Reindeers in Lapland

Feel the True Spirit of Christmas!

What could be better than spending Christmas in the place where Santa Claus is living and where literally every corner is full of holiday atmosphere? You know that I am talking about Finland, right?

And next, I will tell you more about the most fascinating Finnish Christmas destinations. 

Destination №1 – Lapland

It is a truly magnificent place. It takes your breath away. Believe me.

Just imagine:

Everything is covered with thick snow.  Everything is so white that it is hard to tell where the ground ends and sky begins. You breath in and you feel the frosty air, so fresh that at first it is hard to take a deep breath. Then you adjust and you feel the winter inside you. You see the husky rides and reindeers, and cannot believe your own eyes. You enter a cozy restaurant where you can find a hot salmon soup and some tea or coffee. Have you pictured all of that? This is how fairy tale looks like. This is how Lapland feels like.

Nature in Saariselkä, Lapland

And this is quite reachable once you are in Finland. Of course, you need to plan your trip ahead in order to find a good deal but it is definitely worth it. Have I also mentioned that here in Lapland, in the city of Rovaniemi, a residence of Santa Clause is located? And no matter how old you are, there is still a miracle in this.

Visiting Lapland is an unforgettable winter experience that you will never forget.

Destination №2 Helsinki

Finland’s capital city Helsinki puts on an incredible dress of sparkle during the Christmas season. Every corner is full of Christams lights.

Christmas lights in Helsinki

Even though it might be quite cold with some minus temperatures already, the warm atmosphere around will cover you like a soft blanket.  Shops’ windows are decorated with Christmas lights and each and every one of them looks unique. Cafes are offering different kinds of special drinks, which are often topped with some whipped cream to make you enjoy this special season even more. And don’t forget about glögi – Finnish traditional Christmas drink – and ginger bread cookies. Enjoy them outside or take home – either way works perfectly well.

The Christmas market on the Market square in the centre of Helsinki is full of different local products: food, drinks, hand-made staff etc. It is a place worth your attention, and I would definitely recommend you to visit it during this season. You can find more info about Helsinki market 2021 on the Tuomaanmarkkinat website.

So, when in Finland during the Christams season, city of Helsinki is worth your attention for sure!

Kamppi shopping centre during the Christmas season, Helsinki

Destination №3 Turku

I love Turku during Christmas season. Why? Simply because you will not find cozier place than this one. It feels like Christmas lives everywhere here.

Turku Cathedral and the Christmas tree, Turku, Finland.

There is literally no place that will not remind you of Christmas during this time of the year. Streets are full of Christmas lights and decorations. Smell of glögi and coffee are so strong that you cannot resist visiting one of the cafes and warm yourself with a cup of something hot and aromatic. In every shop, supermarket, or mall you will hear all these wonderful, atmospheric and well-known Christmas songs. Christmas market (more info on Turku Christmas market 2021) is a place to get to know Finnish culture better – you can find a lot of local stuff there. 

Brahe Park during Christmas season, Turku, Finland.

So, no matter what the weather outside or what is going on in your life, the Christmas atmosphere on the streets of Turku will add +10000 to your mood. That I can guarantee you 🙂

I think now you should be convinced to choose Finland as your Christmas destination. And just imgine: you will be able to enjoy this winter wonderland while doing your studies at the University of Turku.

Winter at Saariselkä, Finland.

The writer, Olha Nikolaienko, is an #utuambassador and a student in the Master’s Degree Programme in Education and Learning. See all international degree programmes at the University of Turku!

Chat with our current students!

Do you want to study at the University of Turku? Do you want to be notified about important dates and events?

Subscribe to our Future with UTU Newsletter

Search similar blog posts by categories and keywords: