Tartu Christmas City was open at Town Hall Square from 30 November to 4 January.
Over the course of five weeks, visitors could explore engaging exhibitions by the Tartu Art Museum, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, and the TYPA Centre for Print and Paper Art, take part in workshops, and enjoy live music. Children delighted in the straw house, swings and carousels, as well as the Architecture School’s captivating climbing pavilion.
Every Sunday at 18:00, an Advent candle was lit in the city’s most important square, followed by a Christmas concert by a beloved Estonian artist. Performers on the Tartu Christmas City stage included Maarja-Liis Ilus, Mari Kalkun, Lonitseera, and Maarja Aarma together with a jazz trio. At each Advent, the candle-lighting ceremony was accompanied by songs performed by students of Tartu vocal studios Fa-Diees, Laulupesa, Tähe Viis and E STuudio.
A wide range of events took place, including workshops, jazz and music clubs, the Santa Claus Summit, the proclamation of Christmas Peace, tin casting and talsi celebrations. The 16th Winter Folk Dance Day, held consecutively, took place in two parts this year and brought nearly 1,600 participants to Town Hall Square.
Food and drinks were offered in the café pavilions by Lihuniku Äri and Väike Mahedik.
Photos of the Christmas City and ice rink can be enjoyed in the official Tartu Organizes album!
Tartu Christmas City was open at Town Hall Square from November 30 to January 5. The fifth ice-skating season lasted until March 2.
Once again, the centerpiece of the Christmas City was a magnificent Christmas tree. In addition, the square was illuminated by a chandelier, which received a fresh look from Pulmalill OÜ. The pavilion interiors were inspired by the overarching theme of the Christmas City – astrology. Exciting discoveries awaited visitors at Tartu Observatory, Sparkup Tartu Science Park, Pallas University of Applied Sciences, the Architecture School, and Tartu 2024. Guests could also enjoy the straw house and carousels. Food and drinks were offered in the café pavilions by Ajaviit OÜ, N58 OÜ, and Risana OÜ.
The diverse program continued until the end of the skating season. The new stage pavilion hosted performances by Marianne Leibur Trio, Voldemar Kuslap, and Midnight May. For the first time, an official opening ceremony for the pavilions was held. On all four Advent Sundays, visitors could enjoy the specially created light performance “Towards the Stars”. The program also included various workshops, the annual Santa Claus Winter Games, the traditional proclamation of Christmas peace, and festive celebrations. The fifteenth annual Winter Folk Dance Day brought a record number of folk dancers to the square.
Until March 2, visitors could also skate at Town Hall Square. For the fifth season, a nearly 1,000-square-meter ice rink surrounded the Kissing Students Fountain, providing a space to practice pirouettes and enjoy the city lights. The rink hosted celebrations for Estonia’s Independence Day and Valentine’s Day, the Ice Disco with Elmar, and concluded the season with a grand Shrove Tuesday festival.
Photos of the Christmas City and ice rink can be enjoyed in the official Tartu Organizes album!
The beloved Christmas City was open in Tartu’s Town Hall Square from December 3 to January 7.
In brand-new pavilions, visitors could enjoy warm drinks and nibble on gingerbread and other treats. The small pavilions offered exciting displays from Tartu 2024, Tartu 2024 Song and Dance Celebration, Tartu Marathon, Thermory & Huum, and the Architecture School. The Christmas City also featured children’s favorites like the straw house, swing, and carousels, as well as a chandelier and Christmas tree decorated in festive lights. Workshops and animated films were also held in the small houses.
The Christmas City program offered something delightful for everyone. For the first time, a Christmas ity jazz club opened in Town Hall Square, featuring performances by Raivo Tafenau, Ain Agan, and the Maria Väli Quartet. The program included a fairytale-like winter ball, a magical ice disco, the opening of the Year of Cultural Richness in Tartu County, a skating party, a literary and cultural history walk, and the traditional winter festival.
Until March 3, skating was also available in Town Hall Square. For the fourth season, a nearly 1,000-square-meter ice rink was open around the Kissing Students fountain, where visitors could practice pirouettes and enjoy the city lights.
You can explore the activities and photos from 2022 and previous years on the old Christmas City website.
Tartu sündmuste korralduskeskus
Tiigi 11
51003 Tartu
Contact ust
[email protected]
