In the darkest time of the year, few might think to head towards the summer favorite, Åland. However, this charming island offers everything a Christmas enthusiast could dream of—atmospheric Christmas markets, delicious food, and a relaxed setting perfect for spending time together.
Åland’s cozy smallness and palpable, laid-back vibe make it a destination you’ll want to return to. For first-time visitors, Åland provides the perfect “glögg-warmed” holiday setting even in the lead-up to Christmas. This autumn, you can soak up the island’s Christmas spirit through the Åland Glimrar event, which over three weekends offers an easy selection of Åland’s best events and destinations for those seeking holiday cheer.
“Ålanders love Christmas, and we have many restaurants serving Christmas tables—a tradition here comparable to the pre-Christmas parties held in mainland Finland. On Åland, people head to Christmas tables just as others in Finland attend pre-Christmas celebrations,” says Niko Micklin, sales and project manager at Visit Åland.
Åland’s culture is a beautiful blend of Finland and Sweden, and this is reflected in Christmas celebrations too. The Åland Christmas table includes Swedish staples like meatballs and plenty of fish dishes—a nod to the island’s maritime heritage, with fishing still a significant livelihood today.
The Christmas events on Åland are captivatingly authentic. Both the Christmas tables and markets feature locally produced goods. The Åland Glimrar event aims to give both locals and visitors a chance to purchase all their Christmas essentials directly from Åland’s producers and artisans—from holiday table treats to gifts for under the tree.
There are Christmas markets to explore, from Sund’s large and oldest Christmas market in Åland, located next to Kastelholm Castle at Jan Karlsgården, to the traditional Christmas market at Mariehamn’s town square.
“I like to buy local ingredients and products from local producers, from hand-made Christmas wreaths to artisanal sweets. A gift made with love has special meaning. You can also find Christmas food and treats at the markets and local shops,” Micklin shares.
Åland is known for its apples, producing the majority of Finland’s domestic crop. It’s no surprise then that Åland also serves the most delicious apple mulled wine during the Christmas season.
Over ten charming restaurants and cafés on Åland offer Christmas tables this holiday season. Micklin highlights Silverskär, a picturesque island on Åland’s northern side, where guests typically visit in groups. This autumn, Silverskär’s restaurant will serve an unforgettable Christmas table, with the unique experience of arriving by boat from the mainland to enjoy the holiday feast.
Åland Glimrar will be celebrated during the pre-Christmas weekends of November 26–27, December 3–4, and December 10–11, with events held across the islands.
The islands pride themselves on their locally sourced ingredients, prepared with love and a deep respect for tradition.
Stallhagen Christmas Beer:
This Christmas, many Finnish holiday tables will feature beer, which pairs well with savory fish dishes. Stallhagen, Åland’s beloved brewery, prides itself on handcrafting beer from pure ingredients, following the Åland tradition of focusing on local, authentic, and sustainable food and drink.
Amalia’s Mulled Wine:
Amalia’s Lemonade Factory, Åland’s only lemonade factory, produces traditional, handcrafted sodas using natural ingredients—mainly fruits and berries from Åland. Their factory, located in Lemland, about 20 kilometers from Mariehamn, is open for tours. Amalia’s Christmas mulled wine, Vinterblå, with its flavors of blueberry and lingonberry, evokes the warmth of the season. The factory also offers Julmust, a traditional Swedish Christmas soft drink.
Ålandsmejeriet’s Christmas Gouda and Gingerbread Yogurt:
Ålandsmejeriet, Åland’s own dairy, uses only Åland milk in its products, avoiding additives wherever possible. For Christmas, the dairy produces delicious gingerbread yogurt and gouda cheese. Ålandsmejeriet has been proudly making dairy products for over 100 years, as old as Åland’s autonomous status
Mercedes Chocolaterie:
Next to Amalia’s Lemonade Factory is Mercedes Chocolaterie, where Åland’s local cream and butter combine with chocolate and other island flavors to create delicious pralines. Named after its Venezuelan founder Mercedes Winquist, the small chocolate factory offers seasonal flavors such as mulled wine and gingerbread truffles this Christmas.
Christmas tables are very popular on Åland, and here are some restaurant recommendations where you can enjoy one. Reservations are recommended.
