Turku – The Christmas City x 6

The Path of Light on Dec 4th-7th lights up the city in a beautiful way. This large-scale light art event filled with joy and laughter cannot be missed. Twelve light installations from the Cathedral to the harbour will take your breathe away as you walk through the path.

Lightfest Run, the Christmas Markets, local restaurants and pubs offering warm drinks... What could be better? Read more from the link below.

On Nov 29th the lights on tne massive Christmas tree at Turku Cathedral are turned on. The Cathedral Christmas tree tradition began in 1900, and became a regular occurrence in the 1930’s. Nowadays, the whole region gathers around the spruce tree every year for a public opening ceremony. When the lights are turned on, the Christmas spirit flows through central Turku, with a parade following.

Did you know, that there are quite specific criteria for the tree? It should be 20–25 metres high, bushy, evenly shaped and beautifully green. It is tradition that at the end of the Christmas period, the tree is cut up and returned to those who donated it.

Many of Turku’s museums organise Christmas time tours and exhibitions, which provide an enchanting Christmas atmosphere. In Turku Castle for example there are the Elf Tours, the Cinnamon Cookie Courses as well as the chance to investigate the old-fashioned Christmas tables. Christmas tables of the past are also presented in the Pharmacy Museum and in Ett Hem -museum.

Then there is the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, which invites you down to the artisan quarter to enjoy the atmosphere of winter. During the children’s weekend in the museum, confectionary making as well as other fun activities such as choir music.

See all the events and dates at the museums from the link below.

St Lucia’s Day brings light to the darkness of winter. The traditions of St Lucia’s Day are celebrated on 13th December in Turku Cathedral at 4.30pm. Revered in the Swedish speaking culture, the day includes the blessing of Turku’s Lucia-girl for 2025, in addition to lighting the candles of the ceremonial St Lucia crown under the Cathedral’s arches.

The event culminates with the traditional St Lucia procession as well as a children’s choir. If the church happens to be overcrowded, you can also see the Lucia-girl at the Hansa Shopping Centre at 6pm.

The Old Great Square Christmas Market is the place where the Christmas atmosphere really becomes palpable. The rows of market stalls are full of unique crafts and traditional Christmas treats, amongst which you’ll discover some delightful gift ideas. Taking to the stage are bands, performances and plays, such as the spectacular Tulishow (fire display). At Santa’s Grotto you can greet Santa’s family, and at the same time you can whisper your Christmas wish in the ears of the elves.

The Old Great Square Christmas Markets are open on the four Advent weekends before Christmas on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm: 22nd-23th Nov, 29th-30th Nov, 6th-7th Dec and 13th-15th Dec 2025.

The Christmas Peace is declared at 12pm on Christmas Eve from the balcony of Brinkkala Manor on the Old Great Square, in both Finnish and Swedish. The declaration has been an almost uninterrupted tradition since the 1300’s, and for many families the declaration of the Christmas peace marks the point when the festivities can begin.

When the declaration is read aloud to remind us the Christmas peace has begun, we’re encouraged to be gracious to one-another, anyone threatening the peace will be met with severe punishments and, most importantly, all are wished a Merry Christmas.

“Tomorrow, God willing, is the graceful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour; and thus is declared a peaceful Christmas time to all, by advising devotion and to behave otherwise quietly and peacefully…”