Finland has about 13 public holidays per year, each with its own traditions. Here is what to expect and what closes.
New Year (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), Good Friday and Easter Monday (March/April), May Day or Vappu (May 1 — massive celebration), Ascension Day (May/June), Midsummer or Juhannus (late June — most Finns leave cities for cottages), Independence Day (December 6), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24-25), St Stephen Day (December 26).
On public holidays, most shops, offices, and services close. Grocery stores may have limited hours on some holidays. Restaurants and cafes often stay open. Public transport runs on a Sunday schedule. Christmas Eve afternoon and Midsummer Eve are when Finland essentially shuts down completely.
Vappu on May 1st is one of Finland biggest celebrations. It combines Labour Day and a student festival. People gather in parks for picnics with sparkling wine (sima), doughnuts, and sausages. Students wear their white graduation caps. In Helsinki, the celebration centres on Kaivopuisto park and the Havis Amanda statue.
Midsummer in late June celebrates the longest day of the year. Most Finns go to summer cottages (mökki) near a lake for bonfires, sauna, swimming, and grilling. Cities become very quiet. Many services close from Friday afternoon through Sunday. It is the most Finnish of all holidays.
Finnish Christmas (joulu) is celebrated primarily on Christmas Eve (December 24). Families gather for a traditional meal of ham, casseroles, and gingerbread. Santa Claus (Joulupukki) is said to live in Korvatunturi, Lapland. The Christmas period is quiet and family-oriented. Most Finns have 1 to 2 weeks of holiday around Christmas.
Common mistake
Planning important errands for Midsummer weekend. Finland essentially closes from Friday to Sunday. Stock up on groceries and plan ahead.
Good to know
Independence Day on December 6th features the famous televised Presidential Independence Day Reception (Linnan juhlat), which is the most-watched TV event in Finland each year. Finns gather to watch and comment on the guests outfits.