Public holiday in Finland
Christmas Eve in Finland
Thursday, December 24, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Christmas Eve is a nationwide public holiday in Finland on 24 December. It is the main Christmas observance for many Finns and the start of the holiday period.
About Christmas Eve in Finland
In Finland, Christmas Eve is the central Christmas day in practical terms. It is a nationwide public holiday, and many people treat it as the main family occasion of the season, with Christmas Day and Boxing Day following as part of the holiday break. The day is closely associated with early evening gatherings and a quieter pace than ordinary weekdays.
History
Christmas Eve became an official public holiday in Finland in the 20th century, replacing the former practice of treating only part of the day as a holiday. This change made the full day a regular day off for most workers.
Traditions
Common Finnish Christmas Eve customs include eating a Christmas meal, visiting or remembering family, and attending church or listening to the traditional Declaration of Christmas Peace in Turku. Many households also decorate a Christmas tree and light candles in cemeteries to remember departed relatives.
How Christmas Eve is celebrated in Finland
The day is usually marked by family gatherings and a calm public atmosphere. In many places, people finish preparations early in the day so they can spend the evening at home, and some public Christmas events begin before nightfall. The national Christmas Peace declaration in Turku is broadcast and widely followed.
Interesting facts
For many Finns, the main Christmas gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas Day. The Declaration of Christmas Peace is an old Finnish tradition associated with Turku and is broadcast nationwide.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 Dec 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.