Representative image of gifts during Christmas celebration.
Credit: iStock Photo
A popular Christmas legend, the story of Joulupukki, the Finnish version of Santa Claus is a particularly interesting one. In ancient times, the figure of Joulupukki or “Yule Goat” was a mythical creature, who was said to roam the countryside during the winter solstice. This creature was not the jolly gift-bearer we think of today, but rather a more menacing figure who would visit homes, either as a giver of gifts or as an enforcer of good behaviour. Families would prepare for his visit by leaving food and drink, hoping to appease the ‘Sinister Santa’.
It is festive season legends like this that do their best to enhance the magical build-up to a winter trip to the land that many believe was made by Christmas! Finding myself travelling through this veritable Winter Wonderland a couple of weeks before the Yuletide cheer reached its zenith — but just in time to experience the lights, sounds, sights, smells and tastes — my early December trip to Finland couldn’t have been better timed. I soon realised that Finland is a country that effortlessly combines the magic of Christmas with its breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural traditions. Each winter, Finland transforms into a Christmas paradise, offering visitors the chance to experience it unlike any other season could offer.
Frozen delight
I’ve got to begin with the very obvious nod to ‘The Official Hometown of Santa Claus’. Yes, no Christmas trip to Finland would be complete without a visit to Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, this small city offers a magical Christmas experience year-round, but it truly comes to life during the winter months.
At the Santa Claus Village, you can meet the real Santa (not Joulupukki!), visit his office, send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office and even cross the Arctic Circle. Now, though the village is open every day of the year, it’s during Christmas that it really shines, with twinkling lights, snow-covered roofs, and a festive atmosphere that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a Christmas card. Santa’s Workshop is also a must-see, where you can watch elves at work and pick up unique Finnish gifts to bring home.
While still in Lapland, if you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the
magical Northern Lights, which can be seen most often between September and March. Several local companies in and around Rovaniemi offer Northern Lights tours, where you can take a snowmobile ride or a husky sledding trip into the wilderness to witness this stunning natural phenomenon.
Beyond Santa
Not to take away anything from Santa, the number one calling card of the region, I feel that Lapland offers an array of unforgettable winter activities that are perfect for Christmas visitors and that go beyond the magic of Santa Claus.
The region’s snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and frosty air provide the perfect setting for outdoor adventures. One of the most popular activities is husky sledding.
Guests can take a thrilling ride across snowy landscapes, guided by a team of energetic huskies. These excursions range from short rides through forests to multi-day adventures in the wilderness. The experience of gliding through the snow as the dogs run ahead is nothing short of magical. But for a truly traditional Finnish experience, I’d suggest embarking on a reindeer safari.
My friends and I joined a local Sámi guide and his reindeer as we made our journey through the stunning white landscapes, passing frozen rivers and snow-laden trees.
This region of Finland also offers opportunities for winter hikes, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Finland’s national parks, such as Oulanka National Park and the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, become snow-covered landscapes in winter, perfect for exploration.
City vibes
For those of you who prefer the city, look no further than the capital Helsinki. Christmas in Helsinki is a memorable experience, blending festive traditions with the charm of Finnish winter. Located in the heart of the city is Senate Square. Here, the Christmas spirit comes alive with grand celebrations, nightly musical performances and beautifully lit buildings. Set against the backdrop of the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, one can find wooden stalls selling everything from handmade candles, knitted goods, and Finnish design pieces to delicious holiday foods like cinnamon buns, gingerbread cookies, and mulled wine.
The city also celebrates the Finnish tradition of the “Christmas peace,” proclaimed annually from the Old Town Hall. With its serene atmosphere and snowy landscapes, Helsinki is an enchanting place to experience Christmas.
Sauna, sweets, and a feast!
What also became very clear soon enough to me, was that the Finns take their Christmas traditions seriously. A Christmas Eve sauna is a cherished tradition in many Finnish households, where families gather together for a cleansing, relaxing ritual before the holiday festivities begin. The sauna is considered a place of purification, and it’s not unusual for Finnish families to enjoy the warmth and quiet of the sauna together on Christmas Eve.
Another quintessential Finnish Christmas experience is the indulgence in traditional holiday foods. Finnish Christmas dinners often feature roast ham, fish, potato casseroles, and an array of festive sweets like joulutorttu (a pastry filled with plum jam), piparkakut (gingerbread cookies), and riisipuuro (rice porridge).
According to tradition, a single almond is hidden in the porridge, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck in the coming year.