In Finland, Christmas lunch service at restaurants typically begins in early December and runs through the holiday season. Most establishments serve these festive meals between 11:00 and 15:00, though some venues may extend hours into the early evening. These seasonal lunch offerings, known locally as “joulupöytä” (Christmas table), follow Finnish holiday traditions while accommodating modern dining preferences. Restaurants in urban areas often provide more flexible scheduling options compared to those in smaller towns.
What time do most restaurants serve Christmas lunch in Finland?
The Christmas lunch season in Finland typically spans from late November through December, with most restaurants serving these festive meals between 11:00 and 15:00. This timeframe represents an extension of normal lunch hours to accommodate the more leisurely pace of holiday dining. Many establishments offer multiple seating times to manage the high demand during this popular season.
In busy urban centres like Helsinki, restaurants might extend their Christmas lunch service in Helsinki into the early evening hours, particularly on weekends. This flexibility allows both business gatherings and family celebrations to find suitable times. Some venues also offer special evening Christmas table services with slightly different pricing and perhaps more elaborate presentations.
At Merimakasiini, we adjust our serving times to accommodate the festive season while ensuring guests can enjoy our seafood specialties at their freshest. The waterfront setting in Hietalahti creates a uniquely Finnish Christmas atmosphere that complements the traditional timing of these special meals.
What is traditionally included in a Finnish Christmas lunch menu?
A traditional Finnish Christmas lunch features a rich array of seasonal delicacies served buffet-style. The centrepiece is typically Christmas ham (joulukinkku), slow-roasted and served with mustard. Alongside this, you’ll find multiple fish dishes—the most traditional being various preparations of herring, gravlax (cured salmon), and often lutfisk (lye fish).
Root vegetable casseroles form another essential component, with carrot, swede (rutabaga), and potato versions being the most common. These are accompanied by other seasonal sides:
- Rosolli: a vibrant beetroot and apple salad
- Karjalanpiirakka: Karelian pasties with egg butter
- Lanttulaatikko: swede casserole with a hint of nutmeg
- Perunalaatikko: potato casserole
- Porkkanalaatikko: carrot casserole
The meal concludes with traditional desserts like joulutorttu (Christmas tarts filled with plum jam) and piparkakku (gingerbread biscuits). Rice porridge with an almond hidden inside is another festive favourite—finding the almond is said to bring good luck. Many restaurants now offer modern interpretations of these classics whilst maintaining the essential flavours that define Finnish Christmas traditions.
How early should I book a Christmas lunch in Finland?
For Christmas lunch reservations in Finland, booking 4-8 weeks in advance is highly recommended, particularly for larger groups or prime dates. The Christmas lunch season begins in early December and quickly fills up as companies and organisations arrange their holiday gatherings. Weekend dates and the weeks closest to Christmas typically book fastest.
Group bookings of more than six people should consider booking even earlier—sometimes as early as September or October for popular venues. Many restaurants offer special group menus and private dining areas that have limited availability during this festive period.
For smaller groups or couples, more flexibility exists, but even then, securing your reservation 2-3 weeks ahead provides the best selection of dates and times. Last-minute bookings are possible but often require flexibility with timing or willingness to dine at less conventional hours.
Do Finnish restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Most Finnish restaurants close on Christmas Eve (24th December) and Christmas Day (25th December), as these are considered the main family celebration days in Finland. The Finnish Christmas tradition centres around spending Christmas Eve with family, which is when the main Christmas meal is typically enjoyed at home. By Christmas Day, many restaurant staff are also enjoying their own family celebrations.
Some hotel restaurants and certain establishments in city centres might offer limited Christmas Day service, primarily catering to travellers and those without family gatherings. These openings are exceptions rather than the rule, and they typically require advance reservations as they operate with reduced staff.
By Boxing Day (26th December), more restaurants begin reopening, though often with special holiday hours. The pre-Christmas period is when most restaurants are fully operational with their Christmas offerings, which is why the December weeks leading up to Christmas Eve see such high demand for festive dining experiences.
How does Christmas lunch differ from Christmas dinner in Finland?
In Finnish tradition, the distinction between Christmas lunch and dinner is somewhat different from other countries. The main Christmas meal in Finland is traditionally served on Christmas Eve evening, rather than Christmas Day. When restaurants offer “Christmas lunch” (joulupöytä), they’re essentially providing a daytime version of the traditional evening feast.
Christmas lunches at restaurants tend to be slightly lighter versions of the traditional spread, sometimes with fewer dishes but maintaining all the essential elements. They’re designed for efficient service during business hours while still delivering the festive experience. Evening Christmas table services might include additional warm dishes or more elaborate presentations.
The restaurant Christmas lunch concept has evolved primarily to accommodate workplace celebrations and friend gatherings during the busy pre-Christmas period. These meals maintain the communal, buffet-style service that characterises Finnish Christmas dining but are adapted to fit into a workday schedule when needed.
Finnish Christmas dining customs to know before visiting
Understanding Finnish Christmas dining etiquette enhances the experience of enjoying traditional holiday meals in Finland. The Finnish Christmas table is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with diners typically making multiple trips to the buffet rather than loading one plate with everything at once. Starting with fish dishes before moving to meats and casseroles follows traditional sequencing.
Glögi (mulled wine, often non-alcoholic) is the traditional Christmas beverage, though beer and schnapps are also common accompaniments. A toast of “Hyvää Joulua” (Merry Christmas) is customary before drinking.
Finns generally appreciate a relatively quiet, relaxed dining atmosphere during Christmas meals. The focus is on enjoying good food and company without excessive noise. In restaurants, it’s considered polite to respect other diners by keeping conversation at a moderate volume, even during festive celebrations.
When dining at a Finnish Christmas table, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask staff about unfamiliar dishes—most will be happy to explain the traditions behind various foods. Many Finnish Christmas dishes have cultural significance beyond their flavours, connecting modern diners to centuries of Nordic holiday traditions.
At Merimakasiini, we embrace these traditions while offering our own seafood specialties that complement the classic Christmas table experience, providing both authentic Finnish holiday flavours and fresh maritime delicacies in our harbour setting.
Whether you’re planning a company gathering or a festive meal with friends, experiencing a Finnish Christmas lunch offers a delightful glimpse into local traditions while enjoying seasonal specialties in a welcoming atmosphere. Booking early and arriving with an appreciation for the leisurely pace of holiday dining ensures the most enjoyable experience during this magical season in Finland.