Porvoo Christmas 2024 - Worth the Visit?
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Last year, we visited Porvoo Christmas Market in early December. As we were expecting, the market was small. However, we were surprised by the variety of services and the warm atmosphere despite the frost. In 2024, Christmas in Porvoo is a little different but shares the same characteristics. Read about our last year Porvoo Christmas Market experiences and know what is different in the year 2024.
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Our Visit to Porvoo Christmas Market
The Independence Day in 2023 fell conveniently in the middle of the week, so we had the perfect opportunity to take advantage of this extra time off by visiting Porvoo's Christmas Market. We drove from Helsinki to Porvoo in the morning and had brunch before enjoying a moment in the daylight in Porvoo's Old Town.
Once the low sun had set on the horizon, it was time to move on to Porvoo's Christmas Market. The decision to visit the market in the evening was rewarded with a stunning display of festive lights.
Market Square During the Christmas Season
The Christmas Market in Porvoo was called Porvoon joulutori in Finnish last year. We had not done our background work carefully and assumed the Christmas Market was located in the Porvoo's Old Town. This seemed natural, as is the case in many cities. However, Porvoo's Christmas market was located in the new city centre, right next to the bus station. Luckily, this was only a short walk from the Porvoo Old Town.
In 2024, Porvoo's Christmas is not anymore just an event in the market square but it is called Porvoo Christmas Path. The events that were once confined to the market square have now spread out and dispersed throughout the Christmas Path which is a nice change. The location of the Christmas Path in the city centre is a convenient choice for both locals and tourists, as it offers more room for activities and its start is next to the bus station.
Food, Drinks and Shopping
Entrance to Porvoo's Christmas market was free of charge as it will be to Porvoo Christmas Path ,too. This may seem obvious, but there is a charge for the Skansen's Christmas Market in Stockholm, for example.
Last year, a positive surprise for families with children was a Tivoli Sariola's carousel in the middle of the market, which had free access. Both children and their parents were on it, and we noticed also some adults who went on board. The carousel was perhaps the best attraction at the Porvoo Christmas Market.
The stalls offered both food and hot drinks. Handicrafts, Christmas home decor and winter accessories were also on sale. Visit Porvoo had its stand at the market too, which was a great way to introduce the city to tourists. Unfortunately, some Christmas market stalls were closed on Independence Day. Despite this, there was a lively atmosphere particularly because of the carousel ride with Finnish Christmas songs played in the background.
Like all other Christmas markets, Porvoo had a tall, lovely Christmas tree pretty suitable for the size of the market. The Christmas tree stood just next to the city's Porvoo City Hall in a small park also beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. This perfect combination created a sensual Porvoo Christmas picture. Children and adults alike were amazed by the wonderful wintery Christmas atmosphere on site.
Porvoo's Christmas Market visitors did not need to worry about the cold winter weather. The Porvoo Christmas Market had an amazing campfire hut where you can do barbequing or simply sit around the fire to warm yourself. It was easy to warm both hands and face as a semi-enclosed space. When the woods were running out, a very kind staff - perhaps the market's administrator - offered to bring more. What struck us most was the friendly atmosphere of the market and the helpfulness of the locals.
During our visit, there was no arranged program in the market.
Comparision to Bigger Christmas Markets
The Christmas market in Porvoo did not boast its size, but for a small town, it was a great Christmas market. It was atmospherically built and centrally located. A free carousel and a homemade log fire to warm you up made it well worth a visit. You could also do some Christmas shopping at the market and we recommend at least a cup of mulled wine with or without alcohol.
Porvoo Christmas Path 2024
Porvoo's 2024 Christmas Market, now called the Porvoo Christmas Path, is a delightful stroll through the city's charming streets. You can enjoy festive stalls, attractions, and events spread out along the path. Experience the magic of Christmas in Porvoo and complete with beloved traditions and a joyous atmosphere. The path will be open from December 1st to 22nd, offering convenient hours for everyone to enjoy.
The Porvoo Christmas Path begins at the market square, then follows the picturesque riverbank, eventually leading to the historic Old Town, where visitors can enjoy cosy cafes and fine dining.Porvoo will be brimming with exciting Christmas activities. Stay up-to-date on December events in Porvoo by following official city communications.
We loved last year's Porvoo Christmas Market. We're confident that the new Porvoo Christmas Path will be an even more magical experience, combining traditional attractions, the scenic riverbank, and the historic Old Town.
Common Questions
- Where is the Christmas Path in Porvoo?
- It starts from the new centre of Porvoo, right next to the bus station and heads to the Old Town along Porvoo River.
- Is Porvoo's Christmas Market and Porvoo Christmas Path the same thing?
- Not really. This year it is not just a Christmas Market at the market square but a path through Porvoo.
- How to get to Porvoo from Helsinki?
- Porvoo is easily accessible by bus from Kamppi bus station in Helsinki.
- What services are available at the Christmas Path in Porvoo?
- You can buy presents, eat or enjoy hot drinks at the Christmas Path. There are also free carousels.
- Is there a Christmas tree at Porvoo Christmas Path?
- Yes, naturally.
- Is there a Christmas Market in Porvoo where you can take good photos?
- Absolutely. It is very easy to take Christmassy photos along the Porvoo Christmas Path.
- Do they sell alcohol at the Christmas Path?
- Yes. There are also alcoholic versions of Christmas drinks.
Where to Continue?
Finnish towns have countless warm-hearted Christmas events. In Helsinki, there are plenty of Christmas Markets that will keep you entertained for many days. After seeing Helsinki, you may easily continue to the neighbouring countries by ferry to enjoy the Tallinn's Christmas athmospehere or to try Stockholm's Christmas Markets. December is a truly winter month in the Nordic countries.
Bottom Line
For several years, we have planned to experience the Christmas atmosphere in Porvoo. Last year, we finally made it happen and we were not disappointed. The cold snowy frosty weather made it feel like Christmas even though the frost was a bit too hard. The campfire hut was a lifesaver against the bitterly cold weather which also made us spend more time at the Porvoo Christmas market. The presence of the Tivoli Sariola carousel with free entry made this Christmas market a great attraction, especially for families with young children.
We recommend that those visiting the Christmas n Porvoo also explore other cities and towns in Finland. For example, there are plenty of Christmas events in Helsinki, so there's enough to keep you busy for several days.
Have you already experienced the Christmas in Porvoo? Did you like the atmosphere? Comment below.
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