Opening of the Wooden Town Christmas & Late November Highlights 2025
Uusikaupunki is bursting with things to experience this week! Culture, music and the warm anticipation of Christmas fill the city’s venues. The programme includes concerts, exhibitions, and films – plenty of events for the whole family across town. Children will find their own favourites, and festive surprises bring joy to the heart of winter.
On Thursday, we’re kicking off the festive season with a children’s Christmas party, where Mrs. Claus will lead fun games and sing-alongs around the Christmas tree at the market square. The week reaches its joyful peak on Sunday, with the Opening of Christmas in the Wooden Town and the Old-Time Christmas Market! The market square and nearby streets will fill with handmade crafts, delicious treats, enchanting scents, and the warm anticipation of Christmas.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to greet visitors, and as evening falls, the city’s Christmas lights will be switched on – marking the official start of the season in the wooden town 🎅✨
Discover your own favourites and come enjoy the magical start of Christmas in our charming wooden town! ✨🌟🎅
Hansel and Gretel Musical Tale on the Wintteri Steps
Sirke Ruikkala, piano teacher at the Vakka-Suomi Music Institute, has composed and written a brand-new musical tale, Hansel and Gretel, which will be performed on the steps of Wintteri on Tuesday, 25th of November at 6.30 pm. The performance is based on the classic story published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812. Originally drawn from Hessian folk tales, Hansel and Gretel is one of the best-known examples of the “children and the monster” story type — although a later origin story linked to the tale has since been revealed as a humorous invention by satirist Hans Traxler.
Ruikkala has worked on the production together with violin teacher Teresa Sinisalo. The stage will be filled by 19 enthusiastic and talented students aged 7–16 from the music institute. Audiences can look forward to a magical evening where music and storytelling come to life through the performances of young musicians. Photo: VSMO.
Library Events
On Wednesday, 26th of November, from 3 pm to 5 pm, the library will host an art workshop for young people. All materials are provided, and the workshop can accommodate up to 15 participants.
Kino Rauha’s November Film: Harold and Maude (1971)
Kino Rauha’s November screening features the darkly comic yet warm-hearted cult classic Harold and Maude (1971). The film will be shown at the library on Wednesday, 26th of November at 7 pm. The story follows teenage Harold, who is obsessively
fascinated by all things related to death. His mother, in turn, makes desperate attempts to steer him toward a more “normal” life – ideally one that includes an appropriate girlfriend. The film’s iconic soundtrack consists of Cat Stevens’ early 1970s music. Starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort and Vivian Pickles, the film is directed by Hal Ashby.
Kino Rauha is the Uusikaupunki Library’s film club, where audiences come together to watch films from the Vaski Libraries’ licensed collections. The event is free of charge and open to everyone within the age limit (16+).
Photo: agoodmovietowatch.com.
The beautifully restored and carefully renovated main library, which respectfully preserves its historic character, is a destination worth visiting in its own right.
Children’s Little Christmas will be celebrated at the Market Square around the Christmas tree on Thursday, 27th of November from 9.30 to 10 am, with songs, play and festive fun. The children have created their own beautiful decorations for the tree,
bringing a joyful Christmas atmosphere to the square. Leading the singing and games is none other than Mrs. Claus herself, and all children are warmly welcome to join the celebration.
When the Christmas lights of the old stone barn loft are switched on, Nopperla’s Christmas Hustle begins. The event offers warm festive spirit, timeless treasures and charming findings from the old days. The café serves flavours of Christmas and hot drinks, and Santa Claus will make afternoon visits.
The event is open on 29–30 of November, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Participating vendors include Antiikki Taide Klaara, Ahoska Catering, and Romuu & Aarteit.
The Christmas season begins in a wonderfully atmospheric way as the traditional Old-Time Christmas Market fills the Market Square and its surroundings on Sunday, 30th of November from 11 am onwards. During the day, the city’s Christmas lights will also be switched on, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive all the way from Korvatunturi. They can be spotted around the event area after 12 pm, and visitors have the chance to take a photo with them at the Market Square. Children can also enjoy the free Christmas carousel running throughout the event.
Programme highlights take place on the hour throughout the day, including Tonttula’s jam session, a performance by a Ukrainian choir, light dancers, and the much-awaited Christmas Shop, which opens its doors for the season.
At 4 pm, the opening of the Christmas Street begins, featuring the youth council’s Little Christmas Peace Declaration, and then Santa will open the Christmas street and the official lights will be switch on. The evening concludes with a spectacular light show by Selene Dance & Arts, followed by a children’s fireworks display at 4.55 pm by the bay.
In addition to the market festivities, many other locations around the city will be open, including Christmas Café Paapuuri, the Christmas Shop, Café Rosamunda, Horisontti Art Lending Gallery, Tupsula exhibition, New Church, VahterusRing ski tunnel, and the Wahlberg's Museum House, where the Christmas exhibition Christmas at Sea and on Land opens.
Visitors travelling from Rauma can also take advantage of the free UkiSki bus, which brings guests directly to the market and winter activities in Uusikaupunki.
Concerts
Christmas Concert Pink Box by Theatre Terve tyttö offers something for everyone: Christmas spirit, laughter, atmosphere and a welcome break from everyday life. The concert takes place on Friday, 28th of November at 7 pm at Cruselli.
Fresh arrangements of familiar Christmas songs, favourites from the group’s earlier productions and brand-new pieces composed especially for the concert come together to create a rich and varied musical experience. Pink Box is an energetic and delightfully unpredictable performance where bold humour, topical lyrics and strong vocal harmonies meet.
The sparkling trio – Laura Hurme, Kati Urho and Emmi Lovén – deliver an evening that will entertain both lovers of music and those who aren’t the biggest fans of Christmas.
Tickets: lippu.fi
In the charming Carpathian region of Western Ukraine lives the Hutsul people, a highland community whose centuries-old culture is remarkably vibrant, distinctive and rich. The vocal and dance ensemble Hutsulia will perform at Cruselli on Sunday, 30th of November at 7 pm.
Founded in 1939 in Stanislawów, the ensemble is one of Ukraine’s best-known and longest-standing professional dance groups. They are the only ensemble in Ukraine to have performed in more than 12000 concerts, and their international tours have earned them widespread recognition across the globe.
Tickets: lippu.fi
For film lovers, the programme of Kuvala, one of Finland’s oldest cinemas with a history of more than 100 years, offers plenty to enjoy. Today, Kuvala is a fully digital, modern movie theatre. You can explore the current programme on Kuvala’s website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. And don’t forget to pick up your movie treats from Kuvala’s own kiosk!
The New Church of Uusikaupunki (Rauhankatu 3) is open every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm for personal reflection and quiet moments. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful red-brick Gothic Revival church, completed in 1863 and designed by architect Chiewitz.
The New Church will also be open during the Old-Time Christmas Market on Sunday, 30th of November from
11.30 am to 3.30 pm.
History Comes Alive in the Museums
Wahlberg Museum House (Ylinenkatu 11) is located in the historic grid-plan district, surrounded by wooden town architecture. Fredrik Wahlberg, founder of the Uusikaupunki tobacco factory, built this impressive residence for himself in the early 1870s. The museum’s rooms still feature their original decorative tiled stoves and beautifully crafted ceiling paintings, and the salon even preserves its hand-painted wallpapers from more than 150 years ago.
The upper floor of the house presents shipbuilding, outfitting and commercial seafaring. Sailors’ chests, souvenirs, ship paintings and a captain’s navigation instruments offer a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the city. Younger visitors can play detective and complete exhibition-related activities designed especially for children.
You can explore the city’s maritime heritage and bourgeois home life Tuesday to Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm. On Sunday, 30th of November, the museum is open free of charge from 12 pm to 4 pm.
The museum’s Christmas exhibition transports visitors into the holiday atmosphere of both a bourgeois home and the life of sailors at sea. In the downstairs rooms, the scent of Christmas flowers and the sparkle of festive decorations set the scene. The display highlights the traditions of seafaring families as well as touching excerpts from the early-1900s letters of the Widberg family of Uusikaupunki – stories of longing, everyday joys and the anticipation of Christmas.
The upstairs exhibition introduces visitors to the men who spent Christmas at sea. Their accounts offer an intimate look at what the holiday was like far from home, on the other side of the world.
The exhibition “Among the First – Women of Uusikaupunki in a Man’s World” at the Wahlberg's Museum House presents 13 women from the late 19th and early 20th centuries who were pioneers in professions officially open only to men. Such occupations included, for example, organists and medical doctors.
Many of these women also pursued hobbies that were not yet considered suitable for women at the time, such as hunting or sailing. The exhibition is open during the museum’s regular opening hours and runs until late March 2026.
Located on Autotehtaankatu, the Automobile Museum is open every day from 11 am to 5 pm. Across its three exhibition halls, the museum showcases more than one hundred vehicles — from classic cars to futuristic concept models, as well as motorcycles and even an aircraft.
A place of honour is given to the first Finnish-made car built in Mynämäki, the Korvensuu from 1913. The museum also displays the first Saab ever produced at the Uusikaupunki car factory, completed on 13 November 1969. This Saab 96 was delivered to President Urho Kekkonen and carried the licence plate EKA-96. The collection includes earlier Saabs manufactured in Trollhättan, Sweden, such as the first Saab 92 registered in Finland, dating from 1950.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s restoration workshop and museum shop. In addition, the museum features a diverse art exhibition selected from the collection of a Finnish art collector, including works by Juhani Palmu, Pekka Laiho, and several others.
For exhibition lovers
Housed in an old wooden building, Runonkulma Gallery and Pikkukylä Shop (Ylinenkatu 38 B) is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. And this week it's also open on Sunday from 11 am
to 3 pm.
In November, the gallery presents an exhibition by Susanna Sinivirta titled Where My Mind Dwells – Nature Observations and Daughters of the Forest. Susanna Sinivirta is a Helsinki-based visual artist and illustrator. Alongside various graphic design projects, she creates illustrations for books, online media and a range of products. Her illustrations are primarily made with watercolour on paper, after which she completes the work digitally.
The gallery is also home to Pikkukylä Shop, which offers Finnish handicrafts, design items and art products.
Galleria–Taidelainaamo Horisontti (Alinenkatu 24)
In addition to its permanent exhibition, Horisontti presents works by Heli Sammalisto and Juhani Vuorisalmi in November.
– Paintings by Heli Sammalisto feature in the exhibition “Adalmina’s Pearl.”
– Sculptures by Juhani Vuorisalmi can be admired in “The Light of Stone” -exhibition.
Horisontti is open Wed–Fri from 12 pm to 3 pm and Sat from 10 am to 1 pm.
Tuhansien Tupsujen Tupsula – A Colourful and Playful Pom-Pom World
Located almost next door to Horisontti, Tupsula is a colourful and joyful exhibition that delights craft enthusiasts and families alike with its unique artworks made entirely of pom-poms – including animal figures. Some of the fun creations extend onto the outer walls of the exhibition space.
Tupsula is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
“One Day – Six Perspectives” – A Unique Archipelago Exhibition at Cruselli
An exceptional exhibition titled “One Day – Six Perspectives” will open at the Cruselli Cultural Centre on Monday, 24th of November. The opening event takes place from 4 pm to 7 pm, and everyone is welcome.
Six talented artists – Maija Elmnäinen, Margit Hakanen, Katariina Karikoski, Kirsi Lindroth, Laura Peterzéns, and
photographer Juha Karikoski – have each interpreted the same afternoon moment in the archipelago, capturing the atmosphere of traditional boating and the Isoluoto sailing competition. The weather shifted from calm sunshine to stormy winds, and this
variety is reflected in the works: photographs, watercolours, acrylic and oil paintings, as well as ceramics.
Among the opening guests, a ceramic artwork called “Tylli” by Margit Hakanen will be raffled.
The draw will take place at 6.45 pm. The exhibition is open until 19th of December, Mon– Wed and Fri from 10 am to 4 pm, Thu from 10 am to 6 pm and Sun from 12 pm to 3 pm, as well as during all events held at Cruselli.
Exhibition at the Main Library: “Life in My Changing Nepal”
The main library’s exhibition space features “Life in My Changing Nepal” by Kirsti Kirjavainen. Kirjavainen worked in Nepal for over 35 years with the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission, documenting her experiences through photography. Her images beautifully portray Nepalese culture, traditions, and everyday life as well as festive occasions.
The exhibition is open during the library’s opening hours:
Mon–Thu from 10 am to 7 pm, Fri from 10 am to 5 pm and Sat from 10 am to 2 pm.
Kalanti Library – Exhibition of Knitted Wool Socks
Kalanti Library hosts an exhibition of wool socks made by the Kalanti Martta Association.
Open during library hours: Tue from 1 pm to 7 pm, Wed–Fri from 10 am to 4 pm.
Delicious moments in local restaurants
In Uusikaupunki, good food is easy to find — the city offers a wide range of restaurants with diverse styles and flavours.
Many local eateries favour regional products, so dishes often feature ingredients from nearby producers. Fresh fish arrives daily straight from local waters, and the cosy, atmospheric settings of the restaurants complete the dining experience.
Choose your favourite place and enjoy!
Festive Season Events in Local Restaurants:
Yana Bukhtii, originally from Ukraine, will host a Ukrainian food pop-up weekend at Lounaskahvila Rosamunda on Saturday and Sunday 29–30 November from 4 pm to 9 pm. Visitors can enjoy an authentic, homemade and aromatic menu featuring
classics such as borscht, traditional vareniki and pelmeni, homemade Napoleon cake, and many other delicious dishes.
It’s a great opportunity for Finns to explore Ukrainian culinary culture — and for Ukrainians to reconnect with the flavours of home.
At Bistro Bay, this week’s Friday Live Night features Minski & Sini goes Quartet performing for the very first time in Bistro,
starting at 10.30 pm.
On Saturday, 29th of November from 10 pm onwards, the evening transforms into the traditional kluBBen party, with DJ Jaakko spinning records.
On Saturday 29th of November from 12 pm onwards, Bar In-To will host a Christmas ham pool tournament organized by the local billiard club. Later that evening, around 11 pm Night Stalkers will perform.
Hotel Aquarius will host a Christmas party on Saturday, 29th of November from 8 pm onwards. The evening begins with performances by Susanna Pihlaja & Kalle Klotz and also the Acoustic Rock Trio Chris, Laurell & Mika, who will entertain the
audience early in the night.
Around 11 pm, Kotiteollisuus takes over the stage. The night will be filled with powerful live music as the band performs their entire 7th album — taking the audience 20 years back to the year 2005. The album reached number one on the Official Finnish Charts and produced two singles: Vieraan sanomaa and Kaihola.
Tickets in advance: biletti.fi
At Restaurant Wiku, the Christmas celebrations on Saturday, 29th of November at 10 pm, pays tribute to the musical legacy of the legendary Irwin Goodman. The Irwin and Ryysyranta Orchestra, founded in 2023, will deliver an energetic set ranging from rock and pop to schlager, folk and blues. Admission is free.
Active Living – and Outdoor Fun for Everyone
Cold-water swimming is said to help ward off colds, strengthen the immune system and support heart health. For winter and cold-water swimming enthusiasts, there are several options available in the Uusikaupunki area.
At Haimio Free Sauna, winter swimming sessions take place on Saturdays from 4 pm to 7 pm (Haimiontie 351).
At Haimio Metsälehto Sauna, winter swimming is on Sundays from 4 pm to 6 pm (Haimiontie 365).
There is also a winter swimming spot at the Santtioranta pier, where heated changing rooms are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm. Please note that the sauna is not open in winter.
In Pyhämaa, cold-water swimming is on at Telakanranta on Sundays from 3.30 pm to 6 pm throughout November.
Saunalaituri Höyry (Pilssitie 23) is located by the sea in Janhuanniemi, about 1.5 km from the city centre. Swimming and sauna time must be booked and paid for in advance via the website. Höyry is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm, all year round.
The swimming hall at Wintteri Multipurpose Centre offers daily swimming for all ages. In addition to lap swimming, the facility includes a diving pool, a water slide, a wading pool, and a dedicated cold-water pool for cold-plunge enthusiasts.
Opening hours:
- Mon & Fri: 8 am to 9.30 pm
- Tue & Thu: 6 am to 9.30 pm
- Wed: 12 pm to 9.30 pm
- Sat: 9 am to 5.30 pm
- Sun: 12 pm to 5.30 pm
Ticket sales ends one hour before closing, and the pool area closes 30 minutes before closing time.
The Wintteri Café offers snacks and refreshments. The café at the Wintteri also serves as the ticket sales point for the swimming hall.
The Uusikaupunki Ice Hall offers public skating every Sunday from 10 am to 11 am. Public skating is intended for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The fee is €2 per person.
Even though outdoor ski tracks aren’t open yet, there’s no need to worry: the ski and fitness tunnel at VahterusRing has already started its season, and inside the tunnel the conditions are always perfect. The approximately one-kilometre loop follows the
terrain of the outdoor ski track, offering varied elevations with a 16-metre height difference.
In addition to the ski loop, VahterusRing includes a fitness track suitable for Nordic walking, running, inline skating and
cycling. The ski and fitness tunnel is open with an access card daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
Customer service is available Mon–Fri from 10 am to 3 pm and Sat from 10 am to 1 pm.
The fitness tunnel also features a golf simulator, offering an authentic experience with 90 different courses from around the world. The simulator provides a realistic feel and a fun way to learn the basics of golf.
Free introduction sessions for beginners and new players take place every Monday:
Registrations: ugk.fi or ellasalminengolf@gmail.com. Equipment is provided on-site.
Experience a touch of Christmas during the city’s Christmas opening festivities by visiting the ski tunnel on
Sunday, 30 November from 10 am to 3 pm.
A special Little Christmas offer:
- Single-visit ticket €10 (regular €17)
- Equipment rental €10 (regular €25)
You may also bring your own equipment. After your ski session, you can use the showers, and a warm cup of glögi and a gingerbread cookie await you in the café — the perfect finish to a wintry workout.
Visitors from Rauma can hop aboard the free UkiSki bus on Sunday, 30th of November and enjoy an unforgettable day in Uusikaupunki! The day begins with the first-snow atmosphere at the VahterusRing ski and fitness tunnel, where perfectly groomed tracks are ready for you.
At the same day, the city hosts the Old-Time Christmas Market and the opening of the Christmas Street from
11 am to 5 pm at the Market Square and Alinenkatu — featuring crafts, treats, performances and warm Christmas spirit in the town’s idyllic wooden centre.
Register and secure your spot:
👉 https://link.webropol.com/ep/skibussi
Seats are limited — choose whether you head first to the ski tracks or to the Christmas Market!
You can enjoy the seaside nature of Uusikaupunki even in autumn — for example, along the Pamprinniemi nature trail in Pyhämaa. In the city centre area, the Hiunjärvi nature trail offers a peaceful setting around the bird lake, complete with a lean-to shelter.
The Kasarminlahti accessible trail and birdwatching tower can be reached, for instance, from the sports field parking area. There’s also a lean-to nearby for a relaxing break. Another great destination is the Oinassaari lean-to in Korsaari, about 18
kilometres from the city centre in the direction of Lepäinen. Pack some food for grilling and head out for a refreshing outdoor adventure!
Uusikaupunki has unique and welcoming boutiques — each with its own charm — invite visitors to enjoy a delightful shopping
experience. The city offers a wide variety of shops and products, all within short walking distances. Discover treasures in antique stores or flea markets, refresh your wardrobe or shoe collection, or brighten up your home décor with new findnings. And before you leave, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs or gifts from one of the local gift shops! Photo: Bookshop Sannin Paperi & Kirja Facebook.
If you’d like to stay overnight, Uusikaupunki offers several comfortable accommodation options. Hotels are conveniently located near the city centre’s main attractions, and there are also well-equipped apartments, some nestled in the picturesque wooden house district. For a relaxing getaway in nature, cottage accommodation is also available. You can explore all the options here.
For more information about these and other upcoming events, follow the link below.
tapahtumat.uusikaupunki.fi/en
