Celebrating Moomin’s 80th Birthday: 11 Fun Activities for Families

• By finlandforkids
• Finnish Culture
• moomin

The year of 2025 marks 80 years since the Moomin characters first appeared in Tove Jansson’s books. If you live in Finland or are planning a visit, there’s no better time to celebrate these beloved characters with the whole family. Whether you’re new to the Moomin world or have been fans for years, we’ve put together a list of 11 simple and fun ways to join in the birthday celebrations.  But first, a bit of background on these famous creatures and their creator.

A Nation in Love with Moomins: The Cultural Impact of Moomins in Finland

Moomins hold a special place in Finnish hearts. Walk into any Finnish home, and you’ll likely find Moomin mugs in the kitchen. These mugs are cherished, often collected and passed down through generations. Some rare editions can even be quite valuable.

In Finnish schools, Moomin books play a key role in teaching children important life lessons. The stories emphasize values such as kindness, environmental care, and inclusivity, helping young readers develop empathy and respect for others. Many Finnish children learn to read with Moomin books, making these beloved characters their first literary companions.

The influence of the Moomins extends far beyond childhood. They serve as cultural ambassadors, showcasing Finland’s way of life to the world. Their love for nature, strong sense of community, and ability to find joy in simple things reflect the values many Finns hold dear.

For families new to Finland, Moomins can be a bridge to understanding Finnish culture. With translations available in numerous languages, these stories offer international families a warm introduction to Finnish traditions and values. Many newcomers find that discovering the world of the Moomins helps them feel more connected to their new home.

A Brief Timeline of Moomin History

• 1945 – Tove Jansson publishes The Moomins and the Great Flood, the first Moomin book, introducing the world to Moomintroll and his family.
• 1946-1957 – A series of Moomin books, including Comet in Moominland (1946) and Moominland Midwinter (1957), establish the Moomins as beloved literary characters.
• 1947-1948 – The first Moomin comic strip appears in the Finnish-Swedish newspaper Ny Tid.
• 1954-1975 – A widely popular Moomin comic strip runs in the London Evening News, written and illustrated by Tove Jansson and later by her brother, Lars Jansson.
• 1969-1970 – The first animated Moomin TV series is produced in Japan, introducing the characters to a global audience.
• 1970s-1980s – Moomins gain international recognition, with new books, animations, and merchandise expanding their reach.
• 1990 – The Moomin (1990-91) anime series, produced in Japan and Finland, becomes a worldwide hit, solidifying the Moomins’ cultural impact.
• 1993 – Moominworld, a theme park dedicated to the Moomins, opens in Naantali, Finland.
• 2017 – The Moomin Museum opens in Tampere, featuring original artwork and immersive exhibitions dedicated to Tove Jansson’s creations.
• 2019 – Moominvalley, a modern animated TV series, premieres, introducing the Moomins to a new generation with high-quality animation and storytelling.
• 2025 – The 80th anniversary of the Moomins, celebrated with special events, exhibitions, and global festivities honoring Tove Jansson’s timeless creations.

Meet Tove Jansson: The Brilliant Mind Behind the Moomins

Tove Jansson was born in Helsinki in 1914 and grew up in a home full of art and stories. Her mother was an artist who drew pictures for stamps and magazines, and her father was a sculptor. Tove spent her childhood drawing, writing stories, and letting her imagination run wild.

As a young woman, Tove studied art in Stockholm, Paris, and Helsinki. She loved to paint and draw, but her heart truly found its path when she created the first Moomin story during World War II. She once said she made Moomin Valley because she needed a happy place during those dark times.

The first Moomin book came out in 1945, and soon these gentle creatures won hearts around the world. Tove wrote and drew nine Moomin books, many comic strips, and several picture books. In her stories, she mixed fun adventures with deep ideas about love, friendship, and being brave.

Beyond the Moomins, Tove was also a talented painter and wrote beautiful books for adults. She lived most of her life in Helsinki but spent many summers on a tiny island in the Finnish gulf with her partner, Tuulikki Pietilä. Their island life later inspired many Moomin adventures.

Tove passed away in 2001, but her warm, wise spirit lives on in her work. The Moomins were more than just characters to Tove – they were a way to share her view of the world: a place where everyone belongs, adventures await around every corner, and every act of kindness matters.

11 Fun Ways to Celebrate Moomin’s 80th Birthday in Finland

1. Whether it’s your family’s first time or already part of your yearly summer plans, a visit to Moominworld in Naantali, open from June 10th, is a great way to start the celebrations.
2. For a different view of the author’s work, visit “Tove Jansson – Paradise” at Helsinki Art Museum, open until April 6th.
3. Gather some friends and host a Moomin-Themed Storytime to read classic Moomin books in your preferred language. Don’t forget to serve some Moomin snacks for the little ones.
4. Visit one of the Moomin Shops in the city center and buy an 80th anniversary souvenir, like a special edition mug to add to your collection.
5. Make a playlist and watch classic and new Moomin episodes for a fun and educational experience with your kids.
6. Get your art supplies ready and invite the kids to create their own Moomin art inspired by Tove Jansson’s work.
7. Visit Tove Jansson’s favorite places and get to know the Helsinki that inspired her books and art.
8. Check the program and join special events at the Moomin Museum in Tampere.
9. Try Moomin-themed baking at home, following beloved recipes from the series.
10. With older kids, watch “The Summer Book,” the movie starring Glenn Close based on Tove Jansson’s 1972 novel.
11. Enter the Moomin house competition and create your house in a unique way. Let your imagination guide you to build, paint, draw, take photos, make a video, animate, dance, or even create a performance – everything is welcome!

The Moomins were born during difficult times, in the aftermath of World War II. Eighty years later, their message of kindness, resilience, and inclusivity continues to inspire generations around the world. Whether through books, animations, or family celebrations, the Moomins remind us of the importance of friendship, nature, and finding joy in the little things.Their positive impact remains as strong as ever, bringing warmth and wonder to fans old and new.