Events in Helsinki

The city has a great year-round calendar of events to suit everyone's taste. There are concerts, art exhibitions, shopping and market experiences and outdoor installations. The city's residents really do go to great lengths to put on a show for visitors at any time of the year and they are experts in brightening up cold and dark winter nights. Here are some of the annual highlights.

Lux Helsinki (January)

A festival of light to illuminate the dark winter nights. Finland's greatest artists create an inspiring collection of light installations throughout the city centre.

Musica Nova (February)

One of the major events in European contemporary music. A fascinating mix of old and new musical styles featuring both Finnish and international composers.

Tuska Open Air Metal Festival (June/July)

Northern Europe's largest heavy metal festival. An annual event at Suvilahti that encompasses festival grounds and surrounding clubs.

Helsinki Christmas Market (December)

This is the annual Christmas market in the city. It takes place in Senate Square and includes more than 100 stalls. You will find traditional Finnish foods along with interesting gift ideas. A second Christmas market takes place at the Old Student House, offering a contemporary take on the traditional Christmas market.