New Year’s events in Oulu

The New Year is celebrated in Oulu in many ways on New Year’s Eve on Wednesday December 31, 2025. The Eve’s primary events take place in Rotuaari and the Oulu Hall. 

Children’s New Year in Rotuaari 

Children’s New Year Celebration is held at Rotuaari starting from 19.00. The evening is hosted by Mentalist Pete Poskiparta, and the celebration includes a disco, acrobatics, and magic among other things. The evening ends with an impressive fire show by Oulu’s Tuluxxia. In honor of the celebration, Rotuaari will be lit with colorful lights. The event is open to everyone and free of charge. The event ends at 20.00. 

New Year’s Celebration: Oulu2026 Show in the Oulu Hall and on Yle 

Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture on January 1, 2026. The year will launch with a celebration in the Oulu Hall on New Year’s Eve. The New Year’s Celebration: Oulu2026 Show in the Oulu Hall stars KUUMAA, HOKKA, BESS, pehmoaino, Suvi Teräsniska, Ege Zulu, and Goldielocks and many more. The event starts at 21.00. There are still some tickets available, you can buy them at the door or via Lippu.fi. 

The Show is broadcast live on Yle’s channels and Yle Areena starting from 22.40. The Show can also be watched afterwards on Yle Areena. 

Read more about the Children’s New Year’s Celebration, the Oulu2026 Show, and other events in the Oulu Event Calendar. 

Public transport and possible traffic jams 

Events may cause traffic jams, so please reserve enough time for arrival and leaving. Please favor using public transportation, cycling, or walking. Public transport has been increased due to the event in the Oulu Hall. 

Oulu Regional Transport’s New Year’s timetables 

If you choose to arrive by car, you should go well ahead of time to make sure that you have enough time to park on allowed parking spots. 

The city does not organize fireworks 

The city of Oulu does not organize a firework display. There will be no fireworks at the Oulu Hall celebration either. 

Choose a safe location for lighting fireworks where you do not cause danger to people, buildings, or vehicles. Consider pets and other animals when you light fireworks. Remember to use safety goggles.  

Read more about fireworks on the Rescue Service’s website 

The city of Oulu bids all an eventful European Capital of Culture year 2026! 

Remember, the Capital of Culture year is launched at the Opening Festival on January 16–18, 2026. arit 16.–18.1.2026.