17 Helsinki, Finland
Photo: facebook.com
Pikkujoulu, known as “little Christmas,” is celebrated annually in Finland’s capital city at the St. Tuomas Christmas Fair on Senate Square. It was one of the world’s top 15 in 2015, according to the Huffington Post.
About one hundred and twenty booths are selling decorative products, toys, garlands, and other knickknacks, making it a shopper’s dream. In addition, visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride on the classic carousel that has been set up in the middle of the fair.
You can buy a reindeer sweater for yourself or a loved one and warm up with some spicy tea or glög while you wait to see Joelupukki, the Finnish “Christmas grandfather,” at the fair (which is the equivalent of mulled wine, which is sometimes added to the strength of vodka or Madera). Then, when you become hungry, visit a vendor and pick up some sausage or yolutortta, a jam-filled puff pastry.
