Välke light event will illuminate Kuopio with light and engaging experiences from November 15 to 17, 2025. This year, Välke will be held for the second time and celebrates Kuopio’s 250th anniversary, promising unforgettable moments through shared light experiences.
Välke 2025 is a light event organized by the City of Kuopio, with production managed by the Kuopio City Centre Development Association.
During the light event, works by Finnish and international light artists will be displayed throughout the city centre. Experience the light installations along the illuminated route from the Market Square, through Snellman Park, to the Harbour Square on 15.–17.11. at 16–21.
1. Dancing Fountains | 2. Stellarium | 3. MAPP | 4. Rhizome | 5. Hetkiä valossa – Kuopio Cathedral | 6. Oculucis | 7. Minna Canthin haamu – interactive AI artwork | 8. Taruvalkeat | 9. Peilipöllö (Bubo speculus) II | 10. Chiaroscuro | 11. Taiottu Laakso | 12. Divine Geometry
Dancing Fountains is a multisensory experience that combines water, sound, and light. It’s a unique show that offers a chance to experience Finnish expertise and craftsmanship. Performances are held every 30 minutes from 16:00 to 20:30, with each performance lasting about 8 minutes.
Location: In front of the City Hall, Tulliportinkatu 31
This artwork at Välke Light Event is made possible by Shopping Centre Aapeli and Kuopion pysäköinti.
Stellarium is an installation, poetic, immersive and interactive composed by an interactive videoprojection on the floor. The technical device of the immersive installation is based on an infrared tracking system for the spectators interaction combined with a particles generator of vortex and bright hole constellation projected on the ground. With the play of particules of lights, the human mapping turns into a diverting interactive playground Immersed in a sound scape.
Location: Market Square, Kauppakatu 45
MAPP is an abbreviation of Mapping At Private Properties. It is an interactive mobile point-and-shoot video mapping system, mounted on an old-fashioned stroller. You can “step into the light”, be scanned by MAPP and become part of the artwork within seconds. When you step aside after the sampling, you still appear in colourful images in the projection. Don’t forget to take your (art-) selfies!
Location: The corner of Kauppakatu and Puijonkatu
The light installation directs attention to the movement occurring underground and the invisible networks. Photo: Jyri Väisänen.
Location: The Kuopio Art Museum KUMMA's courtyard, Kauppakatu 35
This artwork at Välke Light Event is made possible by the Kuopio Art Museum KUMMA.
The stone facade of Kuopio Cathedral comes to life as evening falls. The lighting gradually transforms throughout the evening and night, creating a series of moments—a dialogue between light and shadow, silence and contrasts.
Location: The Kuopio Cathedral, Vuorikatu 17
This artwork at Välke Light Event is made possible by the Kuopio Cathedral Parish.
The eyes are the boundary between the known and the unknown, a suspended bridge between the abyss of the mind and the enchantment of the universe. This aesthetic choice, simple yet powerful, captures the viewer's attention and invites them to reflect on universal themes related to perception, introspection, and connection with the world. Photo: Rami Saarikorpi.
Location: Snellman Park, Kauppakatu 25
The Ghost of Minna Canth is a glowing AI avatar that vividly brings Kuopio's history and one of the city's most significant figures to life. The installation is interactive: you can ask the avatar questions through a microphone, and the character responds, guided by artificial intelligence.
Location: Snellman Park, Kauppakatu 25
This artwork at Välke Light Event is made possible by Kiinteistöliitto Itä-Suomi.
Luminous Beings are the residents of a shimmering night—transformed light beings in which the traits of various species blend into one. They appear briefly in the dark and disappear again as the sun awakens the world. Can you find a flower on the street that might begin to fly when the light touches its petals? Seek out these mystical creatures and guess who’s who: Mycavena, Floralis Lepida, Florimantis Heartlight, Germinella and Silva Larva.
Location: Vahtivuorenkatu, between Snellman Park and Snellmaninkatu.
Peilipöllö (Bubo speculus) II is a fictive-dystopian bird species and a sculptural light art work realized almost entirely using recycled materials, including broken museum light reflectors, Czechoslovak pastry molds, dessert dishes, and a wine goblet. The sound is made by using a mirrored closet door as an instrument.
Bubo speculus is both a fantasy and a statement: the big-eyed owl glances at us on the verge of ecocatastrophe, greeting the spectator with distorted, melancholic hoots.
Location: Kuopas Property, Vahtivuorenkatu
This artwork at Välke Light Event is made possible by Kuopas
In the language of Renaissance masters, chiaroscuro—from the Italian chiaro (“light”) and scuro (“dark”)—was the art of revealing form and emotion through the contrast of brightness and shadow. It was the language of Caravaggio’s trembling light, of depth emerging from darkness. Six large sculptural flowers rise as abstract forms, their inner glow responding to the sounds of the world around them. Though they rest upon solid ground, they evoke the gentle motion of water lilies, as if swaying on an unseen surface. Their light shifts, flickers, and softens—sometimes bright, sometimes fading—creating a living dialogue between radiance and shadow. Light art installation Chiaroscuro is not merely an installation but a meditation on perception: how light defines the boundaries of form, and how, in its absence, the essence of beauty becomes even more visible. It is painting turned into atmosphere—an emotional space where the viewer no longer observes the light, but feels it.
Location: Harbour Park, Kauppakatu 1b
Taiottu laakso (Enchanted Valley in english) is built from UV-lit creatures created by students from Martti Ahtisaari School (4th grade), Pirtti School (5th grade), and Länsi-Puijo School (3rd grade) during light workshops held for the event.
Location Harbour Park, Kauppakatu 1b
Välke workshops for students are made possible by OP Pohjois-Savo.
Divine Geometry consists of 24 lasers arranged in a perfect ring. At the heart of the intense, psychedelic experience is a specially composed 30-minute audio track, developed in collaboration with award-winning Latvian sound engineer Pēteris Pāss. Together, the light, sound, and symbolic geometry merge into a singular transformative space, inviting each of us to step into a portal of reflection, wonder, and cosmic resonance.
Location: Harbour Square, Kauppakatu 1b
An environmental lighting system covering Kuopio’s oldest park. The lighting aims to highlight the park’s characteristic features according to the season, such as its variety of tree species and overall appearance. The park’s lighting is located along the event route, offering visitors a pleasant spot to pause for a moment and enjoy the uniquely atmospheric surroundings.
Location: Snellman Park, Kauppakatu 25
In addition to the light installations, the Välke Light Event features light-themed performances and programs throughout the city center.
Varpunen (Sparrow in English) is a large lantern puppet created by puppetry artist Pia Kalenius. It is part of the upcoming performance Night of the Mysterious Ancient Creatures. Puppeteers: Niina Lindroos and Nanna Mäkinen. Direction and puppet construction: Pia Kalenius. Music: Kari Mäkiranta. Photo: Jesper Dolgo. Show duration 30 minutes.
Showtimes: 15.11. at 16:30, 17:30, 18:30 and 19:30
Location: Snellman Park, Kauppakatu 25
Flow artist Annina Nova’s solo light show sparkles in the darkness of November. Annina Nova is one half of the Tampere-based fire and light show duo Selene Dance & Arts, and she will be performing at Välke on both Saturday and Sunday. Show duration 6 minutes.
Showtimes: 15.–16.11. at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00
Location: the steps of Kuopio Cathedral, Kauppakatu 31
Step into the splendor of court life in 1775! In the atmosphere of Snellman Park, meet the unique character Madame de Savorelle, who welcomes guests with royal dignity and the elegance of the era. Pause for a moment to soak in the courtly spirit… and capture a photo to remember this majestic encounter! Photo: Mika Antikainen.
Showtimes: 15.–17.11. at 16:00, 17:30, 18:45 and 20:00
Location: Snellman Park, Kauppakatu 25
A walking tour of the Savilahti area, where you will learn about the area's history, present and future, as well as the works of art that enliven the area. As the evening gets dark and when the light artworks are at their best, we will walk zigzag along the shore of the Lake Kallavesi, past the University, through Savonia and Sakky educational institutions to the front of Luola. We will stop at the artworks and new Circle of Light works along the route, telling stories and facts, including about the founding of Kuopio, the emergence of the area to the present day, i.e. introducing the new developing area of Kuopio. Walking distance approx. 3 km and duration approx. 2 hours. Dress warmly according to the weather.
In finnish: 16.11. 15:30–17:30 ja 17.11. 16:00–18:00
In english: 16.11. 18:00–20:00
Departure at main Entrance of Kuopio University Hospital, Puijonlaaksontie 2
Glowpio is a spectacular and immersive fire performance created as part of Kuopio’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The fire show by Elements Ensemble will also be featured at the openings of performances in Karttula, Riistavesi, and Muuruvesi. Performance times for each region can be found in the regional program section.
Showtime: 17.11. at 16:45 – 17:00
Location: The Kuopio Art Museum KUMMA's courtyard, Kauppakatu 35
Welcome to join the Dogs’ Light Parade organized by Kuopion kaverikoirat on Sunday, November 16th, starting at 17:00! The parade will start at Mualiman napa and continue through Snellman Park and Vahtivuorenkatu towards the harbor. You are welcome to join the parade at any point, with or without your dog. If you wish, you can add a light source (e.g., a light collar) to your dog or yourself to brighten our parade. Please note that the parade may not be suitable for dogs sensitive to crowds or lights.
Date and time: 16:11. 17:00
Location: Starting point at Mualiman napa, Kauppakatu 45
A true celebration of light! Dress up in the light-themed style. At the Light Shop, you’ll find light accessories, decorations, and ornaments for the festival of light.
Location: Market Square, Kauppakatu 45
Opening hours
15.11. klo 12–21
16.11. klo 16–21
17.11. klo 16–21
The Välke Light Event and the opening of Kuopio’s Christmas season will be celebrated at Kuopio Market Square on Saturday 15.11. at 15:00.
You can also meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the market square during the day, even before the stage program.
The most anticipated guests of the Christmas season arrive at Kuopio Market Square to bring a festive greeting. At the same time, the Christmas tree lights on the square will be turned on together.
Aarne the Alligator and his band will get the entire market square dancing and having fun! In addition to the lovable and huggable Aarne, the band features two friends in safari outfits, Tobbe and Jocke.
Aarne the Alligator & Jungle Drum is the most streamed children’s band in the Nordic countries! With over 120 million YouTube views, the band and its character have become hugely popular.
The Miss Kuopio 2025 finalists will be introduced at the market square – there’s still time to vote for your favorite! After the opening, the finalists will appear at the Välke Gala on Monday, November 17, 2025, where Miss Kuopio 2025 will be crowned.
Vote for Miss Kuopio 2025 at fashionmodel.fi/misskuopio2025
The latest light show by Belenos Group of Arts, Mira, brings the sparkle of the stars before the audience’s eyes and captivates viewers with its brilliance. The performance combines music-synchronized lighting tools with hypnotic group choreography, leaving the audience wanting more.
The opening speech for the Välke Light Event and Kuopio’s anniversary celebrations will be delivered by Tanja Airaksinen, Chairperson of the Kuopio City Council.
The opening program will be hosted by Petri Hervanto, pop singer, actor, and tango king (tangokuningas). Photo: LBM Visuals
In addition to the artworks and program in Kuopio city center, the Välke Light Event also extends to the surrounding regions of Kuopio.
The window artworks of the Pihkainmäki school buildings come together to form an impressive light art installation encompassing the entire school. The design and execution of the work involve the school’s students, staff, and the children and team from Pihkapirtti Kindergarten.
Dates and Times: The light event in Karttula will take place on 15.11. 17:00-19:00. The school will be illuminated 15.11. 17:00-21:00.
Location: Pihkarinteentie 12, Syvänniemi
In Riistavesi, a community art piece will be created on the façade of the old “Siwa” in the village center. The design and execution of the artwork involve the Riistavesi Parish Council—which includes local associations—Riistavesi School and Kindergarten, and the Sustainable Villages of North Savo project, in collaboration with the Lastu: Sustainable Living and Living Heritage project. The artwork will be created through painting and rag graffiti techniques.
Dates and Times: The opening program will take place 15.11. at 17:30. The artwork will be illuminated 15.11.–31.12.
Location: Keskustie 25, Riistavesi
In Muuruvesi, two community art projects will be created. In the schoolyard of Muuruvesi School, students and adults will collaborate on an artwork that tells the story of the school’s students from the 1950s to the 2000s. At the intersection of Muuruvedentie and Hietapohjantie, the Book and Wardrobe artwork will be installed to promote the local book and clothing recycling point. This piece has been designed and created by the residents of Muuruvesi village.
Dates and Times: The opening program in Muuruvesi on 17.11. at 19:00. The artworks will be illuminated 17.11.
Location: Oppipolku 7, Muuruvesi
Glowpio is a spectacular and immersive fire performance created as part of Kuopio’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Set against the dusky autumn evenings, the show brings light, warmth, and a festive atmosphere to the surrounding regions. The Elements Ensemble fire performance will also be featured at the openings of the artworks in Karttula, Riistavesi, and Muuruvesi.
Karttula 15.11. at 17:00
Pihkarinteentie 12, Syvänniemi
Riistavesi 15.11. at 19:00
Keskustie 25, Riistavesi
Muuruvesi 17.11. at 19:00
Oppipolku 7, Muuruvesi
Share the magic of Välke Light Event on social media!
@ilovekuopio @kuopionkaupunki #välke #kuopio250
As part of the Välke light event, light-themed workshops have been organized for schoolchildren with three different workshop programs.
In the workshop, pupils from grades 1–5 at Vehmasmäki and Aurinkorinne schools had the opportunity, with the help of instructors, to create their own light artwork. Each class will take their piece as a gift to a care home of their choice. The workshop instructors for Bringers of Light were dance artist Leena Keizer, singer-songwriter Matti Halmetvaara, and musician Viljami Piippola.
This workshop for schoolchildren is made possible by OP Pohjois-Savo.
In the workshops, pupils from grades 3–5 at Kettula, Neulamäki, and Rajala schools had the chance to create theater and band lighting, play music as a rhythm orchestra, and perform as shadow theater artists. The workshop instructor at these schools was Antti Raekallio, a musician and music educator from Kuopio.
This workshop for schoolchildren is made possible by OP Pohjois-Savo.
In the workshops, pupils from grades 3–5 at Martti Ahtisaari, Pirtti, and Länsi-Puijo schools had the chance to build handmade characters and creatures that will be illuminated with UV lights. These glowing artworks will be showcased at Välke light event from November 15th to 17th in Kuopio’s Harbor Park. The workshop instructors were Janne Parviainen and Jukka Laine from Oivallus cooperative.
This workshop for schoolchildren is made possible by the City of Kuopio.
A warm thank you to everyone who is helping make the Välke Light Event part of Kuopio’s 250th anniversary possible.
Soile Lahti, Mayor
City of Kuopio
The Kuopio250 anniversary year has already brought much joy and community experiences to the city’s residents through various events and activities. The Välke Light Event continues this series of experiences and brings light to the city, especially during the darkest time of the year in November. It offers a chance to see and experience our own city in a completely new light. The anniversary year will culminate during the Välke Light Event, as the city officially celebrates its 250th anniversary on November 17th. The success of last year’s event inspired us to create an even more spectacular celebration this time!
Nina Venäläinen, Kuopio250 Anniversary Year Project Manager
City of Kuopio
It is important to us that city centers remain vibrant in many different ways. The Välke Light Event is a great example and a key enabler of this vitality. Minna Canth is a beloved figure for all citizens of Kuopio, and it is truly wonderful to bring to life an interactive light installation utilizing multiple AI technologies for the Välke Light Event.
Piia Moilanen, Executive Director
Kiinteistöliitto Itä-Suomi
At Me OP Pohjois-Savo, we want to be part of making community events and experiences possible. The Välke Light Event combines children’s cultural education with the sharing of joy and light during the darkest time of the year, and we are proud to be celebrating Kuopio’s 250th anniversary.
Katri Saarelainen, Accountability and Communications Manager
OP Pohjois-Savo
It’s wonderful to be part of Kuopio’s 250th anniversary celebration through the Välke Light Event. As a subsidiary of the city, we are part of the Kuopio municipal group, and since Kuopas is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, being involved in this special event feels even more meaningful to us!
Aku Taira, Chief Executive Officer
Kuopio Student Housing Company
We, the people of Aapeli, want to gift the people of Kuopio light and good spirits in honor of Kuopio’s 250th anniversary, through the Finnish artwork Dancing Fountains (Tanssivat Vedet). Congratulations to Kuopio and all the citizens, and may light fill the years to come!
Sari Mustapää, Asset Manager
Shopping Centre Aapeli
We want to be part of Kuopio’s 250th anniversary celebration through the Välke Light Event because we actively support the vitality and eventfulness of the city center and surrounding areas. The mission of Kuopio Parking is to enable smooth movement and enjoyment in the city center, and Välke offers a wonderful opportunity to bring together locals, visitors, and businesses to celebrate Kuopio’s 250-year journey.
Vesa Saramäki, Chief Executive Officer
Kuopion Pysäköinti Oy (Kuopio Parking)
Light in the darkness reminds us of the hope that always exists. We want to share a message of light, faith, hope, and love, and strengthen the message of goodness in this world. We warmly invite you to the Kuopio Cathedral for the anniversary year mass on Sunday, November 16, at 10:00 AM, as well as to other events throughout the year at the church. May God bless you, bringing hope and light into the darkness for everyone!
Risto Voutilainen, Dean and Parish Priest
Cathedral parish of Kuopio
KUMMA brings light to the darkness. At Välke light event, this can even be achieved through art – what could be more natural for us! At the same time, we get to transform our courtyard into an artwork with the help of local artist Veera Launonen.
Anna Vilkuna, museum director
Kuopio art museum KUMMA
Book your accommodation just a short distance from Kuopio city center at the Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi.
The hotel’s unique location near Kuopio's harbor square and the city center, combined with beautiful surroundings, provides the perfect setting for event participants.
At Puijonsarvi, you’ll enjoy comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast, just a five-minute walk from Kuopio city center. The hotel also offers a gym and customer saunas to complete your accommodation experience.
While staying at Puijonsarvi, you can also admire the L.I.N.G artwork, which illuminates the autumn darkness with its impressive presence. This lit, metallic artwork is created by the architecture, art, and design studio Partanen & Lamusuo Oy.
Accommodation bookings and hotel information at www.sokoshotels.fi or by calling +358107629500.
The event will feature a fashion show by Fashion Model Agency and local businesses, the Miss Kuopio crowning ceremony, charity raffles, as well as music and light performances, all coming together for a great cause.
Olemme sitoutuneet toiminnassamme Savolaisen palvelun teeseihin.
Anna oma arviosi – mitkä seuraavista asioista kuvaavat parhaiten toimintaamme ja missä olemme mielestäsi onnistuneet. Joka kuukausi arvioinnin tehneiden kesken arvotaan 50€ lahjakortti yhteen keskustan liikkeeseen. Jos haluat osallistua lahjakorttiarvontaan, jätä alle yhteystietosi. Mitä useamman yrityksen arvioit, sitä paremmat ovat mahdollisuutesi voittaa arvonnassa.
Arvioita käytetään yrityksen toiminnan kehittämiseen ja Kuopion keskustan palveluista viestimiseen. Kiitos arvioinnistasi jo etukäteen!