Finland Independence Day Reception 2025 will introduce a major shift in one of its most watched traditions. For the first time in decades, invited guests will no longer be greeted from two different entrances at the Presidential Palace. Instead, President Alexander Stubb and his wife, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, will welcome all attendees from a single location inside the palace.
The change was confirmed at a media briefing held at the Presidential Palace ahead of the December 6 celebration, which is one of Finland’s most closely followed national events.
Although guests will still arrive through the familiar Mariankatu and Pohjois-Esplanadi entrances, the presidential couple will remain positioned at one fixed location inside the atrium end of the palace. This ends the more recent system where the president and spouse moved between two greeting points.
Organisers say the goal is simple and practical. Reducing movement inside the palace will ease congestion, create a smoother guest flow, and shorten waiting times for everyone. The new arrangement is also expected to provide more space inside the greeting hall.
Interestingly, this is not entirely new. A similar approach was last used in the early 20th century, making 2025 both a modernization and a quiet return to tradition.
This year’s theme focuses on education and culture as the pillars of Finnish society. As a result, many of the invited guests come from schools, universities, arts institutions, and cultural organisations across the country.
Alongside educators, the guest list also includes people the president and his spouse met during official visits around Finland during the past year. The invitations reflect a strong emphasis on everyday contributors to Finnish society, not just public figures.
The official programme will begin 30 minutes earlier than usual in 2025. Organisers say this adjustment is designed to improve the flow of the evening and reduce bottlenecks during the entrance period.
Television audiences may not notice the difference immediately, but inside the palace, the earlier schedule is expected to make the experience more comfortable for guests and staff.
The first dance of the evening will be performed to Missa muruseni on by Finnish artist Jenni Vartiainen. The selection differs from the traditional orchestral style that usually opens the evening.
Last year’s opening dance featured Valse triste by Jean Sibelius. This year’s choice reflects a lighter and more modern mood while still aligning with Finnish musical identity.
Music will also include performances by the Guard’s Band and soloists from the Finnish National Opera.
The interior of the palace will feature floral arrangements dominated by white and green. The design includes amaryllis, roses, and poinsettias, combined with pine cones and moss.
Some of the natural materials come from the presidential summer residence, Kultaranta, adding a quiet personal touch to the decor.
Food this year will celebrate Eastern Finland. The menu includes classic regional dishes such as:
- Muikku- and lanttukukko (vendace and rutabaga baked in rye crust)
- Fried pastries filled with apple or meat
- Lemin sara (slow-roasted lamb with potatoes)
- Carelian pies
- Vetypiirakka from Lappeenranta
Most ingredients are sourced from within Finland. Berries used in the layer cake are being harvested from Kultaranta, underlining the domestic focus of the menu.
Before the main celebration, a special reception for war veterans and members of Finland’s wartime generation will be held on December 2 at the Presidential Palace.
Around 20 guests are expected, with an average age above 100. President Stubb and his spouse will attend alongside former President Tarja Halonen and other senior officials.
The gathering is a private and symbolic occasion that continues Finland’s commitment to honoring those who lived through the country’s most difficult years.
