Finnish schools have autumn holidays this year on weeks 42 (16th October – 20th October 2023) and 43 (23rd – 27th October 2023). Even though there is still plenty of time until the beginning of the holiday season, this is already an excellent moment to plan fall trips. This text will share tips for spending the autumn break in Helsinki for the year 2023.
Once again, this year, the Linnanmäki amusement park season culminates in themed weeks, with the most recent and highly popular one being the Light Carnival.
This traditional event illuminates the dark autumn evenings and offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The Light Carnival is a massive show in the amusement park, where the entire area is transformed into a beautifully lit magical world.
The amusement park rides and attractions participating in the Light Carnival take on a new, enchanting dimension as they are illuminated with various colours and effects. The atmosphere is fairytale-like and enchanting, captivating visitors of all ages with the unique ambience of the amusement park. A particularly awe-inspiring moment occurs as the evening descends and the sky becomes filled with stunning fireworks, shining like stars above us.
The Light Carnival is a popular event, so arriving early is advisable to ensure access to the desired rides and attractions. The event schedule can be checked on the amusement park’s website.
Although Linnanmäki Carnival of Light highlights the autumn holiday for many families with children, there is much more to see and experience in Helsinki during the autumn break. Below are a few tips that might pique your interest:
Suomenlinna – Historic UNESCO World Heritage Site: Suomenlinna is a sea fortress located off the coast of Helsinki and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archipelago landscape and historical architecture offer an interesting destination for culture, history, and nature enthusiasts.
Ateneum Art Museum: For those interested in art, we recommend visiting the Ateneum Art Museum, which showcases Finnish art from the 19th century to modern times. The museum’s impressive collections provide a wonderful overview of Finland’s art history.
Nature Excursions in Central Park, Nuuksio, and Sipoonkorpi: The autumnal nature offers stunning colours, and a trip to Nuuksio or Sipoonkorpi National Parks provides a great opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature in the metropolitan area. Nature excursions are also an excellent way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Within Helsinki, you can find enjoyable visitation spots, such as Central Park, located near the city centre, where you can partake in various outdoor activities in addition to autumn hikes.
Events: Helsinki is known for its vibrant cultural life, and during the autumn holiday, the city hosts many interesting cultural events, such as theatre performances, concerts, film festivals, and art exhibitions. For example, you can explore all the events during the autumn holiday weeks through the My Helsinki event calendar.
VALO Hotel Helsinki is located in Ruskeasuo, Helsinki, with excellent transportation connections. From our hotel, you can easily move around the entire metropolitan area, whether by your car or by using the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) public transportation links. Additionally, inside VALO, you’ll find a wide range of services, allowing you to spend your autumn holiday in a relaxed manner within the hotel premises.
Some of the services within our hotel:
VALO will also organize a wide variety of family-friendly activities during the autumn holiday weeks, and we will provide more information closer to the start of the autumn holidays. The activities and programs will also be updated in this text.