History and Gallery

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!

Gallery

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.