Boxing Day 2025
Date: December 26, 2025 (Friday)
Country: Finland Public Holidays
Description
Boxing Day in Finland is called Tapaninpäivä or St Stephen's Day. It falls on December 26 each year. It is a public holiday that comes right after Christmas Day and is part of the Christmas period.
The holiday began as a Christian feast honoring Saint Stephen, one of the first martyrs. Over time it became a general day linked to the season of goodwill and reflection following Christmas celebrations.
In Finland the day means rest and time with family and friends. Many people treat it as a quieter continuation of the holiday. Schools and many workplaces are closed so people can stay home and be together.
Boxing Day is significant because it bridges Christmas with the rest of the winter season. It helps mark the rhythm of Finnish winter holidays and keeps alive both religious history and shared cultural meaning for communities.
Traditions
On Boxing Day in Finland people visit family and friends or invite them over. They play board games, watch holiday films, and take long walks in the snow. Children often enjoy outdoor play and sledging.
Food is mostly Christmas leftovers. Families eat joulukinkku or cold cuts, rosolli beetroot salad, rice porridge, and gingerbread cookies. Many households enjoy a warm sauna to relax after the holiday meals.
A special custom is the tapaninajelu horse sleigh ride in the countryside. People go to stables to ride or watch horse-drawn sleighs. Small local parades and folk music happen in some villages.
Some attend church services or quietly help neighbors. The day is calm, social, and focused on family and simple traditions.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and some services are closed on Boxing Day. Public transport runs a reduced or holiday schedule. Check timetables and museum or restaurant openings in advance and book seats if you can.
Travel routes to cities and ski areas can be busy. Allow extra time for trains and roads and expect delays. Dress warmly and carry a charged phone. Join organized events or quiet walks in nature, keep valuables safe, and know local emergency numbers.