Event tips until Epiphany - 15th of December 2025 to 6th of January 2026

Christmas peace, shared moments, and a festive turn-of-the-year atmosphere await in Uusikaupunki! 🎄
From mid-December until Epiphany, the city once again offers music, exhibitions, sports, and plenty of enjoyable activities for all ages. Check out the tips below and plan your own Christmas and New Year events calendar. 💫

Christmas calendar windows located around the city will once again bringing joy to everybody, all the way until Epiphany. 
Each day, a new calendar window is revealed in the houses’ windows, making an evening walk the perfect opportunity to spot them.
A map of the calendar locations is available from the Uusikaupunki Old Houses Association office, the Alisenkatu Christmas Shop, and shops in the city centre. The map is also available here.
The Christmas calendar windows are organised by the Uusikaupunki Old Houses Association.
 

Korihait will play home games again in December on Sunday 21st at 5 pm, when Helsinki Seagulls visit Uusikaupunki, and on Tuesday 30th of December at 6.30 pm, when Bisons from Loimaa arrive to Wintteri.
Ticket prices: Adults (numbered seat) €23. Adults (unnumbered seat) €22. S-benefit price €20. Pensioners, students, unemployed persons and conscripts €16. Children aged 13–15 €10 and children aged 7–12 €7.
Tickets are available at kauppa.korihait.fi and at the door one hour before tip-off. The next home game will be played on 10 January 2026 at 4 pm.
 

The Christmas Peace Declaration will be proclaimed on the steps of the New Church on Wednesday 24th of December, starting at 12 noon. Music for the occasion will be provided, as tradition dictates, by the VPK Brass Band and the male choir Laulu-Veikot. Following the musical performances, Christmas Peace will be declared in the wooden town by Uusikaupunki’s City Manager, Atso Vainio.

Music for everybody

Students of the Vakka-Suomi Music Institute will perform on Tuesday, 16th of December at 7 pm in the Rauha Hall at Wintteri.
The concert will feature impressive solo performances and beautiful duets by the institute’s vocal students.
Admission is free.

 
Jarkko Ahola’s Christmas Peacon on earth  -tour arrives at the New Church on Saturday, 20th of December at 7 pm.
The rock tenor once again embarks on a Christmas church tour, featuring beloved Christmas carols as well as new music, including the tour’s title song to be released in November. Ahola’s clear and warm interpretations create a calm and peaceful Christmas atmosphere in church settings. Tickets are available in advance at lippu.fi.

On Saturday, 20th of December from 8 pm onwards, Restaurant Wiku offers a moment to pause and unwind from the Christmas rush, while enjoying a performance by Ville-Markus Vesterinen. A beautifully relaxed Christmas atmosphere is guaranteed.
Free admission.
 
 

The traditional Joulun Soundi (Sound of Christmas) concert will be held at the New Church on Monday, 22nd of December starting at 7 pm. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Sound of Christmas -concert, and once again audiences can enjoy Christmas music performed by familiar local artists. This year’s performers include Petri Hatakka, Jukka-Pekka Hyytiä, Jere Pensikkala, Susanna Pihlaja, as well as Kalle and Mimosa Klotz.

At the Andante Orchestra’s concert ball, guests can enjoy the sounds of Viennese waltzes, tangos, and light music in the idyllic setting of Wallila Manor on Monday, 5th of January. Doors will be open at 5:15 pm, followed by a buffet dinner with a glass of sparkling wine included in the ticket price at 5:30 pm. The orchestra will perform two 45-minute sets, with coffee served during the intermission.
Advance tickets are available at Kenkäkauppa Alina and by email at andanteorkesteri@gmail.com.
Ticket price: €40.

Film lovers are treated by the programme of Kuvala, a cinema over 100 years old and one of the oldest in Finland. Today, Kuvala is a fully digital and modern theatre, where you can explore the current film selection on the cinema’s own website and also purchase tickets in advance. Snacks for movie night are conveniently available from Kuvala’s own kiosk.

The doors of Uusikaupunki’s New Church (Rauhankatu 3) will be open for personal quiet reflection on Thursday, 18th of December from 4 pm to 6 pm. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Gothic-style red brick church, completed in 1863 and designed by architect Chiewitz. The church is known for its bright interior, clear architectural lines, and peaceful atmosphere.
Thursday opening hours will resume on 8th of January 2026.

 

History comes alive in the museums

The Wahlberg's Museum House (Ylinenkatu 11) is located in the grid-plan town area, surrounded by a charming wooden house setting. The impressive residence was built in the early 1870s by Fredrik Wahlberg, founder of Uusikaupunki’s tobacco factory. Many original interior features have been preserved, including ornate tiled stoves and beautifully crafted ceiling paintings. In the salon, even the hand-painted original wallpapers from over 150 years ago have survived.

The upper floor of the museum presents the history of shipbuilding, shipowning, and maritime trade. Sailors’ chests, souvenirs, ship portraits, and a captain’s navigation instruments offer fascinating insights into the town’s rich maritime past. Younger visitors can play detective in the museum and complete exhibition-related activities.

Visitors can explore maritime history and bourgeois life from Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm–3 pm.
The museum is closed on 24–26th of December 2025 and on 1st of January 2026.

The museum house’s Christmas exhibition has opened, inviting visitors into the festive atmosphere of both a bourgeois home and seafaring life. On the ground floor, the rooms are filled with the scent of Christmas flowers and sparkling decorations, showcasing the traditions of seafaring families as well as touching excerpts from letters written by the Widberg family of Uusikaupunki in the early 1900s — stories of longing, everyday joys, and the anticipation of Christmas.

Upstairs, the exhibition introduces men who spent Christmas at sea, with their accounts offering insight into what the holiday was like far from home, on the other side of the world.
The Christmas exhibition can be visited during the museum’s opening hours until 9th of January 2026.

The exhibition Among the First – Women of Uusikaupunki in a Man’s World at the Wahlberg Museum House presents 13 women from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries who were pioneers in professions officially open only to men at the time. Such professions long included, for example, organist and physician. Many of these women also pursued activities that were not yet considered acceptable for women, such as hunting or sailing.

The exhibition is open during the museum’s regular opening hours until late March 2026.
 

The Automobile Museum, located on Autotehtaankatu, is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Spread across three halls, the exhibition features more than one hundred vehicles — ranging from classic cars and futuristic concept models to motorcycles and even an aircraft. A place of honour is given to the first Finnish car ever built, the Korvensuu from 1913, manufactured in Mynämäki.

The museum also displays the very first Saab produced at the Uusikaupunki car factory, completed on 13 November 1969. This Saab 96 was presented to President Urho Kekkonen and carried the registration number EKA-96. In addition, visitors can see older Saab models manufactured in Trollhättan, Sweden, including the first Saab 92 registered in Finland from 1950.

The museum also offers access to a restoration workshop and a museum shop. Alongside the vehicle collection, visitors can enjoy a diverse art exhibition drawn from the collection of a Finnish private collector, featuring works by artists such as Juhani Palmu and Pekka Laiho.

The Automobile Museum is closed on 24–25th of December 2025. It will be exceptionally open on 26th of December 2025 and on 1st of January 2026.

Exhibition lovers

Runonkulma Gallery and Pikkukylän Puoti, located in an old wooden house at Ylinenkatu 38 B, are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. In December, Runonkulma Gallery presents the latest works from the art lending service in the exhibition Atmospheres and Stories. The exhibition is on display until 20th of December and features works by Anne Kuntsi, Susanna Pihlaja, Hannele Salmela, Heli Sammalisto, and Jenny Vuorela. The image shows Hannele Salmela’s artwork Song of the Tree.

At Gallery–Art Lending Service Horisontti (Alinenkatu 24), visitors can explore Juhani Vuorisalmi’s exhibition Light of Stone as well as Heli Sammalisto’s paintings in the exhibition Adalminan Helmi. New works by other members have also been added to the permanent exhibition. The gallery also offers a wide selection of small artworks, cards, and vintage items hidden away in cabinets, all available at flea market prices. Exhibition is open until 20th of December.
Horisontti is open from Wednesday to Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.

Located almost next door to Horisontti, Tupsula of a Thousand Tassels is a colourful and joyful exhibition that delights not only craft enthusiasts but also children, with its unique tassel-based artworks. Animal figures are also featured, and the playful tassel creations have even spread onto the exterior walls of the exhibition space.
Tupsula can be visited on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

At the Crusell Cultural Centre, visitors can explore the unique archipelago-themed exhibition One Day, Six Views.
Six talented artists — Maija Elmnäinen, Margit Hakanen, Katariina Karikoski, Kirsi Lindroth, Laura Peterzéns, and photographer Juha Karikoski — have each interpreted the very same afternoon moment in the archipelago, inspired by traditional boating and the Isoluoto sailing race. The weather shifted from calm sunshine to stormy conditions, and this diversity is reflected in the works on display, including photographs, watercolours, acrylic and oil paintings, and ceramics.

The exhibition is open until 19th of December on Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm, Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm, and also during events held at Crusell.
 

An exhibition showcasing the life’s work of Henrik Helpiö, From Bomb to Bonk, is on display at the Uusikaupunki Main Library.

Did you know that the self-service checkout machine at the Uusikaupunki Library was designed by Henrik Helpiö, the artist best known for his Bonk art? Now visitors can explore a cross-section of Helpiö’s career throughout the library corridors, featuring works from the artist’s own collection as well as photographs and videos of his production. In the biographical room, visitors can browse scrapbooks and follow the journey of Helpiö’s works around the world. In the local history room, you can explore the library’s Bonk-related materials.

The exhibition is open during library opening hours until 30th of December 2025.

Delicious moments in local restaurants

 
In Uusikaupunki, food is delicious and the restaurant scene offers a wide variety of styles and flavours. Many restaurants favour locally sourced ingredients, with plates often featuring produce from local suppliers. Fresh fish is delivered daily straight from nearby waters, and the restaurants’ atmospheric settings complete the dining experience. Choose your favourite restaurant and enjoy!

The legendary Christmas Day Party at Hotel Aquarius is back once again. Christmas Day is the perfect time to meet old friends, laugh, dance, catch up, and soak up the festive spirit. Tickets are available at the door from 8 pm, priced at €10. The evening’s live performer is Dr. Doctor.

Christmas Day at Public House Olkkari is all about acoustic rock vibes, as familiar faces Chris, Laurell and Mika take the stage starting at 10 pm.
 

Joy of movement 

,
Cold-water swimming is said to help keep colds at bay and boost resistance, while also strengthening the heart and supporting the immune system. For fans of winter and cold-water swimming, several options are available in the Uusikaupunki area.

Saunalaituri Höyry (Pilssitie 23) is located by the sea in Janhuanniemi, about 1.5 kilometres from the town centre. Swimming and sauna sessions must be booked and paid for in advance via the website. Höyry is open year-round, every day from 10 am to 10 pm.

At Haimio Public Sauna, winter swimming is available on Saturdays from 4 pm to 7 pm at Haimiontie 351. Participants must arrive by 5:30 pm at the latest.
At Haimio Metsälehto Sauna, winter swimming takes place on Sundays from 4 pm to 6 pm at Haimiontie 365.
Winter swimming is also available at the Santtioranta pier, where heated changing rooms are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm. The sauna is not in use during winter, and the changing rooms are closed on public holidays.

In the run-up to Christmas, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active — and also unwind — thanks to Wintteri’s extensive fitness class programme. On Monday, 15th of December at 4:30 pm there is a Pilates class, and on Wednesday, 17th of December at 5:30 pm a body maintenance session. Also on Wednesday, 17th of December, there is Water Aerobics at 3 pm, and on Thursday, 18th of December, a more energetic circuit training session begins at 5 pm.

After the Christmas break, fitness activities resume on Monday, 5th of January from 2 pm, with a presentation of the athletics hall where visitors can familiarise themselves with the facilities. An instructor will be present to advise on equipment use and give training tips. After the open session, an easy introductory workout starts at 3 pm, especially suitable for older adults. On Monday evening at 6 pm, there is also deep water running, an effective and versatile form of exercise for different muscle groups and joints.

At Liikunta ja Hyvinvointi Ellen, a Sing Along Workout will be held on Tuesday, 16th of December at 6 pm. The session is organised together with the Ainonkuja group — Päivi from Musiikkitupa and Johanna from Elleni. Everyone is welcome to try this joyful combination of group singing and light exercise. You can sing and move along, or participate just as much as feels good for you.

At the Wintteri swimming hall, you can enjoy swimming every day. In addition to lap swimming, the pool complex includes a diving pool, a waterslide, a children’s paddling pool, and a dedicated cold-water pool for cold-swimming enthusiasts.
The swimming pool is open on Mondays and Fridays from 8 am to 9:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 am to 9:30 pm, Wednesdays from 12 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 5:30 pm. Ticket sales end one hour before closing, and the pool area closes 30 minutes before closing time.

At Wintteri’s café, you can enjoy weekday lunches as well as savoury and sweet snacks and refreshments. The café is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 7:30 pm, Saturdays from 8:45 am to 4 pm, and Sundays from 11:45 am to 4 pm.

The swimming pool is closed on 24–25th of December 2025, as well as on 1st of January and 6–9th of January 2026.

Public skating at the Uusikaupunki Ice Hall takes place every Sunday from 10 am to 11 am. Public skating is suitable for skaters of all ages and skill levels, and the fee is €2 per person.
 

Even though outdoor ski tracks are not yet available, there’s no need to worry — the skiing and fitness tunnel at Vahterusring has already opened for the season, offering perfect conditions for exercise at all times. The approximately one-kilometre-long loop alongside the terrain track is varied, with elevation changes of up to 16 metres. In addition to skiing, Vahterusringi also features a fitness trail suitable for activities such as Nordic walking, running, roller skating, or cycling.

The skiing and fitness tunnel is accessible with an entry card from Monday to Sunday, 6 am to 10 pm. Customer service is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
Around Christmas, the tunnel will be closed from 24 to 26th of December 2025. On Saturday, 27th of December, it will be open from 10 am to 1 pm, and on Sunday, 28th of December, from 9 am to 2 pm.

The fitness tunnel also features a golf simulator, offering an authentic golf experience with a selection of 90 golf courses from around the world. The simulator provides realistic gameplay and a fun way to learn the basics of golf. Free introductory sessions for new and beginner golfers are organised every Monday — juniors from 5 pm to 6 pm and adults from 6 pm to 7 pm. Registration is available via ugk.fi or by email at ellasalminengolf@gmail.com. Equipment is provided on site.

On Thursday, 18th of December, a test evening will be held where visitors can try out skis. Fischer expert Jouni Raittila and Vahterusring-partner Rami Hyytiä from Kesport will be on hand to give waxing tips and explain which ski models glide best in the tunnel.

You can enjoy the maritime nature even in early winter by visiting the Pamprinniemi nature trail in Pyhämaa.
Near the city centre, Hiunjärvi, also known as a bird lake, offers nature trails and a lean-to shelter for visitors.

The Kasarminlahti accessible outdoor route and birdwatching tower can be reached, for example, from the sports field parking area. There is also a lean-to shelter located near the route.

Another pleasant excursion destination is the Oinassaari lean-to in Korsaari. The distance from Uusikaupunki city centre is about 18 kilometres in the direction of Lepäinen. Pack something to grill and head out for an adventure!

Uusikaupunki’s unique, welcoming and charming boutiques invite visitors to shop, offering a diverse selection of stores and products all within short walking distance. You can discover treasures in antique shops and flea markets, refresh your wardrobe with new clothes and shoes, or brighten up your home with new interior items. And don’t forget to pick up souvenirs or gifts from the local gift shops! Photo: Sisustus Ulpukka / Facebook.

The newly opened Christmas Shop on Alinenkatu is filled with local craftsmanship – handmade items, gift ideas, new products and selections from local associations. The shop is open until 23.12.2025.

If you wish to stay overnight, Uusikaupunki offers several comfortable accommodation options. Hotels are located close to the main services in the city centre, as are well-equipped apartments, some in idyllic wooden-house surroundings. A relaxing alternative is cottage accommodation, where you can unwind in the heart of nature.
You can find accommodation options here

For more information and additional events, visit the link below:
tapahtumat.uusikaupunki.fi/en