In addition to great concerts, cosy cafés and Christmas events of all types and sizes around the city, the holiday spirit in Tartu will be strengthened by the lighting of Advent candles.

On all four Sundays in December we will meet on the most important square right in the heart of the city and take a moment to think fondly of people, the weather, the season, our children, parents, friends, family, pets, neighbours and colleagues. During these ceremonies, everyone on Town Hall Square can add to their list of people, things and situations that make them happy and memorise it for the rest of the year. (You are welcome, we love giving advice on life! 🙃😀)

The magic of lights will be brought into the winter darkness. Over four consecutive Sundays, people can take part in the lighting of the Advent candles on Town Hall Square, where light, video and sound will tell their story.
Brightness, light and surprises! See you there!

Video: Kerttu Kruusla
Light: Karolin Tamm
Music: Judith Parts
Concept: Jaanika Tammaru (Must Kast)

1 December
The first Advent candle and Tartu’s Christmas lights will be lit on Town Hall Square at 17:00 on 1 December.

Townsfolk and city’s guests will be greeted for the start of the festive and Advent season by Mayor Urmas Klaas and St Peter’s Church priest Ants Tooming.

It’s always Christmas in Tartu! And spring!
See you at the ceremony to light the 1st Advent candle and switch on Tartu’s Christmas lights on Town Hall Square at 17:00 on 1 December.

P.S. The Science Centre AHHAA workshop ‘Christmas Decorations with a Spark’ will start in the Village of Light at 18:00.

8 December
5 p.m. – Ceremony to light 2nd Advent candle

The 2nd Advent candle will be lit on Town Hall Square at 17:00 on 8 December.
Townsfolk and visitors will be greeted by Deputy Mayor Reno Laidre and Calvary Baptist Church pastor Leho Paldre.

Before the ceremony (at 15:30) a fun, light-hearted event will take place on Town Hall Square – the International Santa Winter Games 2019! (Read more here.)
The Estonian Society of Santas will stay with us on the square for the lighting of the 2nd Advent candle.

The Science Centre AHHAA workshop ‘The Great Meltdown’ will start in the Village of Light at 18:00.

15 December
5 p.m. – Ceremony to light 3rd Advent candle

The 3rd Advent candle will be lit on Town Hall Square at 17:00 on 15 December.
Townsfolk will be greeted by Deputy Mayor Madis Lepajõe and St Paul’s congregation assistant priest Kristjan Luhamets.

P.S. The Science Centre AHHAA workshop ‘Christmas Decorations with a Spark’ will start in the Village of Light at 18:00.

22 December
5 p.m. – Ceremony to light 4th Advent candle

The 4th Advent candle will be lit on Town Hall Square at 17:00 on 22 December.
Townsfolk and visitors will be greeted by Deputy Mayor Mihkel Lees and University of Tartu St John’s congregation assistant vicar Naatan Haamer.

The Science Centre AHHAA workshop ‘The Great Meltdown’ will start in the Village of Light at 18:00.