Christmas 2025 is just around the corner, and Oulu’s holiday festivities kick off in November. Whether you’re looking for traditional Christmas events and concerts, winter activities, or Christmas treats, this guide covers all the must-see events and tips for a magical Christmas season in Oulu. Read on to discover the experiences awaiting you in Oulu this holiday season!
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Christmas Street Opening at Rotuaari – November 14, 2025
The Christmas season in Oulu begins with the traditional Opening of the Christmas Street! Join the celebration at Rotuaari Square on Friday, November 14, starting at 6 p.m., and experience the first magical moments of Oulu’s Christmas atmosphere. The evening will feature heartwarming performances and the festive lighting of the Christmas lights together with Santa Claus from Korvatunturi.
The Christmas opening will also be celebrated at the Valkea Shopping Center on November 14–15 with family-friendly activities!
Lumo Light Festival – Lighting Up Oulu November 21–22, 2025
The highlight of early winter once again is the Lumo Light Festival, when the city center and Hupisaari Park are filled with stunning light art installations. This year’s festival will feature sixteen dazzling works of light art, transforming Oulu into a glowing winter wonderland. The Lumo Light Festival will take place in Oulu from November 21 to 23, 2025.
The Elf Trail Leads You into the Christmas Spirit in Sanginjoki Loppula
On Saturday, November 29, the traditional Elf Trail opens in Sanginjoki Loppula, guiding visitors into a forest filled with the magic of Christmas. Along the path, you may encounter playful elves and discover the hidden corners of forest animals. On the same day, a Christmas Market will take place, offering local crafts, treats, and decorations – the perfect way to begin the festive season.
Oulu Market Hall Christmas Opening – November 28–29, 2025
Celebrate the holiday spirit at Oulu Market Hall’s Christmas Opening on November 28–29. In the atmospheric setting of the historic Market Hall, you’ll find unique gifts from local producers and artisans, surrounded by the scents, tastes, and sounds of the season.
Traditional Tiernapoika (Star Singers) Competition – 29-30 November
The traditional Tiernapoika (Star Singers) Competition, held from November 29-30, brings this beloved Oulu tradition to the stage. The event fosters the preservation and development of the living Star Singers’ tradition, with performances taking place at Rotuaari Square.
Oulu’s Christmas Market, Tiernatori – December 6–21, 2025
Oulu’s own Christmas market, Tiernatori, returns to the city center! Held in collaboration with the Handicraft Gift Workshop, right in front of the Valkea Shopping Center, Tiernatori runs from December 6 to 21. Come savor holiday treats, soak in the holiday scents, and shop for gifts.
Christmas Fun with Kids at Vauhtipuisto 13.12.2025
This family-friendly event offers carousels, reindeer, Santa Claus visits, and traditional Star Singers performances. The Tierna group will perform at 12:00 and 15:30, and Santa Claus will be available for meet-and-greet sessions from 13:00–14:00 and 14:30–15:30. A wristband (€10) includes access to the rides, and Huvilinna will serve rice porridge and Christmas pastries.
Traditional Finnish Christmas at Pikisaari
Experience a peaceful, traditional Christmas at the Sailor’s Home Museum in the charming Pikisaari district. Discover old-fashioned holiday traditions at Matila’s House, with festive window displays sharing stories of traditional Finnish Christmas. The museum’s Christmas shop offers delightful gift ideas for your holiday list.
The museum has free entry and is open from November 27 to December 21, 2025, Thursday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meet Santa at Valkea Shopping Center
Our friend Santa Claus is once again coming to visit Shopping Centre Valkea to bring joy and Christmas spirit to everyone! You’ll find Santa’s spot in the elevator lobby on the 3rd floor of Shopping Centre Valkea. There’s also a special Santa’s Mailbox, where you can drop off your Christmas wish letter. All letters will be sent to Korvatunturi before Christmas — please make sure to deliver your letter by Friday, 20 December, at 12:00 noon!
You can meet Santa on the 3rd floor of Valkea at the following times:
Christmas Concerts in Oulu
In Oulu, the Christmas atmosphere comes alive through concerts and sing-along events. At the beginning of December, Oulu Cathedral will host performances by Suvi Teräsniska, Diandra, Petrus Schroderus, and Samuli & Venla Edelmann. The Oulu Chamber Choir’s “Two Candles” concert will fill the church with music on the eve of Finland’s Independence Day. At Cultural Centre Valve, the Mimmit duo will take the whole family on a journey into a winter fairytale world, while the Raskasta Joulua (Heavy Christmas) tour will rock Ouluhalli with powerful Christmas tunes on December 20. In addition, the beloved “Kauneimmat joululaulut” – the Most Beautiful Christmas Songs events invite everyone to sing together in churches across the Oulu region, spreading warmth and joy throughout the season.
Christmas Lunches Around Town
In Oulu, the flavours of Christmas can be enjoyed in many restaurants where local ingredients, tradition, and a warm festive spirit come together.
Lapland Hotels Oulu’s Oula Kitchen & Bar serves a Christmas lunch from December 15–19 at 11:30–14:00, and a Christmas Eve dinner on December 24 at 16:00 and 19:00. Ravintola Nallikari offers a traditional seaside Christmas lunch from December 8–23 at 11:00–15:00, while the neighbouring Bistoria Patio hosts a Christmas buffet on December 24–25 at 17:00–20:30.
At Scandic Oulu City, the Christmas lunch is available December 18–19 at 11:00–14:00, and Restaurant Toivo at the Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu serves its festive lunch from December 8–19 at 11:00–14:00.
Maikkulan Kartano offers Christmas lunch on weekdays December 9–12, 15–19, and 22–23 with seatings at 10:30, 12:30, and 14:00, featuring both traditional delicacies and vegetarian options. At Villa Hannala, guests can enjoy Christmas lunch in a charming historical setting on weeks 49–51, Tuesday to Friday, from 11:00–15:00.
For a modern twist, Tuba’s Vegan Christmas Brunch returns for the second year, offering a buffet full of handcrafted seasonal flavours. Each of these restaurants provides its own unique way to celebrate the Christmas season around beautifully set tables.
Winter Fun in Oulu: Skiing, Skating, Sledding and Ice-Fishing!
Oulu’s beautiful northern nature offer ideal settings for winter activities! The city’s cross-country ski trails are well-maintained, with the Sankivaara early-season snow trail aiming to open by November 11 each year. Ice skating is available at several city rinks, perfect for families, and sledding fun awaits at Auranmaja, Virpiniemi, and Ainola Park.
For a guided adventure, Nallikari Safaris offers unique winter experiences such as snowshoeing and ice-fishing trips on the frozen sea!