Where to go this week? 11.12.-17.12.2017

Christmas week activity tips

Updated 14.12.2017

What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children during the weekend? What to do on a rainy day? Small Helsinki’s weekly column searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets children under school age and their families.

Christmas is approaching and Helsinki is filling up with holiday events: markets, craft fairs, Christmas events and elf trails are organized throughout the city during the week. Libraries, meanwhile, are hosting lots of events and numerous story times this week, and Helsinki’s playgrounds offer diverse organized programs daily. The West Metro brings new opportunities, so Small Helsinki lists the West Metro stops’ best tips in the Metro to the West! series. The first part has already been published on the Small Helsinki website and takes you to Lauttasaari and Koivusaari.

Also check out Small Helsinki’s upcoming events list, children and families’ Christmas time events list and Christmas markets, where you’ll find tips for the most festive Christmas markets and local school Christmas events.

Spring season registration for many hobbies is now underway or starting in the coming days. For example, registration for the Worker’s Institute Music and Color Bath classes begins in stages starting 11.12.2017. Check the detailed schedule here.

Also read Small Helsinki’s tips on Helsinki’s Christmas elf trails from the My Helsinki website.

[caption id=“attachment_2182” align=“aligncenter” width=“1332”] In Small Helsinki’s Metro to the West! series, adventures happen at the corners of the new West Metro stations on children’s terms.[/caption]

MONDAY 11.12.2017

Events:

Story time at Puistola Library at 10:00.

Toddler time at Maunula Library story room at 9:30.

FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Kontula Library at 10:00. FOR BABIES: Baby rhymes at Maunula Library story room at 10:30.

Malmi Mondays - craft evening for families at Malmi Library 17:00-19:00.

Jamkids Christmas at Jätkäsaari Library at 18:00.

CHRISTMAS: Skidilä’s Christmas (10.-14.12.2017) opens for the first time in Kallio in an old matchstick factory (Kaikukatu 1). Christmas programs five days a day from 10:00-20:00. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. You can find Skidilä’s full Christmas program here.

Fallkulla Farm is open daily until Epiphany 10:00-15:00.

FOR BABIES (and parents): Baby Cinema at Vuotalo at 12:00. Tickets 8 €. Read more from Vuotalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Ballet School Christmas performance at the Opera House at 18:00. Tickets 10 € - 20 €. Read more from the National Ballet’s website.

TIP: Adventures on the West Metro with children? Read Small Helsinki’s first part of the Metro to the West series for child-friendly activity tips in Lauttasaari and Koivusaari.

TUESDAY 12.12.2017

Events:

Story time at Viiki Library at 9:30. Story time at Herttoniemi Library at 9:45. Story time at North Haaga Library at 10:00. Story time at Töölö Library club room at 10:15.

FOR BABIES: Rhyme time at Tapiola City Library at 10:30.

Loveliest Christmas carols at Pukinmäki Library at 18:00. Kallio Music School students’ music moment at Library 10 at 18:30.

Family ball games in Pallomylly’s indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move with their adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, acrobatics, running or learning to walk. Family ball games are held Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 and 16:00-18:00. Morning ball games are free for all, afternoon games cost adults Pallomylly’s single admission (3.50 €).

FOR BABIES and parents: Finnkino’s Baby Cinema screenings available again Tuesday 12.12.2017. Read more from Finnkino’s website.

CHRISTMAS: The City Theatre’s program welcomes back the beloved The Elves as Shoemakers performance, aimed at the family’s youngest. Tuesday’s performance starts at 10:00. Tickets 10 €. Read more from the City Theatre’s website. Performances throughout November-December, also on weekdays.

CHRISTMAS: Theatre Hevosenkenka’s Peppermint Dino’s Christmas at Annantalo concert hall Tuesday at 10:00 and 18:00. Tickets 11.50 €. Read more from Annantalo’s website.

TIP: Moving with children? In Helsinki you can ice skate on artificial ice and public skating rinks, ski at indoor ski halls and exercise at local sports facilities. Read Small Helsinki’s tips for low-threshold sports activities with children!

WEDNESDAY 13.12.2017 St. Lucia Day

Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30. Story time at Kontula Library at 9:30. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 10:00. Story time at Käpylä Library at 10:00. Story time at Pukinmäki Library at 10:15. Evening story time and story massage at Malmi Library at 18:00.

Song session led by Terttu Paija at Tapiola City Library at 10:00. Read more from the library’s website.

Also FOR BABIES: Babies’ and toddlers’ rhyme time at Tapanila Library at 10:00.

FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Töölö Library at 12:00 and 14:30. Read more about BabyKino at Töölö Library from the library’s website.

CHRISTMAS: St. Lucia Market at Viiki Info Center lower hall Wednesday 10:00-14:00. CHRISTMAS: Elf trail at North Haaga Library 13:00-18:00. CHRISTMAS: Christmas crafts at Pukinmäki Library 14:00-16:00. CHRISTMAS: May Christmas come… a community sing-along at Laajasalo Library at 17:30. Special program for children. CHRISTMAS: Living Christmas calendar at Puistola Library at 18:00.

Also in Swedish: Nordsjö Lower School’s St. Lucia procession visits Vuotalo’s lobby at 9:45. Read more from Vuotalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: The City Theatre’s program welcomes back the beloved The Elves as Shoemakers performance, aimed at the family’s youngest. Wednesday’s performance starts at 10:00. Tickets 10 €. Read more from the City Theatre’s website. Performances throughout November-December, also on weekdays.

CHRISTMAS: Theatre Hevosenkenka’s Peppermint Dino’s Christmas at Annantalo concert hall Wednesday at 10:00 and 18:00. Tickets 11.50 €. Read more from Annantalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Puppet Theatre Poiju’s Santa’s Gift performance is shown at Malmitalo Wednesday at 10:15. Tickets 10 €. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

In Swedish: St. Lucia and Christmas songs in Luckan at 12:00.

[caption id=“attachment_2152” align=“aligncenter” width=“1136”] St. Lucia procession at Senate Square in December 2016.[/caption]

St. Lucia coronation at the Cathedral at 17:00. The festive St. Lucia procession leaves Senate Square at 18:00. Read more about the day’s program here.

At Malmitalo’s Cinema Helios you can see Moomins’ Winter Magic at 18:00. Tickets 6 €. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

TIP: Theatre with children? Small Helsinki’s theatre tips have been updated!

THURSDAY 14.12.2017

Events:

Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9:45. Story time at Vallila Library at 18:00.

Toddler time at South Haaga Library at 10:00.

FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Roihuvuori Library at 10:00. Registration for Roihuvuori: [email protected].

Christmas gift workshop at Library 10 16:00-19:00.

Loveliest Christmas gifts at Kannelmäki Library at 18:00.

Family ball games in Pallomylly’s indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move with their adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, acrobatics, running or learning to walk. Family ball games are held Thursdays 16:00-17:00. Free admission for children, adults pay Pallomylly’s single admission (3.50 €). Read Small Helsinki’s article on family ball games here. Family ball games will take a Christmas break after Thursday.

CHRISTMAS: Puppet Theatre Sampo’s Wonderful Christmas performance at Sampo Thursday at 10:00. Suitable for all ages. Tickets 11 €. Read more from the puppet theatre’s website.

CHRISTMAS: The City Theatre’s program welcomes back the beloved The Elves as Shoemakers performance, aimed at the family’s youngest. Thursday’s performance starts at 10:00. Tickets 10 €. Read more from the City Theatre’s website. Performances throughout November-December, also on weekdays.

CHRISTMAS: Puppet Theatre Sampo Christmas Time to Rejoice performance at Kanneltalo Thursday at 10:00. Tickets 11 €. Read more from Kanneltalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Theatre Hevosenkenka’s Peppermint Dino’s Christmas at Annantalo concert hall Thursday at 10:00 and 18:00. Tickets 11.50 €. Read more from Annantalo’s website.

Pukinmäki Art Schools’ performances at Malmitalo 14.12-17.12.2017. Thursday 14.12. features LUCIR - brilliant contemporary circus performance at 18:30. Tickets 7.50-13.50 €. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

Tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila Library in Vantaa Singing together with children event Thursday at 10:00. You can bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun sing-along moment from the library’s website.

CHRISTMASTip for Vantaa: Christmas event at the lovely Katrinerberg Manor Thursday 17:00-20:00. Read more from the event’s Facebook page. Lots of fun programs for children.

FRIDAY 15.12.2017

Story hour at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45.

Annantalo’s Napero Cinema offers a space of its own for young children (0-3 years). Short films can be watched Fridays all autumn at 10:00-12:00. This time the theme is imagination. Read more about Napero Cinema from Annantalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Puppet Theatre Sampo’s Wonderful Christmas performance at Sampo Friday at 10:00. Suitable for all ages. Tickets 11 €. Read more from the puppet theatre’s website.

CHRISTMAS: St. Lucia maiden and St. Lucia choir at the National Museum at 12:30. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

CHRISTMAS: Christmas tree forest opening at the National Museum courtyard Friday at 16:00. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

Pukinmäki Art Schools’ performances at Malmitalo 14.12-17.12.2017. Friday 15.12. features Snow Queen’s World at 17:00 and LUCIR - brilliant contemporary circus performance at 19:30. Tickets 7.50-13.50 €. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

Film tip: Heinähattu, Vilttitossu and Rubens’ Brothers premiered Friday 24.11.2017. The film is rated for all ages and is excellent for a first movie experience. Read more from the production company’s website and watch the film trailer.

SATURDAY 16.12.2017

Events:

Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11:00.

CHRISTMAS: Jamkids Christmas at Tapanila Library at 10:00.

CHRISTMAS: Christmas is already at the door! - Vallila children’s Christmas party at Vallila Library 12:00-15:00.

Teurastamo Christmas Market Saturday 10:00-17:00. Book workshop has programs for children.

CHRISTMAS: Whole family Christmas event at Säätytalo Park (Kruununhaka) Saturday 11:00-15:00. Program for the whole family. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

Light weekend at Lapinlahti Light Spring (Lapinlahdentie 1, Hietaniemi) Saturday 12:00-16:00. Various programs for the whole family. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

Pukinmäki Art Schools’ performances at Malmitalo 14.12-17.12.2017. Saturday 16.12. features Magic of Christmas circus performance at 12:30, Come, Good Cake at 16:00 and Snow Queen’s World at 18:30. Tickets 7.50-13.50 €. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Satu Sopanen and Tutti Orchestra: Elf Cottage Antics! concert at Kanneltalo Saturday at 13:00 and 15:00. Tickets 10 €. Read more from Kanneltalo’s website .

CHRISTMAS: Little ones’ Christmas carols led by Siina and Taikaradio at Temppeliaukio Church Saturday at 14:00. Free admission. Read more from Helsinki Parish Union’s website.

At Malmitalo’s Cinema Helios you can see Moomins’ Winter Magic Saturday at 14:00. Tickets 6 €. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

CHRISTMASTip for Espoo: Children’s Culture Centre Pikku-Aurora’s Saturdays this week feature Jouluboogie (Christmas Boogie) workshops 10:00-14:00. Read more about today’s program from Pikku-Aurora’s website. Also explore Pikku-Aurora’s other children’s events.

CHRISTMASTip for Kauniainen: Moomins’ Christmas ice show at Kauniainen Ice Hall at 10:30. Tickets 5 €, children under 7 free with an adult. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

CHRISTMASTip for Vantaa: Kuusijärvi Christmas event for the whole family Saturday 11:00-16:00. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

SUNDAY 17.12.2017

Events:

CHRISTMAS: Teurastamo Christmas Market Sunday 11:00-16:00. Book workshop has programs for children.

Light weekend at Lapinlahti Light Spring (Lapinlahdentie 1, Hietaniemi) Sunday 12:00-16:00. Various programs for the whole family. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

Pukinmäki Art Schools’ performances at Malmitalo 14.12-17.12.2017. Sunday 17.12. features Snow Queen’s World at 12:30 and Come, Good Cake! at 15:00 and Finland 100 – Music from Different Decades at 18:00. Tickets 7.50-13.50 €. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Satu Sopanen and Tutti Orchestra and Elf Cottage Antics! takes over the Stoa cultural center theater hall Sunday at 13:00 and 15:00. Tickets 6 €. Read more from Stoa’s website.

CHRISTMASTip for Porvoo: Explore Porvoo countryside, ride the ferry and visit the festive Pellinge Island Christmas Markets! Pellinge Christmas Markets Sunday 11:00-15:00. Read more from Pellinge Christmas website. Small Helsinki recommends!

Remember these too:

Forest and Sea Vuosaari: Children's art exhibition on Vuosaari 4.12.-16.12.2017 at Vuosaari Library. Read more from the library's website.

Fallkulla Farm is open daily until Epiphany 10:00-15:00.

Ice Park at the Train Station opens Monday 4.12.2017.

Christmas tree forest at the National Museum courtyard 15.12.2017-7.1.2017.

Espoo: Finland’s largest miniature railway at shopping center Sellos December-January. Exact opening hours on the Alpine Railway Enthusiasts’ website.

[caption id=“attachment_1979” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] You can also marvel at a miniature railway at the Toy Museum Hevosenkenka.</[caption]

Annantalo’s Christmas calendar opens its first window Friday 1.12.2017 and the calendar can be followed until Christmas Eve. Each day one window lights up in the courtyard shelter and reveals surprises created by Annantalo students. Read more about the Christmas calendar from Annantalo’s website.

Fort Elf Trail opens at Suomenlinna 2.12.2017. The self-guided trail is available for adventures until Epiphany (7.1.2018). Also remember the paid Fort Elf – Charles’ Tour at Viapori.

St. Thomas Market opens at Senate Square 2.12. and, as in previous years, the market has a beautiful old carousel that’s free to ride. This year the square also has a performance stage with diverse programs for the whole family. St. Thomas Market continues until 22.12.2017. Read more from the market’s website.

Library 10 opens a second children’s own art exhibition. Ada Neiberg has the honor of being Library 10’s second children’s art exhibition artist, with her art filling the gallery space. The exhibition is on display 4.12-23.12.2017 and can be admired during the library’s opening hours. Children’s own art exhibition activities are reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can hold an exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities. Ada Neiberg’s exhibition opening will be celebrated Tuesday 5.12.2017 at 16:30.

FOR PARENTS: Helsinki University Museum’s Baby in the Box exhibition illuminates the fascinating history of maternity packages. The exhibition is on display at the University of Helsinki’s Science Corner and the University Museum. Read more from the university’s website.

Annantalo has Dream Fabrics exhibition on display until mid-December and it can be admired during the building’s opening hours free of charge. Read more from Annantalo’s website and check out photos here. Free admission.