Helsinki's traditional Christmas Market attracted a record number of visitors this year, organisers say.
Around 650,000 residents and tourists visited the market in the run-up to Christmas, up from about 600,000 last year. The market in the downtown Senate Square closed on Sunday.
The rise is thought to be partly linked to increased tourist numbers in Helsinki. Jenni Pajunen, chair of the board of the Helsinki Events Foundation, said that with recent growth in visitor numbers, the market is likely to be the largest public event in Finland.
Food was a major draw this year, with more than 100 small producers and food businesses taking part. Organisers said Korean-style reindeer corndogs and crumbles were among the most popular items.
Over a little more than three weeks, more than 60,000 portions of rice porridge were sold, while visitors drank more than 85,000 cups of hot mulled wine, according to the Helsinki Events Foundation.
Although the market in Senate Square will return next year, festive market activities continue elsewhere in Helsinki until Epiphany.
The nearby Manta Christmas Market, located a block south in the Havis Amanda Square, will remain open until 6 January, offering food experiences and small-scale performances.
On St Stephen's Day on Friday 26 December, visitors can take part in traditional dances from 18:00.
