New Year’s Celebration: Oulu2026 Show


Ouluhalli 31 Dec, 2025

Traditionally, New Year’s Eve has been celebrated with a major event called Vuosi Vaihtuu at Helsinki’s Kansalaistori, broadcast live by Yle, Finnish public service media company. At the end of 2025, however, the show will take place in Oulu. Held at Ouluhalli, this spectacular event will launch Oulu’s year – together with 39 partner municipalities – as the European Capital of Culture.

Expect 100% New Year’s Eve entertainment that not only builds a bridge into the Capital of Culture year but also serves as the ultimate pre-party for the whole nation. The diverse and surprising show is directed by show producer Elias Koskimies. The show is produced by the Oulu Culture Foundation, responsible for the Oulu2026 Capital of Culture programme, in cooperation with Yle. 

Tickets

Tickets: 59,90 €. Ticket prices are subject to Lippu.fi service fees (starting from €1.50 + 0.65% per order). Grab your ticket early to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind celebration! Tickets are sold via Lippu.fi.

INFO

Tickets & Age limit

The show is suitable for all ages (S). However, please note that the event takes place late in the evening and runs through the turn of the day and the year. The floor area includes a designated licensed (alcohol-serving) zone with an age limit of 18.

We recommend that children under 15 attend with a parent or a guardian. On the floor area there is a licensed bar zone for ages 18+. The upper gallery is numbered seating; the floor is standing.

Tickets: 59,90 €. Ticket prices are subject to Lippu.fi service fees (starting from €1.50 + 0.65% per order). Grab your ticket early to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind celebration! Tickets are sold via Lippu.fi.

Safety

Safety is everyone’s business — you can always turn to the staff if you have any questions or concerns. Security staff may remove persons behaving disruptively. Bags are checked at the entry and prohibited items will be removed.

Permitted items:

– empty/unopened 0.5 l transparent plastic water/soft‑drink bottle (no alcohol)

– small backpack or handbag

– compact consumer‑use digital/pocket camera (no detachable optics)

– mobile phone

– small fan merchandise (no signs or banners)


Prohibited items:

– liquids, alcohol & narcotics

– fireworks, explosives & torches

– sparklers

– camping chairs / equipment

– DSLR cameras, video cameras, selfie‑sticks, large speakers

– drones

– laser pointers

– aluminium or glass bottles/cans

– pets/animals

– hi‑vis vests/coats & other hi‑vis apparel

– any sticks/poles

– banners or boards covering visibility


Safer space

The organiser is committed to Safer Space principles: There is zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination or violence. The staff has the right to remove anyone violating safer space or conduct rules.

If you feel unsafe or witness inappropriate behaviour, contact the security or our staff member
040 538 8121 (Anna Litewka‑Anttolainen, Oulu2026).

First aid

First aid is provided by Acuutti Apu Ry. In an emergency, contact the nearest steward. The first‑aid post is located immediately inside the show‑area entrance (“bubble” side).

Smoking

Smoking is only permitted outdoors in specifically designated areas

Fireworks near the event area

Use of fireworks in the car parks or immediate surroundings of Ouluhalli is prohibited on 31 Dec 2025. Stewards may remove fireworks.

Arrival at the venue

The venue, Ouluhalli, is located in the Raksila district of Oulu at Ouluhallintie 20. Entrance is through both main doors: A‑door on the ice‑rink side and C‑door on the motorway side.

Distances:

– Railway station: approx. 1.4 km

– Bus station: approx. 1.3 km

– Airport: approx. 14 km

– City centre: approx. 2 km

Ticket check and security: Please note queues may form at Ouluhalli – there will be many stewards checking tickets at the outer doors. Have your ticket ready and arrive early since the show is broadcast live.

City transport: Oulun seudun liikenne (OSL) will operate extra night services on 31 Dec on lines 2N, 5N, 20B, 20BH and 20N. Travelling from the city centre: nearest stops are Ouluhalli E, Välkkylä P and Raksilan urheilukeskus E. For departure: Välkkylä E or Raksilan urheilukeskus P. Timetables via the OSL app or the route planner.

Parking: limited parking zone beside Ouluhalli; traffic controllers will guide parking. Messuaukio side is closed for public parking. After the event the area may get congested — consider parking a little further away. No fireworks in parking zones. Former Raksila swimming hall parking is reserved only for drop‑offs/pick‑ups of under‑18s.

Bicycle parking: limited number of racks next to Ouluhalli. Bikes left at owner’s risk.


Under‑18s arriving without an adult

Thanks to Nuorten Ystävät ry there is a supervised route for unaccompanied under‑18s. A special drop‑off & pick‑up zone is at the former Raksila swimming hall car park. Traffic will be directed; note this area is not event parking. After the show there may be queueing pressure — follow the guidance, dress for the weather, ensure your phone is charged and follow instructions when seeking your ride.

Cloakroom

Cloakroom (narikka) is in the “bubble” area of Ouluhalli (on the main arena side). Free of charge. Provided by Osuuskauppa Arina for the event. At peak exit times expect queues — bring extra time and approach calmly. At cloakroom you’ll leave coats, bags, larger items. No prohibited items allowed — these will be removed at entry.

LED wristbands

After cloakroom you’ll receive a LED wristband (enabled by Nordea Bank Abp) that reacts to the show’s light‑control system. After the event wristbands are collected for reuse — remember to hand it in before leaving. Without the central light control the wristband will not function afterwards.

Services at Ouluhalli

Restaurant/café: Located in the lobby of Ouluhalli and on the 2nd floor. On the floor level are licensed bar services (age 18+).

Beauty/Make‑up point: Run by students of OSAO’s hair & beauty and garden‑design programmes. Located in the lobby (near the new sports hall side). Ready‑made looks take only a few minutes. Service ends about 10 minutes before the show starts.

Accessibility

The entrance on the Pohjantien side of Ouluhalli has accessible parking. Entry from the lobby to the show area is barrier‑free. There is an accessible WC. A wheelchair platform is located left of the entrance to the show area on the floor level (age‑unlimited area).

A lift provides access to the upper level, but note the upper seating includes two small steps. Wheelchair‑platform ticket includes one assistant. Other assistants (e.g., for visually‑impaired) obtain tickets via phone through Lippu.fi (tel. 0600 900 900). A designated accessibility worker is on‑site for the event.

Please note: the show does not feature a sign‑language interpreter nor induction loop system.

Special effects

Strong visual effects will be used (may trigger migraines, seizures, sensory sensitivity). Please consider this before attending.

Photography and media

You’re encouraged to take memories with your phone camera – but please do not disturb those behind you. During the show recording may annoy others, so keep camera‑use very brief. The event is broadcast live by Yle, and you’ll be able to revisit via Yle Areena. If you share images on social media, tag: @oulu2026official #vuosivaihtuu #yle. Note: by attending you agree that image & video material of you may appear in Oulu2026, Yle and partner channels.

Media accreditation is now open for the New Year’s Oulu2026 Show.  Media accreditations are limited and will be granted partly on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is recommended.

Fill out the accreditation form by 5th DEC HERE

A lively and entertaining Children’s New Year’s Eve at Rotuaari!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family at Rotuaari on December 31, 2025! Enjoy a sparkling atmosphere with colorful lights and fun for all ages.

The free event welcomes everyone from 18:30–20:00 to celebrate the New Year together!

Making it happen

IKEA-logo sinisellä ja keltaisella värillä
Nkuringo Safaris -logo
Yle logo turkoosilla taustalla
IKEA-logo sinisellä ja keltaisella värillä
Nkuringo Safaris -logo
Yle logo turkoosilla taustalla
IKEA-logo sinisellä ja keltaisella värillä
Nkuringo Safaris -logo
Yle logo turkoosilla taustalla