Christmas Challenge 2021 introduced Christmas events in Southwest Finland

The cities of southwestern Finland offer many exciting events to set the mood for Christmas. Are you going to take part in a Santa Run or enjoy a hot drink in the seaside town? Encouraged by the Christmas Challenge, you get to explore the Christmas vibes around the southwestern Finland. Santa rewards the hard-working participants of the Christmas Challenge at the end of the event!

Instructions

You can complete the Christmas Challenge during 12.11.- 22.12.2021. Here is how you do it:

1. Find 10 + 1 checkpoints on the map in Southwest Finland (the icon has a Christmas tree on our map).
2. Go look for the checkpoints. You can visit only one destination or collect all. You can visit the checkpoints anytime suits you between 12.11.-22.12.2021.
3. Once you find a checkpoint, follow the instructions and sign yourself to the destination. You will find a QR code and a link to the answer form.
4. Participate in the prize raffle. Nice prizes will be raffled among all those who took part in the Christmas Challenge. If you collect at least 3 checkpoints, you will participate in the raffle for the main prize!

Prizes

EDIT 12.1.2022: Christmas Challenge has finished and prizes are raffled! Thanks to everyone who participated. Winners of the prizes are: Piritta H., Kalle P, Rinnamari, Katja, Nina R., Saila S., Lea ja Saga, Toni, Tampereen tonttu, Marja H., Eero, Marjo N., LouHela. Congratulations! We have been in touch with the winners by email.

• Main prize: Those who visit at least 3 checkpoints will take part in a raffle of Kavalto Estate gift card which includes accommodation and breakfast for two!

Kavalto Estate is a comfortable place to stay overnight in an idyllic atmosphere in the middle of nature in Piikkiö. Here you can enjoy the smoke sauna and all kinds of outdoor activities. The traditional Christmas Markets at Kavalto Estate will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11-15!

• Also small prizes are being raffled by the cities and municipalities among those who visit their checkpoints! The cities who raffle small prices: Eura, Huittinen, Säkylä, Uusikaupunki, Raisio.

Christmas destinations and events in Southwest Finland

1. Kauttua Ruukinpuisto Opening of the Christmas season

• When? 12.11.2021, klo 12-19
• Where? Kauttuan Ruukinpuisto (Varkaudenmäentie 1, Eura)
• What? Opening of Christmas season in Eura and Christmas markets in Tallinmäki. The Christmas markets are arranged every Saturday until the 22.12.
• More information: Kauttuan Ruukinpuisto Facebook page

2. Säkylä Santa Run

• When? 27.11.2021 at 10-13 (the run starts at 12) 
• Where? Säkylä municipality building (Rantatie 268, Säkylä)
• What? Santa Run and the Christmasd market of Säkylä's entrepreneurs opens up the Christmas season in Säkylä.
• More information: Santa Run FB page (only in Finnish)

3. Christmas lights of Wanha WPK and Rautasilta in Huittinen

• When? Christmas lights will be lit 28.11.2021
• Where? Wanha WPK ja Rautasilta (Koskitie 1)
• What? Wanha WPK builduing and Rautasilta will get fascinating Christmas lights
• More information: Restaurant Wanha WPK | Facebook or Wanha WPK

4. Uusikaupunki Opening of the Christmas season

• When? 28.11.2021 at 11-16:30 
• Where? Kauppatori and Rauhanpuisto (Alinenkatu 32) and shops and restaurants in the center
• What? Official Opening of Christmas season in Uusikaupunki, Chirstmas markets, Christmas lights
• More information: City of Uusikaupunki

5. Aura's Bright Christmas

• When? 26.11. at 18, Christmas windows until the 22.12.2021
• Where? Auraamo (Turuntie 1, Aura) and shops
• What? Opening of Christmas season in Aura + Vote for the most beautiful Christmas window
• More infomation: Municipality of Aura

6. Naantali Christmas Markets

• When? 10.-12.12.2021
• Where? In front of Naantali Spa (Matkailijantie 2)
• What? Naantali Christmas Markets
• More information: Visit Naantali

7. Christmas in Friisilä Workshops

• When? Taitokeskus center is open mon-thu 10–17, chekpoint 12.11.–22.12.2021
• Where? Friisilä Workshops (Friisilänpolku, Raisio)
• What? Christmas atmosphere and handicrafts in a lovely environment  
• More information: City of Raisio

8. Christmas is coming to Raisio event

• When? 9.12.2021 at 15.00–20.00 
• Where? Raisio Market Square (Tasalanaukio, Raisio)
• What? Christmas program, gift ideas and atmosphere at Tasala Market Square
• More information: Joulu saapuu Raisioon Facebook event

9. Kaarina Christmas Markets

• When? 10.12. at 16–20 and 11.12. at 11–15
• Where? Kaarina-talo (Lautakunnankatu 1, Kaarina)
• What? Christmas Markets in the center of Kaarina
• More information: Kaarinan joulutori Facebook event

10. Turku Path of Light

• When? 3.12.2021-22.1.2022
• Where? Center of Turku and Turku Old Town (Checkpoint: Piispankatu 7-9, Turku)
• What? Light event 3.-6.12., where you can find 14 different light installations. Some of the installations stay for the whole Christmas season.
• More information: City of Turku  

BONUS: Light Adventure

• When? 3.12.2021-9.1.2022
• Where? Porthaninpuisto park (Uudenmaankatu 1, Turku)
• What? 2- kilometer long adventure to search for checkpoints. In the end of the route you can light up a new light in a light installation.
• More information: valosuunnistus.hoods.fi

-Ninna