New Year's Eve in Tallinn is a night of music, lights and a medieval Old Town glowing in winter. Every year thousands of locals and visitors celebrate together in the city centre.
Here is what to expect on 31 December, practical tips for the night and how to get back to your hotel safely and warmly after midnight.
The Main Celebration: Free Concert on Freedom Square
The city of Tallinn traditionally hosts a free New Year's Eve concert on Freedom Square, Vabaduse väljak, right next to the Old Town.
Last New Year's Eve the concert started at 22:00 with the Synne Valtri Band, followed by 5MIINUST at 23:00 and Terminaator at midnight. The 2026 programme will be announced by the city closer to the date.
A Light Show Instead of Fireworks
Since the turn of 2024 to 2025 the city of Tallinn no longer organises official fireworks. The city explained that fireworks harm the environment and that loud noise disturbs residents, pets and birds.
Instead, midnight is marked by a show of flames, sparks and lasers set to music. It is a beautiful and calm way to welcome the New Year.
New Year at the Tallinn Christmas Market
The Christmas market on Town Hall Square stays open until 6 January 2027, and on 31 December it hosts its own New Year celebrations.
Before midnight you can warm up with glögi, try traditional Estonian food and walk through the festive Old Town. Read more in our guide to the Tallinn Christmas Market 2026.
Other Ways to Celebrate: Estonia Ball, Restaurants and Parties
Estonia Ball: on 31 December 2026 the Estonian National Opera hosts its traditional New Year's Eve ball in the opera house on Estonia puiestee. The evening includes a concert programme, performances, surprises and dancing. Tickets are sold by the opera.
Restaurants: last year many Old Town restaurants, such as Olde Hansa and Peppersack, offered special New Year's Eve dinners. Tables are usually booked well in advance.
Parties: clubs and bars in the city centre host New Year's Eve parties with DJs and live music.
Whichever event you choose, we can pick you up right after it and take you to your hotel.
Practical Tips for New Year's Eve in Tallinn
Streets around Freedom Square are closed to traffic in the evening. Last year Pärnu maantee, Estonia puiestee, Kaarli puiestee, Komandandi tee and Roosikrantsi Street were closed from 21:30 to 01:30.
Public transport runs on a changed schedule, and last year the night bus lines did not run on New Year's night.
Glass bottles, pyrotechnics and animals are not allowed at the concert area. Dress warmly and wear shoes with non-slip soles.
How to Get Back to Your Hotel After Midnight
After the concert thousands of people leave the centre at the same time, the streets are closed and finding a free taxi can take a long time in the cold.
With Artsantaxi you book your transfer in advance for an exact time. Your driver waits for you at an agreed point outside the closed area and takes you straight to your hotel.
The price is fixed and agreed in advance, with no holiday surcharge on New Year's Eve. We work 24/7, and for families and groups we offer the Mercedes-Benz Vito minivan for up to 8 people and the V-Class for up to 6. Child seats are available on request.
Arriving for the holidays? See all hotels on our Tallinn Airport to hotel transfer page. Popular Old Town hotels include the transfer to Hotel Telegraaf, transfer to Schlössle Hotel, transfer to Hestia Hotel Barons, transfer to Savoy Boutique Hotel and transfer to The Three Sisters Hotel.
Early Flight on 1 January? Hotel to Airport Transfer at Any Time
We also take you from your hotel to Tallinn Airport at any time of day or night, including very early morning departures for the first flights of the New Year.
On 31 December and 1 January many drivers are busy and demand for taxis is very high. Book your transfer in advance, and your driver will be waiting at the hotel entrance at the agreed time, so you do not have to stand in the cold and you reach the airport on time.
Celebrating Outside the City
Many people spend New Year's Eve at a spa by the sea. Laulasmaa is about a 40 minute drive from Tallinn, and we offer a fixed price Tallinn to Laulasmaa spa transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fireworks in Tallinn on New Year's Eve?
The city no longer organises official fireworks. Instead there is a light show with flames, sparks and lasers on Freedom Square.
Where is the main New Year's Eve celebration in Tallinn?
On Freedom Square next to the Old Town. The concert is free.
How do I get a taxi on New Year's Eve in Tallinn?
Book a transfer in advance for a fixed time. Your driver will wait for you outside the closed streets.
Is there a holiday surcharge on New Year's Eve?
Not with Artsantaxi. Our prices are fixed and agreed in advance.
Can I book an early morning transfer to the airport on 1 January?
Yes. We work 24/7, including 31 December and 1 January. Book in advance and your driver will pick you up at your hotel at the agreed time.
Booking 24/7:
Phone: +372 5802 4209
WhatsApp: message us on WhatsApp
Telegram: message us on Telegram
Email: artsantaxi@gmail.com