Experience an Åland ‘lillajul’ and visit Åland’s largest and oldest Christmas market. Stay in comfort at a hotel in Mariehamn, where you’ll be welcomed with steaming hot mulled wine. The next morning, a festive breakfast of Santa’s porridge and Christmas ham awaits.
Mariehamn is a charming archipelago town where most things are within easy walking distance. Both Hotel Pommern and Hotel Savoy are close to Torggatan, the town’s pedestrianised street lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. At Christmas, a stroll through the town centre takes on a special atmosphere as the winter darkness falls and the festive lights illuminate the town.
On the last weekend in November, "Lillajul" is celebrated in Åland, a cherished tradition that for many marks the start of the Christmas season. The celebrations include, amongst other things, a chritsmas market, a smallen Christmas feast and perhaps a small Christmas present for the children. In some homes, a small fir tree is also put up to spread some festive cheer whilst waiting for the main Christmas tree.
Make the Little Christmas weekend a little extra cosy with a hotel stay in the heart of Mariehamn. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with warming mulled wine and gingerbread biscuits, and the next morning the Christmas spirit continues with Santa’s porridge and Christmas ham for breakfast along with a traditional breakfast buffet.
At Hotel Pommern, you’ll find the Kvarter5 restaurant, where Åland produce takes centre stage and the open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs at work. Hotel Savoy offers comfortable and central accommodation, with Mariehamn’s shops, restaurants and festive atmosphere all within easy reach.
Whichever hotel you choose, you’ll have the perfect base for a relaxing Little Christmas weekend filled with small-town charm, good food and the Åland Christmas spirit.
Visit Åland’s oldest and largest Christmas market on November 28th
Make your Little Christmas weekend complete with a visit to Åland’s oldest and largest Christmas market on November 28th at Jan Karlsgården in Sund. Set against a cultural and historical backdrop, this atmospheric market offers the chance to browse local crafts and Åland specialities, hunt for lovely Christmas presents and enjoy the scents and flavours of Christmas.
A visit to the Christmas market is a much-loved Åland tradition and a cosy way to start the run-up to Christmas.
