Oslo welcomed the New Year with its inaugural municipal laser and light show at Rådhusplassen on December 31, 2023. The event, which saw attendance from many eager spectators, marked a significant departure from traditional fireworks displays, primarily due to concerns over noise and environmental pollution.
The city's choice to host the first municipal laser show instead of public fireworks was greeted with enthusiasm from many who gathered to witness the spectacle. Despite challenging weather conditions characterized by grey skies and low visibility, the show proceeded as planned. According to reports, those who attended Rådhusplassen likely enjoyed the full impact of the lasers, which were said to be powerful enough to be visible beyond the city center.
Prior to the show, the City Environment Agency had encouraged spectators to view the performance from their own locations rather than gathering en masse at Rådhusplassen. This was due to safety and accessibility concerns since large crowds can create logistical challenges on such occasions. Nonetheless, the recommendation did not deter many from heading to the iconic square to celebrate the new year.
At Uranienborg, another popular vantage point for the event, the atmosphere was festive, but visibility proved to be poor. Several attendees noted they could only catch glimpses of the colored beams cutting through the cloud cover. Unfortunately, these small lasers were sometimes overshadowed by illegal fireworks being launched, as the deployment of such pyrotechnics is officially restricted within municipal boundaries, particularly during the hours leading up to midnight.
Markus Jenssen, the managing director of Unique Pyrotechnic, the company responsible for the show, had previously indicated in interviews with the media, including NRK, "The weather will have little impact. The advantage we have with lasers and lights compared to fireworks is their relatively weather-resistant nature." He assured attendees of a visually stunning experience, promising the display would feature 13 to 14 minutes of dazzling light.
The city of Oslo allocated nearly two million krone (approximately $185,000 USD) for this innovative celebration, with the direct costs of the light show reaching around 1,750,000 krone. Including additional expenses for security and medical services, the total expenditure came to about 1,985,000 krone.
Oslo's leadership, including Mayor Eirik Lae Solberg, defended the financial investment, highlighting the event's environmental benefits and its suitability for those concerned about the effects of loud noises associated with traditional fireworks displays. Mayor Solberg remarked to NRK before the event, "It is a more environmentally friendly way to mark the New Year. It's also beneficial for pets, which are often unsettled by loud noises, and for residents who may not handle loud environments well.”
This year's choice to forgo traditional fireworks—utilized at the last public display prior to 2020—was part of Oslo's broader shift toward greener celebrations. Mayor Solberg noted, "Traditional fireworks with loud bangs and smoke are not good for the air quality or the animals. A light and sound show is a modern form of marking the occasion, one we hope the city will appreciate and perhaps will become a new tradition for Oslo."
The community's response to the show was mixed, with many praising the change as beneficial. Some remarked how it added to the festive atmosphere without the pungent smoke and loud cracks associated with conventional fireworks. Further, it showcased how the city aims to engage its residents with innovative and environmentally conscientious celebrations.
While the New Year’s Eve weather initially seemed like it would dampen spirits, it instead added to the uniqueness of the event, proving how modern technology can create spectacular experiences amid less-than-ideal conditions. The success of this show may pave the way for its return next year, fostering hope for new holiday traditions rooted in community well-being and environmental health.