THE OLD TOWN PORVOO
The Christmas spirit once again fills the museums of Porvoo as the year draws to a close. At Holm House, visitors can step into an 18th-century Christmas celebration, while the J. L. Runeberg’s Home evokes the anticipation of Christmas in the mid-19th century, complete with period decorations, festive treats, and cherished traditions. In both museums, the holiday atmosphere is enhanced by a diverse programme of events and activities for visitors of all ages.
An 18th-Century Christmas Celebration at tHE Holm House
The Christmas exhibition at Holm House of the Porvoo Museum is open from 25 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
On the second floor of the museum, visitors can experience a festive 18th-century Christmas celebration, where seasonal preparations, customs, and holiday delicacies form part of an immersive historical setting.
At the heart of the celebration is an impressive festive dining table, along with a traditional drinks table prepared for guests who had travelled from afar to attend the festivities. The feast includes treats familiar to modern Finns, such as casseroles and beetroot salad, while the selection of sweets offers some surprising discoveries. From the kitchen drift the aromas of spices imported from near and far, reflecting the international culinary influences of the 18th century.
Christmas gifts were still a relatively new custom in the 18th century, although the wealthiest urban families had already adopted the tradition as part of their holiday celebrations. Clever verses often accompanied the gifts, providing clues about their contents or revealing the identity of the giver. At Holm House, the gift wrapping is still underway, giving visitors the opportunity to see the kinds of presents that found their way into Christmas parcels of the period.
In addition to the striking historical displays, visitors of all ages can enjoy a varied programme of Christmas-themed events and activities.
Christmas Programme at The Holm House
Christmas-themed guided tours on Sundays, 29 November, 13 December and 20 December. Guided tours are available with museum admission at Holm House: at 1 pm in Finnish, 2 pm in Swedish, and 3 pm in English.
25 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
Christmas bingo for families with children.25 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
The merchant’s home is illuminated by candlelight.2 December at 5.30 pm
Guided Tour: Christmas at Holm House (part of the Wednesday Series)
Welcome to discover Christmas traditions in the Holm merchant’s home on a guided tour. The tour is included in the museum admission fee. As only one tour will be offered on this occasion, the language will be selected according to the participants.9 December: Senior Afternoon – Christmas Arrives at the Porvoo Museum
At 1.00 pm in Finnish and 2.00 pm in Swedish, at Holm House.
Guided tour of Christmas in the Holm merchant’s home. The event is limited to 10 participants, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis through advance registration by email: margaretha.jamback@porvoonmuseo.fi.
Christmas at the Runeberg Home
The J. L. Runeberg Home is decorated for Christmas much as it would have been during the Runeberg family’s time. Christmas trees, candles, and floral arrangements reflect the festive traditions of the mid-19th century. The table is set for celebration, and gifts are displayed as if the household were expecting guests to arrive at any moment. The Christmas display is on view from 18 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
The warm atmosphere of the home offers visitors a glimpse into Christmas in a cultivated Finnish household more than 150 years ago. The Christmas season programme includes themed guided tours, workshops, and the popular Elf Yard for the whole family. Visitors can explore the Runeberg family’s Christmas traditions on guided tours, practise historical handwriting in the Messages in Ink workshop, and make Christmas cards in the outbuilding.
Christmas Programme at the J. L. Runeberg Home
Christmas-themed guided tours on Sundays, 13 December, 20 December and 27 December
Tours are offered in Finnish at 12 noon and Swedish at 1 pm. Participation is included in the museum admission fee.5 December, 10.30 am–12.30 pm
Messages in Ink Workshop in the outbuilding.12 December, 10.30 am–12.30 pm
Christmas Card-Making Workshop in the outbuilding.
More detailed opening hours during the Christmas season can be found on the museums’ websites.