Fin new year. How is Christmas and New Year celebrated in Finland? What is the best way to celebrate the New Year in Finland for tourists?

New Year in Finland great amount countries of the world, meet on the night of December 31 to January 1. But the celebration begins long before that date. AT new year holidays Here reigns a fairy tale, mysticism and real spirit Christmas. How could it be otherwise? After all, this is where the real Santa Claus lives and his residence is located. Many children in Finland sincerely believe in Santa Claus, who will come on his reindeer and bring a whole bag of gifts from Lapland.

Finns honor their traditions and customs. One of these interesting and old traditions in Finland is to keep the turnips of the summer harvest, which are peeled on New Year's Eve, and candles are placed inside and given to children.

On the morning before the New Year in all houses you can already hear funny songs and loud laughter. On the streets, people arrange an unusual torchlight procession. You will not see such beauty in any other country in the world. Residents of cities set fire to barrels of tar. According to belief, with this, they kind of burn old year meeting the new with new opportunities, goals and dreams. One of the oldest Finnish traditions is honoring the dead on New Year's Day. On the eve of the New Year, people go to the cemetery and light candles on the graves of their loved ones as a sign eternal memory and sincere love. On New Year's holidays, all the streets of cities and towns flicker with bright lights. Finns Special attention give illumination, decorate it as christmas trees as well as the house inside and out……

But the brightest moment of the New Year is when the clock shows twelve o'clock on the dial, all people take to the streets and launch fireworks into the sky, fire crackers, hug and wish each other happiness, health and love. Since the use of pyrotechnics is permitted by law only on this day.

As in many countries, the New Year is family holiday, it is celebrated in the family circle. Even adults tend to spend it with their parents. Finnish youth celebrate the New Year with friends in cafes, restaurants or nightclubs. In entertainment venues funny contests and unforgettable theatrical performances that will not leave anyone indifferent, will give good mood and a positive charge for the whole next year. Many Finnish families and tourists from other countries travel to Lapland on December 30th. This is where the epicenter is concentrated. New Year's festivities. Beautiful nature, takes you to New Year's fairy tale. Here you can meet the real Joulupukki, ride dog and reindeer sleds, conquer all kinds of ski slopes of any complexity, learn to skate and ski and try real traditional Finnish dishes.

For lovers of unforgettable spectacles, in the town of Kemi, a world-famous snow and ice festival is held on New Year's Eve. Unusual sculptures are so realistic that it is impossible to believe that they are made of ice. But the most delightful thing is the snow hotel.

The Finns pay special attention to the choice of gifts, and for this, grandiose New Year's markets and Christmas sales are held in Finland. Discounts on goods will please any inveterate shopaholic, as gifts can be purchased at a huge discount, sometimes reaching 90% of the price. Therefore, people sweep away almost everything that is on the shelves, buying presents for each family member. After all, having received even some trifle as a gift, it is always pleasant, the main thing is that it be presented with tenderness and love, from a pure heart.

As for the New Year's table in Finland, it is bursting with a varied number of dishes. Traditional potato casserole with an unforgettable taste, salted salmon, ham, whitefish, gingerbread parfait and much more. Traditional New Year's drink in Finland, oddly enough, is beer. Finns try not to drink too much alcohol on the holiday, as the able-bodied population needs to go to work on the second of January. New Year is always the expectation of a miracle, in the soul of everyone there must be faith in the fulfillment of desires and confidence that even the most trifling dream will come true.

In the year when fireworks are allowed. Beer, sausages and potato salad– traditional New Year's dishes in Finland. Sports equipment and candles - the best gifts for the Finns New Year.

The people of Finland celebrate the New Year quite modestly. First of all, this is due to the fact that the main celebrations fall on Christmas, when everyone is waiting for Santa Claus and gifts, and secondly, because January 2 is a full-time working day.

If you want to wish a Finn a Happy New Year, you can say one of the following phrases to him:

Happy New Year! - Hyvä Uutta Vuotta! (Hyvaa Uutta Vuotta!) - Happy New Year! - Onnellista Uutta Wuotta! (Onnellista Uutta Vuotta!).

Finnish people traditionally celebrate Christmas with their closest relatives, and on New Year's Eve they go to restaurants and secular parties, where they meet the chiming clock in the company of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. However, most events usually take place during the day, and rarely anyone stays in a restaurant until midnight.

The cost of dishes on New Year's Eve is not much different from any other day. In the capital, you can also taste non-traditional Scandinavian cuisine from Spain, Germany, Italy, Mexico, China, Vietnam or Japan.

On New Year's Eve, the city transport schedule corresponds to Friday, and all shops and organizations set a reduced work schedule: from 7 am to 6 pm. However, the metropolitan metro, on the contrary, extends the working day by two hours. Tram routes passing near the Senate Square change during the celebrations, since the main city events have been held on the square since 1928.

January 1 is a public holiday in Finland. On this day, public transport operates according to the Sunday schedule, some intercity trains are canceled, and most shops are closed.

Traditional government congratulations on New Year's Eve, it sounds not from the president of the country, but from the mayor of Helsinki, and is broadcast by the national channel YLE.

The Finns prefer not to stand at the stove all evening on December 31 and usually prepare a rather modest, by our standards, treat: homemade sausages and a salad from boiled potatoes with oil, onion and vinegar. From drinks to New Year's table most often there is beer and champagne.

Also, the New Year is the only day when you can arrange your own fireworks, because in Finland fireworks and firecrackers are only allowed on New Year's Eve from 6 pm to 6 am. At the same time, private individuals can “launch money into the sky” only outside city squares and parks, and only with permission from rescuers. All fireworks sold in Finland must bear the Tukes (Chemical Safety Agency) or CE marking, and persons under the age of eighteen cannot buy or even use them.

Gifts on New Year's Eve are brought by the so-called "Father of Christmas", whose role is usually played by the disguised head of the family. To receive a long-awaited present, everyone, even adults, must sing a song to him, and he leaves the gifts themselves at nightwhen everyone is already sleeping.

At the same time, for this holiday, the Finns do not give large and expensive gifts, since the main presents had already been presented on Christmas Eve. A universal New Year's gift in Finland is considered a candle, as a symbol of friendship and love in next year, and some piece of sports equipment.

The celebration itself usually ends quite early, because according to the old belief, the one who gets up early on the first day of the year will be fresh and full of energy all year. Also, the Finns are of the opinion that if parents do not scold their children on January 1, then the whole next year they will obey them.

Finns love to guess on New Year's Eve. The main divination takes place on tin, or on objects hidden under dishes.

To this day, in the country, for example, in popular Tiimari stores, you can buy tin ingots specially designed for divination. They are usually made in the form of a horseshoe, which in itself is considered a symbol of good luck.

A couple of minutes before the New Year comes, you need to kind words remember the old year and make plans and wishes for the next, and then, continuing to think about what good should happen, melt the tin and pour it into cold water.

By the shape of a frozen piece or its shadow from a candle on the wall, you can determine whether a wish will come true. Carefully examining the tin from all sides, you need to look for following signs: for love - a heart, for money - lace and patterns, for career growth- keys, for an imminent wedding - little men, for travel - a boat. If instead of one piece in the water, the tin breaks into many small ones - there will be sadness.

We tell you how and where to celebrate the New Year - 2019 in Finland. Renting cottages in Lapland and hotels in Helsinki, prices for food and entertainment, things to do and see, reviews of tourists.

Our northern neighbor Finland in recent times became extremely popular for winter holiday. Some Russians have been coming here for the New Year holidays for several years in a row: here are all the attributes of a real New Year with snow, frost, a fragrant Christmas tree, and Santa Claus lives right there nearby. Good ecology beautiful way is combined with comfort, and wild animals, which every now and then meet, lead tourists into indescribable delight.

The climate is similar to Russian, the average air temperature in January is -5 ... -15 ° C, it can be colder, but the air is dry. Generally weather suitable for skiing and short walks through the snow-covered forest. In Lapland, the climate is harsh - after all, the residence of Father Frost himself, but many residents of Russia are accustomed to such weather.

Where to celebrate the New Year - 2019 in Finland?

As in most European countries, in Finland the New Year is less popular holiday than Christmas, so we recommend going to Suomi on the twentieth of December to see Christmas markets, taste glögi (mulled wine), a variety of sweets and fully enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

You can celebrate the New Year - 2019 in Finland to the sounds of fireworks with dancing and a laser show in the capital, on Senate Square. The tradition of arranging fireworks appeared not so long ago, here they can be seen only in new year's eve from 18:00 to 2:00, the rest of the time it is forbidden to launch rockets. Alcoholic drinks officially you can’t bring, but many get around this rule by hiding alcohol in their pockets. There are festive illuminations everywhere in the city and fluffy Christmas trees in the fires. It is better to book a table in a restaurant in advance - and keep in mind that establishments are open until midnight.

Family people with children prefer to rent a house in the forest away from civilization. Fans of active pastime can find a cottage village near SPA resorts or ski resorts.

The most popular resort is Saariselkä near Rovaniemi, an old and charming and relatively inexpensive Levi resort in western Lapland. Ski slopes are located here, during the day you can ride snowmobiles, and in the evening you can have a great time in the restaurant. The main reason why tourists go to Lapland is to admire a rare natural phenomenon - - and visit the residence of the Finnish Santa Claus.

(Photo © VisitPorvoo / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Holidays in Finland for the New Year: what to see?

New Year in Helsinki

On New Year's Eve in Helsinki, in addition to the Senate Square and the Cathedral, it is worth visiting the Temppeliaukio Temple, carved into the rock, the National Museum, the popular science center "Eureka" and. There is a huge ice skating rink.

Remember that on December 31, all shops and establishments are open until 18:00, and on the first day of the new year everything will be closed, but then you can take a shopping tour of the shops, since winter sales begin immediately after Christmas.

New Year in Lainio

You can have an interesting time in the village of Lainio, famous for its ice sculptures. You can get to it from Levi or Ylläs, there is a real snow hotel with 30 rooms, a sculpture gallery, a chapel, a restaurant and a disco. Adults are invited to walk through the snow labyrinth, try a strong drink in the ice bar, and dance in the disco after dinner. The village is only open winter period from 10 am to 10 pm, entry costs 10 euros.

How to celebrate the New Year - 2019 in Lapland

Lapland is located near the Arctic Circle, here you can also rent a cottage in one of the popular areas: Rovaniemi, Pello, Ranua and Kuusamo. Pello is located beyond the Arctic Circle, excellent salmon and grayling are found in the local waters, winter fishing enthusiasts prefer to relax here.

New Year in Lapland is a real winter fairy tale. Almost everywhere, tourists are offered snowmobiling, skiing, reindeer and dog sledding as entertainment. Not far from Kuusamo is the popular Ruko ski resort and the Oulanka National Park. In the resort town of Saariselka huge selection good ski slopes. In Rovaniemi, it is interesting to visit the Arktikum Museum, whose exposition is dedicated to flora, fauna and natural phenomena Lapland, the Ranua Zoo and the residence of the Finnish Santa.

In this region, venison dishes are perfectly cooked and meat is served in completely unexpected combinations - with lingonberries and pickles.

You can admire the northern lights in comfort and warmth in the hotel rooms - glass igloos. This hotel is located in the north of Lapland, next to the Saariselkä fell (Inari municipality).

(Photo © Visit Finland / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

New Year in Finland with children

If you are going to Finland for the New Year - 2019 with children, be sure to make a trip to the village of the Finnish Santa Claus (Joulupukki) - this is the main thing children's entertainment. Near the village there is an amusement park with rides, souvenir shops and exhibitions. Children are entertained by sleigh rides pulled by reindeer or dogs, treated to cookies and doing crafts together.

In the park you can ride a train and a carousel, watch a Christmas fairy tale. Working at the post office faithful helpers sorting through the impressive bags of letters. From here you can send greeting card with the personal stamp of Santa Claus. The second residence - bigger and richer - is located in the town of Kakslauttanen.

Cottage in Finland for the New Year: where to rent and how much does it cost?

Tourists prefer to celebrate the New Year in Finland by renting a cottage. AT winter time Lapland, in particular, Rovaniemi and ski resorts. If the trip is not supposed to be too long, then it makes sense to settle near the border, you can rent a house in the Lake District. Recently, the town of Vuokatti, which is located in the center of the country, has become popular with Russian tourists.

rent cottage better in advance, it will be difficult to find suitable accommodation for the holidays. This year, rent for a period of 1 week for 6 people will cost on average from 900 to 1500 euros. There are cheaper and more expensive options, the price depends on the location and comfort level of the home.

We recommend searching for hotels and cottages on the Roomguru and Skyscanner Hotels services - they will help you find best price. So, in Rovaniemi you can rent a double room in such a cozy cottage-hotel Santasport for 136 euros (free breakfasts, Wi-Fi, sauna and jacuzzi), and we offer exotic lovers to spend New Year's Eve in real igloo- Arctice Igloo Hotel, the cost for two is about 255 euros. You can rent a house in Vuokatti from 400 euros.

(Photo © berlinrider / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0)

Prices for New Year's holidays

Prices in restaurants in the capital of Finland for the New Year are only slightly higher than usual. The average check for lunch in Helsinki restaurants is 30 euros, dinner - 45-50 euros per person. What is worth enjoying? Tender roast pork, rice pudding, glögi and Christmas beer, gingerbread and more. You should also definitely try salmon, venison or partridge dishes, desserts with wild berries: cranberries, blueberries, lingonberries and cloudberries.

Inexpensive: a list of budget places in the city, where they also cook delicious food.

The cost of entertainment in the residence of Santa: entrance ticket costs 33 euros (adult) and 27.50 euros (children), a ride on a reindeer sleigh - 25 euros, an entrance ticket to an ice bar - 12 euros, a snowmobile trip to a deer and husky farm - 120 euros. Entrance ticket to the zoo "Ranua" for adults - 17.50 euros, for children - 15 euros.

(Photo © Paleokeittiö / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0)

New Year in Finland: reviews of tourists

Most of the tourists who decided to rent a house in Finland for the New Year enjoyed the great weather - a real snowy winter with all the entertainment: sledding, snowball fights, ice fishing and other fun.

Cottages in Suomi are well equipped, they have everything for a comfortable stay: a fireplace, several bedrooms, Appliances. They are built at some distance from each other, so that the noise of the neighbors will not interfere with the rest.

Now about the cons: since this is a European country, fishing, as is customary with us, will not work. You need to purchase a license, otherwise a salmon or perch caught with your own hands will cost several times more than bought in a supermarket. You can only fish for free with a regular rod without a reel.

It must be understood that rest in a cottage is akin to a village, even in a fully equipped house. People come here not for banal city entertainment, but for real solitude. You will have to entertain yourself.

No one exempts from the need to purchase products and self cooking food, including New Year's Eve dinner. By the way, most shops close at 18:00, this should be taken into account so as not to be left without food and water. Cleaning will also have to be paid additionally - 70-120 euros. However, if you want to avoid such troubles, then it is easier to choose a hotel complex, pay new Year's Eve with the program and enjoy your holiday.

For some, prices for holidays in Finland will seem high, for others - affordable. The main reason why tourists come here is to create a real New Year's mood, and in a snow-covered hospitable country, this will work out very well.

(Photo © Visit Finland / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

Intro image source: © Visit Finland / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Do you think that the New Year must be accompanied by snow and frost, but the soul asks for travel and new impressions? There is a way out - go to winter holiday 2017 to Finland: in the Nordic countries, like nowhere else, they know a lot about cheerful and bright Christmas festivities. And how many interesting things you have to learn, how much unusual dishes try! But first things first…

Finnish New Year Traditions

We advise you to come to Finland not on New Year's Eve, but on the 20th of December(in Finnish "December", or "joulukuu", - "month of Christmas"). It is at this time that wonderful noisy fairs, charity concerts, organ evenings in cathedrals - and you can fully feel the atmosphere of the impending bright holiday.

The main winter holiday here is Catholic Christmas, which is met December 25. The day before Christmas, on Christmas Eve, the Finns carefully clean the house, try to complete all the small and big things they have begun, they always take a steam bath and sauna - in general, they clean and tidy. And on December 23, the whole family decorates the spruce with flags, straw goats, toys made of paper and fabric, garlands and lanterns.

Everyone who considers the Finns a laconic and gloomy people simply did not see how famously and cheerfully they ride on Christmas days on sleds and skates. Winter fun is very popular here!

Weather for the New Year in Finland

Finns have recently named their favorite holiday « black christmas» due to lack of snow and "global warming". It is quite possible that, having arrived in Helsinki or its environs in December-January, you will find not bitter frost and high snowdrifts, but above zero temperature. However, we advise you to bring warm clothes and shoes for long walks and sightseeing of local attractions. If, for some reason, you don’t have a down jacket, fur boots and wool cap, all this can be purchased on the spot - the Finns "ate the dog" on tailoring from frost-resistant and windproof fabrics.

If you organize your trip on your own, you can always check ticket prices on aviasales.ru and hotel prices on booking.com.

Where to go and what to do

How memorable and interesting to spend time, being on New Year holidays 2017 in Finland? Go for a walk around the festively decorated capital of Helsinki - it, like all large and small Finnish cities in December-January, is the brightest and most enthusiastic sight - the windows are lit with candles in intricate candlesticks, red, white and gold stars; the streets are hung with flashing garlands; lingering and creating festive mood Christmas songs.

New year's night from December 31 to January 1 - the only time in the year in which fireworks are officially allowed.

It is worth taking advantage of this and launching a couple of firecrackers that open up into the sky with colorful balls or see how the locals enthusiastically do it.

The center of city festivities in main night year becomes Senate Square Helsinki definitely worth a visit!

Just keep in mind that on December 31, local shops and cultural institutions are open until 18:00, on a reduced schedule. And January 1 is a day off at all - that's all shopping centers, museums and others public places closed.

Dinner at one of the restaurants in holidays will cost you not much more than on weekdays. Apart from restaurants specializing in dishes local cuisine, here you can find Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Russian bistros, cafes and bars. So no one will go hungry!

And most importantly: come to Finland and not pay a visit to Joulupukki to his village-workshop - simply unforgivable! Local Santa Claus (or Santa Claus) lives right here in the city Rovaniemi(province of Lapland). Perhaps one day to consider all the wonders of the amusement park will not be enough - for visitors there are equipped cozy hotels.

You can see which hotels are still free and how much they cost on booking.com. The link already leads to the page with Rovaniemi hotels.

A trip to the homeland of the "Christmas grandfather" should be planned in advance, back in the fall - those who want to see winter fairy tale a lot with my own eyes!

Finnish New Year's gifts

Usually, new Year gifts Finns give each other on Christmas Eve(Christmas Eve) and New Year's Eve. Needless to say, in the days of December there is a real excitement in retail stores. Presents can be very different, they directly depend on the preferences and desires of the recipients. The most popular of them: beautiful candles like a symbol strong family and friendship, intricate Christmas tree decorations, colorful postcards With warm regards, equipment for winter views sports (skis, skates, snowboards, ice skates, clubs, helmets and much more).

Surprisingly, but since ancient times, on New Year's Eve, the Finns give each other Natural flowers! And they not only carefully present them in beautiful pots, but also decorate the house with them. These are white, blue, pink hyacinths, lilies of the valley, camellias and roses, as well as Euphorbia-Yulestian (or "Christmas Star"), which has won the love of Russians.

If you need taxi services on vacation in Finland, you can order in advance on the KiwiTaxi website.

What to bring from Finland?

So, you went to snowy Finland for New Year or Christmas. What to bring to your family and friends as a gift, what gizmos, besides traditional fridge magnets, to buy as a keepsake of the trip?

The Finns are very good at products made of deer antler and wood. Buy a traditional kuksu mug with an imposing wooden handle. The holes in it are intended for tying to a belt - in the old days, mugs were worn that way. Always with you - convenient!

Everyone knows that the Finns have achieved great skill in the production of warm products. It is understandable - their country, for the most part, is cold and snowy. Mittens, hat or plaid with traditional ornament will delight those who do not like to freeze.

Do not overlook and edible gifts. In Finland, very tasty pastries: pies, gingerbread, waffles. And also - excellent tinctures of rhubarb on berries - red currant, cranberry, gooseberry.

Features of New Year's Finnish cuisine

On New Year's Eve, the Finns also raise their glasses with champagne, and massive circles with beer. Dishes are on the table pork and the obligatory potato salad with a slide of onions flavored with vinegar.

To the beloved winter holiday- Christmas - much more treats are being prepared. Cold appetizers are represented by beet salad, similar to our vinaigrette, as well as salted fish - whitefish, salmon, trout, salmon. The main hot dish of the Christmas table - pork ham with roasted vegetables.

Those who honor traditions must put a plate of thick rice porridge with almonds on the table. And those in whose houses there are children and sweethearts (often in one person) bake houses from gingerbread cookies, thickly pouring glaze over them, and pies with plum jam.

Finns drink hot gleg with spices, nuts and raisins, fruit and berry jelly, as well as a special kind of dark "Christmas" beer.

Hyvaa Uutta Vuotta! Hyvä Uutta Vuotta! Happy New Year!

You can meet the New Year holidays, sitting in your warm nest, or you can go to another country, providing yourself with a sea of ​​new experiences.

A great idea is to celebrate the New Year in Finland, which is very close to us in terms of climatic conditions. Tourists are always welcome here and ready to offer a variety of programs, with sightseeing, tasting national dishes and, of course, a meeting with Santa Claus (Youlupukki), his faithful companion Muori and the elves.

The first association is Lapland. Especially in the country of the northern lights and the homeland of all Santa Clauses, children like them, who with great joy help the elves manage the toy factory, learn how to cook gingerbread, and make decorations for the Christmas tree.

And children can tell Joulupukki himself about his cherished. Not far away is the small village of Lainio, famous for its ice sculptures, the Snow Hotel and various drinks served in ice glasses.

Holidays for the New Year in Finland offers tourists many of the most different entertainment. This is reindeer or dog sledding, as well as skiing, snowmobiling and ice skating, and delicious fishing, and Finnish saunas. If you are choosing ski resorts in Finland for the New Year, you should know that they are here all over the country. After all, skiing is considered the main Finnish national sport.

Where to relax in Finland for the New Year? Before choosing a tour, you need to decide what exactly you want from this vacation. So, you can opt for Helsinki, being at the epicenter of various fairs, festivities and concerts. lovers skiing can rent a cottage in Tahko or Vuokatti.

The whole family is better off staying in one of the SPA-Kuopio hotels, with its numerous water parks. There is something interesting for lovers too - a glass igloo, through the roof of which you can admire the northern lights.

Helsinki

The capital of Finland during the New Year holidays is a bright illumination, unusually decorated shop windows and huge fir trees, sales, fireworks and, of course, solemn event on Senate Square.

• Do not miss:

Be sure to visit the neoclassical center on the Senate Square, the Assumption and the Cathedral, the Esplanade Boulevard Park, the market square. During a trip to the marine amusement park in SEA LIFE easy to plunge into the unique undersea world, full of the most bizarre marine life.

Aquapark " Flamingo Spa» offers numerous slides and swimming pools with restaurants, Spa-cafe, and, of course, a Finnish sauna. Be sure to visit the Evrika science and entertainment center, if only to feel like a real pioneer.

Rovaniemi

Visit Santa's main office great luck. Choosing a holiday in Finland for the New Year 2019, you will have the opportunity to meet and even take a picture with him. And also send holiday cards from the main post office.

At this point, you can cross the Arctic Circle and get into the underground kingdom of Santa Claus and elves, as well as Santa Park, where guests can expect a fabulous music and dance show, a train for all four seasons, and an elves training school. A trip to the Ranua Zoo will be unforgettable.

Levy

This resort has the best ski infrastructure in the country, it offers an unforgettable holiday in Finland for the New Year holidays 2018-2019. It is interesting to take a dog sledding trip to the wild Lapland forest, and then warm yourself by the fire in a warm tent, taste Finnish sausages and enjoy hot berry juice.

What can you say about visiting Snow Queen? This is possible if you go to the island of Svalbard, where her ice tent is located. It is possible to get the patronage of spirits for the year ahead by visiting the Ice Castle Lainio. There you will undergo the ritual of the Shaman and taste hot food in the chains of the snow walls.

By the way, it’s not difficult to get an international class “reindeer” driver’s license after getting to know these beautiful animals better and mastering the basics of driving them in a harness. A trip to Finland for the New Year for two people will cost from 900 EUR.