🕯️ Lucia + Tuomaan Markkinat: a "two in one" route on 13 December (Helsinki)
If you want to experience December in Helsinki without rushing, 13 December is the perfect evening. We start on the steps of the white cathedral, where the Finnish Lucia is crowned, descend to the lights of Senate Square and continue to Tuomaan Markkinat — the main Christmas market. In this article, you will learn how to experience both events at the same pace: where to stand to see everything and stay warm; what and where to eat between the ceremony and the market; what "warm" shelters to keep in mind; how to manage with children and a pram; where to take photos — and what to do if it starts to snow.
Timing for 13 December, minute by minute
17:00 — Coronation of Lucia in Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko). The doors open early; when the cathedral is full, the entrance is closed. A large screen is set up on Senate Square — visible from afar.
≈18:00 — start of the parade from Senate Square: the procession goes through the city centre (the traditional route includes Aleksanterinkatu → Mannerheimintie → Eteläesplanadi → Market Square). At this time, it is better to take up a position a little in advance — at street corners.
Tuomaan Markkinat Market is open from 11:00 to 20:00 (Sat) on this day. It is convenient to come to the market after the parade — the kitchen and fair chalets are still open.
Walking route and where to stand (map)
Let's take it easy: cathedral → steps → Senate Square → exit onto Aleksanterinkatu → one turn at Mannerheimintie → Eteläesplanadi → to the Sea Square and back to the fair.
Where to stand to see and not freeze:
● On the steps of the cathedral — beautiful, but very crowded (leave a passage).
● At the corner of Aleksanterinkatu × Mannerheimintie — the procession slows down, you can see faces and the wreath with lights.
● On Eteläesplanadi — wide pavements and less crowding with children in prams.
Where to eat and warm up between events
A plan for "warm breaks" is half the battle. There are two tried and tested options:
Food court and courtyard of treats (at the square)
Heated canopies and hot food; not a “full service” restaurant, but quick and winter-friendly. Accessible toilets available.
Helsinki City Museum
Just a stone’s throw from the square (Aleksanterinkatu 16). Free admission, warm indoor space, family-friendly – a convenient place to wait for the wind to calm down.
Market confirmations: heated dining areas, accessible toilets and a full menu are available from the organisers; the museum always has free entry and convenient opening hours.
Best photo spots and shots
● Half-silhouettes on the steps: shoot towards the market lights — the contours look beautiful.
● Turn at the Stockmann corner on Mannerheimintie — slow down and enjoy the soft light of the garlands.
● At the Sea Square — a freer background, reflections in the wet stone.
● From the "eternal" details — Lucia's wreath, the candles of the retinue and the harness of the horses in front of the sleigh.
If it's frosty/windy/rainy: plan B
● Screen on Senate Square: if you don't want crowds at the steps, stay in the square with a good view and quick access to food/toilets.
● Online broadcast: the ceremony is broadcast on TV and Yle Areena — a good backup if a blizzard hits.
● Warm breaks: the museum is nearby, and there are shelters in the market — keep these in mind as your "base".
With children and a pram: how to do it calmly
● Arrive between 4:15 and 4:30 p.m.: you'll get a spot at the foot of the stairs with a passageway, and you'll have time for a break at the museum.
● During the parade, stand on Eteläesplanadi — the pavements are wider there; move to the turns in advance.
● The market is quieter on weekdays during the day, but 13 December is a Saturday: stick to the plan of "quick meal → round of chalets → carousel" (the carousel is free).
● Toilets: there are accessible toilets at the market; there is a network of free toilets in the city (including nearby on Sofiankatu).
Anna K., Turku:
"We arrived with a pram at 4:20 p.m., stood by the railing to the right of the steps, and then calmly walked to Eteläesplanadi. We ate in a warm tent at the market — the child fell asleep, and we still had time for mulled wine. In the end, the evening passed without crowds or stress — it all came down to the time we arrived."
Warning stickers (common mistakes)
❌ “We’ll stand on the steps – you can see everything from there”
It’s the most crowded spot, and people need to be able to move there. It’s better to watch the screen on the square or grab a side spot early.
ℹ️ “We’ll have time to eat afterwards”
The market closes at 20:00 – plan your meal before the parade or right after it.
✅ “Turns – the best view”
The procession slows down in the turns – the photos and the mood get warmer.
Checklist for 13 December
🧣 Before you leave
If you found this material useful, share it with your friends, save it for December, and write in the comments where you managed to take the warmest photo and how you kept warm at the fair. I will add your ideas to the map and tips to make it even easier for the next reader to enjoy this evening.
FAQ
The ceremony in the cathedral begins at 5 p.m., followed by a descent to the square and a parade. A large screen is set up on Senate Square, and there is also a TV broadcast and Yle Areena.
The parade starts at around 6 p.m. from Senate Square and goes through the city centre (Aleksanterinkatu → Mannerheimintie → Eteläesplanadi → Maritime Square). Come to the turns in advance.
In 2025, the market on Senate Square is open from 11:00 to 20:00 (Sat). Make sure you get your dinner and hot drinks before closing time.
Yes: there are heated dining areas on site and accessible toilets on the premises. A map of the chalets and services is available on the organisers' website.
Helsinki City Museum (Aleksanterinkatu 16) — free and close by, convenient for a family break.
There is a network of free public toilets in the centre (including on Sofiankatu near the square).
Come at 4:15–4:30 p.m., stand by the walkways and on the wide pavements (Eteläesplanadi), and stick to the plan: "warm break → parade → market".
At the turns (Aleksanterinkatu × Mannerheimintie) and at the Sea Square — the pace is slower there and there is more space for photos.
Yes, but the market closes at 8 p.m.; it's better to go right after the parade — the kitchen is still open.
Layers (thermal → wool → windproof), mittens, a buff, non-slip shoes; a thermos and hand warmers in your backpack. For detailed tips, see our article on what to wear in Finland in winter.
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