“The Path of Light” 2025 Illuminates Turku’s Winter Nights
Last weekend, Turku once again dazzled visitors with its annual “Path of Light” festival. Held from December 4–7, 2025. An open air and free of charge event. Now in its fifth year, attracted an estimated 200,000 visitors. Confirming its status as one of the city’s most beloved winter traditions.
The event was launched during the pandemic. The city of Turku wanted to bring light to its citizens to celebrate the Finnish Independence Day. And offer an event that could be organized despite the restrictions. The event has now established its place as an appreciated Independence Day tradition for the locals.
Stretching along a 3.5-kilometer route from the historic Turku Cathedral to the harbor and the Castle of Turku, “Path of Light” featured twelve spectacular light installations created by Finnish and international artists.
Beyond the visual feast, the festival offered a rich program of side events. The popular Lightfest Run on December 5 lit up the riverside with hundreds of glowing participants, while Sunday’s “Lightmorning” provided a serene early-morning viewing experience.
Experience Åland’s Festive Julbord – A Holiday Tradition
A few weeks prior to the Christmas festivities, various restaurants around Åland islands offer delicious Christmas flavours called Julbord (Christmas buffét). The locals, family and friends gather together in the evening, for a cozy Christmas dinner, ideally with a few festive favourites. Sampling a generous Christmas buffét at a restaurant is a big part of the season, offering all the classic flavours.
Åland’s Christmas fare blends traditions from both Sweden and Finland. There are plenty of familiar dishes, along with some new flavours to discover. Finnish inspiration brings baked casseroles like potato, carrot, and swede, while Sweden offers mini sausages and meatballs.
A highlight of Åland’s Christmas table is the wide variety of fish dishes – not surprising, with the sea all around! For vegetarians, there are delicious dishes with kale, beetroot, and other root vegetables.
To finish, enjoy fine cheeses and jams, homemade Christmas treats, and desserts like rice pudding and sea buckthorn panna cotta, along with a good cup of coffee.
It is easy to combine a visit to Turku and Mariehamn as they are located near to each other and share the Archipelago Sea area consisting of more than 20,000 islands.
Here you may find more information on Christmas celebrations in Mariehamn and the Ålands islands: Christmas on Åland islands
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