New Year’s Day in Finland
New Year’s Day falls on 1 January and is a church holiday in Finland. The date begins the calendar year, while many of the country’s celebrations take place on New Year’s Eve.[1][2]
A Finnish church and public holiday
The University of Helsinki’s Almanac Office lists New Year’s Day among the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s church holidays and marks it as a paid public holiday. The date is fixed at 1 January. That calendar status identifies the holiday, but does not by itself tell you whether a particular employee is scheduled to work; check your workplace’s arrangements.[1]
How January became the start of the year
The Almanac Office traces the first-of-January year opening to Roman practice in 153 BCE. For Finland’s history, it notes that the beginning of the year in Sweden-Finland moved to early January in 1559, when 1 January became the start of the financial year. New Year’s Day is also a church holiday, giving the date both calendar and religious significance in Finland.[1]
Celebrations and customs
The main celebration often takes place on New Year’s Eve. Finland’s official country-information publication describes people gathering at home, meeting in restaurants, attending dances or concerts, and watching fireworks. In Helsinki, public celebrations have included gatherings at central squares, though local events and programmes can change from year to year.[2]
A familiar Finnish custom is fortune-telling with melted metal: a small piece is melted, poured into cold water, and the resulting shape interpreted as a prediction for the year ahead. On New Year’s Day, some people take it easy after the night before, while others go outdoors for a walk or ski. The same source mentions potato salad, sausages and fish dishes among foods people may eat around the holiday; these are examples, not a required national menu.[2]
What closes
Banks in Finland are closed on New Year’s Day, according to the Bank of Finland. The Finnish Patent and Registration Office also lists the day among its official midweek holidays when its offices are closed. These examples show why it is sensible to check opening hours before planning errands.[4][5]
Many shops and offices close during public holidays, but opening arrangements can vary. InfoFinland advises that many are closed during holidays; check the specific shop or service before travelling. Check the relevant public transport operator’s schedule before travelling.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year’s Day in Finland?
It is observed on 1 January each year and is a fixed-date church holiday in the Finnish calendar.[1]
Is it a day off for workers?
The University of Helsinki Almanac Office marks it as a paid public holiday. That listing does not confirm an individual worker’s schedule, so check your employment terms or workplace schedule.[1]
Are banks and public offices open?
Are shops and public transport operating?
Many shops close during public holidays, but hours vary. Public transport operators set their own schedules, so check with the relevant operator before travelling.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Finland:
- Flagging And Public Holidays Overview | Finnish Church Holidays- University of Helsinki Almanac Office
- Beginning a new year in Finland- ThisisFINLAND, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
- InfoFinland - Finnish public holidays- KEHA Centre
- Bank holidays- Bank of Finland
- PRH - Official midweek holidays- Finnish Patent and Registration Office