A small Christmas market in the center of Tallinn, Estonia is covered in a light layer of fresh snow. Warm light from wooden stalls illuminates the cobblestone streets and the rosy faces of tourists drinking mulled wine. With Christmas traditions dating back to 1441, Tallinn is the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas and experience traditional and historic Christmas markets.
This guide explains the best way to experience Tallinn’s Christmas Market, a well-preserved medieval town.
Some of the world’s best tourist attractions are in unexpected destinations. This is especially true at Christmas time in the small Scandinavian country of Estonia. What’s in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia? Europe’s best destinations Recently chosen as the No. 1 Christmas market in Europe!
Thousands of voters agree that this market outshines other markets in Europe, and that alone is reason to understand what the holiday season buzz is all about. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Tallinn’s award-winning Christmas Market.
The 2024 Tallinn Christmas Market will be from November 11, 2024 to December 27, 2024.
The usual Christmas market tourist route may lead you to Germany, Switzerland and France, but you’re really missing out if you don’t travel further north-east to the culturally rich land of Estonia.
During our trip to Helsinki, Finland, we decided at the last minute to take a boat ride and experience the lovely Tallinn Christmas Market. After seeing some photos online and seeing that it had won Best Christmas Market, I knew I had to see it for myself.
Tallinn Christmas Market Quick Guide:
of Estonia’s Tallinn Christmas Market will be held from November 11, 2024 to December 27, 2024. It’s a fairly long period, so there’s plenty of time before and after Christmas.
One day is really enough to experience the city and see the Christmas markets. You don’t have to spend the night. We recommend going by boat, buy tickets here.
We also recommend taking a walking tour of the city. Amazing medieval guided tour It was a very different kind of tour! They wore costumes and talked about the history and legends of Tallinn and Estonia. This is a free tour held in front of the tourist information center every day at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm (1:00 pm).
How to get to Tallinn, Estonia
Getting there is super easy and honestly part of the fun. The ship sails regularly from Helsinki to Estonian ports and is connected by three ferry companies. Tallink Silja has 6 departures a day, Viking Line has 3 departures a day and Ekero has 3 departures a day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs between £30 and £100 euros return. we I bought my ticket here the day before..
The boat ride itself was great, with restaurants, lounges, and even shops. The reason there are so many ferries is that many Finns shop in Estonia, especially for alcohol.
Nowadays, many people take boats to get to the beautiful Christmas markets. The Estonian Christmas spirit has become known throughout Europe and the world since 1441, when the world’s first public Christmas tree was erected on Tallinn’s Town Hall Square.
Since then, a sparkling tree has been installed and decorated every November in the center of the square, where it still stands tall well into January. And at the base of the tree lies one of Europe’s longest-running holiday traditions, the famous Christmas Market, which is packed with artisans, chefs, entertainers, shoppers and more each year.
Tallinn in winter
Most travelers recommend traveling to this part of the world, Scandinavia and the Baltic coast, during the warm summer months when you don’t need to wear three layers of clothing to go outdoors. To be honest, there isn’t much light during the day.
However, anyone who has ever visited the fairytale capital of Tallinn in the winter definitely knows that there is no better time to visit. Famous medieval buildings and ancient churches will be covered in snowflakes, the UNESCO-listed Old Town will sparkle with holiday lights and decorations, and of course, Town Hall Square will be covered in snowflakes, as Forbes magazine puts it, one of Europe’s The holiday markets listed in the top 10 are bustling with activity.
Lonely Planet lists Estonia as one of the best places to travel on a budget, and I have to agree.
In addition to holiday markets and festivals, explore Scandinavia’s only surviving Gothic town hall, snap postcard-worthy winter photos from Toompea’s hilltop citadel, and go ice skating under the twinkling lights. You can also do this. Tallinn is a city rich in history, nature, ancient architecture, delicious food, and welcoming people, and the holiday season tends to make the city’s beauty shine even more.
What to expect
Whatever your expectations, Tallinn’s Christmas market is sure to surprise you. Here, you’ll find age-old traditions, gatherings for friends and family to drink and dine, and an abundance of handmade items to gift to loved ones.
However, Estonia is a culturally unique country, and you’ll find that Tallinn’s Christmas market is different from other holiday markets in Europe and around the world. Hot drinks, hearty winter food, handmade crafts and festivals are uniquely Estonian and that’s what makes this market unforgettable.
Tallinn has an interesting history and even claims that the building that houses St. Olaf’s Church is the largest in Europe. We don’t know much about this building because it burned down three times and was struck by lightning at least 17 times. But I do know that many people have died walking tightrope from the towers of buildings.
❄️ European packing essentials! ❄️
🧥 coat – Essentials for winter travel! This will not disappoint
👖 thermal leggings – Keeps you warm all day long.
👕 thermal undershirt – Adds warmth
🥾 boots– Stays comfortable and sturdy enough to be worn in the snow
🧦 wool socks– Keeps feet warm and dry
🧤 telephone gloves – These work so you can take photos of Christmas lights.
🧳 luggage – This is my favorite carry bag!
🔌 universeAl adapter – Perfect for country hopping
👜 crossbody bag – Great for hands-free and keeping your belongings safe
☃️ beanie hat – Essentials to keep you warm (and look cute!)
🔥 hand warmer – The secret to not getting cold!
🧣 scarf – So the key to packing less is to bring accessories like scarves to change things up.
Get my complete packing list here!
What you need to know
You can’t go wrong when browsing Tallinn’s Christmas markets, but it helps to be prepared. Bring extra cash to buy snacks, winter drinks, and of course holiday gifts. Some stalls accept credit card payments, but most prefer cash or only allow cash. Fortunately, prices at Tallinn’s Christmas market are not as high as other tourist holiday markets across Europe.
You might already expect the weather in Estonia to be cool, but it’s especially important to be prepared when exploring Tallinn’s Christmas markets. You’ll likely want to spend a lot of time walking, eating, and shopping, so be sure to pack a comfortable jacket, warm gloves, a hat, and comfortable boots or shoes.
The Christmas market runs from mid-November to early January, but those who want to see the most activity should visit Town Hall Square on weekends or during Advent, when there are more stalls and live performances. Please try carrying it.
what to eat
Whatever you do, don’t eat a hearty meal before heading to Tallinn Town Hall Square. The Christmas market is known as one of the best places to eat in the city during the holiday season, and sampling hot Estonian cuisine adds to the festive fun. You can’t miss the aromas of warm pipalkougid (gingerbread), smoked meats and traditional Christmas roasts. Cookie stalls await the little ones during the holiday season, while adults can warm up their cold hands and bodies with grogi (spicy mulled wine).
If you want to experience Estonian culture at Christmas time, trying the traditional holiday blood sausage is a must. The sausage, a mixture of barley, pork, spices and animal blood, was so appetizing and memorable that it became the country’s national dish. From pork chops, potatoes and sauerkraut to warm gingerbread and hot cocoa, Tallinn’s Christmas Market is full of fun treats perfect for the holidays. I recommend coming hungry and going from stall to stall for snacks.
Also read: What to eat at the Christmas market.
what to buy
At Tallinn’s Christmas Market, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. You will never receive the same gift from anyone else. The handicrafts sold here are handcrafted and of the highest quality, ranging from toys and knick-knacks for small children to intricately knitted socks, plush furs and carefully carved wooden holiday decorations. .
Warm your fingers and toes with handmade goat wool mittens and felt boots, or fill your stockings with wooden dolls and ornaments. It’s almost impossible to leave the Christmas market empty-handed.
I bought myself a wool sweater (jumper). It is the warmest item I own.
Highlights
What makes Tallinn’s Christmas market so unique is the number of cultural programs that take place on weekends and during Advent. Every Sunday, Advent candles are lit and town leaders and church officials gather to welcome visitors from Tallinn, Estonia, and the world. On other weekend evenings, visitors can enjoy live cultural performances by groups from all over Estonia and abroad. Around 3,000 performers take to the stage each year at Tallinn’s Christmas Market.
And no visit to Tallinn’s holiday market would be complete without a visit to the star of the season, Santa Claus. A cheerful old man greeting good boys and girls and handing out candy from his adorable festive house. With a merry-go-round and plenty of holiday activities, this market is especially appealing to young children. The festivities continue into January, with New Year’s Eve celebrations rivaling all the pre-Christmas fun in terms of excitement, entertainment, food, and more.
don’t forget
Before you head back to your hotel with your bags full of holiday gifts and sweet treats, check out some of the must-haves from Tallinn’s Christmas markets.
- Take a photo with the famous Christmas tree against a magical backdrop of snow-capped pastel houses.
- Take a selfie with Santa Claus before he and his reindeer take off on Christmas Eve to hand out presents to children around the world.
- Sing holiday songs from Estonia and around the world with our choir on stage.
- Dip freshly baked gingerbread cookies into warm mulled cider (or hot cocoa for little ones).
- Following the holiday festivities, ring in the New Year with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in Tallinn.
Christmas is the most magical time of the year for many people, and there is no winter wonderland quite like the ancient, snow-covered town of Tallinn. Make this year your most memorable holiday season ever by visiting Tallinn’s award-winning Christmas Market.
I’m already looking forward to returning to Estonia on my next vacation.
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