🌲 Where to buy a live Christmas tree in Finland and where to return it after the holidays

The smell of resin and the quiet rustling of branches — it makes a home warmer than any fairy lights. To make sure everything goes smoothly, I've broken the story down into three simple steps: where to get one, how to care for it, and where to return it. I'll also add some "green" alternatives — renting in a tub and "cut-your-own" farms.

Where to buy: markets, farms, delivery

Street stalls appear 1–2 weeks before Christmas and operate until 24 December — convenient if you need a tree "right now". This is common practice in Helsinki; the addresses change, but the logic remains the same.

DIY farms. Romance with a thermos: we arrive, choose, they give us a saw on the spot, and cut down the tree. An example is the Aksula farm (Hyvinkää): "up to 2.5 m — 25/40/50/60 €", there are pre-cut trees from 15 €, holiday weekends and a bonfire for sausages.

Doorstep delivery. Service websites deliver the tree to your doorstep with the trunk trimmed and a stand (optional). Approximate guidelines for the capital region: 175–195 cm — ~69–79 €, 220–235 cm — ~89 €; there are premium lines and large sizes.

Renting in a tub: how it works

If you want a "green cycle", get a live tree in a tub for 3–4 weeks: they will deliver it, pick it up and send it for "rehabilitation" until next season. Vuokrapuu and other services operate in Helsinki; 100–120 cm — ~€99 with delivery and return.
There are also "buy/rent a tub" models from private suppliers — details and pick-up points at Kuusihimaan.

I once took a tub for a small living room — and it was easier than looking for the "right" stand. Moisture is retained better, and the needles last longer.

Home care: a reminder for the whole of December

— Allow the tree to acclimatise in a cool stairwell/storage room (2–6 hours).
— Trim the base by 1–2 cm — the water will flow more easily.
— Keep the water level steady, away from radiators; a humidifier is a bonus.
— Keep tubs cool: do not place them under a warm air vent.

Where to take it: January rules by city

Helsinki / Espoo / Vantaa (HSY).
Christmas trees are collected free of charge: leave them near the rubbish shelter until 7 January (apparently not in the snow), or take them to collection points; collection lasts from January to February.

Tampere (Pirkanmaan Jätehuolto).
Traditionally, they are collected from yards — place the tree next to the container after the holidays; a significant portion goes to the thermal power plant.

Oulu (Kiertokaari).
Free drop-off at Rusko jätekeskus (all year round); in January — separate sites/containers.

Turku and South-West Finland (LSJH).
Branches/Christmas trees are accepted free of charge; wood chips are sent to thermal power plants. Dates and addresses are specified in the LSJH calendar.

Map of examples: where to buy/return (scheme)

If you found this text useful, share the link and write in the comments where you prefer to buy your Christmas tree: a street stall, a farm, or delivery. I will add your addresses to the map