The Christmas spirit lives in Tartu!

Tartu’s Christmas City invites all residents and friends of Tartu to enjoy the festive season from November 30th to January 5th.

There are few things in life you can always rely on, but finding the Christmas spirit in Tartu is certainly one of them. Once again, the beloved Christmas city returns to Tartu’s Town Hall Square, where visitors can savor favorite Christmas flavors, enjoy the children’s favorite straw house, swings, and carousels, and admire the chandelier and Christmas tree glowing in holiday lights.

This year, the pavilions offer fascinating discoveries from partners such as European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, Tartu Observatory, Pallas University of Applied Sciences, SPARKUP Tartu Science Park, the School of Architecture and many more. The stage pavilion hosts delightful concerts and Christmas workshops.

Every Advent Sunday, an Advent candle will be lit in Tartu’s town square to create warmth and celebrate the beautiful holiday season together. After the candle lighting, a special treat awaits: “Tähtede poole,” a magical light show by Kaili Viidas. This enchanting performance blends starlit astronomy with the charm of Estonian myths.

On Christmas Eve, the mayor and bishop proclaim Christmas peace. On the 15th anniversary of Tartu’s Winter Dance Day, over 1,300 folk dancers will perform on Town Hall Square. December’s schedule also includes the Santa Winter Games, with stage performances by Marianne Leibur, Voldemar Kuslap, Sebastian Jasinski, and much more!

Until March 2, an ice-skating rink is open on Tartu’s Town Hall Square, marking its fifth season around the Kissing Students fountain. This nearly 1,000 square meter rink invites skaters to practice their spins and glide under the starry lights. The rink is open every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Tartu’s Christmas City is organized in an environmentally friendly way. Food and drinks are served in reusable packaging, and waste is sorted. We encourage you to come and experience the joy of Christmas either on foot or by bus. Christmas City receives electricity from a permanent grid powered by renewable energy sources.