Independence Day 2024 Activity Tips

Finland's Independence Day and Finland's 107th birthday are celebrated on Friday, December 6, 2024. Due to the public holiday, opening hours have exceptions and, for example, playgrounds and most libraries are closed. Small Helsinki has compiled tips and events for families to celebrate Independence Day in Helsinki and the metropolitan area.

Small Helsinki congratulates Finland on turning 107 and wishes everyone a happy Independence Day!

Official celebrations in Helsinki

Wreath-laying ceremony at Hietaniemi Cemetery at the Heroes' Cross on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Representatives of the state authorities and veterans' and defense organizations will lay wreaths at the Heroes' Cross. The ceremony is open to everyone.

The traditional student torch procession departs from Hietaniemi Cemetery chapel on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 5 p.m. and passes by the Presidential Palace to greet the presidential couple. After the procession, choir singing and speeches will be heard at Senate Square around 5:55 p.m. Anyone can join the procession!

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

A atmospheric walk in the cemetery as dusk falls. For example, Hietaniemi Heroes' Cemetery and the presidents' graves are a festive sight on Independence Day.

Activities and events on Independence Day for families

St. Thomas Market at Senate Square November 29 - December 22, 2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission. St. Thomas Market is also open on Independence Day.

Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna November 29, 2024 - January 30, 2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from Suomenlinna's visitor center, the light pink Rantakasarmi located near the HSL ferry dock.

Espoo: Forest Hare and the Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail can be experienced at Villa Elfvik on your own December 1-15, 2024.
- Badger Forest Story Time at Villa Elfvik on Friday at 11 a.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.

Kanneltalo Independence Day Celebration on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. There's also a program for children. Free admission.

Espoo: Children's Independence Day Celebration at Children's Culture Center Aurora on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 2-5 p.m. Free admission.

Open on Independence Day are some self-service libraries and, for example, central library Oodi from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Most other libraries are closed.

Fallkullan Farm is open on Independence Day, December 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission.

At Haltiala Farm's yard area, you can visit on your own schedule, play at the outdoor playground, and grill your own food at the farm's grill. The farm's animals go outside when weather permits.

Seurasaari is a great Independence Day trip destination with plenty to marvel at even during the winter season.

Sheep Island and Kuusiluoto, Talosaari, Seurasaari, Suomenlinna, Kruunuvuori... You can also celebrate Independence Day in Finland's magnificent nature! There are numerous easy trip destinations in Helsinki! You can create your own theme for the trip or follow a planned route. For example, you can explore Suomenlinna in many different ways, even flashlight orienteering in caves or spotting ships from Kustaamiekka.
Note! The boardwalks leading to Kuusiluoto 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 different visit destinations in Helsinki with children!