Organised by a combination of groups including the Finnish Lutheran Church and various social groups; a special ‘Christmas Path’ wound its way through the snow-covered park. Beginning with a lady dressed an elf who directed people on which to go, the lengthy candle-lit path took children past many friezes of elves, miniature Christmas houses and Father Christmas.

As snow crunched under foot, kids were also treated to a huge wig-wam they could crawl into to sit by the fire, performances by the Star Boys throughout the evening and even special brightly coloured blanket which youngsters were encouraged to huddle under and sing carols in the darkness.

Even the park’s Greenhouse had been transformed into a living nativity display with amateur actors playing the roles of Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds. The Lutheran Church were behind this part of the path. 

‘This is actually the second year we’ve done this,’ explained a middle-aged lady at the entrance to the Greenhouse, dressed in Biblical-style costume. ‘Last year it was much smaller. This year many different groups have together to make it a really big event.’ The organisers include Oulujoki Congregation, Oulu Nature Protection League and Oulu Gymnastics Society, who were handing out leaflets towards the end of the path.

Journalist Satu Lapinlampi was extremely enthusiastic about the event, musing in the church's newspaper. ‘It means that adults can re-experience parts of Christmas from their childhoods and share it with their children.’ 

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