Independence Day 2025

What to do and where to go with children on Independence Day 2025? Finland's Independence Day and Finland's 108th birthday celebration takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Independence Day causes changes in many places' opening hours and for example most libraries are closed. Little Helsinki collects tips and events for families celebrating Independence Day in Helsinki and the metropolitan area.

Little Helsinki congratulates 108-year-old Finland and wishes everyone a happy Independence Day!

Official celebrations in Helsinki

Wreath-laying ceremony at Hietaniemi Cemetery at the Sankaristin (Heroes' Cross) on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Representatives of the government, veteran and national defense organizations will lay wreaths at the Heroes' Cross. The event is open to everyone.

Traditional students' torch procession departs from Hietaniemi Cemetery chapel on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. The procession follows the route Hietaniemenkatu – Arkadiankatu – Mannerheimintie – Pohjoisesplanadi – Presidential Palace (greeting the President) – Mariankatu – Aleksanterinkatu – Senate Square. After the procession, choir singing and speeches will be heard at Senate Square around 5:25–5:55 p.m. Anyone can join the procession!

According to Independence Day tradition two candles are lit in windows at 6 p.m.

An atmospheric walk through the cemeteries as dusk falls. For example, Hietaniemi Heroes' Cemetery and the Presidents' graves are a ceremonial sight on Independence Day.

Presidential Palace Ball virtually: Presidential Palace Ball in Roblox 2025

Things to do and events on Independence Day for families

Flag raising at Hertsika Elementary School yard on Independence Day at 9 a.m. Scout troop Helsinki's Eräkaverit invites you to celebrate Finland's independence.

Fallkulla Farm is open on Independence Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission.

Korkeasaari Zoo is open on Independence Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee applies.

Winter Garden is open on Independence Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
Read more about adventures in the Winter Garden's Christmas atmosphere from Little Helsinki!

Espoo: Museum Play's Independence Day celebration Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.

Cafe Regatta Christmas Event Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway is on display in Espoo's Tapiola, on the 1st floor of shopping center Länsituuli next to shopping center Ainoa. On Independence Day, December 6, 2025, the exhibition is open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Independence Day, many Finnish trains are on display on the track. Free admission.

Children's Independence Day celebration is held at Central Library Oodi on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free admission, except for Kino Regina film.

Espoo: Children's Independence Day at Aurora Children's Culture Center on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.

St. Thomas Market at Senate Square from November 28 to December 22, 2025. The market also has a carousel! Free admission. St. Thomas Market is also open on Independence Day.

Lighthouse Keeper's Route in Suomenlinna from November 28, 2025 to January 29, 2026. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna visitor center, located in the light pink Rantakasarmi near the HSL ferry dock.

Porvoo: Porvoo Christmas Trail enlivens the downtown area with cheerful carousels, interesting vendors and experiences from November 29 to December 21, 2025. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday). Free admission.

Haltiala Farm's outdoor area can be visited at your own pace, play in the outdoor play area and grill your own food at the farm's grill. Some of the farm's animals are outdoors on mild days during daylight hours.

Seurasaari is a good Independence Day destination, where there is plenty to wonder about even during winter season.

Sheep Island and Spruce Island, House Island, Uuni Island, Seurasaari, Suomenlinna, Kruunuvuori... Independence Day can also be celebrated in Finland's magnificent nature! There are numerous easily accessible destinations in Helsinki! You can create your own theme for your outing or follow a planned route. For example, you can explore Suomenlinna in many different ways, such as orienteering by flashlight in caves or spotting ships from Kustaamiekka.
Note! The boardwalks leading to Spruce Island have been renovated and now you can reach the island with dry feet and even with strollers!

What to do? Tips for boring days article suggests twenty easy and varied places to visit in Helsinki with children!