The Jolly Christmas City
Porvoo has long had the status of the foremost Christmas City of Southern Finland. The city has been the official goodwill city of Santa Claus since 2019 and even has its own Christmas elf, Fredrik Flodbåt.
The idyllic Christmastime in Porvoo is atmospheric and in a way very traditional, but this year there will be reforms that will be visible, especially at the Christmas market organised by the city.
The market still has the familiar stalls and a beautifully lit carousel, but visitors can now also walk along a Christmas trail through Runeberginpuistikko, towards the riverside and Old Porvoo, something that has never been seen in the city before.
“We want to make Porvoo an unique experience and lead visitors to a Christmas that cannot be found elsewhere,” say Katarina Broas and Jan-Christian Forsman, who organize Christmas in the city of Porvoo.
Around Christmas, there are Christmasy events almost every day in Porvoo and there is plenty of programme for all tastes.
“It is worth following the calendar of events found on the city’s website and Visit Porvoo. Both sites are regularly updated during the autumn.”
My favourite place in Porvoo
What a view!
The new mayor of Porvoo, Jani Pitkäniemi, says his favourite spots in the city are the ones with a grand view.
“I enjoy views that seem to go on and on, over the whole city or far to the sea. Perhaps the same is evident in my work, where understanding the big picture, managing it and looking to the future are important,” Pitkäniemi says.
If Pitkäniemi had to choose only one destination in Porvoo to show a visitor, he would take the visitor to see the Cathedral.
“I think it’s the finest single landmark you can find in the city. ”
A stronger community in schools
“Youth workers in schools, among other things, lead various recess activities, help students build groups, support the community spirit of classes and combat bullying,” is how Ahti Herttua describes his work.
Herttua has worked as a youth worker at Gammelbacka primary and secondary school since spring 2024.
He has already become a familiar and safe adult for many young people, who share all kinds of news with him, for example, after the weekend.
Picture City of Porvoo / Samuli Skantsi
