Tampere Festival of Light illuminates the city – Opening ceremony in Koskipuisto Park on 24 October

The Tampere Festival of Light returns on 24 October, bringing a vibrant array of light art and events to the city. Explore the program and experience the magical atmosphere.

Opening ceremony on Friday 24 October

The Festival of Light will kick off in Koskipuisto Park on Friday 24 October at 7 pm. The event will feature Hanna Pakarinen and Samuli Edelman. Mayor Ilmari Nurminen will give the opening speech for the festival, and Matilda Wirtavuori will host the event.

The event will culminate in the traditional Dancing Fountains show, which will enchant visitors with its colors and music in Koskipuisto Park on ten consecutive evenings from 24 October to 2 November. On the opening night, the performances will be held at the end of the celebration and at 8 pm and 9 pm. In addition, performances can be enjoyed every hour from 25 October to 2 November at 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm.

This year, Dancing Fountains draws inspiration from the world of television and film. The performances last approximately 8–12 minutes.

Moomins in the Light Gallery and Central Square

In honor of the Moomin 80th anniversary, Tampere Art Museum’s collection artist Tove Jansson has been chosen as the Light Gallery artist of 2025. The light art installation, projected onto the facades of central Tampere buildings, is titled The Moomins’ Journey Home.

The illustrations have been selected from Jansson’s very first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood. Light Gallery is part of the Tampere Festival of Light, opening on 24 October. A total of 15 light artworks based on Jansson’s original 1945 illustrations will be projected onto walls in western downtown Tampere. 

Moomin illuminations can also be admired at Central Square starting on Independence Day, 6 December. The works, based on Tove Jansson’s original drawings, are from the book Moominland Midwinter (1957). 

Lighting around the city

Starting 24 October, Tampere will shine with beautiful illuminations in both familiar and new locations.The lights can be admired, for example, on Aleksis Kiven katu, Hämeenpuisto boulevard, and Kirjastonpuisto Park. Yliopistonkatu will feature brand-new seasonal lighting with a special Moomin theme. The lighting on Hämeenkatu will be renewed, and the new decorations can be enjoyed from 24 October onwards.

All illuminated locations can be found on the festival’s website. The Christmas-themed lights will be turned off after Epiphany on 6 January 2026, and the other lights will be removed gradually after that. The works in the Light Gallery can be admired until 8 March 2026.