Pienten Helsinki
Finland's 100th birthday and December activities
What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Pienet Helsinki's weekly series seeks activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience of the site is pre-school children and their families.December brings Finland’s Independence Day and Finland’s 100th birthday celebration. Festive programs are organized on Tuesday, December 5th and Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 throughout the city, with the Finland 100 celebration culminating in a grand fireworks display on Wednesday at 10 p.m. Don’t forget to admire the festively lit buildings throughout Helsinki! Read Pienten Helsinki’s tips for Independence Day and Finland 100 events.
Other major December events include Annantalo’s birthday celebration on Saturday, December 9th, Herttoniemi Manor and Seurasaari’s Christmas trails, and the traditional Christmas events at Fallkulla and Haltiala. Also opening for the first time is Skidilä’s Christmas on Sunday, December 10, 2017. Read the tips for the week and enjoy the festive Helsinki!
Also remember Pienten Helsinki’s list of upcoming events, children’s and families’ Christmas events list and Christmas market list,, where you can find tips for the most charming Christmas markets or your local school’s Christmas events.
Also see Pienten Helsinki’s tips for Helsinki’s Christmas trails on My Helsinki website.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
Events:Story time at Puistola library at 10 a.m.
Töölö Music School students’ concert at Töölö Library’s Stage (4th floor) at 4 p.m. Read more on the library’s website.
Christmas card workshop at Viiki library from 4-7:30 p.m.
A second children’s art exhibition opens at Library 10. Ada Neiberg has the honor of being Library 10’s second children’s art exhibition artist, whose work fills the library’s exhibition space. The exhibition is on display from December 4-23, 2017 and can be viewed during library hours. The children’s own art exhibition activity is reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can have their own exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities. The opening of Ada Neiberg’s exhibition will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS: Theatre ILMI Ö’s “Riimipuu on rakennettu” performance at Annantalo’s celebration hall on Monday at 9:30 a.m. Tickets €7. Read more on Annantalo’s website.
CHRISTMAS: Sampo puppet theater concert “Christmas is Coming to Celebrate” at Vuotalo on Monday at 10 a.m. The performance is suitable for all ages. Tickets €11. Read more on Vuotalo’s website.
Art Advisory Clinic at Malmitalo, this week’s theme is goblins and fairies. The Art Advisory Clinic is aimed at children aged 3-6 in home care. Free admission. The clinic starts at 10 a.m. and can accommodate 20 children. Read more on Malmitalo’s website.
Fallkulla farm animals is open daily until Epiphany from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Central Station’s Ice Park opens again on Monday, December 4, 2017 (weather permitting).
TIP: Moving with children? In Helsinki you can go ice skating on artificial ice and public swimming pool times, skiing at indoor ski slopes, and exercising at nearby sports facilities. Read Pienten Helsinki’s tips for low-barrier physical activities with children!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017
Events:Independence Day celebrations begin on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. Check out tips for example library evenings, fireworks and other Independence Day Eve activities for families in Pienten Helsinki’s Independence Day article.
Story time at Viiki library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Herttoniemi library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Pohjois-Haaga library at 10 a.m. Story time at Töölö library in the club room at 10:15 a.m.
Family ball play at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball play, all children under 9 years old move with their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, acrobatics, running or even practicing walking. Family ball play on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Morning ball play is free for everyone, afternoon play costs adults Pallomylly’s single ticket (€3.50).
CHRISTMAS: City Theater’s program brings back the beloved “The Elves as Shoemakers” performance, which is aimed at the family’s youngest. Tuesday’s performance begins at 10 a.m. Tickets €10. Read more on the City Theater’s website.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017 Independence Day and Finland's 100th Birthday
See the holiday activity tips for families in Pienten Helsinki's Independence Day article.Tip for Espoo: Mäyrä’s Forest story time at Villa Elfvikin at 11 a.m. Read more on Villa Elfvikin’s website.
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Independence Day and Finland’s 100th birthday celebrations are held on December 6, 2017.[/caption]
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Events:Story hour at Tapulinkaupunki library at 9 a.m. Story hour at Pasila library at 9:30 a.m. Story hour at Suutarila library at 9:30 a.m. Story hour at Paloheinä library at 9:30 a.m. In Swedish: Story time in Swedish at Drumsö library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Laajasalo library at 9:45 a.m.
Story massage at Maunula library at 9:30 a.m. Story yoga at Maunula library at 10:15 a.m. Reading dog at Töölö library at 2 p.m.
Loveliest Christmas Carols at Malminkartano library at 6 p.m. Loveliest Christmas Carols at Pitäjänmäki library at 6 p.m.
Family ball play at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball play, all children under 9 years old move with their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, acrobatics, running or even practicing walking. Family ball play on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Children have free admission, adults pay Pallomylly’s single ticket (€3.50). Read Pienten Helsinki’s article about family ball play and other activities here.
Tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila library in Vantaa “Let’s Sing Together with Children” event on Thursday at 10 a.m. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun group singing session on the library’s website.
Movie tip: Hay Hat, Quilt Boot and the Rubens Brothers had its premiere on Friday, November 24, 2017. The film is approved for all ages and is excellent for a first movie experience. Read more on the production company’s website and watch the movie trailer.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017
Story hour at Roihuvuori library at 9:45 a.m.FOR BABIES: Babies’ nursery rhyme session at Pohjois-Haaga library at 10 a.m.
Music theater Kapsäkki’s Christmas Carols Request Concert on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Tickets €8. Read more on Kapsäkki’s website.
Annantalo’s Naperокino offers little ones (0-3 years) their own movie theater. Short films can be watched on Fridays throughout the fall from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This time the theme is courage and helping. Read more about Naperокino on Annantalo’s website.
CHRISTMAS: Sampo Puppet Theater’s “Wonderful Christmas” performance at Sampo on Friday at 10 a.m. Suitable for all ages. Tickets €11. Read more on the puppet theater’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Children’s Music Orchestra Ammuu performs at Sellosaali on Friday at 9 a.m. Tickets from €6. Read more on Sellosaali’s website.
Tip for Vantaa: At Entresse library you can see and hear the musical story “The Kalevala of Dogs” at 9 a.m. Admission is free. Read more on the library’s website.
TIP: To the theater with children? Pienten Helsinki’s theater tips have been updated!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017
Events:Story time at Munkkiniemi library at 11 a.m.
Toddler time at Roihuvuori library at 10:30 a.m.
Children’s Saturday from 12-2 p.m. at Library 10. The theme is Superheroes and the program includes theme-related activities. Read more on the library’s website.
CHRISTMAS: Children’s Museum Christmas event on Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission to the museum is free. Read more on the museum’s website.
CHRISTMAS: Fallkulla Christmas event at the farm animals on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
The beloved fairy tale classic The Happy Prince is seen as a puppet theater interpretation at the National Theater’s large stage foyer on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Performances also in December. Tickets €15. The performance is aimed at 2-7-year-olds. Read more on the National Theater’s website.
Benny Törnroos and the Moomins: Visit Moomin Valley Concerts at Kulttuuritalo on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets from €17. Read more on Kulttuuritalo’s website.
In Swedish: Rhyme Sessions at Rikhardinkatu library on Saturday at 11 a.m.
CHRISTMAS/JUL: Also in Swedish: Herttoniemi Manor Christmas trail is open again on Saturday from 12-4 p.m. Fun programs for the whole family. Read more on the Christmas trail’s website.
At Sampo Puppet Theater you can see the festive “Surprise Gift for a Friend” performance on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (3 p.m. performance sold out). Tickets €11. The performance is suitable for all ages, even the very young. Read more on Sampo’s website.
Moomins’ Magic Winter at Kino Helioksi at Malmitalo on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets €6. The film is approved for all ages and is excellent for a first movie experience.
CHRISTMAS: Theatre ILMI Ö’s “Riimipuu on rakennettu” performance at Vuotalo on Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €6. Read more on Vuotalo’s website.
Annantalo 30 – Star Dust and Birthday Fun. Annantalo celebrates its 30th birthday and the building is filled with events and treats. Birthday fun is planned for all on Saturday from 4-7 p.m. Free admission. Read more on Annantalo’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Children’s Music Orchestra Ammuu performs at Sellosaali on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets from €12. Read more on Sellosaali’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Jazz for Kids – Family jazz session at Espoo Cultural Center on Saturday at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Read more on Espoo’s cultural services website.
Tip for Espoo: Tapiola Gymnastics Performance “Magic of Nature” at Espoo Cultural Center (Tapiola) on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Tickets from €9.50. Read more on Espoo’s cultural services website.
Tip for Espoo: Saturday workshops at children’s cultural center Pikku-Aurora include this week’s “Movement and Image Saturday Workshop” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Read more about the day’s program on Pikku-Aurora’s website. Also explore Pikku-Aurora’s other children’s events.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
Events:CHRISTMAS: Skidilä’s Christmas (December 10-14, 2017) opens for the first time in Kallio in an old matchstick factory (Kaikukatu 1). Christmas programs for five days from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. You can find Skidilä Christmas’s complete program here.
CHRISTMAS: Traditional Christmas Event at Maunula Lodge on Sunday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Programs for the whole family. Read more on Maunula Lodge’s website.
In Swedish: Benny Törnroos and the Moomins Concert at Kulttuuritalo at 10:30 a.m. Tickets from €17. Read more on Kulttuuritalo’s website.
CHRISTMAS: Haltiala Farm Christmas on Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Read more and view the event program at restaurant Wanha Pehtööri’s website.
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Haltiala farm will soon have Christmas atmosphere with lanterns![/caption]
At Cinema Vuotalo, Moomins’ Magic Winter is showing on Sunday at 11 a.m. Tickets €9. The film is suitable for all ages. Read more on Vuotalo’s website.
CHRISTMAS: Seurasaari Christmas Trail on Sunday from 12-5 p.m. is an absolute must-do for Christmas anticipation. Operated by volunteers, the Christmas trail offers activities and experiences for the whole family. Children are served Christmas porridge, so bring your own plate and spoon. The Christmas trail is free admission and it’s best to arrive by public transport since parking is very limited. Read more on the Christmas Trail’s website.
At Cinema Vuotalo, Hay Hat, Quilt Boot and the Rubens Brothers is showing on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. The film is suitable for all ages and is excellent for a first movie experience. Tickets €9. Read more on Vuotalo’s website.
CHRISTMAS: Loveliest Christmas Carols for families at Tuomiokirkko church at 3 p.m. Read more on the Helsinki Parishes’ website.
CHRISTMAS: Tip for Espoo: Olar Gymnastics Performances on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. (story performance Santa’s Workshop), 1:15 p.m. (story performance Winter Fun) and 4 p.m. (story performance Christmas Magic). Tickets from €5. Read more on Espoo’s cultural services website.
CHRISTMAS: Tip for Vantaa: Adventure in Elf Forest at Arboretum Friendship Park in Koivuhaka, Tikkurila on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Read more and view the event program on the organizer’s website.
Also remember these:
Fallkulla farm animals is open daily until Epiphany from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Central Station’s Ice Park opens again on Monday, December 4, 2017 (weather permitting).
Annantalo’s Christmas Calendar opens its first door on Friday, December 1, 2017 and the calendar can be followed until Christmas Eve. Every day a window opens in the yard pavilion and reveals surprises created by Annantalo students. Read more about the Christmas calendar on Annantalo’s website.
The Fortress Elf Trail opens in Suomenlinna on December 2, 2017. You can explore the self-guided trail until Epiphany (January 7, 2018). Also remember the paid Fortress Elf Charles Walks.
St. Thomas’s Market opens on Senate Square on December 2 and as in previous years, visitors can ride the beautiful old carousel for free at the market. This year the square also has a performance stage with varied programs for the whole family. St. Thomas’s Market continues until December 22, 2017. Read more on the market’s website.
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St. Thomas’s Market continues until December 22 on Senate Square.[/caption]
A second children’s art exhibition opens at Library 10. Ada Neiberg has the honor of being Library 10’s second children’s art exhibition artist, whose work fills the library’s exhibition space. The exhibition is on display from December 4-23, 2017 and can be viewed during library hours. The children’s own art exhibition activity is reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can have their own exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities. The opening of Ada Neiberg’s exhibition will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
FOR PARENTS: The University of Helsinki Museum’s “Baby in the Box” exhibition sheds light on the fascinating history of maternity packages. The exhibition is on display at the University of Helsinki’s Science Corner and the University Museum. Read more on the university’s website.
At Annantalo, the exhibition “Dream Fabrics” is on display until mid-December and can be admired free during the building’s opening hours. Read more on Annantalo’s website and view pictures here. Free admission.
Pienten Helsinki's autumn and winter upcoming events list has been updated! Check out for example what happens in Helsinki around Christmas. Events for small children under Helsinki's roofs 2017
