Finnish Christmas Traditions: A Celebration Centered on Christmas Eve
- Siiri Heiskanen
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In Finland, Christmas is celebrated a little differently than in many other countries. While Christmas Day is important, Christmas Eve (jouluaatto) is the true heart of the holiday. It is the main celebration day, when families gather, traditions come alive, and the festive atmosphere reaches its peak.
In fact, Christmas time is so significant that in some fields the entire Christmas period (24.-26.12) is paid time off.
From early morning rituals to evening dinners and quiet moments of reflection, Finnish Christmas traditions blend warmth, simplicity, and deep cultural meaning.
Christmas Morning TV Shows
Christmas Eve often begins calmly at home, with families watching traditional Christmas TV programs. Finnish television broadcasts special holiday shows and classic films that many people watch every year. For children, this is an especially exciting moment, as familiar characters and festive stories help build anticipation for the day ahead. Watching Christmas TV together has become a cozy ritual that sets the mood for the celebrations.
Rice Porridge and a Hidden Almond
A beloved Finnish Christmas tradition is eating rice porridge (riisipuuro), usually served in the morning or around midday. The porridge is often topped with cinnamon and sugar, or with butter.
Hidden inside the pot is usually one almond. The person who finds it is said to receive good luck for the coming year. This small detail adds fun and excitement to an otherwise simple dish.
The Declaration of Christmas Peace
One of the most unique Finnish Christmas traditions is the Declaration of Christmas Peace (joulurauhan julistus), broadcast at noon on Christmas Eve from the city of Turku. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages.
The declaration announces the beginning of Christmas and encourages people to spend the holiday peacefully and respectfully. Many Finns stop to watch or listen to it, whether at home or in public spaces, marking a symbolic transition from everyday life into the calm of Christmas.
Winter Activities Outdoors
Christmas in Finland is closely tied to winter nature. If the weather allows, many families go outside on Christmas Eve or during the holidays to enjoy activities such as walking in the snow, sledding, skiing, or ice skating.
These outdoor moments are not about speed or competition, but about enjoying fresh air, quiet landscapes, and time together. Snow-covered forests and short winter daylight create a magical backdrop for the season.
Visiting the Christmas Church
For some Finns, attending a Christmas church service is an important tradition. Services are often held on Christmas Eve or early on Christmas morning. Churches are beautifully decorated, and candlelight creates a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.
Even those who are not religious often go to church before Christmas to listen to the most beautiful Christmas carols (kauneimmat joululaulut).
The Finnish Christmas Sauna
No Finnish celebration would be complete without a sauna, and Christmas is no exception. The Christmas sauna is usually taken in the afternoon or early evening on Christmas Eve.
It is seen as a way to relax, cleanse both body and mind, and prepare for the festive evening.
Christmas Dinner and Traditional Foods
Families gather for the Christmas dinner, which is one of the most important moments of the day. The table is filled with traditional Finnish foods such as:
Joulukinkku (Christmas ham), the centerpiece of the meal
Joululaatikot, oven-baked casseroles such as carrot, potato, rutabaga, and liver
Rosolli, a colorful beetroot salad
Graavilohi (graved salmon) and other fish dishes, e.g. salmon, herring, and roe
For dessert:
Joulutortut, traditional Christmas pastries filled with prune jam
Piparkakut, thin and crispy gingerbread cookies
Suklaakonvehdit, assorted chocolate pralines and filled chocolates (Fazer/Panda)
Glögi, a warm spiced drink similar to mulled wine, often served with raisins and almonds
The meal is enjoyed slowly emphasizing togetherness rather than formality.
Joulupukki and Christmas Presents
Later in the evening comes the moment many children eagerly wait for: Joulupukki, the Finnish Santa Claus. Joulupukki often visits homes in person, knocking on the door and asking, “Are there any nice children here?”
Presents are usually opened on Christmas Eve, making the evening especially exciting and joyful. After gifts are exchanged, the rest of the night is often spent relaxing, talking, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
A Christmas of Calm and Togetherness
Finnish Christmas traditions focus less on rush and extravagance and more on peace, simplicity, and family. With Christmas Eve as the central day, the celebration flows gently from morning rituals to evening warmth, creating a holiday that feels both meaningful and deeply rooted in Finnish culture.
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