[2024 Helsinki Attraction] Travel Guide for Senate Square (Updated Dec)

A Festive Wonderland: Christmas Market in Helsinki

#holidayseason Helsinki’s Christmas Market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, where the charm of a traditional Finnish Christmas meets the cozy, snowy ambiance of the Nordic capital. Held in the heart of the city at Senate Square, this magical market is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a festive experience like no other. The market is an enchanting sight, with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine (glögg), and the warm aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling the air. Stalls are brimming with handmade gifts, such as Finnish woolen scarves, wooden toys, and intricate Christmas ornaments. Whether you’re searching for a special gift or simply want to enjoy the local crafts, this market has something for everyone. One of the market’s most delightful features is the traditional Finnish Christmas foods. Savor Finnish delicacies like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty), reindeer meat, and warm roasted nuts. For dessert, indulge in piparkakku (gingerbread cookies) and creamy cloudberry jams. The market’s Santa’s Grotto is a highlight for families, where children can meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes. The atmosphere is cozy, with ice skating, live music, and dancing in the square. Helsinki’s Christmas Market isn’t just a place to shop—it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with the warmest of holiday memories. With its blend of Finnish tradition, festive foods, and cheerful ambiance, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate the season.

Top 3 Winter Experiences for a Weekend in Helsinki

#europetrip Helsinki transforms into a magical winter wonderland, making it an ideal destination for a short, cozy getaway. Here are the top three experiences you can’t miss during your weekend in Finland’s capital: 1. Warm Up with Sauna Culture A visit to Helsinki isn’t complete without experiencing its famous saunas. Head to Löyly, a stylish seaside sauna where you can sweat out the cold and brave an icy plunge in the Baltic Sea—a refreshing tradition that leaves you feeling revitalized. For a more local vibe, try Kotiharjun Sauna, one of the last remaining wood-heated saunas in the city. 2. Explore Senate Square and Suomenlinna Kick off your weekend at Senate Square, where the majestic Helsinki Cathedral stands surrounded by snow-covered streets. Wander through the nearby Market Square, grabbing warm Finnish delicacies. Then hop on a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress. The serene, snowy trails and historic architecture make it a must-see. 3. Embrace Helsinki’s Design Scene Helsinki’s creativity shines in winter. Visit the Design Museum to explore Finland’s world-famous design heritage, from Marimekko patterns to Alvar Aalto’s masterpieces. Stroll through Esplanadi Park, beautifully lit during winter, and stop by local shops to pick up Nordic-style gifts. Helsinki in winter offers a blend of tradition, design, and natural beauty, ensuring your weekend is filled with unforgettable moments and Nordic charm.

A Winter Weekend in Helsinki: Snowy Adventures and Nordic Charm

#europetrip Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is a magical destination for a winter weekend getaway. With its snow-dusted streets, warm cafés, and unique blend of modern design and historical charm, Helsinki offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Start your weekend with a visit to Senate Square, where the grand Helsinki Cathedral towers above a picturesque winter landscape. Nearby, the Market Square offers cozy stalls selling Finnish treats like warm berry juice, reindeer sausages, and local crafts. If you’re lucky, you might catch the iconic Helsinki Christmas Market if visiting in December. For a truly Finnish experience, spend an afternoon in one of Helsinki’s famous saunas. Löyly, a modern seaside sauna, is the perfect place to relax and even try a refreshing dip in the icy Baltic Sea—a tradition that’s both invigorating and unforgettable. Nature lovers should head to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accessible by a short ferry ride, this historic sea fortress is a serene spot to explore in the snow. Wrap up with a stroll through Esplanadi Park, where fairy lights and snow create a dreamy winter atmosphere. Warm up indoors at the Design Museum, showcasing Finland’s renowned creativity, or enjoy some traditional salmon soup at a local restaurant. End your day sipping hot cocoa while marveling at the wintery cityscape. Helsinki in winter is a Nordic wonderland that offers cultural treasures, cozy vibes, and snowy adventures, making it a perfect weekend escape.

Helsinki Cathedral

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event Helsinki Cathedral is a bit small to be called a cathedral, but it feels a bit different from what we usually think of as a cathedral. Many locals sit on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral and chat in small groups! It was a truly unique cathedral.

The place with the strongest Christmas atmosphere

🎄When it comes to Christmas, most people will think of those few days in December, but in fact, Christmas activities start from the lighting ceremony and Christmas parade in the city center at the end of November every year~ On the contrary, there are not many locals on the streets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So if you want to experience the strongest Christmas atmosphere and the once-a-year Christmas parade, you must be ready to set off in November! 📢This year's Christmas market time: UK London Hyde Park 23.11.17-24.1.1 France Notre Dame de Paris 23.11.19-23.12.26 Finland Helsinki Senate Square 23.12.01-23.12.12

The Senate Square is the center of Helsinki's civic activities, like Beijing's Tiananmen Square. It is also the best place to appreciate neoclassical architecture and is an important landmark in Finland. Finland has been independent for 100 years now, and this bronze statue of Russian Tsar Alexander II has been preserved in this Senate Square. The top of the bronze statue is the bronze statue of Russian Tsar Alexander II. Because Finland has been ruled by the Swedes since the 13th century until 1809. In 1809, the Russian army sent troops to attack Sweden, forcing Sweden to ceduce Finland to the Russian Empire. Finland has since become an autonomous Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire, and he was also the Grand Duke of Finland by Tsar Alexander II. In 1894, the bronze statue of Tsar Alexander II was established in this square. This fully demonstrates the generosity of the Finnish people. From the Senate Square, board the platform of the Helsinki Cathedral and look back at the former Senate Square overlooking the Cathedral. The yellow neoclassical building around the square is unique. The building on the east side of the square is the National House, built in 1822. It is now the seat of the Finnish national government and prime minister. To the west of the square is the University of Helsinki and the library, built in 1832. On December 6, 1917, Finland declared its independence here. This day became Finland's National Day and every year there is a celebration in the square. This is also a good place to shoot in Helsinki Street, with the backdrop of the spectacular neoclassical architecture behind it, plus the openness of the square, how you want to shoot. A good position in front of the church.