Christmas Markets in Åland
Visit the Christmas markets on Åland and experience the warm atmosphere, filled with familiar festive scents and flavours.
The Christmas Market at Jan Karlsgården is the first and largest of the Christmas markets in Åland, but the markets in Mariehamn are hugely popular as well. What’s more, you can visit several smaller Christmas bazaars in the countryside and across the archipelago.
Christmas Market at Jan Karlsgården's Open-Air Museum
On Saturday before the first Advent, people in Åland celebrate "lillajul", a smaller-scale Christmas. It’s an old tradition and marks the start of Advent and the Advent calendar, a moment many children eagerly await. Lillajul is celebrated with a small Christmas tree, dishes from the Christmas buffet and little gifts for the children. For many families in Åland the celebrations include a visit to the Christmas Market at Jan Karlsgården as well.
The Christmas market at Jan Karlsgården is Åland’s oldest market and a beloved tradition. Simply wandering around among the old buildings in the museum grounds is an experience in itself. There are plenty of market stalls both indoors and outdoors stacked with arts and crafts, handmade candles, oat sheaves, Christmas decorations, sweets, home-baked bread and much, much more.
In the main building of the open-air museum, you can deliver your wish list to Father Christmas. Round off your visit with a glass of mulled wine at the Kastelholm Castle or visit the jail museum, Vita Björn. If the weather turns chilly, take a break and warm up with a coffee at the nearby restaurant, Smakbyn.
Christmas Markets in Mariehamn
When the Christmas market in the Mariehamn town market square is on, the street between Sittkoffs’ market place and the market square is closed to traffic and transformed into a festive market place lined with stalls. You’ll find everything you need for Christmas here – handicrafts, arts, candles, honey, bread and pastries, sweets and drinks. There are several cosy cafés around the town centre where you can enjoy a warming cup of coffee after your stroll through the market.
Christmas Market in the Maritime Quarter
The annual Christmas market in Sjökvarteret, Mariehamn's maritime quarter, is a firm favourite with many visitors. There's a wide range of high-quality arts and crafts on offer, with a festive backdrop of Christmas trees and music, creating a wonderfully warm atmosphere. The whole Sjökvarteret, including the museum and artisan shops, is open and you’ll find plenty of excellent Christmas presents among the beautiful Åland crafts on display.
Other Christmas Markets and Events
Read more about all the Christmas markets and other Advent events in Åland on our events calendar. We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas markets in Åland!
