Kauneimmat Joululaulut—“The Greatest Christmas Carols”—is a nationwide series of community sing-along events organised by Felm and hosted mainly by local parishes. First held in 1973, it has grown into Finland’s largest annual music event by attendance and a Christmas tradition shared by people of all ages.
Today, nearly every Evangelical Lutheran parish in Finland hosts at least one event during the Christmas season each year. Larger parishes may hold dozens of events between the beginning of Advent and Epiphany. Events take place not only in churches but also in care homes, shopping centres, restaurants, and other community spaces.
The tradition has also spread beyond Finland. The Greatest Christmas Carols events are now held in around 20 countries, bringing Finnish communities and their friends together through music.
Singing that makes a difference
The Greatest Christmas Carols is also one of Finland’s largest annual fundraising campaigns. Donations support Felm’s work with children and families in vulnerable situations worldwide.
The work focuses particularly on children’s access to education and the advancement of their rights. Donations also help improve access to clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, and children’s overall safety.
In recent years, the campaign has raised around €1 million annually. In 2025, it raised €961,536.
Passing on a living tradition
Singing together has long been part of Finnish culture and parish life. The shared experience creates a sense of community and belonging. It is increasingly valuable at a time when communal singing has become less common in schools, family celebrations, and other annual gatherings.
Singing Christmas carols in a church can also strengthen people’s experience of the parish as an open community where everyone can participate in their own way. Each voice is welcome, yet singing is not required: listening and being present are equally valid ways to take part.
Participants do not need to know the words by heart. Felm publishes a new songbook each year containing around 30 traditional and contemporary Christmas carols. The booklet is distributed at the events, and participants may take it home afterwards.
Questions about the campaign, events or materials?