24 December
Midday – Declaration of Christmas peace

Declaring Christmas peace is one of the loveliest and oldest Scandinavian Christmas traditions.

It dates back to the 17th century, to the rule of Sweden’s Queen Christina, when a special peace was declared even during the saddest and darkest of situations. The peace was usually declared by the mayor or town secretary during the first few minutes before and after noon on Christmas Eve. In Estonia, the custom was reinstated upon regaining independence.

In Tartu, Christmas peace is declared at 12:00 on 24 December by Mayor Urmas Klaas and Joel Luhamets, the bishop of the southern region of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church on Town Hall Square.

Santa Jolle and his dear wife Asti will be assisting them on Town Hall Square during this busy day.

Spirits will be kept high by Wind Orchestra Tartu, led by conductor Margus Kasemaa.

Maitseelamuse Koda will be lighting their cooking fires and offering always delicious Christmas soup at 11:00 in the Village of Light.

We very much look forward to seeing you there! Happy holidays!