Tallinn has one of the most preserved old towns in Europe and the streets of the old town are decorated with lights from Viru Gate to all over the old town.
The old town is the perfect setting for a Christmas market, with its charming cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Although the Christmas Market isn’t as huge as German Christmas markets, you don’t miss out on the Christmas festivity spirit in Tallinn. Even though the Christmas market is small but it’s always crowded with locals and tourists.
Starting and Ending Date of Tallinn Christmas Market:
The Market started in December and it ends in the begining of January.
Must try the food at Estonian Christmas Foods:
Piparkoogid (Estonian gingerbread cookies)
Küüslauguleivad (garlic bread)
Sauerkraut and blood sausage, typical of an Estonian Christmas meal
Black pudding
Roasted almonds
Tips for Christmas Market in Tallinn:
Tallinn gets very cold in December and often the weather is in negative. Come well prepare to the market with layers of warm clothes, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage site, be sure to walk on the medieval streets.
The Estonia is famous for its handmade crafts - be sure to check woolen socks, mittens, ceramics and scarves.
It's highly recommeneded to stay near the Tallinn’s Old Town so you can enjoy the festivity and easily commute from your hotel to main touristic spots.
Christmas Market at Tallinn, Estonia:
1. Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats):
The main Tallinn Christmas Market is located in Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats) and it's in the heart of Tallinn Old Town. The medieval square turns into the christmas festivity with wooden stalls and twinkling decor.
Now, the Christmas Market of Tallinn is set up every year in front of Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, where the public Christmas Tree was first displayed.
According to some traditions, the first Christmas tree was erected at Tallinn in 1441 by the Brotherhood of Blackheads.
There are different small wooden stalls selling Christmas specialties such as decor, and many more traditional items such as handmade gifts, wooden toys, and locally made food products.
The Christmas Market doesn’t only have stalls but also some fun activities for the kids like Carousal rides.
Apart from shopping at the stalls, there are also various activities to participate in at the Tallinn Christmas Market such as performances.
The temperature is always quite low (normally in minus) in December and you often experience snowfall which makes the Christmas market even more magical.
2. Christmas stalls at the Tallinn Castle:
The Tallinn Castle is located on a small hill and we hiked to reach the Castle. From there, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Tallinn Old Town and Christmas Market.
In the courtyard of the Castle, there are small stalls set set-up for the locals and tourists to enjoy the festivity of Christmas.
3. Visit Small Christmas Markets:
You should also visit the small christmas markets apart from the main christmas market. We should also visit Rotermann Quarter and Telliskivi Creative City which are famous for artisans vibes.
4. Christmas Dinner at Olde Hansa:
Olde Hansa is a medieval restaurant located in the old town of Tallinn. Once we entered Olde Hansa, we felt that we were back in medieval times. Even the waiters were also dressed in traditional clothes.
During the Christmas season, they also host traditional Estonian and medieval-inspired dishes. There are also unique Christmas-themed activities, such as historical workshops, and storytelling sessions.
5. Ice Skating at Harju Street, Tallinn:
The Christmas fun isn’t completed without skating. So, the stage is set up for ice skating every year at Harju Street in Tallinn Old Town.
The ice rink is located near the famous historic St. Nicholas Church. It’s an open ice rink where the local families come to enjoy the skating.
6. Cultural Events:
There are also uncountable cultural events taking place starting in December and it ends with the closing of the Christmas Market in January.
7. Take a tour of Christmas Train:
You can also enjoy the Christmas Train ride which takes you on the tour of Old Town and you can enjoy the Christmas vibes.
8. Christmas at Shopping Mall in Tallinn:
The shopping Malls in Tallinn also indulge in the Christmas festivity and you can find the beautiful decor in the mall.
Ending Note:
If you happen to be in Tallinn during Christmas Time, be aware that the main tourist spots and museums are closed during these days.
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