Alko opens all stores on a public holiday for the first time

All Alko alcohol retail stores will open on a public holiday for the first time on Saturday, Yle reports. A change to Finland’s alcohol law that took effect this summer allows the stores to open on public holidays.

Many shops and shopping centres will also be open on All Saints’ Day, which falls on Saturday, October 31. Some will follow Sunday hours, while others will use their usual Saturday schedules. Since 2016, opening hours for shops have no longer been restricted by law.

Transport services mostly follow Saturday schedules

VR trains will run according to their normal Saturday timetables. Long-distance bus services may have exceptions, as operators decide how the holiday affects their routes. Matkahuolto communications manager Petra Rusi advised passengers to check schedules in advance.

Local public transport arrangements vary. Nysse, the public transport service in the Tampere region, will run almost as usual on Saturday schedules. Föli in the Turku region and Linkkari in Rovaniemi will use holiday timetables.

In the Helsinki region, U-route buses will follow Sunday schedules, the only exception to Saturday service. Extra transport will also run to Hietaniemi Cemetery.

Museums and leisure facilities may have altered hours

Most cinemas will be open, with Halloween-themed films featuring prominently and more screenings than on a typical Saturday. Many museums will also open, but visitors should check their hours in advance.

Many libraries will be closed. Swimming pools and gyms are more likely to be open, although sports facilities in several towns will follow Sunday hours.