On Christmas Eve, 24 December, at 12:00, Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas and Tartu Provost Kristjan Luhamets will declare Christmas Peace in Town Hall Square.
The tradition of proclaiming Christmas Peace dates back to the 17th century. The proclamation was usually made by the mayor or town clerk, and took place in the minutes before and after noon on Christmas Eve. The custom was revived in Estonia with the restoration of independence.
On the same day at 11:30, half an hour before the proclamation of Christmas Peace, the Georgian folk ensemble Gurjaan will greet the people of Tartu with folk music.
On the second day of Christmas, 26 December, from 12:00–13:00, the South-Estonia water-rescue dogs training group Märjad Käpad will take their traditional walk on Town Hall Square.
On Saturday, 27 December, from 15:00–16:00, the Tartu Toy Museum invites everyone to make snowmen at the stage pavilion. On Sunday, 28 December, from 11:00–12:00, everyone is welcome to participate in a free skating lesson, and from 16:00–19:00, the Ice Age Centre will be present in the stage pavilion to make and paint mammoths together. In addition, a blacksmith will be at work in the Christmas Village during the last weekend.
Christmas City café opening hours during the holidays: 24 December from 10:00–18:00, 25–26 December from 10:00–21:00.
Christmas shop opening hours during the holidays: 24 December from 10:00–18:00, 25–26 December from 10:00–21:00.
Skating rink opening hours during the holidays: 24 December from 13:00 to 18:00, 25–26 December from 10:00–22:00.
Information and programme for Tartu Christmas City: tartukorraldab.ee
More information: Tartu Christmas City producer Ragnar Konson, ragnar.konson@tartu.ee