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Finnish Father’s Day: How It’s Celebrated in Finland

A smiling dad with two happy daughters.

Father’s Day in Finland, known as Isänpäivä, is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of November. It’s a heartfelt occasion dedicated to honoring fathers, grandfathers, and father figures. While it may come during one of the darkest times of the year, Finnish Father’s Day brings warmth, gratitude, and togetherness to homes all over Finland.



Finnish Father’s Day Traditions


1. Breakfast in Bed

One of the sweetest Finnish Father’s Day traditions is serving breakfast in bed. Kids and spouses prepare coffee, pulla (sweet Finnish cardamom bun), and other favorite breakfast treats.


2. Handmade Gifts and Cards

Children in Finland often make Father’s Day cards and crafts at school or daycare. These handmade gifts are treasured keepsakes that show creativity and love.


3. Family Time and Relaxation

Many Finnish families spend the day together at home or visit grandparents. Activities might include a shared meal, a walk in the forest, a visit to the sauna, or a cozy movie evening. The emphasis is always on quality time, not on expensive gifts or activities.


4. Flying the Finnish Flag

Father’s Day has been an established flag day since 1978, but it only became an official flag day in 2019.


Three photos in one. Top photo: breakfast in bed. Bottom left: a child handing over a gift to dad. Bottom right: A family spending quality time in the forest.
Finnish fathers get breakfast in bed, receive handmade or bought gifts, and spend quality time with their families.


Typical Finnish Father’s Day Gifts


Gift-giving on Finnish Father’s Day is typically modest and practical. Popular Finnish Father’s Day gift ideas include:


  • Warm wool socks,slippers or other clothes

  • Books or magazines

  • Local sweets or coffee

  • Homemade baked goods

  • A sauna accessory set

  • Things related to hobbies


The focus is always on thoughtfulness rather than luxury.



How to Say “Happy Father’s Day” in Finnish


In Finland, the traditional way to wish someone a happy Father’s Day is to say “Hyvää isänpäivää!”, which literally translates to “Good Father’s Day!” . It’s a simple yet heartfelt greeting that people use throughout the day — whether written in a handmade card, said over breakfast, or sent in a message.


Common Finnish words for “dad” include isä, isi, iskä, isukki, and faija.

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