Sustainability

Helsinki Christmas Market aims to offer a responsible Christmas event for its visitors, vendors and organisers. We actively work to reduce the environmental and climate impacts of the market and are committed to providing an equal and safe event for everyone.

At Helsinki Christmas Market you will find primary producers and small artisan businesses. At the Restaurant Yard, the focus is on organic and locally sourced ingredients as well as Fair Trade products. The selection includes vegetarian and vegan options.

We pay special attention to the accessibility of Helsinki Christmas Market and continuously develop our services to make the event even more accessible.

All entrances are accessible. There are accessible toilets at the Delicacy Yard and Restaurant Yard.

The drop-off point for assisted transport is located on Hallituskatu in front of Helsinki Cathedral.

Download accesibility map »

On this page you can find information about the 2024 Helsinki Christmas Market in easy-to-read Finnish.

Helsinki Christmas Market has been granted the Selkotunnus (“Easy-to-read” symbol). The symbol indicates that the content is written in easy-to-read language. It helps people who need easy-to-read Finnish find suitable content more easily and supports the quality of easy-to-read materials.

The event has been awarded the EcoCompass environmental certificate, and we calculate its carbon footprint. The vendor cabins are heated and the carousel runs on renewable energy. We are committed to minimising waste and improving recycling with clear instructions. The restaurants at the market use only biodegradable dishes and cutlery, which can be disposed of in biowaste containers after eating.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES AND TARGETS:

– We calculate the event’s carbon footprint using the City of Helsinki’s event carbon footprint calculator.
– We use 100% renewable energy only.
– We use energy-efficient LED-based lighting in public areas and at the stalls.
– We provide diverse recycling options for vendors.
– We enhance recycling guidance throughout the event area.
– Over 90% of the waste generated at the market is recycled.
– We procure sustainably, make use of existing materials and prefer renting instead of buying new.
– We plan production logistics to avoid unnecessary transport.
– We commit our subcontractors and vendors to our responsible practices already at the contract stage.
– We encourage visitors to arrive on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

The event and its safety plan are coordinated in close cooperation with the authorities and security professionals.

Helsinki Christmas Market is committed to complying with all official regulations, and we want to ensure a safe event experience for all our visitors.

The joy and peace of Christmas belong to everyone, regardless of age, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, language, religion, state of health, disability, gender diversity or sexual orientation. Everyone is warmly welcome to Helsinki Christmas Market just as they are.

Helsinki Christmas Market is a discrimination-free event. We expect all staff, partners, subcontractors and visitors to commit to the principles of equality, fairness and non-discrimination.

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment or any inappropriate behaviour at the event, please report it immediately to the nearest security officer or to Helsinki Events Foundation either

by email: yhdenvertaisuus@eventshelsinki.fi, or
via an anonymous form.

Emails are read by CEO Stuba Nikula and the anonymous form submissions by Administrative Manager Piia Lääveri.

Read more about sustainability at Events Helsinki »

Image: Jussi Hellsten