Christmas 2024 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!
Add to favouritesShow all favouritesChristmas Magic in Oulu: Experience the Best of a Finnish Christmas 2024
Christmas Street Opening at Rotuaari – November 15, 2024
Oulu’s Christmas season begins with the traditional Christmas Street Opening! Join us at Rotuaari Square on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. for the first moments of holiday cheer, with festive lights and the Christmas spirit, and even a visit from Santa himself.
The Christmas opening will also be celebrated at the Valkea Shopping Center on November 15–16 with family-friendly activities!
Lumo Light Festival – Lighting Up Oulu November 22–24, 2024
The highlight of the early winter season is the Lumo Light Festival, when the city center and Hupisaaret City Park glow with beautiful light installations. This year, seventeen spectacular works of light art will be featured. Join the celebration from November 22 to 24, 2024, and experience the magic of Lumo!
Oulu Market Hall Christmas Opening – November 29–30, 2024
Celebrate the holiday spirit at Oulu Market Hall’s Christmas Opening on November 29–30. 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 Star Singers Competition – November 30 – December 1, 2024
The traditional Tiernapoika (Star Singers) Competition, held from November 30 to December 1, 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.
Rotuaari Christmas Forest – December 1–29, 2024
This year, Rotuaari Square transforms into a festive Christmas Forest, with twinkling trees and holiday decorations creating an enchanting atmosphere. Meet in the Christmas Forest from December 1 to 29 for an immersive seasonal experience in the heart of the city.
Oulu’s Christmas Market, Tiernatori – December 7–22, 2024
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 7 to 22. Come savor holiday treats, soak in the holiday scents, and shop for gifts.
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:
- November 28–December 15, Thu–Sun, 11:00–17:00
- December 19–21, Thu–Sat, 11:00–17:00
Meet Santa at Valkea Shopping Center
Our friend Santa will be stopping by the Valkea Shopping Center, bringing joy to everyone with the Christmas spirit! Find him on the 3rd floor, where kids can also drop off their wish lists in Santa’s special mailbox.
- Sat, Nov 16: 11:00–12:00 / 15:00–16:00 / 16:00–17:00, with Santa’s greeting at 10:30 on the Summer Street stage
- Sat, Nov 23: 11:00–12:00 / 13:00–14:00 / 15:00–16:00 with a special visit during the Lumo Light Festival
- Sat, Dec 7: 11:00–12:00 / 13:00–14:00 / 15:00–16:00
- Sat Dec 14: 11:00–12:00 / 13:00–14:00 / 15:00–16:00
Christmas Concerts in Oulu
What’s Christmas without music? Oulu All Star Big Band kicks off the season with a festive big band concert at Teatterikuoppa on November 23 at 18:00. Bring the whole family to Soiva Siili’s cozy Christmas concert at Valve Hall on December 15 at 14:00.
Oulu Symphony Orchestra will perform The Snowman with live musical accompaniment on December 10. Also, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio will be performed from December 12 to 14. Don’t miss the beloved Kauneimmat Joululaulut sing-along events in Oulu’s churches for a heartwarming experience!
Christmas Lunches Around Town
Oulu offers a variety of Christmas lunches where you can enjoy traditional holiday delicacies in a festive setting. Restaurant Nallikari serves Christmas lunch by the sea on weekdays from December 9 to 20, 11:00–15:00. Bistoria Patio offers a festive lunch from December 21 to 23, 12:00–16:00, and a Christmas Eve lunch on December 24, 12:00–17:00.
Frans&Camille, near Rotuaari square, hosts a popular Christmas lunch in their newly renovated, cozy space from December 9 to 23, 11:00–14:00, and a festive buffet on December 24–25, 12:00–20:00. Enjoy the charming Christmas ambiance and delicious cuisine at Restaurant Toivo at Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu from December 9 to 20, 11:00–14:00.
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!