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Tallinn
Tallinn Christmas Markets
Tallinn Christmas Markets
Tallinn's Christmas markets, at the heart of Estonia’s capital, are a magical festive experience. Dotted throughout the city’s medieval Old Town, they feature charming wooden stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations and delicious local treats like zingy gingerbread and mulled wine, AKA glogi. The enchanting atmosphere is made even more special thanks to a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the square, thousands of twinkling lights and jolly carol performances to get you into the spirit. On top of the markets, you’ve got a whole host of history, culture, shopping and nightlife to explore across the city too. Try Tallinn for your festive city break next year and make it a Christmas to remember...
Old Town square Christmas market
This is the biggest and best in the city, so you can’t miss it. It’s held in the medieval Old Town, where the square is transformed into a winter wonderland. Wooden stalls sell handmade gifts, traditional Estonian treats and warming mulled wine, and there’s a great calendar of entertainment!
Admire it from the Town Hall
Want to see the Christmas markets from above? Head into the 700-year-old Town Hall and climb up to the top floor. Admire the frescoes that adorn the walls as you go. Peek out from its time-worn windows for a bird’s-eye view of all the festive fun below.
Catch live performances
Be entertained as you wander around the stalls by everything from carol singers and Santa Claus to folk groups and dance troupes. Join the crowds as they sing and dance along to performers on stage and really get into the festive spirit.
Gingerbread Mania
This annual art exhibition is like nothing you’ve seen before – everything showcased here has to be made out of gingerbread! Admire artwork (or should we say bakes!) made by local artists or join a workshop and create your own sweet souvenir. ‘Piparkook’ means gingerbread in Estonian.
Walk the city walls
Fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of the markets? Enjoy a unique perspective of the city's rich history from these well-preserved, UNESCO-listed fortifications which date back to the 13th century. See medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets along the way.
Take museum pit stops
Escape the chilly temperatures and head into one of the city’s many museums to learn about Estonia’s fascinating history. The Estonian Maritime Museum and Kumu Art Museum are two of the most popular! Some even offer free entry.
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Nordic Hotel Forum
Tallinn City, Tallinn
Our rating
Based on 3310 reviews
0.1 Km to Tallinn Christmas Markets
- Modern, bright rooms
- Cosy bar and restaurant
- Relaxing spa and indoor pool
- 700m from the Town hall and Christmas Market
- 1km from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Metropol Hotel
Tallinn City, Tallinn
Our rating
Based on 1723 reviews
0.3 Km to Tallinn Christmas Markets
- Central location
- Comfortable rooms
- 850m from St Olaf's Church
- 900m from Tallinn Town Hall Square and Christmas Markets
- 1.3km from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Hotel Telegraaf Autograph Collection
Tallinn City, Tallinn
Our rating
Based on 2157 reviews
0.4 Km to Tallinn Christmas Markets
- Rejuvenating Spa
- 180m from Tallinn Town Hall Square and Christmas markets
- Gourmet restaurant
- Modern luxury rooms
- 550m from St Olaf's Church
St Catherine's Passage
Tallinn
Take a walk down memory lane along this charming, cobblestone alley in Tallinn’s Old Town. St. Catherine's Passage is known for its medieval architecture, lined with historic buildings and artisan workshops. At...
0.3 Km to Tallinn Christmas Markets - Map
Masters Courtyard
Tallinn
This quaint, cobblestone courtyard is a little piece of Tallinn’s history, where craftsmen would take their wares out into the street to sell. Today, it’s home to artisan shops, galleries and charming cafés....
0.3 Km to Tallinn Christmas Markets - Map
1. Go ice skating
Just minutes from the Town Hall Square, you’ll find the Old Town’s seasonal ice-skating rink. Wrap up warm, hire a pair of skates and glide over the ice with Tallinn’s iconic spires and skyline as your backdrop. Enjoy the music as you skate, then head to the café for a warm drink!
2. The giant Christmas tree
Cameras at the ready! Snap a photo with this giant tree for a festive selfie like no other. You’ll see it in the middle of the Old Town square, towering over the market stalls. It’s dotted with thousands of twinkling lights, so it looks even prettier at night.
3. Sample verivorst
This is the country’s national dish and is especially popular at Christmastime! It’s a spicy sausage, which is often compared to black pudding, served with sauerkraut and a red berry jam. Grab some from the markets or try it in a traditional restaurant.
4. Wrap up warm with a mulled wine
AKA glögg or glögi, this delicious tipple is sure to warm your cockles. There are lots of different flavours to choose from, with non-alcoholic versions available as well. How about a hot chocolate for the little ones too?
5. Fairground rides
Whether you’ve got kids in tow or not, it’s sometimes hard to resist a ride on a merry-go-round, especially at Christmas! Enjoy the music, admire the colourful lights and soak up the festive atmosphere.
6. Gaze across the snowy rooftops
Day or night, head to the Kohtuotsa viewing platform for sensational view across the city’s skyline. When the red roofs of the Old Town are blanketed with snow in winter, they’re even more picturesque. It’s a bit of a climb uphill to get there but it’s well worth it for the view.
FAQs
When is the Tallinn Christmas Market?
The Tallinn Christmas Market usually opens in late November (often the last Friday or Saturday) and runs until the first week of January, including New Year's Day. Specific dates vary slightly each year, so it's best to check the official Tallinn City website closer to the time.
Where is the Tallinn Christmas Market located?
The market is in Tallinn's historic Old Town, in the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), right in front of the magnificent Tallinn Town Hall.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at the market?
You can expect a magical atmosphere, with a square adorned in twinkling lights, air filled with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine and festive music. It's often hailed as one of Europe's most charming Christmas markets.
Is the Tallinn Christmas Market suitable for children?
The market is very family friendly. Little ones can enjoy the carousel, visiting Santa and the festive lights. There are also child-friendly treats and non-alcoholic warm drinks available.
