Biathlon World Cup at Kontiolahti
30 November – 8 December 2024
The Kontiolahti Biathlon World Cup 2024 is not just about world-class sports, but also a full week of cultural experiences and Finnish traditions. Alongside the thrilling biathlon competitions, visitors can enjoy a rich program of events, including Finnish cultural experiences, concerts, winter activities, and family-friendly fun. Highlights of the week include also ice swimming and traditional Finnish saunas, offering a true taste of local lifestyle. There will also be cultural performances, local crafts, and plenty of activities for children and families, making the event a unique blend of top-level sports and authentic Finnish winter experiences.
Kontiolahti
1 December – Path to Christmas
Lehmo School, Kylmäojantie 6, Kontiolahti
- 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market and café, obstacle course and other fun activities for children
- 5:00 p.m. The most beautiful Christmas songs in the gym
3 December – Opening of the Christmas Season
Biathlon stadium, Napakympintie 24, Kontiolahti
- Christmas market at 3 p.m.
- Stalls
- Stage programme from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm and from 7:05 pm to 7:35 pm
- Santa Claus, Master Elf and Karri Kalkkuna’s Christmas show and a fire performance, the Fire Dance.
4 December – Petri Laaksonen Christmas concert
Kontiolahti Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kirkkotie 6, Kontiolahti
- 4 p.m.
- Free admission
5 December – Border of Memories Museum
Jääkärintie 21, Kontiolahti
- Open from noon to 7 p.m.
5 December – War Path to Independence excursion to Ilomantsi
- From 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., price €89
- Departure from Joensuu
- LAST DATE OF SIGN-UP and additional information 28 November 2024 ajh-helps@hotmail.com or +358 400 674 908
7 December – North Karelia regional Erätulet event
Biathlon stadium, Napakympintie 24, Kontiolahti
- From 4:30 p.m.
- Includes award ceremonies for the outdoorsman, fisherman, young outdoorsman, and forest dog of the year
Cafés and Restaurants
Kahvila Kakkulaituri
At the 1st floor of Paihola Castle, on-site guidance to the facility, Niemenkartontie 4, Paihola
- Open Mon-Sat from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kahvila Rosalinda
Keskuskatu 14, Kontiolahti
- Open Mon-Fri from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kontiolomat
Kontioniementie 26 A, Kontiolahti
- Open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., registrations by phone at +358 44 045 6110 or info@kontiolomat.fi
- Thai lunch buffet 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., registrations by phone at +358 44 045 6110 or info@kontiolomat.fi
- Pizza from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ice swimming and Saunas
Paiholan maisemasauna (landscape sauna)
Nekkilänahontie 10, 80850 Paihola
- Open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- 15% discount with code Ampumahiihto
Kontiolahden Avantouimarit (winter swimming association)
Järvenlaskuntie 3, 80780 Kontioniemi
Sauna open hours
- Sat 30 Nov from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tue 3 Dec from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thu 5 Dec from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sat 7 Dec from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fee: €5, cash only, place in deposit box in the atrium of the sauna and write your name on the list next to the box.
Joensuu
29 November – Kerubi LIVE
Joensuu Areena, Mehtimäenaukio 2, Joensuu
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Take a step away from the rat race and join the most lively Christmas party of the region. Finland’s hottest artists are in town: Happoradio, Käärijä, Sara Siipola, Saimaa and Veila.
Additional information and tickets
30 November – Unholy Winter Fest
Joensuu Areena, Mehtimäenaukio 2, Joensuu
- Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
- Heavy, noisy metal and other diabolically good music to ring in the start to the darkest time of the year. On stage: Katatonia (SWE), Amorphis, Kotiteollisuus, Lost Society and Maniac Abductor
28 November – 1 December – Visual Festival
Art Garden Botania, Heinäpurontie 70, Joensuu
- 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- International visual arts festival in the Botania outdoor garden – Stop, be impressed, be moved, and step out of the rat race for a moment!
Additional information and tickets
6–8 December – Areena Christmas Market
Joensuu Areena, Mehtimäenaukio 2, Joensuu
- The Christmas Market is a family event where you can find primary producers, craftsmen and special products.
- Free admission.
29–30 November – Cinemare
Cinema Centre Tapio and Kino Sihis, Kauppakatu 27 and Koskikatu 8, Joensuu
- The chills of autumn have come again with Cinemare, the horror film festival bringing the shivers to Tapio and Kino Sihis.
30 November and 5 December – Joensuu City Theatre: Kultainen Vasikka (The Golden Calf)
Rantakatu 20, Joensuu
- 30 November at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., 5 December 2024 at 6 p.m., large stage
- Maria Jotuni’s classic comedy about money and love.
Additional information and tickets
5 December – Joensuu City Theatre: Meille käy hyvin (We’re going to be all right)
Rantakatu 20, Joensuu
- 6:30 p.m., small stage
- A play for young people and adults about a better future.
Additional information and tickets
30 November – Autiotalo – a musical about Dingo
Carelia Hall, Yliopistokatu 4, Joensuu
- 6 p.m.
- Autiotalo is a musical that tells the incredible story of Dingo, a popular band of its time, and its frontman, Neumann.
5 December – Raskasta Joulua 20 vuotta – acoustic anniversary concert
Joensuu Church, Papinkatu 1, Joensuu
- 7 p.m.
- The Raskasta Joulua concert series celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and introduces an acoustic Christmas show at Joensuu Church.
Additional information and tickets
7 December – Suvi Teräsniska – Tämä maailma tarvitsee joulun (Christmas is what the world needs)
Joensuu Church, Papinkatu 1, Joensuu
- 6 p.m.
- The Christmas concert tour of Suvi Teräsniska, a soulful singer
8 December – Erja Lyytinen & Friends: Blue Christmas
Carelia Hall, Yliopistokatu 4, Joensuu
- 7 p.m.
- The ever-enchanting Blue Christmas tour enhances Christmas 2024 with a touch of glamour!
