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 22nd, organized by the city and local merchants. The Kuutostiimi handicraft and gift shop will also hold its Christmas opening on the same day.
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!
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.
Immerse yourself in an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere and shop for local products at Seminar's Christmas on Saturday, December 13th at the old Seminar area in Raahe.
The well-known Christmas classic A Christmas Carol will draw you into the world of theatre at Raahe Event House on Saturday, November 15. This performance is especially suited for those who love music, hearty laughter, and the world of Charles Dickens’ stories. Inventive and hilarious, the show captures the message of Christmas and humanity, blending theatre, physical comedy, and music. A Christmas Carol is a classic tale—a story of hope, of how a miser and penny-pincher transforms into a beloved figure of the community. The play is in Finnish.
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 Magic of Light glass himmeli exhibition by Raahen Taitopaja will adorn Gallery Myötätuuli starting December 4, continuing until the end of January. A himmeli is not only a beautiful Christmas decoration but also a stunning work of art that serves as an interior design element all year round. A glass himmeli resembles a large snowflake that sparkles beautifully in the light. The exhibition is accompanied by a nonstop workshop. In this 6-hour workshop, every visitor can build their own himmeli cube from glass tubes as well as contribute to a large community himmeli made from natural materials. The event is part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
Throughout the Christmas season, the idyllic Kinosalonki Sofia will be showing Christmas films! The selection of movies and the schedule will be announced later.
Pre-Christmas Celebrations and Christmas Feasts
During the pre-Christmas season, Raahe Theatre will present Maiju Lassila’s play The Perpetual Motion Machine. In the story, moonshine master Hapatus and his son Nisse plan to seize the state’s offer: a million marks will be awarded to the inventor of a perpetual motion machine. So it’s straight from thought to action, and rags are expected to turn suddenly into riches—or will they? Is there really a shortcut to wealth? The play, originally written in the 1910s, has been adapted by Raimo Hentunen. Audiences can look forward to rich language, a rollicking quest for instant riches—and, of course, a touch of young romance. 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. The Christmas parties will be crowned by Vesku & The Trousers (Nov 28 & 29) and the party band Valomerkki (Dec 5).
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, 16th and 18th) 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 offers pre-Christmas celebrations in Lampinsaari village in Vihanti! 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 1st–19th: Trade House of Lang's Christmas lunch
December 5th and 9th: Raahen Hovi's Christmas Breakfast
December 8th–22nd: Leipurin Keidas Christmas lunch
December 11th-12th and 15th-19th: Raahen Hovi's Christmas lunch
December 10th, 12th, 16th and 18th: Trade House of Lang's open pre-Christmas dinners
If you’re looking for something other than traditional Christmas food, head to Pancho Villa! Mexican dishes with a Christmas twist will be available starting from the beginning of November.
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.
You can pick up experiential gift cards at the Raahe Event House ticket office. And if the recipient is a food lover, Pancho Villa is the place to go for gift cards.
