Mikkeli’s Christmas season kicks off this year with a two-day event on Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, 2024. The festivities begin on Friday at 6 PM with the illumination of the Christmas lights, followed by a speech from Mayor Janne Kinnunen.
A dazzling fire show will be the highlight of the evening. Afterward, visitors can get a head start on holiday shopping, as many local stores will offer extended hours.
Saturday’s program is family-oriented and it will start at 10 AM, with Santa Claus at the market square handing out candy and listening to children’s Christmas wishes. Animal lovers can meet and pet friendly therapy dogs and Muumi the pony. Favorite characters, including Tatu and Patu, Eevert the Fox from Hulivilikarnevaali, Jukurit mascot Heimo, and LähiTapiola’s Kamu the Cat, will also make appearances. On stage, performances will include songs by students from Päämajakoulu’s 5M class, the Mikkeli Chamber Choir, and 9M class singers.
Visitors can also gather around a cozy fire at the market square, with a sheltered lean-to area nearby where guests can enjoy their own snacks.
Cafés around the market square will serve holiday treats, including hot mulled wine, marshmallow-topped hot chocolate, and sausages for grilling. Urban Wide Café will offer the first 20 visitors a free sausage to roast at the lean-to area on both days.
Adding to the holiday spirit, a lit-up Mikkeli Heart will be placed at the square for photo opportunities with friends, therapy dogs, or even Santa Claus himself.