Guide to the festive season in Pori
The time of merry and sparkle is getting closer, and the spirit is overtaking Pori. Several festive events are held in the city throughout Christmas and New Year. We have combined a guide on how to enjoy the jolliest time of the year in Pori – and where to buy your Christmas tree.
Light event VALON Pori 19.12.-8.1.
The light event VALON Pori (“Pori of Light”) brings joy to the darkest time of the year. This time, the event is designed to encourage people to get active and enjoy the beautifully lit atmosphere around the city centre. The event is designed for the whole family, residents, and visitors alike. The event is organised by Porikorttelit, Svenska Kulturfonden i Björneborg, Äänirasia and the City of Pori. More information on VALON Pori can be found here (in Finnish).
At Liisantori square, VALON Pori invites everyone to ice skate on a cleverly lit ice rink. You can even try catching the lights! Cafe Kallo will provide seasonal treats throughout the VALON Pori event at Liisantori. Raatihuoneenpuisto park provides a lovely festive atmosphere with beautiful lighting to enjoy, whilst having a stroll in the middle of one of the most beautiful and historic parts of Pori. The lights in both locations are usually lit during day fall at around 4PM.
Another fun way to enjoy VALON Pori is with the Cityspotting app. Cityspotting is an adventure service designed for locals to get to know their city even better. Launching early next year in Pori, Cityspotting is offering a free taster to five different locations in central Pori. Secret information and other treats will be unlocked in the app once you approach them, so get out and get active. More information on Cityspotting can be found here (in Finnish).
On the darkest day of the year, Wednesday 21st of December, VALON Juhla (“Party of Light”) will be celebrated at Liisantori square from 6PM to 8PM. The programme consists of magical performances by the Pori figure skater club Porin Muodostelmaluistelijat and a warm-up round together with Rysty Mesikämmen, the mascot of Porin Ässät ice hockey team. Finally, a carnival of everyone ice skating together starts at 6:30PM.
Top tip: Every day during VALON Pori, the public transport of Pori will operate free of charge from 6PM onwards. This will be a great way for everyone to come and enjoy the sparkle. Timetables and further information provided by local public transport authority Porin Linjat (in Finnish).
Design x Pori 17.-23.12.
This design pop up market welcomes everyone to get to know and admire Finnish designers, artists and handcraft products to the IsoKarhu shopping centre. You can do some last-minute gift shopping and meet the talents behind the masterpieces. Design x Pori is organised together with VALON Pori, Porikorttelit and Porin Yrittäjät.
For more information, see here (in Finnish).
The Declaration of Christmas Peace 24.12.
The traditional Christmas Peace will be declared on Christmas Eve from 11.45 onwards in front of Raatihuone. The event starts with PTS Puhallinorkesteri orchestra performing beautiful Christmas carols. Before the Peace declaration, a hymn will be sung together. As the clock strikes noon, a fanfare will be played and the officiating City Manager of Pori, Mr. Lauri Kilkku will read the declaration. At the end, everyone will join in to sing the national anthem Maamme, and the orchestra will perform the famous Porilaisten marssi march. More information is available here (in Finnish).
Hallituskatu will be closed from traffic in front of Raatihuone during the event between 11.20 and 12.20. A more detailed map of the closures can be found here (in Finnish).
City of Pori’s New Year Eve event 31.12.
Pori’s New Year Eve event will be held in Raatihuoneenpuisto park on December 31st , from 6PM onwards. A family event to close in on the year past, the programme consists of speeches, musical performances and a fire show. The event will last about 30 minutes.
Christmas trees
This year, all city-authorised Christmas tree points of sales are located next to Liisantori square. The daily sales times are 6AM to 8PM until the 23rd of December. On Chrtistmas Eve 24th of December, the sales are open from 6AM to noon.
Sparkling culture in museums
In addition to festive events, Pori offers a variety of great culture experiences throughout the year – and the holiday season is no different. Whether you are interested in history or modern art, Pori’s museums offer something for everyone and fun for the whole family. even during the holiday season.
The Ark Nature Centre takes you on an exploration to the nature and animals of the Satakunta region. In the Satakunta Museum, you get to experience the history of Pori and Satakunta. For example, you can visit the homes of Pori from different decades. Both of these museums are especially popular and recommendable for children.
If you are keen on knowing more about industrial history, head towards the Rosenlew Museum. For those looking for a bold and experimental museum of contemporary art, Pori Art Museum is the place to be.