Tampere Festival of Light (Valoviikot): Illuminating the Nordic Winter
As the days shorten and winter sets in, Tampere in southern Finland bursts into colour with the Tampere Festival of Light. Running from 24 October 2025 until 8 March 2026, the event transforms the city into an open-air gallery of dazzling projections and inventive light art.
Valoviikot Festival Tradition Since 1966
The Tampere Festival of Light, known locally as Tampereen Valoviikot, first lit up Tampere in 1966. What began as a modest three-week celebration has since grown into one of the city’s defining cultural traditions. For almost six decades, the festival has become part of Tampere’s seasonal rhythm, marking the transition into autumn and illuminating the long Nordic winter. Today, it stretches across several months, enchanting residents and travellers alike with its evolving blend of technology, creativity and community spirit.
Light Installations and Moomin Magic
This year’s edition promises to be as captivating as ever. Alongside the many projections that wash over the city’s streets and buildings, light art installations will appear in parks, along riverbanks and in public squares. A particular highlight for 2025 is an outdoor light gallery devoted to the world of the Moomins, showcasing art from the collections of the Moomin Museum. Beloved across generations, these Finnish characters add a whimsical touch to the festival, making it an especially appealing experience for families as well as nostalgic adults.
Exploring Tampere by Night
Unlike many festivals with a central site, the Tampere Festival of Light is best enjoyed by strolling through the city after dusk. The installations are scattered across the urban landscape, encouraging exploration and offering surprises at every turn. Koskipuisto, a popular park in the city centre, is often a focal point, but part of the charm lies in finding illuminations where you least expect them. The gentle glow of windows, riverside reflections, and bursts of colour on building façades turn everyday streets into works of art.
Tampere: Culture, Saunas and Seasonal Charm
Tampere itself is an inviting city to discover during this season. Known as the “Manchester of Finland” for its industrial heritage, it has reinvented itself as a hub of culture, design, and culinary creativity. A visit to the festival can easily be combined with a trip to the Moomin Museum, an afternoon in the city’s galleries, or a relaxing session in one of Finland’s traditional public saunas. With snow often blanketing the city in the depths of winter, the interplay between natural darkness and artificial light makes the atmosphere even more striking.
How to Get to Tampere Festival of Light from the UK
Travelling from the UK is straightforward. Direct flights operate to Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, located around 15 kilometres from the city centre, with a journey time of just under three hours from London. On arrival, regular bus services and taxis link the airport to the heart of Tampere. The city is also well connected by rail, meaning that Helsinki is within easy reach for those wishing to extend their Nordic adventure.
Why You Should Visit Tampere Festival of Light
For travellers seeking something more reflective than the typical festival experience, the Tampere Festival of Light offers a slow and atmospheric way to embrace winter. It is an event that encourages wandering, looking closely, and savouring the seasonal charm of Finland’s second city.
If You Go
Tampere Festival of Light
The Tampere Festival of Light runs from 24 October 2025 to 8 March 2026, illuminating Finland’s second city throughout the long winter nights.
Where
The event takes place across Tampere city centre, with installations in streets, parks, along the riverside and around Koskipuisto.
Getting There
Direct flights connect London to Tampere-Pirkkala Airport in under three hours. The airport is about 15 kilometres from the city centre, with regular bus connections and taxis available. Rail services also link Tampere to Helsinki for onward travel.
Cost
The Tampere Festival of Light is a free event, with installations and projections open to everyone.
More Information
Full programme details and updates can be found on the official website: valoviikot.tampere.fi
Main image: Tampere Festival of Light by Laura Paronen.
