The best things to do in Helsinki in winter

I have been to Helsinki in winter on three separate occasions now – once in December with my family, again in January as part of a Scandinavian tour, and a third time spending a full day (New Year’s Day) upon arrival before catching the Santa Claus Express train to Rovaniemi that evening. On all three occasions, I genuinely experienced awe. Here is what the city has to offer.

What to expect from Helsinki in winter

Helsinki in winter is not for the faint-hearted – but it absolutely rewards those who come prepared. Temperatures regularly sit between -7°C (19°F) and -15°C (5°F) and the wind chill can push the ‘feels like’ temperature well below that. When I was out exploring the city in December, my weather app at one point read -16°C (3°F) with wind chill – and yes, I could feel every degree of it on my face.

For long-haul travellers coming from Australia, NZ, Asia and parts of the USA, this is a significant climate shift. You are not just crossing time zones; many are moving from a Southern Hemisphere summer into one of the coldest urban environments in Europe. The good news is that Helsinki is a city that knows how to handle winter and so can you – with the right preparation.

Daylight in December is short, typically around six hours. Streets and parks are lit with warm lights to compensate for the darkness and the effect is genuinely magical. It does not feel bleak – it feels atmospheric.

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Key things to do in Helsinki in December and January

Helsinki Christmas Market – Senate Square

The oldest outdoor Christmas market in Helsinki is held at Senate Square, in the shadow of the Helsingin Tuomiokirkko cathedral. When I visited in December 2022, it was in full swing – mulled wine (glögi), gingerbread biscuits and local crafts. The snow-covered stairs leading up to the cathedral became an unofficial slide for every child in the city, mine included.

Speaking from experience, if there is a weather warning for a snow storm, the market still runs. Go anyway. Layer up, keep moving and duck into stalls and nearby shops when you need to warm up.

Temppeliaukio – The Rock Church

Temppeliaukio, known as the Rock Church, is one of Helsinki’s most distinctive landmarks. It is carved directly into a granite outcrop in the centre of a city block, with a copper dome and floor-to-ceiling windows. I visited during heavy snowfall and the roof was covered in thick, powdery snow – it was utterly surreal and one of the most memorable sights of the entire trip. Inside, it is peaceful and architecturally extraordinary. Entry is free (donations welcome) and it is an active Lutheran church, so be respectful of services.

Uspenskin Katedraali – Orthodox Cathedral

The Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, built in a striking Russian Byzantine style. It sits on a rocky promontory overlooking the harbour and market square. In a snowstorm it is a dramatic sight. We did not have time to go inside due to the weather on the day, but it is worth building into your itinerary if you can.

Johan & Nyström – Kanavaranta

When the cold becomes too much, this is where you go. Located right on the river, Johan & Nyström is a specialty coffee roaster and café with an exceptional atmosphere. We had house-brewed coffee and hot chocolates for the boys after a particularly brutally cold stretch of walking along the waterfront. The Christmas decorations added to an already beautiful setting.

St Lucia Day – 13th December

If you happen to be in Helsinki on 13th December, you will witness St Lucia Day celebrations. This Scandinavian festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season and celebrates the return of light during the darkest time of year. Helsinki puts on a significant event at the Christmas Market, including a procession and ceremony. When I was there, the entire Senate Square area was buzzing with locals celebrating – it was an unexpected and special experience.

The Old Market Hall – Vanha Kauppahalli

Located right on the harbour at the Market Square, the Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) is one of the most authentic food experiences Helsinki has to offer. Built in 1889, this beautiful indoor market is a feast for the senses – stall after stall of Finnish specialties including smoked fish, reindeer products, local cheeses, pastries, fresh produce and traditional preserves. It is the kind of place you can easily lose an hour in, grazing and exploring.

For long-haul travellers who want a genuine taste of Finnish food culture rather than a tourist restaurant experience, this is the place to come. Grab a coffee, try the smoked salmon and take your time. The building itself is worth visiting for the architecture alone.

Harbour Markets after Christmas

If you are visiting Helsinki in the period after Christmas and into the new year, keep an eye out for the seasonal markets that are set up around the harbour and Market Square. These smaller markets are a wonderful contrast to the bustle of the Christmas Market – quieter, more local in feel and with a focus on hearty winter food.

Salmon soup is the thing to try. Rich, creamy and deeply warming, a bowl of Finnish lohikeitto (salmon soup) eaten outdoors at a harbour market stall in the middle of winter is an experience that stays with you. Other local delicacies on offer can include grilled sausages, hot glögi and freshly baked pastries. It is the perfect way to warm up after a morning of exploring the city – and one of those travel moments that feels completely authentic.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

A short ferry ride from the Market Square, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sea fortress built in 1748. Arriving by ferry through frozen waters – watching the boat break through large slabs of ice – is an experience in itself. The island has a fascinating military history – it has served as a Finnish naval base, a Russian garrison, a prisoner of war camp and a coastal artillery base, before being handed over to the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture in 1973. In winter, many of the smaller museums and cafes are closed, but the walking is spectacular and the fortifications are well worth exploring.

Helsinki in winter is one of those destinations that sounds daunting on paper and is completely transformative in person. Come prepared for the cold, give yourself time to adjust and let the city surprise you. For everything you need to know about preparing for your arrival, read our practical guide to Helsinki in winter.

Helsinki is just the beginning. For most long-haul travellers, it is the gateway to something even more extraordinary – Finnish Lapland. If you are planning the full journey north, the Lapland Planning Hub has everything you need to start building your trip, from first-time guides to insider advice for travellers coming from Australia, NZ, Asia and beyond.