Events in Uusikaupunki 1.-7.12.2025

The Christmas Street is now open and the beautiful Christmas lights are shining across the city. Christmas Shop on Alinenkatu is once again filled with local craftsmanship—handmade items, gift ideas, new products from local entrepreneurs, and selections from local associations. It’s our city’s own little shopping centre, open every day until Christmas. And of course our very own christmas window calendar appears each day in local home windows.

The exhibition offering expands as Runonkulma Gallery opens its December exhibition Stormy, and the museum’s Christmas exhibition invites visitors into the festive traditions of sailors and the warm holiday atmosphere of a bourgeois home. And there is also flavors from around the world evening, ice hockey and basketball games and a beautiful ice show coming along this week. Photo: Raimo Lakso. 

The citywide Advent Calendar opens on Monday, 1st of  December. A new calendar window appears every day in the windows of local homes, perfect to discover during an evening stroll. Maps of the locations are available at the Uudenkaupungin Vanhat Talot association office, the Alinenkatu Christmas Shop, and selected city-centre stores. The calendar windows can be viewed until Epiphany. You can see calendar here also.
 

On Tuesday, 2nd of December at 6 pm, you can also enjoy music at Wintteri in the Autumn Melodies -concert, featuring the wind ensemble of the Vakka-Suomi Music Institute conducted by Jarkko Kokki. Admission is free.
 

The popular Flavours from Around the World evenings for the whole family conclude for the year on Wednesday, 3rd of December at 5 pm. This time, the event features a warm and joyful multicultural Christmas celebration where people share stories and traditions together. If you wish, you may bring a small item for the shared table from your own Christmas or year-end festive tradition. Please register in advance here.
 

The Read to a Dog session at the Main Library will be held for the last time this year on Thursday, 4th of December from 6 to 7 pm. The dogs will be in the library’s event space, and each reader will have their own reading spot separated by screens. Two dog listeners participate in every session. Children can read picture books, comics, stories, or even non-fiction to the dogs. The dogs are gentle, patient listeners who also enjoy being petted—and they can be given a small treat. Each reading turn lasts about 5–10 minutes, and readers are welcomed in order of arrival, so there may be a short wait.

 
Before The President’s Independence Day Reception, you can cheer for Korihait as they face Kouvolan Kouvot here in Uusikaupunki On Independence Day 6th of December at 3 pm. Ticket prices: adults €23, S-benefit €21; adults €22 (unreserved seat), S-benefit €20; pensioners, students, unemployed and conscripts €16; children aged 13–15 €10, and children aged 7–12 €7. Tickets are available at kauppa.korihait.fi and at the door one hour before the game.

The Jääkotkat ice hockey team also plays a home game on Independence Day, starting at 4 pm, against Lauttakylän Luja. UJK competes in the 3rd Division, group 6b. Tickets cost €4, and children under 15 as well as club members with a membership card enter for free. 

On Sunday, 7th of December at 4:30 pm Figure skaters of Vakka-Suomi present their Nutcracker Christmas show. A festive buffet will also be available. Tickets can be purchased at the door half an hour before the performance: adults €9, children €6 (ages 3–15), and children under 3 free.

For film lovers, the programme of Kuvala, one of Finland’s oldest cinemas with a history of more than 100 years, offers plenty to enjoy. Today, Kuvala is a fully digital, modern movie theatre. You can explore the current programme on Kuvala’s website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. And don’t forget to pick up your movie treats from Kuvala’s own kiosk!

The New Church of Uusikaupunki (Rauhankatu 3) is open every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm for personal reflection and quiet moments. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful red-brick Gothic Revival church, completed in 1863 and designed by architect Chiewitz.

History Comes Alive in the Museums

Wahlberg Museum House (Ylinenkatu 11) is located in the historic grid-plan district, surrounded by wooden town architecture. Fredrik Wahlberg, founder of the Uusikaupunki tobacco factory, built this impressive residence for himself in the early 1870s. The museum’s rooms still feature their original decorative tiled stoves and beautifully crafted ceiling paintings, and the salon even preserves its hand-painted wallpapers from more than 150 years ago.

The upper floor of the house presents shipbuilding, outfitting and commercial seafaring. Sailors’ chests, souvenirs, ship paintings and a captain’s navigation instruments offer a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the city. Younger visitors can play detective and complete exhibition-related activities designed especially for children.

You can explore the city’s maritime heritage and bourgeois home life from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm. Museum is closed on Independence Day 6.12.

The museum’s Christmas exhibition transports visitors into the holiday atmosphere of both a bourgeois home and the life of sailors at sea. In the downstairs rooms, the scent of Christmas flowers and the sparkle of festive decorations set the scene. The display highlights the traditions of seafaring families as well as touching excerpts from the early-1900s letters of the Widberg family of Uusikaupunki – stories of longing, everyday joys and the anticipation of Christmas.

The upstairs exhibition introduces visitors to the men who spent Christmas at sea. Their accounts offer an intimate look at what the holiday was like far from home, on the other side of the world.

The exhibition “Among the First – Women of Uusikaupunki in a Man’s World” at the Wahlberg's Museum House presents 13 women from the late 19th and early 20th centuries who were pioneers in professions officially open only to men. Such occupations included, for example, organists and medical doctors.

Many of these women also pursued hobbies that were not yet considered suitable for women at the time, such as hunting or sailing. The exhibition is open during the museum’s regular opening hours and runs until late March 2026.

Located on Autotehtaankatu, the Automobile Museum is open every day from 11 am to 5 pm. Across its three exhibition halls, the museum showcases more than one hundred vehicles — from classic cars to futuristic concept models, as well as motorcycles and even an aircraft.

A place of honour is given to the first Finnish-made car built in Mynämäki, the Korvensuu from 1913. The museum also displays the first Saab ever produced at the Uusikaupunki car factory, completed on 13 November 1969. This Saab 96 was delivered to President Urho Kekkonen and carried the licence plate EKA-96. The collection includes earlier Saabs manufactured in Trollhättan, Sweden, such as the first Saab 92 registered in Finland, dating from 1950.

Visitors can also explore the museum’s restoration workshop and museum shop. In addition, the museum features a diverse art exhibition selected from the collection of a Finnish art collector, including works by Juhani Palmu, Pekka Laiho, and several others.

For exhibition lovers

Galleria–Taidelainaamo Horisontti (Alinenkatu 24)
In addition to its permanent exhibition, Horisontti presents works by Heli Sammalisto and Juhani Vuorisalmi in November.
– Paintings by Heli Sammalisto feature in the exhibition “Adalmina’s Pearl.”
– Sculptures  by Juhani Vuorisalmi can be admired in “The Light of Stone” -exhibition.
Horisontti is open Wed–Fri from 12 pm to 3 pm and Sat from 10 am to 1 pm.

Tuhansien Tupsujen Tupsula – A Colourful and Playful Pom-Pom World
Located almost next door to Horisontti, Tupsula is a colourful and joyful exhibition that delights craft enthusiasts and families alike with its unique artworks made entirely of pom-poms – including animal figures. Some of the fun creations extend onto the outer walls of the exhibition space. Tupsula is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Housed in an old wooden building, Runonkulma Gallery and Pikkukylä Shop (Ylinenkatu 38 B) is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. On Wednesday 3rd of December opens the new exhibiton "Stormy". The gallery is also home to Pikkukylä Shop, which offers Finnish handicrafts, design items and art products.

“One Day – Six Perspectives” – A Unique Archipelago Exhibition at Cruselli
Six talented artists – Maija Elmnäinen, Margit Hakanen, Katariina Karikoski, Kirsi Lindroth, Laura Peterzéns, and 
photographer Juha Karikoski – have each interpreted the same afternoon moment in the archipelago, capturing the atmosphere of traditional boating and the Isoluoto sailing competition. The weather shifted from calm sunshine to stormy winds, and this 
variety is reflected in the works: photographs, watercolours, acrylic and oil paintings, as well as ceramics.
The exhibition is open until 19th of December, Mon– Wed and Fri from 10 am to 4 pm, Thu from 10 am to 6 pm and Sun from 12 pm to 3 pm, as well as during all events held at Cruselli.

At Café Paapuuri, you can explore Hanna Ailio’s art exhibition, showcasing vibrant and expressive works. Paapuuri is open Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm and Sat 9 am–4 pm, and the exhibition is on display until 10th of December.
 

An exhibition showcasing the life’s work of Henrik Helpiö, From Bomb to Bonk, opens at the Uusikaupunki Main Library on Tuesday, December 2. The exhibition will be open during the library’s opening hours until December 30th.

Kalanti Library – Exhibition of Knitted Wool Socks
Kalanti Library hosts an exhibition of wool socks made by the Kalanti Martta Association.
Open during library hours: Tue from 1 pm to 7 pm, Wed–Fri from 10 am to 4 pm. You can check the exhibition until 4th of December.

Delicious moments and festive events in local restaurants

 
In Uusikaupunki, good food is easy to find — the city offers a wide range of restaurants with diverse styles and flavours. 
Many local eateries favour regional products, so dishes often feature ingredients from nearby producers. Fresh fish arrives daily straight from local waters, and the cosy, atmospheric settings of the restaurants complete the dining experience.
Choose your favourite place and enjoy!
 

This Friday, Bistro Bay’s live night takes on a festive mood with Heikki Hakkarainen performing at 10:30 pm. The set will include both new and classic Hakkarainen songs.

On the eve of Independence Day, Friday 5th of December at 11 pm, Restaurant Wiku’s stage will be taken over by Kikkailua Show. This energetic and entertaining one-woman performance brings Kikka’s most iconic and sizzling hits back to life. Expect plenty of energy, humour and strong nostalgia—along with warm respect for the late Kikka.

Active Living –  and Outdoor Fun for Everyone

Cold-water swimming is said to help ward off colds, strengthen the immune system and support heart health. For winter and cold-water swimming enthusiasts, there are several options available in the Uusikaupunki area.

Saunalaituri Höyry (Pilssitie 23) is located by the sea in Janhuanniemi, about 1.5 km from the city centre. Swimming and sauna time must be booked and paid for in advance via the website. Höyry is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm, all year round.
Höyry’s Blue Weeks: Swimming & sauna –50% from 10:00 to 14:00 every day until December 14.
The discount is applied automatically in the booking system – all you need to do is reserve your place.
At Haimio Free Sauna, winter swimming sessions take place on Saturdays from 4 pm to 7 pm (Haimiontie 351).
At Haimio Metsälehto Sauna, winter swimming is on Sundays from 4 pm to 6 pm (Haimiontie 365).

There is also a winter swimming spot at the Santtioranta pier, where heated changing rooms are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm. Please note that the sauna is not open in winter.

The swimming hall at Wintteri Multipurpose Centre offers daily swimming for all ages. In addition to lap swimming, the facility includes a diving pool, a water slide, a wading pool, and a dedicated cold-water pool for cold-plunge enthusiasts.

Opening hours:

• Mon & Fri: 8 am to 9.30 pm
• Tue & Thu: 6 am to 9.30 pm
• Wed: 12 pm to 9.30 pm
• Sat: 9 am to 5.30 pm
• Sun: 12 pm to 5.30 pm

Ticket sales ends one hour before closing, and the pool area closes 30 minutes before closing time.

The Wintteri Café offers snacks and refreshments. The café at the Wintteri also serves as the ticket sales point for the swimming hall.
 

The Uusikaupunki Ice Hall offers public skating every Sunday from 10 am to 11 am. Public skating is intended for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The fee is €2 per person.
 

Even though outdoor ski tracks aren’t open yet, there’s no need to worry: the ski and fitness tunnel at VahterusRing has already started its season, and inside the tunnel the conditions are always perfect. The approximately one-kilometre loop follows the 
terrain of the outdoor ski track, offering varied elevations with a 16-metre height difference.

In addition to the ski loop, VahterusRing includes a fitness track suitable for Nordic walking, running, inline skating and 
cycling. The ski and fitness tunnel is open with an access card daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Customer service is available Mon–Fri from 10 am to 3 pm and Sat from 10 am to 1 pm.

The fitness tunnel also features a golf simulator, offering an authentic experience with 90 different courses from around the world. The simulator provides a realistic feel and a fun way to learn the basics of golf.

Free introduction sessions for beginners and new players take place every Monday: Juniors: 5 pm–6 pm and Adults: 6 pm–7 pm. Registrations: ugk.fi or ellasalminengolf@gmail.com. Equipment is provided on-site.

You can enjoy the seaside nature of Uusikaupunki even in the beginning of the winter — for example, along the Pamprinniemi nature trail in Pyhämaa. 
In the city centre area, the Hiunjärvi nature trail offers a peaceful setting around the bird lake, complete with a lean-to shelter.
The Kasarminlahti accessible trail and birdwatching tower can be reached, for instance, from the sports field parking area. There’s also a lean-to nearby for a relaxing break. Another great destination is the Oinassaari lean-to in Korsaari, about 18 
kilometres from the city centre in the direction of Lepäinen. Pack some food for grilling and head out for a refreshing outdoor adventure!

Uusikaupunki has unique and welcoming boutiques — each with its own charm — invite visitors to enjoy a delightful shopping 
experience. The city offers a wide variety of shops and products, all within short walking distances. Discover treasures in antique stores or flea markets, refresh your wardrobe or shoe collection, or brighten up your home décor with new findnings. And before you leave, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs or gifts from one of the local gift shops! Photo: Bookshop Sannin Paperi & Kirja Facebook.

If you’d like to stay overnight, Uusikaupunki offers several comfortable accommodation options. Hotels are conveniently located near the city centre’s main attractions, and there are also well-equipped apartments, some nestled in the picturesque wooden house district. For a relaxing getaway in nature, cottage accommodation is also available. You can explore all the options here.

For more information about these and other upcoming events, follow the link below.
tapahtumat.uusikaupunki.fi/en