Aleksanterinkatu Christmas lights turned on in colourful ceremony at Helsinki Cathedral
Santa serenaded by choir of helpers
In spite of her young years, Tia Niemistö, age 6, has learned to sing in front of audiences. Nevertheless, on Sunday there was more excitement than usual.
"Santa Claus was standing right in front of me!", she said.
Tia, from nearby Nurmijärvi, was one of the members of a choir of Santa’s helpers who sang on the steps of Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral during the annual opening of the Aleksanterinkatu "Christmas street".
Tia admitted that she was afraid to say anything to Santa, and that she was not able to see the crowd of people assembled at Senate Square to watch the festivities.
In his speech, Santa revealed that there is more snow in Helsinki than in Lapland. Parents at the event were pleased when Santa managed to extract a promise from the kids to behave well.
However, some may not have been quite as happy to hear what came next in Santa’s speech: a list of products that the good children might expect as presents.
The celebration marking the turning on of the Aleksanterinkatu Christmas lights is usually held at the other end of the street, and not Senate Square. However, the new venue proved to be a good choice, as it gave the public a better view of Santa, the Mayor of Helsinki, and the performers.
In previous years Santa would arrive at Helsinki's Central Railway Station in a special train however, this time he was transported by a special tram.
After a brief ceremony, Santa Claus and his whole entourage paraded down Aleksanterinkatu, to Mannerheimintie, and from there down the Esplanadi back to Senate Square.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was the surprise blanket of clean, white snow that came down on Saturday.
Children soon discovered a pile that had been heaped up on the edge of the square, and were soon climbing up and sliding down.
The Christmas lights on Aleksanterinkatu will stay lit until Epiphany.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 22.11.2004 - TODAY |
 Aleksanterinkatu Christmas lights turned on in colourful ceremony at Helsinki Cathedral |
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