This year, Tallinn will welcome the new year with a concert and light show, foregoing fireworks as part of the celebration. On New Year’s Eve, January 1, early hours, several lines will run longer to ensure partygoers can get home using public transport.

Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski highlighted the need for an inclusive urban environment that considers residents and animals whose well-being is affected by loud noise. “While fireworks may be visually captivating, they come at the expense of our environment. By skipping fireworks, we protect the environment and safeguard animals and birds who perceive the noise much more intensely. Instead, people can enjoy an atmospheric light show this New Year’s Eve,” said Ossinovski.

The celebration begins on December 31 at 11 PM at Freedom Square, featuring a musical journey curated by one of Estonia’s top musicians and producers, Raul Ojamaa. Performers include Alika, Anett, Maris Pihlap, and Duo Ruut. Circus artists Grete Gross and Laura Kivistik will add an element of surprise with their performances on swings and a zipline. At 11:50 PM, the evening will culminate with a unique light show offering a visual and emotional spectacle. The music, composed by Raul Ojamaa specifically for the light show, serves as the foundation for the entire visual experience.

“Similar to previous years, we urge everyone to limit the use of fireworks. If you choose to set them off, please remember to exercise extreme caution and adhere to all safety measures. Ensure people and animals are at a safe distance, and keep fireworks out of children’s reach. After using fireworks, collect the waste and dispose of it properly. To avoid fire hazards, it’s safer to leave fireworks waste next to garbage bins overnight so it can cool down by morning,” said Deputy Mayor Kaarel Oja.

For safety reasons, attendees of the New Year’s Eve concert are asked not to bring fireworks, glass bottles, or pets to the event. Security personnel and police will be present to maintain order.

Advice for pet owners: as New Year’s Eve approaches, keep pets indoors and ensure outdoor pets cannot escape in response to unexpected noise. If you decide to watch fireworks with your dog, make sure they are securely leashed to prevent them from running away in panic.

Link to the event page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/478334568613923.

Due to the New Year’s concert and light show at Vabaduse väljak, sections of Pärnu maantee between Suur-Karja and Sakala streets, Estonia puiestee between Pärnu maantee and Kentmanni street, and Kaarli puiestee between Tõnismäe and Pärnu maantee will be closed to traffic from 22:00 on December 31 to 02:00 on January 1.

Buses on lines 2, 3, 16, 21, 21B, 23, 24, 35, 40, 41, 41B, 42, 54, 67, 81, and 83 will be rerouted between 22:00 and 00:30. Tram services will continue but may experience brief pauses during the celebrations.

On New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2025, the operating hours of public transport serving major city routes will be extended, with some lines running until 03:10. Additional departures will be provided on tram line 2 and bus lines 1, 5, 8, 18, 40, 42, 73, 81, and 83.

Tram line 2 New Year’s Eve departures:

Departures from Laikmaa in both directions:
00:30, 00:50, 01:10, 01:30, 01:50, 02:10, 02:30, 02:50, 03:10.

New Year’s Eve bus line departures (from city center):

• Bus 1 (departures from Hobujaama on Narva maantee):
  00:45, 01:15, 01:45, 02:15, 02:45.
• Bus 5 (toward Männiku): Departures from Viru:
  00:40, 01:10, 01:40, 02:10, 02:40, 03:10.
• Bus 5 (toward Metsakooli): Departures from Viru:
  00:30, 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 02:30, 03:00.
• Bus 8 (in both directions): Departures from Balti jaam:
  00:45, 01:15, 01:45, 02:15, 02:45.
• Bus 18 (departures from Viru):
  00:30, 00:45, 01:15, 01:45, 02:15, 02:45.
• Bus 40 (in both directions): Departures from Estonia on Teatri väljak:
  00:30, 00:40, 01:00, 01:20, 01:40, 02:00, 02:20, 02:40, 03:00.
• Bus 42 (in both directions): Departures from Estonia on Estonia pst:
  00:30, 00:45, 01:00, 01:15, 01:30, 01:45, 02:00, 02:15, 02:30, 02:45, 03:00.
• Bus 73 (toward Kopli liinid): Departures from Viru:
  00:30, 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 02:30, 03:00.
• Bus 73 (toward Vana-Lõuna): Departures from Viru:
  00:35, 01:05, 01:35, 02:05, 02:35, 03:05.
• Bus 81 (departures from Kaubamaja):
  00:45, 01:15, 01:45, 02:15, 02:45.
• Bus 83 (departures from Kaubamaja):
  00:30, 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 02:30, 03:00.

Real-time departures for routes passing through the city center may vary from the scheduled times.

For schedules, routes, and stops, visit the website at transport.tallinn.ee.