Christmas in Lace Town Lights Up Rauma – Opening Festivities on 21 November 2026 Kick Off Citywide Celebration
News
Christmas in Lace Town brings festive events and experiences to Rauma from 21 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The countdown to Christmas begins on Saturday, 21 November with the opening festivities of Christmas in Lace Town at Rauma Market Square. The warm atmosphere of the Christmas Market, the enchanting world of Tammela Elf Land, the revamped Joulevangeeljum musical and the city’s new Christmas lights set the scene for the most eagerly awaited season of the year.
– We want to offer residents and visitors to Rauma moments that bring joy and a sense of togetherness during the darkest time of the year. Christmas in Lace Town can be enjoyed right in the heart of the city, in the World Heritage Site of Old Rauma, says Tourism Manager Irene Villanen.
Opening Festivities Kick Off the Christmas Season
Rauma Market Square will be filled with festive entertainment on Saturday, 21 November from 12 noon to 4 p.m., when Rakastunut Raumaan Association organises the city’s traditional Christmas opening event. The programme at the Market Square includes music and gymnastics performances, Santa Claus and Annina Nova’s Enigma light show, among other attractions. The day culminates at 4 p.m. when Rauma’s Christmas lights are switched on.
The Christmas lights bring familiar festive warmth and a new glow to the city centre. Kuusikuja, Savilanpuisto, Tammela and Kanalinranta will sparkle once again. This year, Valtakatu will also be illuminated, with warm white string lights decorating its 47 linden trees from City Hall to the Satamakatu intersection.
More information about Rauma’s Christmas opening event is available at rakastunutraumaan.fi (in Finnish).
Christmas Magic at the Christmas Market and Tammela Elf Land
Rauma Christmas Market and Tammela Elf Land open on 21 November. The Christmas Market brings market stalls, handicrafts, festive treats and entertainment to the Market Square. Santa Claus will also visit the market several times in the run-up to Christmas. Visitors can enjoy everything the Christmas Market has to offer until 24 December.
A favourite with the whole family, Tammela Elf Land offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday lives of the elves, opportunities to take part in activities and a chance to explore Santa’s workshop. Christmas lights and the elves’ courtyard create an enchanting setting. Tammela Elf Land is open until 1 January 2027.
The experience is produced by Tapahtumapalvelu Järjestys Oy in cooperation with the City of Rauma.
Revamped Joulevangeeljum Enchants Audiences at Karin Kampus
The Christmas in Lace Town programme includes the revamped Joulevangeeljum II musical on 18–19 December. This year, the production moves from Old Rauma to the sports hall at Karin kampus (Aittakarinkatu 10). Moving indoors makes the performances independent of weather conditions and improves accessibility.
– Based on a new script, the production tells the Christmas story through two love stories, one set in Rauma and the other in Bethlehem. More than one hundred amateur and professional performers come together to create a magnificent new interpretation that comes to life on the stage at Karin kampus, says Cultural Producer Outi Lehtorinne.
The performances are free of charge, but seats must be reserved in advance. Tickets can be reserved from 9 a.m. on 16 November via the Lyyti service and at Service Point Pyyrman (Valtakatu 2 A). Each person may reserve a maximum of five tickets. The booking link will be published at Christmas in Lace Town website.
Christmas Peace Proclaimed in Front of the Old Town Hall
Rauma’s Christmas Peace will traditionally be proclaimed on Christmas Eve, 24 December, at 11.50 a.m. in front of the recently restored and reopened Old Town Hall. The proclamation read in Rauma dates back to the late 17th century and is believed to be Finland’s oldest surviving written Christmas Peace proclamation.
Explore the full Christmas in Lace Town programme and the latest information.
