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    Are shops open on public holidays in Finland?

    Shopping on Christmas, Midsummer and other holidays.

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    Short answer

    Shops are allowed to open on public holidays, because opening hours were freed at the start of 2016. Before that, shops had to close on church holidays, May Day, Independence Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day. In practice many shops still close or open for only a few hours on Christmas Day, Midsummer Day and other major holidays, so check in advance.

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    Why

    1. Verkkouutiset lists the holidays when shops had to close before 2016.
    2. MTV Uutiset reported that opening hours became free from the start of 2016.
    3. Shops now decide their own holiday hours.

    Details

    Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Midsummer are the quietest days of the year in Finland. Plan food shopping a day or two ahead.

    Tip

    Shops publish special holiday hours on their websites a few weeks ahead. Check them before Christmas and Midsummer.

    What may differ

    Museums, restaurants and public services have their own holiday hours.

    Common misconception

    Finnish law requires all shops to close on Christmas Day.

    What actually happens

    The law no longer sets closing days. Shops decide, and many choose to close.

    People also ask

    • Are shops open on Sundays in Finland?
    • When is Midsummer in Finland?
    • How do you get from Helsinki Airport to the city centre?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.

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