Tuomaa Christmas market attract record-breaking 600,000 visitors

The annual Tuomaa Christmas market in Helsinki welcomed an estimated 600,000 visitors during its three-week run, shattering previous attendance records. The market, which concludes today, significantly surpassed last year’s attendance of approximatel

By: helsinkitimes.fi

Dec 23 2024
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Tuomaa Christmas market attrac

The annual Tuomaa Christmas market in Helsinki welcomed an estimated 600,000 visitors during its three-week run, shattering previous attendance records. The market, which concludes today, significantly surpassed last year’s attendance of approximately 350,000. Vendors reported brisk sales, with highlights including around 50,000 servings of rice pudding sold across the various stalls.

Sustainably sourced gifts were a prominent feature this year, as visitors explored nearly 100 artisans and small producers from across Finland,

along with more than 20 food vendors, cafés, and restaurants. The market’s heated dining areas were particularly popular throughout the season, which began on 29 November.

The market’s most popular gifts included mulled wine, seafood products, chocolates, and jewellery. Rice pudding in various forms dominated the food offerings, while warming cups of mulled wine proved to be another crowd favourite, with an estimated 75,000 cups sold at the market's restaurant area.

“We have worked consistently to develop the Tuomaa Christmas market alongside vendors and restaurants. It is heartening to see record numbers of Helsinki residents, domestic visitors, and tourists enjoying the flavours, unique atmosphere, and shopping opportunities the market offers,” said Saara Vanhala, head producer of Tuomaan Markkinat from the Helsinki Events Foundation.

Beyond shopping and dining, the market offered festive entertainment, including live Christmas music performances, visits with Santa Claus, and demonstrations such as glassblowing, chestnut roasting, and metalworking. Traditional attractions like the wooden horse carousel delighted younger visitors, with over 40,000 children enjoying a ride. For the first time, a special “children’s morning” welcomed nearly 600 participants from daycares and family care groups, adding to the market’s inclusive and joyful atmosphere.