peaceful. Homes are decorated with straw ornaments (“Himmeli”) and lit with candles, creating a cozy and warm ambiance. One beautiful decoration is the ice lantern (“Jäälyhty”), made by freezing water in a bucket and placing a candle inside the frozen shell. These lanterns bring light and magic to the dark winter evenings.

Singing Christmas carols is another beloved tradition. Popular songs include “Sylvian Joululaulu” and “Varpunen Jouluaamuna,” often sung with family or during church services.

Santa Claus

No Finnish Christmas is complete without “Joulupukki”—Santa Claus. According to Finnish tradition, Joulupukki lives in Korvatunturi, a mountain in northern Lapland near the Russian border. However, the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is more widely known. Here, visitors can meet Santa Claus, see his workshop, and share their Christmas wishes.

On Christmas Eve, Joulupukki visits many Finnish homes. He knocks on the door and asks, “Onko täällä kilttejä lapsia?” (“Are there well-behaved children here?”) before handing out gifts. Opening the presents is the highlight of the evening for children and adults alike.

Hyvää Joulua kaikille!

A Finnish Christmas is filled with warm traditions, delicious food, and a magical atmosphere. Take time to relax, enjoy the peaceful moments, and cherish the company of those you love. Hyvää joulua!