In Turku, Pre-Christmas parties are a traditional part of the holiday celebrations

You can meet Santa Claus at his workshop or catch a glimpse of the Old Elf at the Turku Castle

Еvery year Christmas celebrations in the Finnish city of Turku start with the Great Christmas Opening at the end of November with the switch-on of the lights on the Christmas tree of Turku Cathedral. This marks the launch of the events of Christmas City Turku which this winter will continue until the 12th of January 2020.

The Old Great Square Christmas Market will get its guests into the Christmas spirit during four weekends leading up to Christmas. The artisanal boutiques of the medieval street, Luostarin välikatu, will also be open for visitors. The Old Great Square will be full of handicrafts and Christmas delicacies. There will be also different kinds of music and theatre presentations.

Meet Santa Claus at his workshop

One of the most important elements of the Christmas celebration of course is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus at his workshop. The stand for exchanging Christmas ornaments will be set up again this year and Christmas presents for charity will be collected.

Due to the renovation works at the Turku Market Square, the Christmas Market will be located at the temporary marketplace. There you can find plenty of Christmas lights and decorated market stalls. Every Saturday, Santa Claus will pay a visit to the marketplace.

As usual, the museums of the City of Turku are full of idyllic traditions. You can take part in the Christmas preparations made at the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum and at the Kylämäki Village of Living History. You can visit the spectacular exhibition of the Christmas Table Settings at the Turku Castle, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the Qwensel House.

During the specially themed tours, you can learn a lot about the Christmas celebration, and get to know the origin of the Christmas traditions. There you can enjoy the programme for families with children at the Turku Castle where it might be possible to catch a glimpse of the Old Elf at the Turku Castle.