This evening, 1 December, at 6 PM, Tartu’s Town Hall Square will host a festive Advent candle-lighting ceremony. For the first time, the city centre will also feature the enchanting light installation “Towards the Stars”, presented as part of Tartu’s Christmas City celebrations, with additional showings at 7 PM and 8 PM.
During the candle-lighting ceremony, Mayor Urmas Klaas and Dean Kristjan Luhamets will welcome residents, after which attendees can take the Advent flame home to share its warmth.
The light installation “Towards the Stars”, directed by Kaili Viidas, beautifully blends astronomical insights with Estonian mythological beliefs about the stars. The performance incorporates excerpts from Jakob Hurt’s article “Estonian Astronomy”, the folk song “Salme”, and the national epic “Kalevipoeg.”
On the same evening, the mesmerising light show “Jää ja loo”, originally created for the Tartu Capital of Culture finale, will be repeated in Pirogov Park at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
The Christmas City, including its charming cafés, will welcome visitors on the first Sunday of Advent from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Unfortunately, the ice skating rink at Town Hall Square will remain closed due to ongoing mild weather. “After reviewing the rink’s condition, it’s clear we need sub-zero temperatures to create a strong and durable ice surface. Forecasts suggest colder weather may arrive on Tuesday, and we are hopeful this will allow us to open,” said Maarja Liba, Director of Tiigi Cultural Centre. Updates on the rink’s status will be shared on the Tartu korraldab Facebook page.
For the full Tartu Christmas City programme, visit tartukorraldab.ee.
For more information: Maarja Liba, Director of Tiigi Cultural Centre, +372 5792 1174.