Old-Fashioned Christmas Ornament Workshop

Create your own Christmas decoration while discovering the traditions and craftsmanship of a Finnish Christmas from another era.

Hosted at Langin Kauppahuone in the historic wooden town of Old Raahe, this hands-on workshop introduces guests to traditional Christmas ornaments inspired by Finnish heritage and nineteenth-century festive customs.

During the workshop, guests create a Christmas ornament to take home as a personal keepsake. Participants may choose between two traditional designs.

The first option is a small himmeli ornament, inspired by one of Finland's most iconic Christmas decorations. Traditionally crafted from straw and suspended from the ceiling during the festive season, the geometric himmeli symbolised prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. In this workshop, guests create a miniature version suitable for use as a Christmas tree ornament or decorative hanging.

The second option is a paper Christmas ornament inspired by historic decorations preserved at Sovelius House in Old Raahe. Based on models used in a nineteenth-century shipowner's home more than 150 years ago, these ornaments offer a glimpse into Christmas traditions from a time before mass-produced decorations became common.

The workshop is relaxed, welcoming and suitable for participants with no previous craft experience. Throughout the session, guests receive guidance while enjoying the slower rhythm of traditional Christmas preparations and learning about the customs that once filled Finnish homes during the festive season.

The experience offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with Finnish cultural heritage and take home a handmade reminder of Christmas at the Merchant House.

• Hands-on Finnish Christmas craft workshop

• Create your own ornament to take home

• Choice of traditional himmeli or paper ornament

• Inspired by nineteenth-century Christmas traditions

• Stories of Finnish Christmas customs

• Suitable for beginners

• Authentic cultural heritage experience

• Guided craft workshop

• All materials and tools

• One completed ornament per participant

• Introduction to Finnish Christmas traditions

• Take-home handmade souvenir

Approximately 1.5 hours

Minimum 4 guests
Maximum 20 guests

Available during the Christmas season and as part of Christmas-themed programmes.

• International visitors

• Cultural travellers

• Small groups

• Christmas programmes

• Families and adult groups