Experience the magic of Christmas in Old Town Raahe and explore the Christmas traditions of the Raahe region! The Old Town Raahe Advent Calendar takes you on a nostalgic journey, where each day is filled with surprises. The diverse selection of events offers something for every Christmas enthusiast, whether you wish to enjoy a peaceful Christmas concert, explore a Christmas wonderland with children, or immerse yourself in lively pre-Christmas celebrations. The best gifts for Santa's sack can be found at various Christmas markets or from local artisans.
Events to Get You in the Christmas Spirit
The Christmas season in Raahe kicks off with the town's official Christmas opening on Saturday, November 23rd, organized by the city and local merchants. The same weekend also features the Praati Christmas market.
As Christmas approaches, a magical atmosphere descends upon Old Town Raahe as the window Advent calendar reveals 24 unique locations in Old Town Raahe, one day at a time. Come admire the beautifully decorated windows, on display until Epiphany, or follow the calendar’s daily openings through the Visit Raahe channels!
On Thursday, November 21st, Raahe Museum and Trade House of Lang will host a dinner event at Lang’s, preceded by a lecture about Christmas celebrations in Raahe during the 1800s.
The Arkkukari Allotment Garden transforms into a Christmas wonderland on Saturday, November 30th. Christmas-themed sites, cozy lighting, Christmas treats, and Mrs. Claus’ Christmas story will get the whole family in the holiday spirit.
Gunnarin Kartano is hosting a Christmas party for the whole village in Lampinsaari on December 1st! Enjoy cheerful company and festive activities while having traditional Christmas porridge.
Immerse yourself in an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere and shop for local products at Annala’s Christmas on Friday, November 29th, and at Seminar's Christmas on Saturday, December 14th. Annala’s Christmas takes place at the Annala Heritage Museum in Pyhäjoki, and Seminar's Christmas is held at the old Seminar area in Raahe.
Christmas markets are also held in Piehinki and Arkkukari! The Piehinki countryside market takes place at the Bompatalo in Lännenranta on November 30. Children can enjoy a pony ride, and Santa Claus himself will also be visiting! The Saloinen Local Museum’s Christmas market will be held in Arkkukari on Sunday, December 8. The market will take place at Arkkukari House, and a café will be open at the Red Cottage.
St. Anna's Day marked the beginning of Christmas anticipation in Old Raahe. On this day, locals traditionally gathered to parade beneath the windows of women named Anna to greet the celebrants. St. Anna's Day is celebrated annually on December 9th in Raahe with a grand parade in the morning. The festivities continue throughout the day with markets, concerts, exhibitions, and various events across the city, with Raahe Event House serving as the main venue. You can also celebrate St. Anna’s Day in Lampinsaari at Gunnarin Kartano's Christmas Market!
At Raahe's oldest preserved residence, the Sovelius House, you can explore the Christmas celebrations of a 19th-century bourgeois family through guided tours. The Sovelius House will be open from December 9th to 15th.
Christmas is also welcomed into the hearts of our little four-legged friends at the Animal Christmas Opening in the courtyard of Kinosalonki Sofia on Sunday, December 8th.
For lovers of Christmas music, the Raahe Event House will host several Christmas concerts. The Ukrainian women’s choir Nota Neo will perform Ukrainian Christmas carols on Monday, November 18th. Tango royalty Eija Kantola and Pasi Flodström will take the stage for the "Spirit of Christmas" concert on Friday, December 13th. The 25-member Riku Niemi Orchestra, featuring soloists Hannu Lehtonen, Sami Saari, and SoulSisters, will perform a Christmas concert on Saturday, December 21st. Raahe Church will also host Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on Thursday, December 12th.
Pre-Christmas Celebrations and Christmas Feasts
Raahe Theatre will bring laughter to the pre-Christmas season! The festive season is illuminated by Sari Havas' play In Need of Therapy. The play humorously explores relationships through the stories of Aila Sydänvalo, a therapist, and Kaisa Alahämärä, a busy mother and wife. The comedic take on relationships will resonate with everyone, whether single, divorced, married, or just someone enjoying life with its ups and downs. The play is performed in Finnish.
The Raahe's Taitopaja courses are perfect for small groups looking for a pre-Christmas activity. You can create traditional Finnish himmeli decorations, glass and mosaic works, or jewelry under expert guidance. Groups can also enjoy a tour of the atmospheric foundry, nearly 70 years old. In addition to demonstrations, the tour includes insights into the foundry tradition and himmeli craftsmanship.
Raahe's Hovi offers various meeting and sauna facilities suitable for both large and small pre-Christmas groups! Dine from either the pre-Christmas menu options or the traditional Christmas buffet. Celebrate in a private, peaceful setting, and at the end of the night, you can rest in the hotel without needing a taxi ride home. Pre-Christmas parties are perfect to organize in conjunction with performances by Marttiska (November 22nd–23rd) or Duo MaRo (November 29th–30th).
At Trade House of Lang, you can enjoy traditional Christmas treats in a cozy Christmas setting with your group in a private space. The open pre-Christmas dinners (December 10th–12th) are the perfect option for small groups. You can also order Christmas meals for your private celebrations from Trade House of Lang.
CakePop offers pre-Christmas parties by the sea in Lohenpyrstö. You can also book a sauna and hot tub! After the party, you can easily stay overnight in CakePop’s rooms. CakePop will prepare a delicious pre-Christmas menu for you, and you can also order treats for events held elsewhere!
Törmälä Farm in Siikajoki provides fantastic settings for both large and small pre-Christmas parties. Choose your favorite menu or plan the perfect catering with Törmälä Farm. Pre-Christmas catering is also available for your private event. The cozy Riverside Sauna Cottage, with three different saunas, is perfect for relaxation. Accommodation for up to 50 guests is available on-site.
Gunnarin Kartano, now with a new restaurant operator, offers pre-Christmas celebrations in Lampinsaari! Book the manor’s event spaces and plan your Christmas menu with the staff.
If your own home feels too cramped for celebrating Christmas or you simply want a change of scenery, you can book Wanhakulma Guesthouse for Christmas! The guesthouse is perfect for celebration with up to 10 people, and overnight stays are also possible.
Open Christmas Dining for Everyone:
December 2nd–19th: Trade House of Lang's Christmas lunch
December 9th–22nd: Leipurin Keidas Christmas lunch
December 10th–12th: Trade House of Lang's open pre-Christmas dinners
December 11th–13th & 16th–19th: Raahe Hovi's Christmas lunch
December 12th: Törmälä Farm Christmas buffet
December 20th: Gunnarin Kartano's Christmas dinner
Gifts for Santa’s Sack or Yourself
In addition to various Christmas markets, you can find local products and handicrafts for Santa’s sack at Kuutostiimi, Raahe's Taitopaja, Trade House of Lang's shop, and Raahe Museum’s gift shops. Kuutostiimi is a treasure trove for craft enthusiasts, with an extensive collection of unique items. Raahe's Taitopaja sells, in addition to their famous himmeli decorations and handmade candles, porcelain Raahe dogs, which adorn many Old Town Raahe windows. Lang’s shop offers treasures inspired by the 1864 shipping ledger: treasures from across the seas and local artisan products. At Raahe Museum’s gift shop, you’ll find items related to the museum’s finest collections, inspired by the world’s oldest diving suit, “Old Gentleman,” and Mikael Balt’s stunning 17th-century church sculptures.
Other local shops include Bear’s Book & Paper and Utua’s bag store. Bear’s Book & Paper offers unique book and paper goods, as well as high-quality art and office supplies. Utua produces high-quality, eye-catching leather bags and accessories.
