Christmas Song Celebration
Introduction
The Pärnumaa Christmas Carol Celebration, held for the first time in 2025, brought together hundreds of singers, touched thousands of listeners with its warm and festive atmosphere, and became a true celebration for the whole community. The event was also recognised with the “Pärnu 2025 – Best Initiative” award.
This year, we are delighted to continue this heart-warming tradition! Once again, we invite choirs, ensembles and groups of friends from across Pärnumaa to come together, sing beloved Christmas carols and create a truly festive atmosphere. Our wish is for the Christmas Carol Festival to be a warm and unifying winter celebration where the boundary between performers and audience disappears and beloved Christmas songs are sung by thousands of voices.
Christmas Carol Sing-Along will take place on Saturday, 19 December, at Iseseisvuse Square, where nearly 400 choir singers will perform some of the most beloved Christmas songs. But the festival is not only about what happens on stage – everyone in the audience is warmly invited to sing along! We welcome groups of friends, colleagues, families and everyone who would like to add their voice to this shared celebration of Christmas. The lyrics will be published before the event on the Pärnu Christmas Market website.
The artistic directors of the Christmas Carol Festival are acclaimed choir conductors Margrit Kits and Aet Vill. This year, beloved choir conductor Kadri Kesküla will also join the creative team. The accompanying band features Siim Usin, Kaarel Kaasik, Peep Kallas and Sander Berens. Siim Usin is the festival’s musical director, and Barbara Lehtna is the stage director.
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT PÄRNU INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
On Friday, 18 December 2026, the Christmas Market programme will feature Tanja Mihhailova-Saar and the Pärnu Handbell Studio.
On Sunday, young musicians from the Pärnu Music School Big Band and children from the Pärnu School of Arts will present a special Christmas concert. The evening will also feature a spectacular St Thomas’ Day fire show, bringing extra light and magic to the final evening of the Christmas Market. Festive music will be provided by the legendary DJ Urmas Lass. And, of course, Santa Ärni will be there to listen to children recite their Christmas poems and reward them with sweet treats.
At the Pärnu Christmas Market, you can discover unique Christmas gifts while enjoying delicious food, great music and a festive atmosphere.
Come and discover the Christmas Market in the heart of Pärnu – a place where the Christmas spirit comes to life!
Explore the full programme on the Pärnu Christmas Market website.
THE ENTIRE CULTURAL PROGRAMME IS FREE FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY!
The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme.
Organiser
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Introduction
The Pärnumaa Christmas Carol Celebration, held for the first time in 2025, brought together hundreds of singers, touched thousands of listeners with its warm and festive atmosphere, and became a true celebration for the whole community. The event was also recognised with the “Pärnu 2025 – Best Initiative” award.
This year, we are delighted to continue this heart-warming tradition! Once again, we invite choirs, ensembles and groups of friends from across Pärnumaa to come together, sing beloved Christmas carols and create a truly festive atmosphere. Our wish is for the Christmas Carol Festival to be a warm and unifying winter celebration where the boundary between performers and audience disappears and beloved Christmas songs are sung by thousands of voices.
Christmas Carol Sing-Along will take place on Saturday, 19 December, at Iseseisvuse Square, where nearly 400 choir singers will perform some of the most beloved Christmas songs. But the festival is not only about what happens on stage – everyone in the audience is warmly invited to sing along! We welcome groups of friends, colleagues, families and everyone who would like to add their voice to this shared celebration of Christmas. The lyrics will be published before the event on the Pärnu Christmas Market website.
The artistic directors of the Christmas Carol Festival are acclaimed choir conductors Margrit Kits and Aet Vill. This year, beloved choir conductor Kadri Kesküla will also join the creative team. The accompanying band features Siim Usin, Kaarel Kaasik, Peep Kallas and Sander Berens. Siim Usin is the festival’s musical director, and Barbara Lehtna is the stage director.
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT PÄRNU INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
On Friday, 18 December 2026, the Christmas Market programme will feature Tanja Mihhailova-Saar and the Pärnu Handbell Studio.
On Sunday, young musicians from the Pärnu Music School Big Band and children from the Pärnu School of Arts will present a special Christmas concert. The evening will also feature a spectacular St Thomas’ Day fire show, bringing extra light and magic to the final evening of the Christmas Market. Festive music will be provided by the legendary DJ Urmas Lass. And, of course, Santa Ärni will be there to listen to children recite their Christmas poems and reward them with sweet treats.
At the Pärnu Christmas Market, you can discover unique Christmas gifts while enjoying delicious food, great music and a festive atmosphere.
Come and discover the Christmas Market in the heart of Pärnu – a place where the Christmas spirit comes to life!
Explore the full programme on the Pärnu Christmas Market website.
THE ENTIRE CULTURAL PROGRAMME IS FREE FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY!
The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme.
