Although most businesses will remain closed on Saturday, smaller convenience stores occupying less than 100 square metres of space or stores operating in sparsely-populated areas will not face any operating restrictions and are free to serve customers as usual.
In addition, service stations, flower shops and kiosks in stores or supermarkets smaller than 400 square metres may also keep their doors open Saturday.
Alko outlets and post offices also remain shuttered for the holiday, with the exception of the industrious folk manning Santa’s post office in Rovaniemi. Postal outlets providing business mail services will advise customers of their operating hours.
The main post office in Helsinki will re-open for business on Sunday during regular opening hours from noon to 4.00 pm.
Retail stores in the Lahti area however, have applied for – and received – a special exception license allowing them to do business between noon and 9.00 pm.
Transportation schedules to change Saturday
Holidays always bring alterations to public transportation schedules, and intercity rail services provided by national railway VR will observe a normal schedule on Saturday, although commuters are being advised to note that some morning services will be cancelled. Commuter trains will run according to Sunday timetables apart from some exceptions.
Bus servicesprovided byHelsinki Regional TransportHSL will observe holiday schedules, but night services will run normally according to Saturday timetables. U bus servcies meanwhile, will follow Sunday schedules.
The inter-city and freight bus company Matkahuolto has recommended that bus commuters check its website for up-to-date timetables.
All Saints Day has been celebrated in the west since the seventh century to commemorate saints and martyrs. Ordinary citizens also use the occasion to remember deceased family members and in Finland it is customary to adorn graves with flowers and candles.
