Yes—Helsinki's Tuomaan Markkinat is worth visiting, especially if you're timing it for St. Lucia Day on December 13th.
Quick answer: Yes, if Christmas markets and winter experiences excite you. Not for cold-averse travelers. Budget €200/day (lodging, meals, activities, transport).
QUICK SUMMARY BOX
I took the plunge and took a trip that’s on everyone’s bucket list-the home of my ancestors-Finland. Did I think I’d ever make it there? No but in the process of checking off a bucket list trip to a German Christmas market made it possible. It had to be in winter and to get to Helsinki from Colorado, we had to stop in Frankfurt on the way. Instead of making it a hellish time, we popped by the German market of Römerberg the night of our layover. Then we loaded up on carry on bag and backpacks and headed north towards Santa Claus. But first some time in the capital city of Helsinki.
QUICK FACTS
Event/Location: Tuomaan Markkinat at Senate Square (Aleksanterinkatu 15-17, 00170 Helsinki)
When: November 27–December 22, 2026
Cost: Free to enter and watch the procession/parade
The Main Event: A national Lucia is crowned in Helsinki Cathedral, followed by a parade through Helsinki
Helsinki Cathedral dominates Senate Square during the St. Lucia Day procession. Arrive by 5 PM to secure a good viewing spot—30,000 attendees are expected.
Why do 30,000 people attend Helsinki's St. Lucia Day Celebration?
St. Lucia Day celebrates the light in the darkness of Polar night on December 13th. And if you’re a Swiftie-there is no mention of Taylor Swift’s birthday anywhere.
Tuomaan Markkinat (St. Thomas Christmas Market) at Senate Square, Helsinki's oldest outdoor Christmas market, runs November 27–December 22, 2026.
Arrive by 5 PM for the 6 PM procession if you want a great viewing location. We arrived in the early evening, when it was already dark. Which is it most of the winter in Finland. I was looking forward to something similar that we saw in our first German Christmas market. It did not disappoint - it was indeed a Christmas market, Finnish style.
The grand cathedral dominates the square, and it was all lit up for the procession and celebration of St. Lucia. The sheer size and how clean and white is breathtaking. You know this is some place special immediately.
Not knowing much else, I enjoyed the stalls-each one of a lighter wood tone and featuring Finnish crafts, and treats. I noticed the lines were much longer here. In Frankfurt there was maybe 3 people in line, here there were more than 20 at every Gloggi (Finnish glühwein) vendor.
It’s definitely a must see as last year’s attendance was estimated around 600, 000 people during the season.
St. Lucia procession at Helsinki Cathedral on December 13, 2025. Watch as the crowned St. Lucia and her consorts descend the cathedral steps into Senate Square during Tuomaan Markkinat Christmas market. St. Lucia procession descending Helsinki Cathedral steps into Senate Square, December 13, 2025. The crowd was estimated at 30,000 attendees.
What happens on the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral on December 13th?
I loved feeling the excitement and seeing people move about to get a better view at the cathedral steps. There was someone emceeing the festivities, which were broadcast on larger screens so everyone could see. There were a lot of families, and the number of strollers was similar to a day at Disney. The kids were so full of excitement. Once things seemed to get started, I was still clueless about the reason of the activities.
I asked a very kind Finnish family, do you speak English? What’s happening here. They were so kind and explained a young girl who was crowned to represent St. Lucia and her consorts were going to proceed down the steps with her into the square in celebration. This is very important to the Finns as she represents the light in the long darkness of winter. After I told them that I had Finnish relatives back a few generations, they shared a bit more information and happy to answer questions.
Is there a parade starting from Senate Square on Lucia Day in Helsinki?
Then the procession started. Everyone was standing for the show. After the initial excitement of the appearance of St Lucia, they proceeded down the steps, across the market. And much to my surprise they got onto parade floats and the celebration continued down Aleksanterinkatu (main street with festive decorations). The crowds were huge. Everyone was patient, no pushing or shoving. It was cold but the amount of people and hot beverages helped keep us warm.
St. Lucia parade continuing down Aleksanterinkatu after the Senate Square procession on December 13, 2025. The parade featured floats carrying St. Lucia and her consorts through Helsinki's festively decorated main street before returning along the same route. Part of the Tuomaan Markkinat Christmas market celebration.
And my expertly planned parka, boots, and backpack of accessories-neck gaiter, another layer, gloves, hand warmers, water. We were on the edge the market inside Senate Square. I was glad we picked that spot-the crowd was so thick at least we had a little space. If we were up front, it would have been like trying to get off the plan when your seat was in the last row.
So the parade happens and then comes back in the same direction. No one is moving, so I just enjoyed the show and the music. Taking occasional glances at the beautifully illuminated cathedral, thinking wow I made it to Finland. I am standing here in the square celebrating a Finnish tradition-something I didn’t think I would do, wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but will never forget.
How are the crowds in Helsinki after the procession?
AFTER the party, there was no hope getting a cab, so walking was the only option. Every place was packed, we found a sign that said Pizza-a universal favorite! The hostess told us there was a 2 hour wait for a table-make reservations-tip. And then in the character of friendly happy Finns she told us if we went to the bar/lounge at the other end we could get food and a least sit. It was kind of a fast casual thing-I stood in line, got wine, ordered pizza, and about 40 minutes later it arrived. It was delicious. We were very hungry-remember pack snacks-so you don’t have to deal with that.
Crowds thinned out after and we walked about to our hotel. Felt safe, no issues, festive lights and the wonder and magic of the Polar night got us back to our hotel quickly.
What is the process of selecting this year’s St. Lucia for the procession?
Since most of this event was a surprise to me, I did some research after the fact and thanks to Visit Finland, I learned that “Each year a young maiden is chosen to represent St. Lucia on Lucia Day 13 December. Lucia is crowned in the Cathedral at 17.00 after that she will descend the Cathedral stairs to the Senate Square.”
What you should expect on St. Lucia Day in Helsinki?
I had no idea, so if you’re in the same boat here we go... As my husband said-he was pretty sure all of Finland and perhaps some residents of nearby countries showed up for the celebration. This is a sight to behold and I will treasure the memories of this spectacular moment forever. It was a testament to the culture and residents of the happiest country on Earth.
What surprised me about Tuomaan Markkinat?
I was expecting the Finnish version of the German Christmas market. Lighter wood and decor for the stalls and local treats and treasure delivered that.
The amount of people, young, old, in strollers. and the lines-at least 20 people in line for food and drinks.
Pricing was fair around 9 Euros for a cup of Glogi. The Finnish version of this warm wine drink has raisins and sliced almonds that gives it a local flair No fancy mugs here. just an ecofriendly plain paper cup.
It was a beautiful way to stop postponing, and start exploring the wonders of Finland. I was grateful we didn’t skip this market after our first one in Germany. The theme is the same but the way the celebration of the season and people attending was all new to me. And I will be forever grateful for spending the short time in the homeland of my ancestors.
Pro tip: highly recommend eating before or stuffing your pockets with snacks brought with you or purchased at the market. It was not unpleasant, just longer waits.
What to Buy at Tuomaan Markkinat (Helsinki Christmas Market)?
Is this going to be easy to transport home, was the standard for my gift shopping. Everything at the market, must be Finnish according the the vendor application details. What a beautiful display the stalls provided including food, crafts, clothing categories)
It was hard to decide what to buy-prices were reasonable, not inexpensive, for the stunning handmade candles (15 Euros each) and the warm and cozy hand knitted wool mittens (50 Euros). All of the items, traveled well and were appreciated by the recipients.
Budget Planning
While the event itself is FREE, here's what I spent:
€30 Euros for 2 Glogi and a snack
€85 Euros for gifts
€115 Total
Cards and cash were welcome for each purchase.
Are there Accessibility & Practical Concerns to know of?
Expect to stand the entire procession and if you need a place to sit down keep your eyes open upon your arrival for a seat in the small stands with seating for patrons of the market (they are heated!)
For more information about the event, visit: https://tuomaanmarkkinat.fi/
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About the Author
Darlene T Bass is a Denver-based marketing strategist and content creator who helps hesitant travelers stop postponing bold adventures. Through honest guides and real photography, she shows you these "scary" trips are totally doable—from the Arctic Circle to Colorado's mountain towns.
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FAQ
Is St. Lucia Day only in Helsinki, or all over Finland?
When exactly does the Christmas market happen? Check out the official schedule for 2026 at https://tuomaanmarkkinat.fi/en/
Is the market crowded? I can confirm we saw the estimated 30,000 people in Senate Square on December 15, 2025 for St. Lucia Day.
Do I need to book anything in advance for St. Lucia Day? Just patience, comfortable shoes, and warm clothes.
What should I definitely buy at the market? A special handmade items that represents Finland.
Can I visit the market and do other things in the same day? Yes, we walked around the city and visited a few local attractions prior to the evening activity at the market.
Planning Helsinki? Start with my complete guide to visiting Helsinki in December for transport, budgets, and first-timer tips.
