Pienten Helsinki
What can you do or where can you go with children during the Christmas break? What kid-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki on Boxing Day or New Year's Eve? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to Go This Week" series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets families with children under ten years old.
The article's cover image is from the Valo district in Kruunuvuorenranta, where you can experience various light art installations in the courtyards during the dark season.
Exhibition tips for kids
A Hundred Pictures for You, Be a Friend to Me! Virpi Talvitie Illustration Exhibition at Kanneltalo 17.11.2022-8.1.2023.
Vantaa: The Words of Rabbits exhibition at Cultural Centre Martinuksen courtyard 17.12.2022.-29.1.2023.
Everything Glass exhibition at Annantalo 11.11.2022-25.2.2023.
Square / Cube exhibition at Annantalo 20.10.2022-4.3.2023.
Note! Annantalo is open during the break 28.–30.12.2022 from 11–17.
Museum tips for visiting with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's theme article!
MONDAY 26.12.2022
Boxing Day
Events and activity tips
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days at Pienten Helsinki!
Sleigh rides on Boxing Day at Seurasaari on Boxing Day 26.12.2022 from 12-16 pm. Weather permitting, sleigh rides are paid.
Commercial cooperation
TsigaBoom! Circus, tents, and fun at Messukeskus daily 26.12.2022.-8.1.2023 from 12-18. Free entry to the Messukeskus event area, tickets to Sirkus Finlandia performances and Tivoli Sariola rides are paid.
Puppet Theatre Sytkyt: Christmas Story puppet show at Winter Garden (Hammarskjöldintie 1 A) on Boxing Day at 1 pm and 3 pm. Free entry.
Also the festively decorated Winter Garden and the garden's carp pool are a wonderful experience. Free entry.
The skating season is open! Current information about rink conditions can be found at www.ulkoliikunta.fi!
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 26.11.2022 – 6.1.2023.
Espoo: Rainbow River light art at Espoo Cathedral and riverside until 6.1.2023 at dusk. Free entry.
Flowers of Life UV light installation at Stoa square until 1.1.2023. Free entry.
Valotalo - Annantalo's community facade art 10.12.2022-23.1.2023.
More self-guided Christmas and New Year's break tips can be found at Pienten Helsinki!
Happening at playgrounds on Monday
Due to Boxing Day all playgrounds are closed. The outdoor areas of parks are always accessible.
Note! The City of Helsinki announced on 8.12.2022 that it will continue closing playgrounds, and from January onwards, 39 of the city's playgrounds will be closed at least until summer 2023. You can sign the #pientenpuolella petition for more child-friendly policies in Helsinki through this link.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and information about Helsinki's newest play areas can be found at Pienten Helsinki.
Happening at libraries on Monday
On Boxing Day, some self-service libraries are open as well as Sello library in Espoo. Other libraries are closed.
TUESDAY 27.12.2022
Events and activity tips
Christmas atmosphere at Haltiala farm's lamp house can be viewed 8.12.2022-7.1.2023. The lamp house is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-1 pm and Saturdays 10-1 pm (closed 24.12. and 31.12.2022). Free entry.
Commercial cooperation
TsigaBoom! Circus, tents, and fun at Messukeskus daily 26.12.2022.-8.1.2023 from 12-18. Free entry to the Messukeskus event area, tickets to Sirkus Finlandia performances and Tivoli Sariola rides are paid.
Puppet Theatre Sytkyt: Christmas Story puppet show at Winter Garden (Hammarskjöldintie 1 A) on Tuesday at 1 pm. Free entry.
Also the festively decorated Winter Garden and the garden's carp pool are a wonderful experience. Free entry.
Children's storytelling tour at Taidehalli on Tuesday at 1 pm. Free entry for under 18s, museum entrance fee for adults. The tour suits children over 3 years old with their own adult.
Kerava: Break days free entry at Art and Museum Centre Sinkka in Kerava 27.-31.12.2022.
Free entry to the Design Museum on Tuesday from 4-8 pm.
The skating season is open! Current information about rink conditions can be found at www.ulkoliikunta.fi!
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 26.11.2022 – 6.1.2023.
Espoo: Rainbow River light art at Espoo Cathedral and riverside until 6.1.2023 at dusk. Free entry.
Flowers of Life UV light installation at Stoa square until 1.1.2023. Free entry.
Valotalo - Annantalo's community facade art 10.12.2022-23.1.2023.
More self-guided Christmas and New Year's break tips can be found at Pienten Helsinki!
Happening at playgrounds on Tuesday
From 27.-30.12.2022, the playgrounds Loru, Brahe, Intia, Kannelmäki, Ulvila, Ida, Maunula, Kankarepuisto, Traktori, Maasälpä, Lampi, Myllysiipi and Hilleri are open.
Playgrounds announce their programs at the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The program of playground Loru located at the central library Oodi from 27.-30.12.2022.
Note! The City of Helsinki announced on 8.12.2022 that it will continue closing playgrounds, and from January onwards, 39 of the city's playgrounds will be closed at least until summer 2023. You can sign the #pientenpuolella petition for more child-friendly policies in Helsinki through this link.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and information about Helsinki's newest play areas can be found at Pienten Helsinki.
Happening at libraries on Tuesday
Helmet library children's events for Tuesday can be found at Helmet's events page.
Pienten Suomi - over 650 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
WEDNESDAY 28.12.2022
Events and activity tips
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days at Pienten Helsinki!
Espoo: New Year's Dream vending machine workshops at Children's Cultural Centre Aurora 28.-30.12.2022 from 10-1 pm. Free entry.
Commercial cooperation
TsigaBoom! Circus, tents, and fun at Messukeskus daily 26.12.2022.-8.1.2023 from 12-18. Free entry to the Messukeskus event area, tickets to Sirkus Finlandia performances and Tivoli Sariola rides are paid.
Children's storytelling tour at Taidehalli on Wednesday at 1 pm. Free entry for under 18s, museum entrance fee for adults. The tour suits children over 3 years old with their own adult.
Kerava: Break days free entry at Art and Museum Centre Sinkka in Kerava 27.-31.12.2022.
Free entry to Cable Factory Museums on Wednesday from 5-8 pm.
The skating season is open! Current information about rink conditions can be found at www.ulkoliikunta.fi!
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 26.11.2022 – 6.1.2023.
Espoo: Rainbow River light art at Espoo Cathedral and riverside until 6.1.2023 at dusk. Free entry.
Flowers of Life UV light installation at Stoa square until 1.1.2023. Free entry.
Valotalo - Annantalo's community facade art 10.12.2022-23.1.2023.
More self-guided Christmas and New Year's break tips can be found at Pienten Helsinki!
Albertin lounge is on Christmas break 16.12.2022-8.1.2023.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open Wednesdays from 12-4 pm. Small entrance fee. (There's no absolute certainty about opening hours during the Christmas break, so it's worth checking before visiting by calling.)
Happening at playgrounds on Wednesday
From 27.-30.12.2022, the playgrounds Loru, Brahe, Intia, Kannelmäki, Ulvila, Ida, Maunula, Kankarepuisto, Traktori, Maasälpä, Lampi, Myllysiipi and Hilleri are open.
Playgrounds announce their programs at the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The program of playground Loru located at the central library Oodi from 27.-30.12.2022.
Note! The City of Helsinki announced on 8.12.2022 that it will continue closing playgrounds, and from January onwards, 39 of the city's playgrounds will be closed at least until summer 2023. You can sign the #pientenpuolella petition for more child-friendly policies in Helsinki through this link.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and information about Helsinki's newest play areas can be found at Pienten Helsinki.
Happening at libraries on Wednesday
Helmet library children's events for Wednesday can be found at Helmet's events page.
THURSDAY 29.12.2022
Events and activity tips
Albertin lounge is on Christmas break 16.12.2022-8.1.2023.
Christmas atmosphere at Haltiala farm's lamp house can be viewed 8.12.2022-7.1.2023. The lamp house is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-1 pm and Saturdays 10-1 pm (closed 24.12. and 31.12.2022). Free entry.
Espoo: New Year's Dream vending machine workshops at Children's Cultural Centre Aurora 28.-30.12.2022 from 10-1 pm. Free entry.
Commercial cooperation
TsigaBoom! Circus, tents, and fun at Messukeskus daily 26.12.2022.-8.1.2023 from 12-18. Free entry to the Messukeskus event area, tickets to Sirkus Finlandia performances and Tivoli Sariola rides are paid.
Children's storytelling tour at Taidehalli on Thursday at 1 pm. Free entry for under 18s, museum entrance fee for adults. The tour suits children over 3 years old with their own adult.
Kerava: Break days free entry at Art and Museum Centre Sinkka in Kerava 27.-31.12.2022.
The skating season is open! Current information about rink conditions can be found at www.ulkoliikunta.fi!
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 26.11.2022 – 6.1.2023.
Espoo: Rainbow River light art at Espoo Cathedral and riverside until 6.1.2023 at dusk. Free entry.
Flowers of Life UV light installation at Stoa square until 1.1.2023. Free entry.
Valotalo - Annantalo's community facade art 10.12.2022-23.1.2023.
More self-guided Christmas and New Year's break tips can be found at Pienten Helsinki!
Happening at playgrounds on Thursday
From 27.-30.12.2022, the playgrounds Loru, Brahe, Intia, Kannelmäki, Ulvila, Ida, Maunula, Kankarepuisto, Traktori, Maasälpä, Lampi, Myllysiipi and Hilleri are open.
Playgrounds announce their programs at the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The program of playground Loru located at the central library Oodi from 27.-30.12.2022.
Note! The City of Helsinki announced on 8.12.2022 that it will continue closing playgrounds, and from January onwards, 39 of the city's playgrounds will be closed at least until summer 2023. You can sign the #pientenpuolella petition for more child-friendly policies in Helsinki through this link.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and information about Helsinki's newest play areas can be found at Pienten Helsinki.
Happening at libraries on Thursday
Helmet library children's events for Thursday can be found at Helmet's events page.
FRIDAY 30.12.2022
Events and activity tips
Albertin lounge is on Christmas break 16.12.2022-8.1.2023.
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days at Pienten Helsinki!
Espoo: New Year's Dream vending machine workshops at Children's Cultural Centre Aurora 28.-30.12.2022 from 10-1 pm. Free entry.
Commercial cooperation
TsigaBoom! Circus, tents, and fun at Messukeskus daily 26.12.2022.-8.1.2023 from 12-18. Free entry to the Messukeskus event area, tickets to Sirkus Finlandia performances and Tivoli Sariola rides are paid.
Kauniainen: Arne Alligator & Jungle Drums concerts at Kauniainen's New Pavilion on Friday at 2 pm (in Swedish) and 4 pm (in Finnish). Tickets €15/€7.
The skating season is open! Current information about rink conditions can be found at www.ulkoliikunta.fi!
Kerava: Break days free entry at Art and Museum Centre Sinkka in Kerava 27.-31.12.2022.
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 26.11.2022 – 6.1.2023.
Espoo: Rainbow River light art at Espoo Cathedral and riverside until 6.1.2023 at dusk. Free entry.
Flowers of Life UV light installation at Stoa square until 1.1.2023. Free entry.
Valotalo - Annantalo's community facade art 10.12.2022-23.1.2023.
More self-guided Christmas and New Year's break tips can be found at Pienten Helsinki!
Happening at playgrounds on Friday
From 27.-30.12.2022, the playgrounds Loru, Brahe, Intia, Kannelmäki, Ulvila, Ida, Maunula, Kankarepuisto, Traktori, Maasälpä, Lampi, Myllysiipi and Hilleri are open.
Playgrounds announce their programs at the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The program of playground Loru located at the central library Oodi from 27.-30.12.2022.
Note! The City of Helsinki announced on 8.12.2022 that it will continue closing playgrounds, and from January onwards, 39 of the city's playgrounds will be closed at least until summer 2023. You can sign the #pientenpuolella petition for more child-friendly policies in Helsinki through this link.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and information about Helsinki's newest play areas can be found at Pienten Helsinki.
Happening at libraries on Friday
Helmet library children's events for Friday can be found at Helmet's events page.
SATURDAY 31.12.2022
New Year's Eve
Pienten Helsinki wishes you all the best for 2023!
What to do on New Year's Eve with children?
Commercial cooperation
TsigaBoom! Circus, tents, and fun at Messukeskus daily 26.12.2022.-8.1.2023 from 12-18. Free entry to the Messukeskus event area, tickets to Sirkus Finlandia performances and Tivoli Sariola rides are paid.
Kerava: Break days free entry at Art and Museum Centre Sinkka in Kerava 27.-31.12.2022.
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 26.11.2022 – 6.1.2023.
Museum tips for visiting with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's theme article!
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days at Pienten Helsinki!
New Year's fireworks article recommends fireworks and light shows in the capital region!
Espoo: New Year's celebration in Espoonlahti at Soukka residents' park and Puro Park on Saturday from 4-9 pm, when the areas transform into shimmering light parks for the evening. Free entry.
Children's New Year at Kansalaistori (Citizens' Square) on Saturday from 5:30-6 pm. The program features a frost disco Ski-style.
Children's own fireworks at the corners of Kansalaistori at 6 pm. For more information, visit the event's website.
Espoo: Espoo's New Year at Vermo Arena on Saturday from 6-9 pm. The program features laser light and drum shows as well as circus and fire performances. Free entry.
Espoo: Rainbow River light art at Espoo Cathedral and riverside until 6.1.2023 at dusk. Free entry.
Flowers of Life UV light installation at Stoa square until 1.1.2023. Free entry.
Valotalo - Annantalo's community facade art 10.12.2022-23.1.2023.
SUNDAY 1.1.2023
New Year's Day
Events and activity tips
Commercial cooperation
TsigaBoom! Circus, tents, and fun at Messukeskus daily 26.12.2022.-8.1.2023 from 12-18. Free entry to the Messukeskus event area, tickets to Sirkus Finlandia performances and Tivoli Sariola rides are paid.
Uutelan hut is open on Sunday from 11-3 pm.
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days at Pienten Helsinki!
Winter Garden is open on New Year's Day from 12-4 pm. Free entry.
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 26.11.2022 – 6.1.2023.
Lux Korkeasaari 26.12.2022-8.1.2023, when the zoo is open daily from 10 am-7 pm. Entrance fee applies.
Espoo: Rainbow River light art at Espoo Cathedral and riverside until 6.1.2023 at dusk. Free entry.
Flowers of Life UV light installation at Stoa square until 1.1.2023. Free entry.
Valotalo - Annantalo's community facade art 10.12.2022-23.1.2023.
Remember also:
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