We know Estonia
23.8.2025 | Culture

KopliFest and the Night of Ancient Lights

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Kevin Wang / Unsplash

KopliFest and the Night of Ancient Lights

 

Kopli is the district of Tallinn that is farthest to the north, on a peninsula, and it is having a festival to celebrate its unique culture and heritage. A rather industrial neighbourhood, Kopli housed workers for various factories, including shipbuilding, during the Soviet era. The area now boasts several lovely parks with playgrounds, a popular culture centre, and is easily accessible by tram, car, bus, and foot.

KopliFest itself will feature lots of live music, arts, food and beverage, a fair and market featuring local goods, loads of activities for children, workshops, and tours of the area. The extremely popular Põhjala tehas is also in Kopli, which is full of art galleries, restaurants, and other entertainment.

More information is available in English here, and in Estonian here. The event is scheduled to conclude around 20:00. In the evening, visitors can enjoy the Night of Ancient Lights. This is a tradition to commemorate the signal fires that were lit in times long ago to guide sailors home, or at least keep them from crashing on the coast. They were lit at sunset.

The Night of Ancient Lights will take place all across the country, and you can choose a local bonfire to attend here. But if you already know you’ll be in Tallinn and want to attend, you can choose between the Seaplane Harbour Museum, and the Viimsi Open Air Museum. Dress warmly!

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Bonfire Events in Tallinn Festival Kopli KopliFest Night of Ancient Lights

5.12.2025 | Culture

Estonian National Opera Christmas Concert

Estonian National Opera Christmas Concert

The Estonian National Opera’s beloved Christmas concert is a festive highlight of the holiday season, bringing warm music and … Read more

5.12.2025 | Culture

Tallinn’s Warmest Christmas Viewpoint

Tallinn’s Warmest Christmas Viewpoint

Located in Tallinn’s Old Town, the St Nicholas Church and Museum invites visitors this autumn and winter to experience … Read more

4.12.2025 | Culture

Christmas Concert by an Award-Winning Opera Soloist

Christmas Concert by an Award-Winning Opera Soloist

Soprano Marion Melnik, who has performed in Finland, is bringing the Christmas spirit to St. Michael’s Church in Tallinn. … Read more

4.12.2025 | Culture

Christmas in Different Eras at the Estonian Open Air Museum

Christmas in Different Eras at the Estonian Open Air Museum

Estonia’s Open Air Museum in Tallinn has created a Christmas village throughout its grounds, and invites visitors to come … Read more

3.12.2025 | Culture

A Wintery Weekend in Kadriorg

A Wintery Weekend in Kadriorg

Kadriorg is Tallinn’s famous park at the edge of the city, and provides a beautiful buffer for the traditional … Read more

3.12.2025 | Culture

Giant Insects Take Over Tartu

Giant Insects Take Over Tartu

Have you ever wondered how many different arthropods, beetles, and other invertebrate critters a Christmas tree brought into a … Read more

2.12.2025 | Culture

Gingerbread Mania 2025 Waiting for Visitors

Gingerbread Mania 2025 Waiting for Visitors

Imagine an entire exhibition with one rule: everything must be made of gingerbread. Over a hundred artists, architects, designers, … Read more

2.12.2025 | Culture

Viru County Fills With Melodies for a Week

Viru County Fills With Melodies for a Week

The first week of December brings a series of no fewer than ten musical evenings to concert halls, cultural … Read more