This week, Tartu Christmas City comes alive with cosy jazz melodies and festive cheer. On Thursday, 5 December, at 6 PM, the stage will feature Marianne Leibur Trio. Meanwhile, on Saturday, children can meet Santa Claus at the Town Hall Square.
But there’s much more happening throughout the week:
Wednesday, 4 December, 4–7 PM:
The stage pavilion in Tartu Christmas City will host activities by Tartu Youth Work Centre and the Estonian National Museum. Together with young volunteers, visitors can craft teddy bears, create Christmas decorations, and design letters to Santa.
Thursday, 5 December, 6–6:45 PM:
A cosy jazz club atmosphere will fill the city as Marianne Leibur, Joel Remmel, and Janno Trump present a free concert, setting the mood for a beautiful weekend in Tartu Christmas City. Arrive a bit earlier to secure a seat.
Friday, 6 December, 12 PM:
The Finnish Republic celebrates its 107th Independence Day. To mark the occasion, gather at the Town Hall Square for a special celebration. Tartu’s Mayor Urmas Klaas and Verni Loodmaa, Finland’s Honorary Consul in Tartu, will deliver greetings. Sibelius’ Finlandia will ring from the Town Hall bells, and traditional Finnish folk dances, including the jenkka, will be performed.
Saturday, 7 December:
At 3–3:35 PM, enjoy the Estonian-Ukrainian Singing Circle’s concert, Christmas Anticipation. Later, from 4–6 PM, Santa Claus will welcome visitors at the Town Hall Square—ready for photos and plenty of Christmas spirit.
Sunday, 8 December:
The second Advent candle will be lit, with greetings from Deputy Mayor Reno Laidre and Tartu Pentecostal Church Pastor Silver Kurvits. The ceremony begins at 6 PM, accompanied by Kaili Viidas’ light performance Towards the Stars, blending astronomy with Estonian mythology. The performance repeats at 7 and 8 PM.
Tartu Christmas City Cafés Opening Hours:
Mon–Thu: 4–9 PM
Fri: 4–10 PM
Sat–Sun: 10 AM–10 PM
Organisers of Tartu Christmas City events prioritise sustainability by following eco-friendly event guidelines to minimise the environmental impact.
For the full Christmas programme, visit tartukorraldab.ee.