🎆 New Year's events in Finland: Turku, Tampere, Oulu and Porvoo — programme, locations, how to get there

If you want to know what Finland sounds like on the last evening of the year, go where there is light, the voice of the presenter and hot drinks in gloves. I have picked four cities — Turku, Tampere, Oulu and Porvoo — with clear routes: where to be at 6 p.m., how not to freeze, where to go after the final track and where to watch the lights safely. I'll tell you in a friendly and very practical way: with a map, stickers and a "live" feed of the last day.

Reader's voice

"We went to Oulu without any expectations and suddenly found ourselves at a children's New Year's Eve party at Rotuari: warm lights, a host, music and no hustle and bustle. By 8 p.m., the kids were already in bed, and we had the energy for a quiet toast."
— Kari & Alina H., Warsaw

Turku: family New Year & evening show

Turku is a gentle start to the last hours of the year. If you have children (or just love early rituals), the landmark is clear: Lasten Uusi Vuosi in Kupittaa. The programme includes children's activities and a final light show at around 6 p.m. The format changes from year to year, but the logic remains the same: everything is for families, without "too loud" effects, with understandable infrastructure around the park. In the evening, the city disperses into restaurant halls and neighbourhoods by the river; at midnight, good spots are the Aura embankments, where the river reflects the light.

To have a chill day, add Finland's Christmas markets to your morning plans (their closing days often fall on the same week), and between the family show and evening toast, keep in mind some warm breaks — museums, libraries, cafes with hot chocolate.

How to get there and where to warm up:
— Kupittaa — within walking distance from the centre; sports facilities and cafés nearby.
— For a late toast — the old centre, Vanha Suurtori, the Aura embankments (the wind is stronger near the water).
— Churches in the centre hold New Year's services: at Turku Cathedral at around 11:30 p.m. — a traditional prayer at the threshold of the new year; this is a very intimate way to end the day.

What to remember about fireworks: private fireworks in the region are only allowed during the window period (see the "Safety" section), the historic centre and proximity to rivers are not the best places for independent pyrotechnics; it is better to watch organised shows and light programmes.

Tampere: private fireworks show

Tampere has not held city fireworks for several years — the focus is on winter lighting in the Central Square and private initiatives. The city's tradition is an evening show organised by entrepreneurs: a spectacular pyrotechnic programme over the water, usually in the Ratinan suvanto area. The show starts at around 10 p.m., which is convenient for families with young children and those who want to go to bed early.

A relaxed itinerary:
— During the day — a walk around Keskustori and museum windows;
— In the evening — walk to Ratina across the bridges (allow extra time for the approaches and wind load);
— After the show — hot soup/cocoa in the centre and a walk to the tram.

Important: private fireworks are prohibited in the centre of Tampere. This does not interfere with the entrepreneurs' show, but it does reduce the overall noise level. Instead, the city provides lots of light on buildings and a cosy "city glow" — it lasts longer than any fireworks display.

Oulu: Children’s NYE & waterfront show

Oulu has its own rhythm: Lasten uusivuosi at Rotuaari in the city centre begins in the evening, before the "adult" midnight. It is an intimate stage, with a host, music and a very understandable family format; it is ideal if you have young children or prefer an "early" version of the holiday. Then the city gathers for a public fireworks display at Kuulusaar/Kuusisaari (the exact location and organisers are local entrepreneurs): spectacular and with a view of the water. The key words here are warmth and logistics: the wind blows from the bay, and the distances between Rotuaari and the water are walkable, but in winter it is better to plan them.

Warm breaks and cuisine:
— Before the children's block — Oodi-like cosy libraries and cafés in the centre;
— Afterwards — a quick dinner before the fireworks or vice versa: dinner and then onto the water.
— The shore is slippery, so anti-slip pads are not a luxury but a necessity.

Porvoo: early celebration

Porvoo likes to start the New Year early: Kokonniemi offers several hours of evening entertainment for the whole family (music, dance performances, light/fire shows), usually from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is the ideal format for young children: it's not too late, the area is well organised, and there are separate parking and pedestrian areas. The old town is perfect for an atmospheric stroll on this evening: brick buildings, lights and warm windows are what people come here for.

If you have a pram or sledge, keep an alternative exit to the Taidetehtas quarter in mind: it's a convenient place to warm up, and there are quick cafés. The next day, some hotels in the old town (and nearby) offer New Year's brunches: it's nice to end the holiday without rushing.

Comparison table: music, fireworks, time, format

Logistics & interactive map

● Warm breaks. Plan two: before and after the show. Libraries and cultural centres are the best places to warm up. In large cities, keep cafés within a 5–7 minute radius of the square handy.

● Entrances/exits. Arrive 15–20 minutes early; exit "to the side" — not into the general flow. With children, have a "plan B": a second route to transport.

● Public transport. In large cities, holiday schedules are published the day before — check out our guide to HSL/VR holiday schedules and shop opening hours if you are travelling from the capital/with transfers.

● Parking. For family-friendly cities, restrictions are often imposed at the site itself, and park-and-ride facilities are recommended. Follow the signs for pedestrian access.

🗺️Interactive map of areas

Safety & common mistakes

● The window for private fireworks in Finland is short: from 6 p.m. on 31 December to 2 a.m. on 1 January. Many city centres have restricted areas and special rules.

● Tampere is a good example of a city where the centre is free of private fireworks; the show is organised by the organisers in a designated area.

● Why organised shows are better. The city centre has narrow streets, historic facades and high traffic volumes. Municipal/private programmes take into account wind, snow and evacuation corridors.

● A detailed breakdown of the rules and maps of prohibited areas can be found in the article Fireworks in Finland: Rules.

Common mistakes

Live updates & preparation checklist

Checklist for going to a city show

If you found this material useful, share it with your friends, save it for New Year's week, and tell us in the comments which city had the warmest end to the year. I will add your tips to the map and stickers so that the next reader can have an even more peaceful and cosy experience.