Even after the festivities are over, there are still many ways to enjoy the magic of Finnish Christmas traditions. Here are some ideas to keep the Christmas spirit alive:

Begin your adventure by strolling down the Christmas Street of Aleksanterinkatu, adorned with traditional Christmas lights. At one end, admire the beloved Christmas window display of the Stockmann department store. This year, the fairy tale window draws inspiration from the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, the lovable characters created by artist and writer Tove Jansson. Along the way, see if you can spot some Nativity scenes. At the other end of the Christmas street, warm up with a glass of mulled wine and some hot salmon soup at Café Engel or Restaurant Savotta. Beyond Aleksanterinkatu, check out the beautiful Christmas lights in Esplanadi Park and along the Sofiankatu and Keskuskatu streets.

Step back in time and discover Christmas traditions of the past at the Burgher’s House, charmingly decorated with 19th-century Christmas decorations. Check the address and opening hours here. At the Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff House Museum on Bulevardi, you can see how the nobility of years gone by celebrated Christmas at home.

Treat yourself to festive delights in Helsinki's many cafés and restaurants. Try mulled wine or glögi, gingerbread cookies, and other seasonal delicacies. Fazer chocolate confections are an integral part of Christmas for many, and you can purchase them at the famous Fazer Café on Kluuvikatu street. There's been a lot of hype recently around rice porridge, which you can try for example at Manta's Christmas Market. This small Christmas market by the Havis Amanda fountain offers delicious treats from Finland and around the world (only some of the stalls will be open on December 24-25).

Why not enjoy a wintery ferry ride from Kauppatori Market Square to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress? The ferry ride itself is a memorable experience, and during the Christmas season, the sea fortress is decorated with the loveliest Christmas lights. On the island, follow the Lighthouse Keeper’s Route, a self-guided tour perfect for children and those who like adventures, to trace the footsteps of Svante Svartö, the lighthouse keeper. Get the map from Suomenlinna Visitor Centre during its opening hours.

Have you ever wondered where Santa’s reindeer rest after their Christmas Eve duties? At Nuuksio Reindeer Park, of course! Feed the reindeer their favorite treats and enjoy a nice warm drink yourself. And what about Santa's elves? They're hiding in the garden courtyard behind the old hospital building in the Lapinlahti area. Can you find them all? Some have also found their way to the Hotel and Restaurant Museum. At the Theatre Museum, Prompter Mouse and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer wait for visitors to solve small tasks on the Northern Lights activity trail.

Finally, experience a cherished Finnish Christmas tradition by stepping into a warm, steamy sauna, a perfect way to unwind after the holiday bustle. Head to Löyly or Allas Pool for a modern seaside sauna with the option of a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea. Or visit the cosy Kotiharju Sauna, one of Helsinki's oldest public neighbourhood saunas. Taking a sauna lets you embrace the warmth of Finnish culture, even after Christmas.

For more tips, visit MyHelsinki.fi.