What to do in Tampere in December? Here are 20 tips for the city

Tampere’s Christmas Market rivals the best European winter fairs. Traders are carefully selected, with small producers and crafts taking pride of place. You’ll find Finnish natural cosmetics, candles, wood and leather goods and clothing. It’s also one of the city’s major food events, with everything from German sausages to eastern Finnish pies and reindeer dishes from the north. Warm up your frostbitten cheeks with a mug in the glögi tent or at the Pyynikki doughnut café. There’s plenty to enjoy for free too. The whole area is beautifully decorated, and the market hosts all sorts of free events, including concerts.

Address: Keskustori 1
Expect to pay: Free entry. Prices at the stalls vary.
When? Stalls open 29.11–22.12 11–19.

Tallipiha, built in the 1800s for industrialist Wilhelm von Nottbeck’s horses, is one of the most idyllic spots in Tampere. Its beautifully decorated shops sell crafts, cosmetics and sweets. The nostalgic café serves hot chocolate and cakes, while the outdoor terrace is all about glögi and steamed sausages. In December you can meet Vilho the donkey, Lassi the pony and various sheep, and at weekends kids can enjoy pony rides with Lassi. Adults can get into the spirit of Christmases past with horse-drawn carriage rides on Saturdays.

Address: Kuninkaankatu 4
Expect to pay: Free entry. Pony rides €10, horse-drawn carriage rides €5 for children and €10 for adults.
When? Christmas markets take place 15.11–22.12 Sat–Sun 11–18 and 23.12 11–17.

The neo-Renaissance Milavida museum glitters and swings in December. The Palace Christmas month features guided tours, workshops and music. You’ll get a glimpse of the lavish Christmases the von Nottbeck family once celebrated here in the 1800s. If you’re in the mood to dance, enjoy the music at Milavida’s jazz concerts. As night falls, admire the illuminated Christmas tree park outside. Trees and a fountain are joined by woodland animals, delighting younger visitors.

Address: Milavidanrinne 8
Expect to pay: Adults €9, children and students €5, pensioners and unemployed €6, family ticket €20. Some Christmas events require a ticket, others are free.
When? Milavida is open Tue–Sun 11–18. Closed 6.12 and 23–25.12.2025 and 1.1.2026. On 5.12 and 31.12 the museum closes at 16.

There’s no winter sleep at Särkänniemi: Koiramäki is buzzing with activity all December. Santa listens to children’s wishes in the Koiramäki house, and the Gingerbread Workshop invites you to craft something sweet. The Tassuteatteri stage hosts the play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and in the animal enclosures you can see how the residents celebrate Christmas. When the kids aren’t looking, adults can browse for gifts in the Gunnas bookshop and at the Tropin ja Nekun Apteekki sweetshop. Every event day at Koiramäki ends with the Fire Lady’s fire show.

Address: Laiturikatu 1
Expect to pay: Advance online ticket €13.90, on the door €16.90. Pony rides €7.
When? 12–14.12.2025 15–19, 19–21.12.2025 15–19.

Sorin Sirkus’s 40th anniversary year culminates in the Soriversum Christmas spectacular. The ring becomes the setting for a saga that takes audiences to star gardens. Blending circus and a space theme, the show features breathtaking acrobatics, striking costumes and storytelling. It’s famous for its visual look, which this year is round and pastel-toned. Tickets sell fast: people travel from all over Finland to see Sorin Sirkus’s Christmas show.

Address: Ahlmanintie 63
Expect to pay: Tickets €30–39
When? Soriversum runs 15.10.2025–10.1.2026.

Ransu Karvakuono of Tampere Comedy Theatre has a big mission: Santa himself has asked Ransu, Uncle Elmeri and Riku for help. The trio must find out whether Tampere’s children have been good. But trouble brews when a lonely, long-fingered mischief-maker starts to pester them. Ransu and Operation Christmas at Tampere Comedy Theatre is a gently thrilling, warm-hearted Christmas play for ages 2 and up. At just 40 minutes, even first-timers will sit happily through it. And as you’d expect at the Comedy Theatre, you’re free to giggle to your heart’s content. Show is only in Finnish.

Address: Lapintie 3 a
Expect to pay: Adults €25.50 and €30.50 with cancellation protection, children and students €22.50, family ticket €21.50
When? Ransu and Operation Christmas runs 2.12–21.12.

For many, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the most beloved carols. ‘Sylvia’s Christmas Song’, ‘I Seek Not Power or Glory’, ‘Christmas Land’ and other favourites fill Tampere’s churches and pubs. Sing-along events take place almost daily in December, and Sunday 14.20 is the ultimate Christmas carol day, with 20 sessions across the city. Children’s half-hour sing-alongs are also held in Tampere’s churches. The Finnish Mission Society collects donations at the events to support children in developing countries.

Address: Locations for the most beautiful Christmas songs can be found here, and children’s events here.
Expect to pay: Free entry, voluntary donation.
When? Christmas sing-alongs take place almost daily 28.11–26.12.

Hohde, located in Tallipiha, is a paradise for Christmas lovers. Each year the shop has a new theme; this year it’s Alice in Wonderland. If you collect unique ornaments, Hohde has some wonderfully imaginative pieces, including Disney baubles. The range also includes earthy pine and floral arrangements, handmade soaps, beeswax candles, Finnish textiles, small-producer food items and art. Tallipiha offers plenty of December activities too, and while kids meet the animals outside, adults can hunt for secret gifts in Hohde.

Address: Kuninkaankatu 4
Expect to pay: Disney ornaments about €13–27, handmade soaps and candles about €10–13
When? Hohde is open 15.11–22.12 10–19 and 23.12 10–17.

Gifts to buy, casseroles to bake, cleaning to do… chuck the rag in the corner and headbang the stress away! The smash-hit Raskasta joulua tour hits Nokia Arena in December. Stars of heavy music perform gritty versions of classic Christmas songs. Marko Hietala (Nightwish, Tarot), JP Leppäluoto (of Yö) and the powerhouse vocalist Petra Gargano all take the stage. New to the heavy crew this year is Timo Kotipelto, frontman of Stratovarius.

Address: Kansikatu 3
Expect to pay: Tickets €59.90–199.90
When? 13.12 at 20.

Tampere Theatre’s Christmas concert by its actors is now in its 41st year. Held in Aleksanteri Church, it brings you closer than ever to the performers as the audience is invited to join in. The 11-piece orchestra is conducted by Niina Alitalo. Aleksanteri Church holds around 1,200 people, and the concert will also be streamed live on Aamulehti’s Moro page.

Address: Pirkankatu 1
Expect to pay: Free entry. A voluntary collection is taken for the Tampere Lutheran parishes’ Food Bank.
When? 7.12 at 18.

A good Christmas film needs comedy, excitement and a happy ending – which is exactly what you get with the ’90s classic Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Good food completes the experience, and you can enjoy it all at Tuulensuu Palace’s film brunch. Home Alone 2 is screened on Sunday 14.2 at 11 and 14, so even late sleepers can make it. The Palace is also hosting a film dinner on 18.12, with a buffet meal and a screening of Little Women. Tuulensuu Palace once housed Kino-Palatsi, which operated from 1929 to 1991 and was known as Finland’s most beautiful cinema. The building has been restored to its former glory.

Address: Hämeenkatu 30
Expect to pay: Film brunch €36, film dinner €38. Ages 12 and under €19.
When? Film brunch Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 14.12 at 11 and 14. Film dinner Little Women 18.12 at 18.

Independence Day is for children too, and Tampere Hall invites families to the children’s Independence Day ball in Sorsapuistosali. The event is free, and thanks to its huge popularity this year there will be two celebrations. Deputy Mayor Ilkka Porttikivi first greets the guests, followed by a speech from the children’s parliament and the national anthem Maamme. But this is no stiff occasion. The programme includes performances from Dance School Razzmatazz and the children’s music trio Loiskis, plus a LED light show by Flamma. DJ Sara-Maaria plays party tunes and the buffet sells sweet treats.

Address: Yliopistonkatu 55
Expect to pay: Free entry
When? 6.12 13–15 and 15–17, with identical programmes.

Don Johnson Big Band’s pre-Christmas gigs deliver plenty of energy. Enjoy the lively vibe at Tampere’s G Livelab, which has the best acoustics in the city. Believe it or not, you can hear both the music and your mate. Even better: concerts at G Livelab Tampere are all-ages, so you can party as a family. Don Johnson Big Band XMAS SPECIAL features classics and newer material, with special guests including young rapper Jay L, who features on the band’s new single Sry.

Address: Puutarhakatu 1
Expect to pay: Students €29, standard ticket €34.
When? Doors 18, showtime 19.

Looking for something very different from jingling bells? Apulanta brings a punk-flavoured pre-Christmas bash to Tampere Hall. The over-18s gig also features Hovimuusikko Ilkka, whose rapid-fire wordplay guarantees laughter. Tampere Hall is usually known for calm classical concerts, but Apulanta will take over Sorsapuistosali – the perfect place to pogo. Before the show, refuel at the second-floor Christmas buffet or at restaurant Tuhto. The Sorsapuistosali bar is open throughout the event.

Address: Yliopistonkatu 55
Expect to pay: Tickets €59.90, Christmas buffet and ticket €99.90
When? 5.12. Christmas buffet 18–20.30, concert starts 20.30.

Haihara Manor’s Christmas Sunday on 14.12 is packed with art and activities. Feast on festive sweets, build the future Kaukajärvi–Annala in Lego and craft Christmas cards. Kids can pet alpacas outside, while pop-up cafés sell porridge and glögi. Vocal group Dominutz performs in front of the manor, and as dusk falls at 16, FlowingLinda’s fire show lights up the courtyard. Rumour has it the manor is haunted. You might catch a glimpse of the blue lady on the Christmas path outside.

Address: Haiharankatu 30
Expect to pay: Free entry
When? 14.12 13–17.

Hämärinkäinen is Tampere Workers’ Theatre’s festive puppet show. At the Theatre Cellar, the tiny Hämärinkäinen weaves dusk on a loom ahead of the midwinter celebration. People are busy with their preparations, especially the shopkeeper Keikander. But what would happen to nature and the city if Hämärinkäinen couldn’t weave the dusk? This magical half-hour show celebrates kindness and enchantment. It’s especially suitable for ages 4–9.

Address: Hämeenpuisto 28–32
Expect to pay: Tickets €18
When? Hämärinkäinen is performed 9.12 at 14 and 18, 10.12 at 12 and 18, and 11.12 at 12.

Beloved a cappella group Club For Five turns 25 and performs in Tampere Hall this December. The city has a special meaning for the group: they won the Tampere Vocal Music Competition in 2001, and the rest is history. In their hands, classic Christmas songs become groove-filled gems. Expect lingering ambience, the sparkle of snowdrifts and the thrill of anticipation. Tampere Hall’s acoustics make their multi-voiced sound ring out beautifully.

Address: Yliopistonkatu 55
Expect to pay: Tickets €49
When? 8.12 at 19.

Children’s puppet theatre Mukamas has performed Christmas Night for 25 years. Staged just before Christmas Eve, the show is a gentle alternative to cleaning and shopping mayhem. Christmas Night soothes both small audiences and frazzled adults. It also offers a fresh perspective: the story unfolds through the eyes of the loyal donkey from the traditional Nativity. Pair your visit with a stop at the Mukamas café, famous for its impressively plump buns.

Address: Pispalan valtatie 30
Expect to pay: Children and adults €15, group ticket (min. 4 people) €13
When? Christmas Night is performed 20.12 at 11 and 15 and 21.12 at 11.

Vauvakuiskaajat, a doula and family services provider, hosts a pre-Christmas party for families with babies in Kaleva on 11.12. Babies are offered relaxing massage, which may ease tummy troubles and fussiness. There’s no need to book – massages are given in order of arrival. Parents can enjoy glögi, snacks and company. There’s also a card-making workshop and a photo corner where you can capture your baby in a festive setting. You can come and go as you wish, and coos, cries and burps are all welcome.

Address: Pellervonkatu 11
Expect to pay: Materials and refreshments €5, 15-minute baby massage €15
When? 11.12 11–13.

In the past, Boxing Day meant sleigh rides and dancing. And after the quiet of the Christmas holidays, many of us need a bit of life and joy. Popular Boxing Day dances were held at Tampere’s Yo-talo for over 20 years, and now Tavara-asema continues the tradition. DJs Sara-Maaria and Riku entertain dancers at the Rata club from 23 onwards. If you’re still in winter hibernation mode, Tavara-asema is ideal – the upstairs area has plenty of comfy sofas for relaxed chats.

Address: Ratapihankatu 33
Expect to pay: Tickets €8, sold only at the door
When? 26.12 23–04.