Christmas Starts With Lillajul in Åland
Have you heard of the festive tradition called Lillajul? It marks the start of Christmas festivities in Åland and is an old, beloved tradition celebrated on the Saturday before the first Advent.
This “Little Christmas” celebration is a warm-up for the coming December festivities, bringing families and friends together in the Christmas spirit. If the Christmas lights are not turned on yet, it’s done now. A small Christmas tree is often decorated, especially in homes with children. The children might hear a knock at the door and find that a little elf has left some early Christmas presents, or if they are lucky, discover them tucked under the Christmas tree.
The Oldest Christmas Market
A visit to the annual Christmas market in Jan Karlsgården in Kastelholm is also a favourite for many Åland families. The Christmas market at the open-air museum is the oldest market event in Åland and attracts visitors and market sellers from all over Åland. There are sales of local handicrafts, home-baked bread, jams, drinks, candles and much more. You can even leave your wish list to Santa Claus in the main house of the old farmyard.
Should you feel the cold, you can enjoy a traditional christmas lunch, rice pudding and a ham sandwich, or a nice cup of mulled wine, in the warm interior of the cosy restaurant Smakbyn, just next to the market area.
This Christmas market marks the beginning of the Christmas market season, which usually spans three December weekends with markets at the Maritime Quarter and the main square in Mariehamn, and at several villages across the countryside.
Discover more about Christmas markets in Åland and other December events on our events calendar.
Enjoy Traditional Flavours at a Christmas Buffet
In the evening, family and friends gather for a cosy Christmas dinner, ideally with a few festive favourites. Sampling a generous Christmas buffet at a restaurant is a big part of the season, offering all the classic flavours.
Åland’s Christmas fare blends traditions from both Sweden and Finland. There are plenty of familiar dishes, along with some new flavours to discover. Finnish inspiration brings baked casseroles like potato, carrot, and swede, while Sweden offers mini sausages and meatballs.
A highlight of Åland’s Christmas table is the wide variety of fish dishes – not surprising, with the sea all around! For vegetarians, there are delicious dishes with kale, beetroot, and other root vegetables.
To finish, enjoy fine cheeses, homemade Christmas treats, and desserts like rice pudding and sea buckthorn panna cotta, along with a good cup of coffee.
Welcome the Christmas Spirit in Åland
Start the Christmas season with family or enjoy a festive Lillajul weekend with friends in Åland. Take the opportunity to shop for unique Christmas gifts in Mariehamn and soak up the friendly atmosphere in cosy cafés. Many restaurants offer traditional Christmas buffets with a local twist, making the first Advent weekend an ideal time to step out of the everyday and count down to Christmas in Åland.
