On New Year’s Eve and 1 January, residents of Tartu and visitors are invited to Vabaduse Boulevard (Vabaduse puiestee), where they can enjoy the light shows Desire, Choices, and the grand finale performance of the European Capital of Culture, “Jää ja loo”.
The programme begins on 31 December at 11:30 PM with the light show “Jää ja loo”, which was also presented during the closing ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 on 30 November. Following this, video greetings from the Mayor of Tartu and the President of the Republic of Estonia will be shown. The New Year will be welcomed with a light and laser show accompanied by music. At 12:15 AM, the light show Desire will begin, followed by Choices at 12:45 AM.
The performances will be repeated on 1 January, starting at 6 PM.
A special stage will be set up on Vabaduse Boulevard (Vabaduse puiestee), in the area between the shopping centre and the market hall, for the light shows.
Schedule of Light Shows
31 December
- 11:30 PM: Jää ja loo
- 12:15 AM: Desire
- 12:45 AM: Choices
1 January
- 6:00 PM: Jää ja loo
- 6:30 PM: Choices
- 7:00 PM: Desire
- 7:30 PM: Jää ja loo
- 8:00 PM: Choices
- 8:30 PM: Desire
Desire tells the story of what people truly long for and how they dedicate their time and energy to it. Choices reflects on the endless decisions in life and how we can shape and influence our attitudes. The Tartu 2024 grand finale performance, Jää ja loo, symbolises perseverance and the creation of new beginnings.
The light shows were created and are presented by the team of NGO Öövalgel.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the bells of Tartu Town Hall will play G. F. Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, specially arranged for the occasion.
Tartu’s Christmas City, complete with its cosy cafés and ice skating rink, on those dates, will be open until 10 PM on 31 December and from 12 PM to 10 PM on 1 January.
For several years, Tartu has celebrated New Year’s Eve without fireworks to reduce noise and environmental impact. The ban on high-category fireworks is part of Tartu’s guidelines for organising environmentally friendly events.
Learn more: www.tartukorraldab.ee