Christmas markets in Åland
Visit Christmas markets on Åland and experience the warm atmosphere with familiar Christmas scents and flavours. The Christmas Market at Jan Karlsgården is the first and biggest of the Christmas markets in Åland, but the Christmas markets in Mariehamn are hugely popular as well. What’s more, you can visit several smaller Christmas markets in the countryside and in the archipelago before Christmas.
Traditional little Christmas market at Jan Karlsgården's open-air museum
On Saturday before the first Advent Åland people celebrate lillajul. It’s an old tradition and the starting point for the advent calendar, a moment many children look forward to. Lillajul is celebrated with a small Christmas tree, dishes from the Christmas buffet and small 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 highly cherished tradition. To just walk around among the beautiful old buildings in the museum grounds is an experience in itself. There are plenty of market tables 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 open-air museum main building you can take your wish list to Father Christmas. Round off your visit with some mulled wine in Kastelholm Castle or visit the jail museum Vita Björn. If it gets chilly outdoors, have a warming coffee break at the nearby restaurant Smakbyn.
Christmas markets in Mariehamn
When the Christmas market in the market square in Mariehamn is held, the street between Sittkoffs’ market place and the market square is closed for traffic and converted to a market place full of market 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 nicely warming cup of coffee after your walk at the Christmas market.
Christmas market in Maritime Quarter
The annual Christmas market in the maritime quarter Sjökvarteret in Mariehamn is popular among many visitors. There is a huge selection of good quality arts and crafts to choose from at the market with a Christmas tree, Christmas music and lots of warm atmosphere. The whole of the Sjökvarteret, including the museum and artisan shops, is open and you’ll find plenty of excellent Christmas presents among the beautiful Åland arts and crafts on display.
Other Christmas markets and events
Read more about all Christmas markets and other Advent events in Åland on our events calendar. See you at Christmas markets in Åland!
