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Why Visit Helsinki in December?
Visiting Helsinki in December offers a wonderful blend of cultural richness and festive charm. The city’s snow-covered landscapes create a picturesque setting, while its vibrant Christmas markets fill the air with warmth and joy. Iconic landmarks like Helsinki Cathedral, Old Market Hall and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress take on a magical quality under the winter sky.
Indoors, world-class museums and galleries provide a cosy retreat, showcasing Finland's rich history and art. Whether you're savouring seasonal treats or enjoying peaceful walks along the frozen Baltic shoreline, Helsinki is a perfect destination to experience Nordic winter at its best.
Essential Information of Helsinki in December
02
What To Pack for Helsinki in December
When planning for what to wear in Helsinki in December, prioritise warmth and comfort. Start with a quality winter coat, preferably insulated and waterproof, to keep you cosy against the biting cold. It is important to wear clothes in layers, so pack thermal undergarments, sweaters, and a fleece or wool mid-layer.
Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect you from the icy winds. Waterproof boots with good traction are essential for navigating snow covered streets. Additionally, bring moisture-wicking socks and a daypack for your essentials. Lastly, pack a good moisturiser and lip balm to combat the dry winter air.
03
Helsinki Weather in December
Helsinki in December is characterised by chilly temperatures, often ranging from -1°C to -7°C, with occasional drops below the freezing point. The city is mostly covered in snow during this time, creating a scenic winter landscape. Daylight is scarce, with only a few hours of dim light, as the sun rises late and sets early. The cold temperature is often accompanied by strong winds, especially near the coast.
Best of
Things to do in Helsinki in December
04
Visit a public sauna
Visiting a sauna is a quintessential Helsinki experience, especially during the cold weather of December. In the heart of the city, you'll find both historic and modern saunas, such as the atmospheric Kotiharjun Sauna or the sleek Löyly complex by the sea.
After a relaxing session in the steamy warmth, enjoy a refreshing dip in an icy plunge pool or even the Baltic Sea. This is one of the best things to do in Helsinki in December to immerse yourself in Finnish culture.
After a relaxing session in the steamy warmth, enjoy a refreshing dip in an icy plunge pool or even the Baltic Sea. This is one of the best things to do in Helsinki in December to immerse yourself in Finnish culture.
05
Visit Uspenski Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. This striking red-brick cathedral, topped with golden domes, sits beautifully on a hillside overlooking the city.
The cathedral's ornate interior features intricate icons, chandeliers, and beautiful frescoes that reflect its Russian heritage. The cathedral’s location also provides breathtaking views of Helsinki’s harbour and cityscape, making it a perfect spot for both cultural exploration and scenic explorations.
The cathedral's ornate interior features intricate icons, chandeliers, and beautiful frescoes that reflect its Russian heritage. The cathedral’s location also provides breathtaking views of Helsinki’s harbour and cityscape, making it a perfect spot for both cultural exploration and scenic explorations.
06
Visit Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square
Exploring Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square is a captivating December activity. The cathedral, with its striking white facade and green domes, stands as a symbol of the city, beautifully illuminated against the winter sky. Inside, the serene atmosphere offers a peaceful escape from the cold.
Outside, Senate Square transforms into a festive hub, with a large Christmas tree and seasonal decorations adding to the holiday spirit. Stroll around the square, enjoy the festive lights, and soak in the historic charm of this iconic Helsinki landmark.
Outside, Senate Square transforms into a festive hub, with a large Christmas tree and seasonal decorations adding to the holiday spirit. Stroll around the square, enjoy the festive lights, and soak in the historic charm of this iconic Helsinki landmark.
07
Visit Esplanade Park
One of the most delightful things to do in Helsinki in December is enjoying a stroll through Esplanade Park to embrace Helsinki’s winter charm. The park is decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations during this time turning into a serene winter wonderland.
The park also hosts many holiday events and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Grab a hot drink from a nearby café as you take a stroll along snowy paths and past historic buildings and immerse yourself in the seasonal magic of this central Helsinki gem.
The park also hosts many holiday events and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Grab a hot drink from a nearby café as you take a stroll along snowy paths and past historic buildings and immerse yourself in the seasonal magic of this central Helsinki gem.
08
Shop at Old Market Hall
Shopping at Old Market Hall in Helsinki during this time is a fun and festive activity. This historic market, filled with the warm scent of spices and freshly baked goods, offers a delightful escape from the winter chill. Wander through the charming stalls, where you can find Finnish delicacies like smoked salmon, artisan cheeses, and traditional pastries.
The market's festive atmosphere is enhanced by seasonal treats and holiday decorations, making it a perfect spot to pick up unique gifts and enjoy a taste of local culture during the holiday season.
The market's festive atmosphere is enhanced by seasonal treats and holiday decorations, making it a perfect spot to pick up unique gifts and enjoy a taste of local culture during the holiday season.
09
Buy local crafts in Market Square
Exploring Market Square in December offers a fantastic opportunity to buy unique local crafts in Helsinki. The square is filled with stalls offering handmade Finnish goods like woollen scarves, traditional Sami jewellery, and wooden ornaments.
The crisp winter air adds to the charm as you browse through the stalls where you can find handcrafted ceramics, locally made candles and so much more. The festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and the scent of warm treats, makes shopping here one of the most wonderful things to do in Helsinki in December.
The crisp winter air adds to the charm as you browse through the stalls where you can find handcrafted ceramics, locally made candles and so much more. The festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and the scent of warm treats, makes shopping here one of the most wonderful things to do in Helsinki in December.
Best of
10
Meet reindeers at Nuuksio Reindeer Park
Meeting reindeers at Nuuksio Reindeer Park in December is a magical winter adventure near Helsinki. Located in a picturesque snowy landscape, the park offers an authentic Finnish experience where you can enjoy a close encounter with these gentle, majestic animals.
Feed and pet the reindeers, learn about their role in Finnish culture, and enjoy the serene forest setting. The crisp winter air and snowy surroundings enhance the charm of this unique activity, making it a memorable way to connect with nature and enjoy the festive spirit.
Feed and pet the reindeers, learn about their role in Finnish culture, and enjoy the serene forest setting. The crisp winter air and snowy surroundings enhance the charm of this unique activity, making it a memorable way to connect with nature and enjoy the festive spirit.
11
Sample Finnish chocolate
Sampling Finnish chocolates in Helsinki in December is a delightful treat for the senses. Visit local confectioneries or specialty shops to taste a variety of exquisite chocolates, from rich dark varieties to creamy milk and innovative flavours.
Many shops offer festive holiday selections during this time, including chocolate-covered berries and spiced treats. As you savour these delicacies, you can enjoy the warm and cosy ambiance of Helsinki’s cafes or markets. This unique activity not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also immerses you in Finnish culinary traditions during the festive season.
Many shops offer festive holiday selections during this time, including chocolate-covered berries and spiced treats. As you savour these delicacies, you can enjoy the warm and cosy ambiance of Helsinki’s cafes or markets. This unique activity not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also immerses you in Finnish culinary traditions during the festive season.
12
Enjoy the design of Helsinki Central Station
Exploring the design marvels of Helsinki Central Station in December is among the most fascinating things to do in Helsinki in December. The station’s striking architecture, featuring Art Nouveau and Jugendstil elements, showcases ornate detailing and grand facade.
Inside, admire the iconic clock tower, impressive stone sculptures, and intricate design motifs that reflect Finland’s rich cultural heritage. The station’s festive decorations and lights during December add a charming touch, making it a perfect spot to appreciate Helsinki's blend of historical and contemporary design while staying warm and cosy inside the station.
Inside, admire the iconic clock tower, impressive stone sculptures, and intricate design motifs that reflect Finland’s rich cultural heritage. The station’s festive decorations and lights during December add a charming touch, making it a perfect spot to appreciate Helsinki's blend of historical and contemporary design while staying warm and cosy inside the station.
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Explore some of Helsinki's neighbourhoods
Visiting Helsinki in December? Taking time to explore Helsinki’s neighbourhoods in December offers a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse character. Wander through the charming streets of Kumpula, with its quaint houses and local markets, or discover the bohemian vibe of the Kallio district, known for its vibrant cafes and street art.
In the historic district of Punavuori you can explore fabulous boutiques and cosy eateries. Each neighbourhood is adorned with festive lights and decorations, adding a seasonal sparkle to your stroll. These explorations provide an authentic taste of Helsinki’s local life and holiday spirit amidst the winter landscape.
In the historic district of Punavuori you can explore fabulous boutiques and cosy eateries. Each neighbourhood is adorned with festive lights and decorations, adding a seasonal sparkle to your stroll. These explorations provide an authentic taste of Helsinki’s local life and holiday spirit amidst the winter landscape.
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