Lovely Christmas and New Years days at Åland

In the seafaring town of Mariehamn, a cosy atmosphere opens up during Christmas. For those who long to experience a genuine Christmas atmosphere away from crowds and stress, Mariehamn is the perfect destination. Here you can find the tranquility that characterizes the small town while enjoying all the traditional Christmas activities.

One of the highlights before Christmas is to visit the charming Christmas markets around the island. They may not be the biggest, but they have a very special atmosphere. With small sale stands selling handmade Christmas decorations, local delicacies, handicrafts, the markets are a place where you can find unique gifts.

After a round at the Christmas market, you can take a break and warm up with a cup of mulled wine in a cozy café. There you can also enjoy a classic gingerbread or two. For those who want to stroll around and discover Mariehamn, there are plenty of small streets to explore. The Christmas lights that adorn every window and street spread a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's hard not to be enchanted by the sparkling lights and the sense of togetherness that permeates Åland during Christmas and New Year. Whether you're in Mariehamn or in the countryside, you'll find that each place has its own unique touch when it comes to Christmas spirit.

Mariehamn is not just a place for Christmas tranquility, it's also where New Year's festivities kick off. Restaurants and hotels are gearing up to welcome guests to magnificent New Year's dinners, where they can savor delicious delicacies while toasting to the upcoming year.

Below, you can see some of the Christmas and New Year's events around Åland, with the list continuously expanding.

Christmas and New Year's events in Åland

16/11 Christmas Market at Frideborg, Jomala
30/11 Christmas Market at Jan Karlsgården, Sund
30/11 Christmas Market at the Square, Mariehamn
4/12 Show: Spirit of Xmas, Alandica Kultur- och Kongress, Mariehamn
6-7/12 Christmas Market at the Square, Mariehamn
14-15/12 Christmas Market at the Maritime Quarter, Mariehamn
20/12-6/1 Mössens jul på Ålands sjöfartsmuseum, Mariehamn
21-22/12 Åland Glimrar
22-12 Julkonsert i S:t Görans kyrka, Mariehamn
31/12 Nyårsruset promenad/springtävling, Mariehamn

See more events, click here

Ålandic Flavors on the Christmas buffet

Both on board M/S Eckerö and on land, sumptuous Christmas buffets featuring Ålandic flavors are served. The buffets are filled with herring and Ålandic black bread, glazed ham with Ålandic mustard, and a variety of other delicacies that belong on the Christmas buffet. Here are some restaurants in Åland that serve Christmas buffets:

Brasseriet, Mariehamn
Restaurang Nautical, Mariehamn
M/S Sunnan II, Mariehamn
Silverskär, Saltvik
Restaurang Seagram, Föglö
Restaurag Q in Degersand, Eckerö
Soltuna Restaurang, Geta