A light layer of fresh snow covers a small Christmas market in central Tallinn, Estonia. Warm lights from wooden stalls illuminate the cobblestone streets and the rosy faces of visitors sipping mulled wine. The Christmas tradition dates back to 1441. Tallinn is the perfect place to capture the magic of Christmas and experience traditional and historic Christmas markets.
This guide will show you the best ways to experience Tallinn’s Christmas markets and well-preserved medieval city.
Some of the world’s best tourist attractions are in unexpected destinations, especially during the Christmas season, and this is also true for the small Nordic country of Estonia. There’s something about Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Best travel destinations in Europe It was recently selected as the #1 Christmas market in Europe!
Thousands of voters have agreed that this market outshines all others in Europe, which is why we find out what all the holiday buzz is about. Here you will find everything you need to know about visiting the award-winning Tallinn Christmas Market.
The 2024 Tallinn Christmas Market runs from November 11, 2024 to December 27, 2024.
The typical Christmas market tour might take you to Germany, Switzerland and France, but you’d really be missing out if you didn’t travel further northeast towards Estonia, a country overflowing with culture.
On our trip to Helsinki, Finland, we decided to experience the beautiful Tallinn Christmas Market by boat at the last minute. After seeing a few pictures online and learning that it had won an award for best Christmas market, we knew we had to see it in person.
Tallinn Christmas Market Quick Guide:
that The Christmas Market in Tallinn, Estonia will be open from November 11, 2024 to December 27, 2024.. It’s quite a long time, so you’ll have plenty of time around Christmas!
All you need is one day to experience the city and see the Christmas markets. No need to spend the night. I recommend going by boat. Buy your tickets here.
I also recommend exploring the city on foot. Wonderful medieval guided tour It was truly a different kind of trip! 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 very easy, straightforward and part of the fun. The ship sails regularly from Helsinki to Estonian ports and is connected by three ferry companies. Tallink Silja is served 6 times a day, Viking Line is served 3 times a day and Eckerö is also served 3 times a day. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours and costs between £30 – £100 Euros return. we I bought a ticket here the day before..
The boat ride itself was fantastic with restaurants, lounge areas and even shops. The reason so many ferries are offered is because many people in Finland shop in Estonia, especially for alcohol.
Now many people take boats to the beautiful Christmas markets. Estonia’s Christmas spirit has been recognized across Europe and around the world since 1441, when the world’s first publicly displayed Christmas tree was erected in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square.
Since then, a towering, twinkling tree has been erected and decorated in the center of the square every November and remains standing until January. And beneath the trees are the famous Christmas markets, one of Europe’s longest-running holiday traditions, bustling with artisans, chefs, entertainers and shoppers every year.
Tallinn in winter
Most travelers suggest traveling to this part of the world, Northern Europe and the Baltics, during the warm summer months when you don’t need to wear three layers of clothing to go outdoors. And let’s be honest, we don’t get too much light during the day.
But anyone who has visited the fairytale capital of Tallinn during the winter knows there is no better time to visit. Famous medieval buildings and ancient churches are dusted with snow, the UNESCO-listed Old Town sparkles with twinkling Christmas lights and decorations, and City Hall Square bustles with Christmas markets in what Forbes ranked as one of the top 10 cities in Europe.
Lonely Planet also lists Estonia as one of the best places to operate on a budget, and I agree!
In addition to holiday markets and festivals, you can explore Northern Europe’s only remaining Gothic town hall, take postcard-worthy winter photos at Toompea’s hilltop citadel, or go ice skating under twinkling lights. Tallinn is a city rich in history, natural scenery, ancient architecture, delicious food and friendly people, and the holiday season tends to brighten the city’s beauty even more.
What should you expect?
Whatever your expectations, Tallinn Christmas Market will surprise you. Here you’ll find time-honored traditions, gatherings of friends and family to drink and dine, and a variety of handmade items to gift to loved ones.
However, Estonia is a culturally unique country, and you will find that the Tallinn Christmas Market is different from all other Christmas markets in Europe and around the world. Warm drinks, hearty winter food, handmade crafts and festivities are unique to Estonia, and this is what makes these markets unforgettable.
Tallinn has an interesting history, with St. Olaf’s Church being the largest building in Europe. We don’t know much about this building because it has been struck by lightning three times and has been struck by lightning at least 17 times. However, we do know that many people have often died while crossing tightropes from the towers of buildings.
❄️ European packaging essentials! ❄️
🧥 coat – A must for winter travel! This doesn’t disappoint
👖 thermal leggings – Keeps you warm all day long.
👕 thermal undershirt – Add warmth
🥾 boots– This product remains comfortable and sturdy enough to be worn in the snow.
🧦 wool socks– Keep your feet warm and dry.
🧤 phone compatible gloves – Allows you to take photos of Christmas lights!
🧳 luggage – This is for my carry-on!
🔌 universityegg adapter – Best for country hopping
👜 crossbody bag – Best for keeping your hands free and keeping your items safe.
☃️ beanie – A must-have for staying warm and looking cute!
🔥 hand warmer – The secret to never being cold!
🧣 scarf – So the secret to packing less is to use accessories like scarves to change the look!
Get the full packing list here!
Good to know
You really can’t go wrong when exploring the Tallinn Christmas Markets, but it helps to be prepared. Make sure you have enough cash on hand to purchase snacks, winter drinks, and plenty of holiday gifts. Some stalls accept credit cards, but most prefer cash or only accept cash. Fortunately, prices at the Tallinn Christmas Market are not as inflated as those at other popular holiday markets across Europe.
You might already expect the weather in Estonia to be cool. However, it is especially important to be prepared with clothes if you plan to explore the Tallinn Christmas Markets. You’ll want to spend a lot of time wandering around, eating, and shopping, so pack a cozy jacket, warm gloves, a hat, and comfortable boots or shoes for walking.
Christmas markets run from mid-November to early January, but if you want to see the most activity, head to Town Hall Square during Advent or on weekends, when there are more vendors and live entertainment.
what to eat
Whatever you do, don’t eat a big meal before heading to Tallinn City Hall Square. The Christmas markets are known as one of the city’s best places to eat during the holidays, and sampling warm Estonian food adds to the festive fun. The aromas of warm fiparcugid (gingerbread), smoked meats and traditional Christmas roasts are not to be missed. A Christmas cookie stand awaits children, while adults can warm their cold hands and bodies with glögi (spiced mulled wine).
When experiencing Estonia’s culture during Christmas, trying the traditional holiday blood sausage is a must. Made from a mixture of barley, pork, spices and animal blood, sausages are mouth-watering and memorable and have become the country’s national dish. From pork chops, potatoes and sauerkraut to warm gingerbread and hot cocoa, there are so many delightful holiday treats to try at the Tallinn Christmas Market. It is recommended to come on an empty stomach and have a snack at the street stall.
You might also like to read: What to eat at the Christmas markets.
What should I buy?
You’ll find something for everyone on your list at the Tallinn Christmas Market, and you’ll find that they won’t receive the same gift from anyone else. The handcrafts sold here are of the highest quality, handcrafted, from children’s toys and decorations to intricately woven socks, luxurious furs, and carefully carved wooden holiday ornaments.
Warm your hands and toes with handmade goat-hair mittens and felt boots, or fill your stockings with wooden figurines and trinkets. It’s almost impossible to leave a Christmas market empty-handed.
I bought a wool sweater (jumper) and it’s the warmest item I own!
Things to see
Much of what makes the Tallinn Christmas Market unique is the numerous cultural programs that take place over the weekend and during Advent. Every Sunday, Advent candles are lit and village leaders and church officials gather to welcome visitors from Tallinn, across Estonia, and around the world. On other weekend nights, visitors can enjoy live cultural performances by groups from all over Estonia and abroad. Every year, the Tallinn Christmas Market features around 3,000 performers.
And no visit to Tallinn’s holiday markets is complete without a visit to the star of the season: Santa Claus. A jolly old man who greets all the good boys and girls and hands out candy in his lovely festive home. The carousel and various holiday activities make this market an especially magical place for children. The festivities last until January, and New Year’s Eve celebrations rival all the pre-Christmas fun in terms of excitement, entertainment, food and more.
don’t forget
Check out a few Tallinn Christmas Market essentials before heading back to your hotel with bags full of holiday gifts and sweet treats.
- Take a photo with the famous Christmas tree against a magical backdrop of snow-covered pastel-colored houses.
- Take a selfie with Santa Claus and his reindeer before they take off and hand out gifts to children around the world on Christmas Eve.
- Join the choir on stage and sing holiday songs from Estonia and around the world.
- Dip fresh gingerbread cookies into hot mulled cider (or hot cocoa for the little ones).
- Celebrate the holiday festivities as we ring in the new year with Tallinn’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Christmas is the most magical time of the year for many people. There’s no winter wonderland quite like the ancient, snow-covered city of Tallinn. Make your most memorable holiday season yet by visiting the award-winning Tallinn Christmas Market this year.
I’m already looking forward to visiting Estonia on my next vacation!
Want more Christmas markets? I got it!
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