Where should we stand to watch the parade?

Anywhere along Aleksanterinkatu between Senaatintori and Mannerheimintie, since the parade passes the whole stretch. Arrive a little early to get small kids to the front.

What should kids wear?

Warm layers, a hat, gloves and boots. It's all outdoors in Helsinki in late November, and standing still to wait for a parade gets cold fast.

Upcoming

UpcomingFestival

Helsinki Christmas Season Opening Parade

Name: Helsinki Christmas Season Opening Parade
Start: 2026-11-21
End: 2026-11-21
Location: Senaatintori

When: Sat Nov 21
Ages: Up to 12
Price: Free

Helsinki Christmas Season Opening Parade photo 2

Helsinki Christmas Season Opening Parade photo 3

Helsinki Christmas Season Opening Parade photo 4

FestivalKruununhaka

Where

Kruununhaka, Senaatintori

Ages

Up to 12

Setting

Outdoors

What you need to know

A long-running city tradition, held for the 77th time in 2025
Watch from the route, which runs from beside Senaatintori along Aleksanterinkatu to Mannerheimintie
Come-and-go timing, so you can watch the parade pass and head off

About

Helsingin Joulunavaus is the city's yearly start to the Christmas season. A parade sets off beside Senaatintori and moves along Aleksanterinkatu toward Mannerheimintie. It's an outdoor, come-and-go street event. It suits kids who enjoy a parade and can cope with a city-center crowd, and it's a cold wait for anyone who isn't bundled up.

Free

Sat, Nov 21

4:00 PM

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