December in Finland: A Magical Experience for an International Student

Published: 17.12.2024 / Blog

December in Finland feels like a dream come true. When I first arrived in Finland in August last year, I couldn’t wait for December. I imagined snow-covered landscapes, cozy evenings and of course, a festive Christmas. But December in Finland offers so much more than just Christmas celebrations. My name is Dilumi, and I am a second year International Business student at Arcada. Let me share my experiences as an international student, exploring my first December in Finland.

The lights of Helsinki are spectacular in the darkness.

On December 6th, Finland celebrates Independence Day. It’s a significant day of reflection and pride. It’s a public holiday and an official flag day. One beautiful tradition I noticed was families lighting candles by their windows to honor those who lost their lives during the Winter War and Continuation War. Curious about how people celebrate, I asked my Finnish friend, “What do you do on Independence Day?” She replied, “We spend time with family and friends, enjoying good food. At 7:00 p.m. almost everyone watches the Independence Day Ball on TV.”

I watched the Ball for the first time last year. It is held at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. The guests in stunning formal attire greet the President and the First Lady with a handshake. The event is broadcast live for the whole country. It’s fascinating to see how much pride and unity this day brings to Finland.

Saint Lucia

December 13th is Saint Lucia Day, a charming tradition that fills the dark winter days with light. In Helsinki, a young girl is chosen to represent Saint Lucia, and a special coronation takes place at the Helsinki Cathedral. Saint Lucia wears a white gown and a crown of tall white candles, symbolizing light overcoming darkness. On the same day, Arcada’s own Lucia visits the school early in the morning. People gather to sing carols and enjoy “glögg” with gingerbread cookies. This magical celebration brings warmth and joy. It feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Here you can see the lights of the Christmas Street!

Christmas in the city centre

The preparations for Christmas in Finland start early, right from November! This year, the festive season began towards the end of November with the opening of the Christmas Street in Helsinki. The parade, led by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, was the most exciting part. Thousands of people gathered to watch. The restaurants were packed, and the city center was alive with joy.

The famous Helsinki Christmas Market at Senate Square also opened around the end of November. It is my favorite spot to visit. The market has hundreds of stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious local food. Some stalls even demonstrate old-fashioned crafting techniques, giving visitors a glimpse into Finland’s heritage.

The Christmas Market on the Senate Square is beautiful from the steps of Helsinki Cathedral.

December in Finland is not just about the Christmas; it’s about the warmth and community that shine through the cold and darkness. I hope this gives you an idea of how magical December in Finland can be. If you’re here next December, make sure to experience these traditions. You won’t regret it!

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