KUHMO CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 2026
Come to Kuhmo & celebrate Christmas together and welcome the New Year 2026!
Every year, Kuhmo entrepreneurs, associations, residents, and other Christmas-minded people come together to organize a community Christmas event in Kuhmo. During the festive season, dozens of cozy stalls and beautifully illuminated Christmas trees appear along the snowy streets of Kuhmo. People come to admire the Christmas trees from near and far.
Kuhmo residents are warmly invited to take part in the Christmas festivities and join the atmosphere. The Christmas season is full of small encounters and shared experiences. There are many fun activities, interesting exhibitions and events throughout the holiday season. City of Kuhmo warmly welcomes everyone to join.ky
Exhibitions, Competitions and Postcards
Siskot ja Simot: Christmas Mail for the Elderly campaign invites residents to send Christmas cards to older people. More information on the campaign website. Cards can be dropped into the collection box both in the lobby of City Hall and inside Kainuu Osuuspankki during its opening hours.
Untold Arctic Wars, Digital Exhibition
Address: Väinämöinen 7
The digital exhibition consists of content related to the Arctic region during the Second World War. You can explore all eight touchscreens at your own pace using text or audio guidance. A short film in English focuses on the first moments of the war in the Arctic. The exhibition opened on 8 July 2022. No entrance fee.
Mon–Fri 9.00 to 15.00
Winter War Museum, Väinämöinen 11
The museum includes objects, photographs, small-scale models and sound effects from the Winter War. The exhibition presents the life of evacuees as well as Finnish and Soviet soldiers in winter warfare.
15 September 2025 to 12 June 2026
“The Endless Journey of Poetry” – Kalevala art competition at Juminkeko
An international art competition inviting interpretations of the Kalevala through various artistic expressions. More information on Juminkeko’s website.
10 October to 31 December 2025
Vienankarjalainen Katse exhibition by Reetta Suvanto, at Juminkeko
6 January to 13 March 2026
Muuan Hymy exhibition by Markku Nieminen, at Juminkeko
UPCOMING EVENTS
WED 26.11. Knitting Club for Everyone at Kaesa Café upstairs 12-14. Kaesa Café, Kainuuntie 87. In the open knitting club, you can knit your own projects or join a communal project. There is nice company and the café offers coffee at a special price for club members. No pre-registration required, join whenever it suits you.
WED 26.11. Open House at City Hall 14-17, City Hall, Kainuuntie 82. Residents are warmly welcome to learn about the city’s operations and meet the staff. There will be information points and the opportunity to share wishes and ideas in the wishing well. Cake and coffee will be served. Question hour with staff in the Koski meeting room 16-17. Question hour will also be streamed on the city’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@kuhmonkaupunki1986. After the event, the public can visit Tuupala to see the new wooden wing 17.15–18.00.
WED 26.11. WICKED: FOR GOOD (audio English) 18-20.17, Pajakkakino, Rajakatu 56. No matter how our stories end, I know you rewrote mine by being my friend. Last year’s global movie event now receives an epic, moving, and emotional conclusion. The final, previously untold chapter of Ozi’s witches begins with the fallout between Elphaba and Glinda and the consequences of their choices.
THU 27.11. KIDE Stage sound training 15-18 (practical and theory session), City Hall, Koski meeting room. The City of Kuhmo organizes training that includes sound technology and practical implementation for the Christmas Opening. The training is in two parts (second part 28.11.). Trainer is Elmeri Kinnunen, formerly sound technician at Kuhmo Arts Centre. The event is open to everyone. Coffee, mulled wine, and gingerbread will be served. Register: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/952551975018AC4C. The invitation can also be shared. Contact Johanna 040 558 3904 or johanna.vilhunen@kuhmo.fi
THU 27.11. Meijjän Kuhmo Friendship Café 18-20, Taitotehdas, Kainuuntie 85. The program includes music and tasting from around the world. You may bring small food items from your culture. Free entry, no pre-registration required.
FRI 28.11. Equipment preparation and sound setup for the Christmas Opening at Kide Stage 16-18. The City of Kuhmo organizes training that includes sound technology and practical implementation for the Christmas Opening. The training is in two parts. Trainer is Elmeri Kinnunen, formerly sound technician at Kuhmo Arts Centre. Open to all. Contact Johanna 040 558 3904 or johanna.vilhunen@kuhmo.fi
FRI 28.11. Kuhmo Christmas Opening
Christmas opening ceremony 17-18 at the square and Christmas market at Kuhmo Square and Taitotehdas 14-19. Register as a seller: henriikka@kaesankotileipomo.fi. Organized by Kuhmo Entrepreneurs Association in cooperation with the City of Kuhmo.
The mayor of Kuhmo opens Christmas
Interviews and recognition of awarded Kuhmo entrepreneurs
Presentation and interview of Sammon Takoja 2025 Ilkka Kyllönen, Christmas lights lighting
Santa Claus visits the square
Singing Christmas songs together
Valontuojat, Hiljainen kansa, Matti Halmetvaara and Leena Keizer performances
Traditional Christmas ham raffle. Tickets available at Kaesa Café, Hotelli Kainuu, Rusasen Kulma, and K-Supermarket on Friday 28.11. Return tickets to K-Supermarket
Opportunity to take a photo with Santa at Kide Stage
Christmas market at Kuhmo Square and Taitotehdas 14-19
Register as a seller: henriikka@kaesankotileipomo.fi
FRI 28.11. Valontuojat Christmas Concert at Kaesa Cafe 19. Singer Matti Halmetvaara, dance artist Leena Keizer, and pianist Viljami Viippola combine piano, singing, and dance into a warm and beautiful performance.
SAT 29.11. Lasse Hoikka & Souvarit: TOGETHER WE TRAVEL – Lasse Hoikka 70th anniversary, 19-21.30, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1. Floor tickets 59.90€, Balcony tickets 49.90€. Lasse Hoikka & Souvarit embark on a large concert tour in autumn 2025. Lasse Hoikka & Souvarit have entertained audiences since 1978. This year, founder Lasse Hoikka turns 70, celebrated on the “Together We Travel – Lasse Hoikka 70th Anniversary Concert Tour”.
SAT 29.11. Kaesa Traditional Christmas Meal 16-19, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3. A variety of traditional dishes will be served. Buffet price 31.50€, reservations: varaukset@neljakaesaa.fi. Offers also available for groups at other times.
SAT 29.11. Pre-Christmas disco at Hotelli Kainuu, K-18
SUN 30.11. Orthodox Liturgy 10-12, Koulukatu 47. Orthodox liturgy and coffee afterwards.
SUN 30.11. Anniversary of the Winter War. Free entry to Winter War Museum 9-16, Väinämöinen 11
SUN 30.11. Women’s Market at Kelo 12-14. Café opens at 11. Table reservations 15€. Book by 21.11: https://kuhmo.4h.fi/kurssit-ja-kerhot/
SUN 30.11. Karelian-language Christmas Songs – Roštuon songs at Uljaskan Pirtti 15-17, Kostamustie 5645. Karelian-language Christmas singing event. Lead singer Pekka Huttu-Hiltunen. Open to all. Pastry and coffee provided.
WED 3.12. Knitting Club for Everyone at Kaesa Café upstairs 12-14. Kaesa Café, Kainuuntie 87. Weekly club, closed during school holidays.
WED 3.12. Kaesa Winter Party setup 16-19. Price 29.90€ per person. Reservations: varaukset@neljakaesaa.fi.
WED 3.12. Raskasta Joulua Concert 19-21.30, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1, 49.9€-59.9€. Finland’s largest Christmas rock tour arrives in Kuhmo. Artists include Marko Hietala, Petra, Tuple Salmela, and Ilja Jalkanen.
FRI 5.12. Kaesa Christmas Lunch 10.30-15, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3.
FRI 5.12. Jari Sillanpää – Light Within Us Christmas Concert Tour 19, Kuhmo Kelo, Väinämöinen 4
SAT 6.12. Independence Day celebrations from 10 onwards
SAT 6.12. Independence Day Café 10-15, Kaesa Bakery, Kainuuntie 87
SUN 7.12. Rice Porridge Brunch + Open House Hotelli Kalevala 12-15, Porrige Brunch 5€ per person. Santa also present.
TUE 9.12. Kaesa Christmas Porridge Lunch 10-15, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3. Lunch price 12.50€
FRI 12.12. Kainuu Culture Gala 18-22, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1. Price details not specified.
SAT 13.12. Kaesa Traditional Christmas Meal 11-16, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3. Buffet 31.50€
SAT 13.12. Hevisaurus World Tour – Räyh! 14-15, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1, 25€-29.
SAT 13.12. Jatsilaaki Concert Christmas Magic 19-21, Kaesa Bakery, Kainuuntie 87
SAT 13.12. Sins And Wings Pre-Christmas Party late evening, Kuhmo Kelo, Väinämöinen 4, K-18, tickets 5€
FRI 14.12. Orthodox Candlelight Evening 18-19.30, Koulukatu 47
FRI 12.12. Kaesa Christmas Lunch 10.30-17, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3
MON 15.12. Elf Swimming
MON 15.12. Kuhmo Music School Christmas Concert 18, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1, free entry
TUE 16.12. Kaesa Christmas Lunch 10.30-15, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3
WED & THU 17.-18.12. Christmas Meal at Pohjola House 11-15, 29€
FRI 19.12. Kaesa Christmas Lunch 10.30-17, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3
FRI 19.12. Kuhmo Music School Dance Performance 18, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1, free entry
FRI 19.12. Naughty Pre-Christmas Party Hotelli Kainuu, K-18
SAT 20.12. Christmas Swimming 5-11, Kuhmo Swimming Hall, Kuntokatu 1
SAT 20.12. Kaesa Traditional Christmas Meal 11-16, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3, 31.50€
SUN 21.12. Summer Musicians Christmas Concert 18, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1, 12€, under 15 free
SUN 21.12. Traditional Rural Christmas Market 11-14, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1, free entry
TUE 23.12. Kaesa Christmas Porridge Lunch 10-15, Neljä Kaesaa, Koulukatu 3, 12.50€
TUE 23.12. Christmas Adventure: Finding Santa 17, Pohjola House
WED 24.12. Christmas Eve Porridge Lunch Hotelli Kalevala 12-14, 20€
WED 24.12. Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner 18-21, Hotelli Kalevala, 38€ per person
THU 25.12. Christmas Day Brunch 9-13, Hotelli Kalevala, 30€
THU 25.12. Christmas Day Buffet Dinner 18-21, Hotelli Kalevala, Christmas concert 19-20, 35€ per person
THU 25.12. Christmas Day Disco Hotelli Kainuu, K-18
THU 25.12. Christmas Day Tekno at Kelo, Sins and Wings, K-18
FRI 26.12. Christmas Rides Hotelli Kalevala: Reindeer 30€, Husky 30€, Horse 20€
FRI 26.12. Hotelli Kalevala Saunas 16-20 (last hour adults only) 10€ per person, Smoke Sauna 19
FRI 26.12. Boxing Day Special Kelo, Sins and Wings, K-18
WED 31.12. New Year’s Gala Dinner 19-21, 59€ per person. New Year Party DJ from 22. Fireworks at 00:00, Hotelli Kalevala
WED 31.12. New Year’s Eve Karaoke and Dance 20-01, Kahvila Juttua, Koulukatu 1, K-18, free entry, cloakroom 2€
WED 31.12. Patu and his friend – New Year’s Eve Hotelli Kainuu, K-18
THU 1.1.2026 New Year’s Brunch 11-15, Hotelli Kalevala
Ice Hall Free and Public Sessions https://kuhmonkivaht.fi/jaavuorot/