Tartu’s Christmas City ends with free workshops, skating and Seto traditions
Tartu’s Christmas City is drawing to a close this weekend, offering residents and visitors one final chance to enjoy its festive atmosphere. Alongside the last days of holiday markets and cafés, the city has lined up cultural events, workshops, and free activities before the season ends.
The weekend kicks off with a nature-themed workshop on Saturday, January 3, from 2 to 3 p.m. Participants can learn to recognize bird songs and animal tracks in the winter landscape.
On Sunday, January 4, the ice rink at Tartu Town Hall Square will host a free skating lesson from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The rink itself remains open until March 1, with regular free lessons continuing every Wednesday and Sunday. That same evening, the season’s closing event takes place—a traditional Seto talsipidu celebration. Running from 6 to 7:30 p.m., it will feature performances by leelo choirs, Seto dance displays, and live music from Eeva and Villu Talsi. Speeches by Jalmar Vabarna and Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas are also scheduled. The Christmas cafés and shops will stay open through the end of the week, marking the last opportunity to experience the festive market before it shuts until next winter.
With the final talsipidu on Sunday evening, Tartu’s Christmas City will officially conclude its seasonal programme. The ice rink, however, continues operations for another two months, offering skating and lessons well into spring.
