Christmas Day in Finland
Christmas Day falls on 25 December and is a church holiday and paid public holiday in Finland. The day often has a quieter character than Christmas Eve, which is the main time for Finnish Christmas celebrations.[1][4]
Meaning and public holiday status
Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus and is one of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s church holidays. It is also classified as a paid public holiday. Finland does not provide a substitute weekday when a public holiday falls on a weekend, so the holiday remains on its calendar date.[1][2]
The holiday does not mean that every employee is automatically off work. Under Finland’s Working Time Act, work on Sundays and public holidays may be required when agreed in the employment contract, or with the employee’s consent; consent is not needed for work regularly performed on those days by its nature.[3]
A quieter day after Christmas Eve
In Finland, the main Christmas celebration takes place on Christmas Eve, 24 December. At noon, Christmas Peace is proclaimed in Turku, a tradition dating to the 1300s. For many households, the proclamation marks the start of Christmas festivities.[4]
Christmas Day is commonly described as a time to rest, read gifts received the day before and eat food left from Christmas Eve. Traditions differ between families, so this quieter pattern is a broad description rather than a rule for every household.[4]
A family sauna is another Finnish Christmas custom, but it belongs to the Christmas holiday period rather than being specific to Christmas Day. Some families treat the sauna as a peaceful pause before the main festivities.[4]
Services and practical planning
Public offices and financial services may close for the holiday. Finland’s Patent and Registration Office lists Christmas Day among its midweek closure days, while the Bank of Finland says TARGET services are closed on Christmas Day. Check the specific service before planning an in-person visit or a time-sensitive payment.[5][6]
Public transport can run on special holiday timetables. Helsinki-area transport operator HSL publishes a separate Christmas Day service plan, so travelers should check the current timetable for their route rather than assume normal weekday service.[7]
Store and restaurant hours can differ by venue. Check directly with the shop or restaurant you plan to visit, especially if you need groceries or a meal on the day.[8]
Christmas Day in Finland: FAQ
When is Christmas Day in Finland?
It is observed on 25 December each year. The date is a church holiday and paid public holiday.[1]
Do employees get the day off?
Is there a substitute day if 25 December falls on a weekend?
No. Finland does not provide a substitute weekday for public holidays that fall on weekends.[2]
Are shops and restaurants open?
Hours vary by venue. Check with the specific shop or restaurant before setting out.[8]
Does public transport run as usual?
Not necessarily. HSL publishes special Christmas Day schedules for Helsinki-area services; check the current timetable for your route.[7]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Finland:
- Flagging And Public Holidays Overview | Finnish Church Holidays- University Almanac Office, University of Helsinki
- Quality issues regarding the measurement of working time with the Labour Force Survey (LFS)- Eurostat, Publications Office of the European Union
- Working Time Act | 872/2019 | English translation- Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, Finlex
- Even the modern Christmas season is a time of tradition in Finland- ThisisFINLAND, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
- PRH - Official midweek holidays- Finnish Patent and Registration Office
- Bank holidays- Bank of Finland
- Bank holidays and changes to public transport services- Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL)
- Opening hours 2025: Christmas & New Year- MyHelsinki, Helsinki Partners