Usually from the middle November and into the first week of January
If you are looking for a real Baltic Christmas spirit, Tallinn is the place to go.
The Christmas Market on Town Hall Square lasts for almost two
months and is a must-visit place for everyone coming to Tallinn during the
holiday season.
Annually, the event gets around 500 thousand visitors from all around the
world, (that in comparison of the total population of Estonia that is around 1.3 million people).
Fun games, magical performances, local handicrafts, and tasty food can be found near the main Christmas tree of Estonia.
Don’t forget to try local holiday delicacies – black pudding, sour cabbage, gingerbread, and hot wine of all flavors.
Forbes once mentioned Tallinn Christmas market among 10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe.
During the weekends, different bands from Estonia and other countries perform on Tallinn Christmas Market.
In total 3000 performers arrive on stage during the celebration period.
Every Sunday of the Advent period, an Advent candle is lit, followed by greetings from church and city leaders of Tallinn.
A special program is also prepared for New Year’s Eve !
Tallinn is the oldest capital in Northern Europe.
Its Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval town centers in the world.
The first Christmas tree was erected in Tallinn in 1441 making it the earliest decorated Christmas tree in Europe.
The modern Christmas market was first established in 1997 and turns Town
Hall Square into the magical winter wonderland every year since then.
The biggest and the most popular of them are:
St. Martin’s Fair – the largest handicraft market in Estonia and the earliest Christmas market of the season.
International Christmas Bazaar – the most international Christmas event in Tallinn.
Christmas market of the Tallinn’s Board of Disabled People – offers crafts and products, created by people with disabilities.
Estonian National Library’s Design and Art Fair
– takes place in one of the most interesting buildings of the city – the National Library of Estonia.
Tallinn’s Great Christmas Festival – very family-friendly event, with great music, Christmas goods, and holiday atmosphere.
Most of these smaller markets and fairs, unfortunately, last for just a day or two.
When: Usually from the middle of November and into the first week of January
Where: Tallinn, Estonia
Official website: christmasmarket.ee
Hotels: Hotels in Tallinn
A good hotel in the center of Tallinn is Metropol SPA Hotel
It is popular with nice rooms and a great SPA and wellness / fitness area.
Only a short walk to the Old Town and the Town Hall square.
Estonia is situated in Northern Europe, so winter is rather cold here.
You will need some warm clothes if you are planning to travel to Tallinn for Christmas.
The temperatures are not extreme, however.
The average daily temperature in December is -2 0 C.
January might be a little colder, with the average temperature of -4 0 C and snowfalls are rather common in Estonia during the winter season,
