Christmas Comes to Matkus

Christmas at Matkus and the IKEA store is full of joy and magic! Elves dart about, Santa listens to wishes, Christmas lights come on, our staff get into the festive spirit, and our wonderful shops, cafés, restaurants and Christmas pop-up stores are open. On Saturday 14 November, we’ll celebrate the arrival of Christmas with a joyful and magical programme. Santa opens his cabin, elves invite you to make crafts, and there will also be amazing circus tricks, Christmas music and pony rides. Join us—Christmas starts here!

Programme on Saturday 14 November 2026

Circus Elves performing around Matkus, 11:00–13:00
Say hello to the talented Circus Elves and enjoy their fun tricks while you spend time at Matkus!

Santa arrives at Matkus at 12:00!
This is where Christmas begins—come and watch Santa arrive on the second floor, travelling from Elohuone towards Santa’s Cabin at the IKEA end.

Meet Santa and the elves in Santa’s Cabin, and enjoy Christmas crafts, 12:00–16:00
Santa and an elf will be available to meet on Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas (except 6 December), from 12:00 to 16:00. On Saturdays, there will also be Christmas crafts, with a different activity each time. Santa’s Cabin is on the second floor at the IKEA end.

Christmas carols a cappella, at 13:00 and 14:00
Säihke is a Kuopio-based a cappella group that brings the joy of singing to events with a varied light-music repertoire. At the Christmas season opening, enjoy familiar and new Christmas songs to get into the spirit of the most atmospheric time of the year.

Gentle pony rides, 13:00–15:00
The Kuopio Animal Park’s pony friends offer lead-rein rides for the youngest elves in Olopuisto from 13:00 to 15:00. Free of charge, one ride per person. The queue may have to be closed, as ride times cannot be extended because of the ponies’ wellbeing. Thank you for understanding! Weather permitting.

The Mystery of the Gift Package—circus performance, at 15:00
The Circus Elves welcome the whole family to a winter circus show where not everything goes to plan! When the gift packages start doing as they please and the elves’ antics get out of hand, a strange and hilarious chain of events begins. Solving the mystery takes ingenuity, teamwork and a touch of Christmas magic. The Mystery of the Gift Package is a circus experience combining impressive tricks, music, warm humour and a wintry atmosphere. The approximately 30-minute performance includes, among other things, spectacular aerial acrobatics as part of the elves’ fast-paced adventure!

Circus Elves’ juggling workshop, at 15:30
After The Mystery of the Gift Package, the audience’s little elves can try out their own skills in a fun workshop!

IKEA Julfest, Saturday and Sunday, 11:00–17:00
Welcome to the IKEA store for a wreath-making workshop, gingerbread decorating and a taste of Christmas treats. A surprise gift for everyone who comes wearing a Christmas sweater! Julfest takes place on Saturday and Sunday 14–15 November, 11:00–17:00.

Christmas pop-ups are open
Muurla, Designkaverit and Babadum add to the selection of much-loved Christmas gifts. Discover the pop-ups at Matkus.

A festive pop-up shop and Christmas activities at Luuppi
A must for everyone who loves Christmas is now open—come find second-hand treasures and inspiration for Christmas at home, decorating and crafts at the Elävä joulu shop! You’ll also find second-hand gift ideas in the shops. Children can write a letter to Santa, and the elves have set up a photo spot where you can take festive pictures. The little secrets of Christmas have also come to life, with elf doors appearing in Luuppi’s corridors. Set off on an elf-door search and get into the Christmas spirit with the whole family!

At Elävä Bistro, enjoy delicious Christmas porridge from 11:00 to 15:00. At Luuppi, recycled Christmas home textiles, Christmas lights and trees, as well as other decorations and festive accessories, are ready to find a new home and a new life.

Joulupuu gift collections run from 14 November to 13 December
Joulupuu collection
The collection brings Christmas joy to children and young people in disadvantaged circumstances. Joulupuu gifts no longer need a separate gift tag; collection instructions are available on the first floor near Lauteet. Collection points at Matkus: 1st floor: IKEA store customer service, Jesper Junior or Suomalainen Kirjakauppa; 2nd floor: Clas Ohlson or Cubus. All gifts and gift cards donated to the collection will be delivered to the Social Services team, which will distribute them to children and young people in client families. The collection is organised by Lions Club Kuopio Kalakukko ry and run by volunteers.

See details of the 14 November–20 December Animal Christmas Tree collection
The Animal Christmas Tree collection is located outside the Musti & Mirri store on the first floor. Take a wish tag from the tree, buy a suitable gift, attach the tag to the item and bring the package to Matkus Musti & Mirri or the Hööks store. Donations are delivered through associations to homeless rescue animals and pet owners on low incomes.

The Kortteli play area is dressed for Christmas, and the much-loved Christmas atmosphere has arrived at Matkus. Welcome to enjoy it with us!