Nallikari Snow Fest, an international snow sculpture competition, takes over Nallikari from 10. – 15.2.– Check out the program!

Nallikari Snow Fest brings winter art and an international atmosphere to Nallikari, when ten international snow sculpture teams from ten different countries gather to compete by the sea. The event is part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture program and invites the audience to admire unique snow art by the sea.

From snow cubes to works of art

From Tuesday to Saturday 10. –15.2. ten international teams of snow sculptors will be working on snow cubes in Nallikari Winter Village, transforming them into spectacular works of art. This year’s theme is Nallikari’s magnificent location, “By the Sea,” and the event is part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture program.

The sculptors have 40 hours to complete their works. The snow sculptures can be admired in the Nallikari Winter Village during its opening hours until the snow melts. On two evenings, there will also be a unique opportunity to see the sculptures lighted up after dark. Entry to the area is free of charge.

“The best thing about Nallikari Snow Fest is seeing the sculptures take shape and witnessing the fantastic teamwork and creativity of the international teams. Every day of the event brings something new. It’s great to see how the sculptures take shape and how the competition culminates at the weekend with the lighting of the finished works and the spectacular snow sculpture park,” says Suvi Palo, event coordinator of Nallikari Snow Fest.

Snow Fest begins on 10.2. with an opening ceremony for everyone with the theme “Come and see snow sculpting and competing teams.”

Nallikari Snow Fest starts on Tuesday 10.2., with an opening ceremony for everyone with the theme “Come and see snow sculpting and the competing teams.” The opening ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. at Restaurant Huvilinna, and the event offers a great opportunity to dive into the world of snow sculpture and hear about the teams participating in the competition and the ideas behind their creations.

The highlight of the evening’s program will be Juhani Lilleberg’s presentation “The Art of Snow and Ice at the Winter Olympic Games.” Lilleberg is one of Finland’s best-known artists working with snow and ice, with decades of experience in international snow sculpture and ice art events and the Olympics. He has been involved in organizing major winter events and has also served as a competition judge. He is particularly known for his ability to combine technical expertise, art, and demanding Arctic conditions. The opening presentation offers an inspiring overview of how art created from snow and ice becomes part of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Saturday 14.2. is a super day of events – Nallikari will celebrate the opening of the Winter Village, the completion of the sculpture park, and the Korpirock Winter music festival.

On Saturday 14.2. Nallikari Snow Fest will reach its climax when the sculptors put the finishing touches to their works and Nallikari Winter Village opens to the public. In the evening, the snow sculptures will be illuminated with beautiful lights chosen by the sculptors and can be admired by the public from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The festival excitement will culminate in the Korpirock Winter music festival held at Restaurant Huvilinna.

“The lighted sculptures by the sea are one of the highlights of the event, and this year we are offering the opportunity to see them on both Saturday and Sunday evenings. The atmosphere in the evening is unique and worth experiencing in person,” says Janne Pekkala, event manager of the Winter Village.

“The evening will be crowned by the Korpi Rock Winter festival. Five Finnish rock bands will take to the stage at Restaurant Huvilinna. The event will combine good music, a warm atmosphere, and the magic of winter. It’s great to see how rock sounds meet the illuminated and finished snow sculptures,” Pekkala continues.

Snow sculptures attract thousands of visitors

Thousands of visitors are expected to visit Nallikari and the sculpture park during the event weekend. The Capital of Culture year is also expected to attract many international visitors to the area.

”This year, Nallikari Snow Fest will be bigger than ever. We are expecting thousands of visitors and an international atmosphere. Nallikari Snow Fest is an important event for locals, and it is a pleasure to see how joyfully the event is being received again this year,” comments Pekkala.

The snow sculptures once again impress with their finely crafted details, and their magical atmosphere is particularly emphasized in the evening lighting. The lighting adds a whole new dimension to the snow-white sculptures, which will be illuminated only on Saturday and Sunday evenings, 14. – 15.2.

The award ceremony crowns Sunday

On Sunday 15.2. Nallikari Snow Fest will come to a festive ending when the winner of the snow sculpture competition will be announced at the award ceremony at Restaurant Huvilinna at 11:00. In the evening, the snow sculptures will once again be illuminated from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the public can admire the works free of charge in the atmospheric surroundings of the Winter Village.

“It’s wonderful to see how all the teams have created such magnificent snow sculptures. The award ceremony is a moment when we can celebrate everyone’s efforts and creativity together in the spirit of Oulu as the Capital of Culture. The sculptures will bring joy to visitors to Nallikari far into the spring,” says event coordinator Palo happily.

Snow sculptures bring joy as long as the snow lasts

After Sunday, the snow sculptures will remain on display for the public to admire during the opening hours of Nallikari Winter Village, as long as snow and weather conditions allow.

“It’s great that the sculptures will remain in the area even after the event. People can come and see them several times,” adds Palo.

The Huvilinna Restaurant and sculpture park will be open daily 16. – 20.2. between 12:00 and 16:00. After this, the sculpture park will be open during the Winter Village’s opening hours.

Nallikari Snow Fest – save the dates!

• 10.2. Restaurant Huvilinna will host the Nallikari Snow Fest opening ceremony, which is open to everyone, starting at 6 p.m. The highlight of the evening’s program will be Juhani Lilleberg’s presentation “The Art of Snow and Ice at the Winter Olympic Games.”
• 11.–13.2. Sculptors focus on their work
• 14.2. Nallikari Winter Village opens at 11:00 a.m., with the opportunity to see the carvers finishing their works until 3:30 p.m.
• 14.2. 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Finished works will be illuminated with beautiful lights.
• 14.2. The Korpirock Winter Festival begins at Restaurant Huvilinna at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
• 15.2. Award ceremony in the sculpture area at 11:00 a.m.
• 15.2. The sculptures will be illuminated with beautiful lights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• 16.–20.2. Restaurant Huvilinna and the sculpture park are open daily from 12:00 to 16:00.
• 20.2. –> The sculpture park is open during the opening hours of Nallikari Winter Village.

Further information about the event:
events at nallikari.fi