Welcome the new year

It is the last day of the year. Time to celebrate the a hopefully successful 2015 and the beginning of an even better 2016 for all of you.

If you want to welcome the new year together with lots of other Helsinkians then come to Senaatintori tonight. It is the biggest party in town and as every year a full program is awaiting. The celebration will be kicked off at 22:00 with the We Love Helsinki DJ. Later Finnish pop star Maija Vilkkumaa will sing live on stage. The celebrations will culminate with a musical fireworks display at midnight.

There is of course no entry fee. Check out the whole program on VisitHelsinki. And don't miss out on the great deals offered by many restaurants in the city center that are only valid today on the bottom of the page.

Have a great start into the new year!

Off to the Christmas market

Helsinki's biggest and most beautiful Christmas market opens today. On the city's most prestigeous square, on Senaatintori, many small huts are waiting for Christmas fans to drop by.

You can find beautiful hand-made handicraft, delicious treats, warm drinks and a whole lot of Christmas atmosphere here.

The Tuomas Christmas market is open every day from 11:00 to 20:00 until December 22. Come and have a look!

Welcome to St. Thomas Christmas Market

It's weekend again. The perfect time to go to the Christmas market at Senaatintori. The so called St. Thomas Christmas Market is the biggest Christmas market in the city. The whole square is filled with nice small huts that sell handicraft, as well as delicious food and drink (non alcoholic though).

The Christmas market is open daily from 10.00 to 19.00 and will be at the Senat Square until December 21. The entrance is of course for free.

Via Crucis

Every year on Good Friday the way of the cross and the crucifixion of Christ is reenacted at Senaatintori on the stairs of the Tuomiokirkko.

After the sun has set actors show the whole story of Jesus' walk to Mount Golgotha. It's quite an event and worth seeing. The scenery with torches and light in front of the big white church is impressive.

The Via Crucis show starts tonight at 9 pm and is of course for free.

Tuomiokirkko in color

If you haven't been to LUX Helsinki yet you still have two days to go. It would be a shame to miss it - especially the amazing light and sound installation Corazón at Tuomiokirkko.

Let's welcome 2014

Today is the last day of 2013. Do you already have plans where to welcome the new year?

If not that come to the big city celebration on Senaatintori in the heart of Helsinki. Again there will be lots of live music and thousands of people are expected to come. Celebrating New Years Eve at the Senat Square has a long tradition and dates back to 1932.

At midnight big fireworks will ring in the new year.  The entrance is of course free.

Have a great start into 2014!

Italian cribs in Helsinki

If you are not too busy with Christmas shopping today you might want to visit the crypt of the Helsinki Cathedral (White Church) and see the "In those days..." exhibition.

It is all about cribs from Italy. Many beautiful exhibits are on display. At the same time you can take a look at the magnificent Crypt of the Lutheran Cathedral of Helsinki.

The entrance to the exhibition is for free. It is still open till January 6. More information can be found on the official website.

A smoothie with a perfect view

Senaatintori has probably the most impressive scenery in Helsinki. And if you want to enjoy it over a cup of coffee or a whole meal there are several options. Most of them are not that cheap though.

But there is a café a bit hidden that can offer you the same beautiful view even with a small budget. The CIAO! Caffe (part of a chain) is located in the second floor of Kiseleffintalo. Get one of their delicious smoothies, some Italian ice cream or just a normal cappuccino and look over Tuomiokirkko and the whole square.

Bright tourists

On Senaatintori a bunch of unusual tourists arrived to take a look at the impressive Tuomiokirkko.

A great day for a picture

This Sunday provided the perfect weather conditions for a souvenir picture of Tuomiokirkko.

Happy New Year!

Even though the weather was not perfect yesterday for welcoming the New Year outside thousands of people came to celebrate the beginning of 2013 together on the Senate Square.

 

All the best for all of you for 2013!

Goodbye 2012! Welcome 2013!

It’s the last day of the year and you still don’t have a plan for the evening? You are still searching for a place where you can welcome the New Year?

Then go to the Senate Square tonight. Here is the cities official and traditional New Year’s party. Since 1932 the citizens of Helsinki celebrate the beginning of the New Year in front of the Tuomiokirkko.

Today also the Design Capital year in Helsinki ends. And of course this calls for an amazing final. Starting from 22.15 the city invites everyone for a great show with fire tricks, acrobatics and show acts like Michael Monroe and Sami Pitkämö’s orchestra.

And at midnight it’s time for the great fireworks around the square. And for those who can’t make it to the square in time or prefer to stay at home in the warmth of their apartment the show will be broadcasted live on YLE TV1 starting from 22.50.

Have a happy New Year!

The St. Thomas Market is open

The big Christmas market on Senaatintori opens today. In the beautiful scenery of Tuomiokirkko you can stroll over the St. Thomas Christmas Market along small huts and get into the Christmas mood. Especially if you are into handicraft this is the perfect place for you. And also Finnish design products can be found here.

And of course you will also find stands with hot glögi, delicious sausages or other snacks. St. Thomas Christmas Market is open daily till December 22^nd.

The old Stockmann building

Even for those who know the city pretty well Helsinki still holds some surprises from time to time. One of those places is Kiseleffin Talo (The Kiselef House) at Senatintori.

The entrance looks like that to any other building on the square. But if you go through you will find yourself in a beautiful old passage. In fact this building functioned as the first Stockmann store before they moved further up the street.

Today you find several fine small boutiques on the two levels. In the middle a cozy café invites guest for a cup of coffee or tea. Places right in one of the busiest areas of Helsinki you will never find this place too crowded or loud.

Come and pay it a visit!