Since 1997, Tallinn’s Christmas Market has brought a festive experience to the heart of its Medieval old town, Raekoja plats.
Celebrating a tradition that dates back to the first Christmas tree erected in 1441, this guide offers everything you need for your 2024 visit: dates, opening times, locations, and a taste of Estonian specialties.
Tallinn Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Unconfirmed
Tallinn Christmas Market dates: 1st December 2024 to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Check back around that time for confirmed dates, or sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they’re available.
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Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Town Hall Square – Raekoja plats in Estonian.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Drink stalls: Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm. Friday and Saturday: 10am to 11pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
New Year’s Day: Open.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: If this is your first time in Tallinn, this Old Town Walking Tour is a great introduction to the city.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Be sure to visit Kadriorg Palace, Patarei Prison and the Occupation Museum while in Tallinn. Take the ferry on a day trip to Helsinki if you have time.
Where to stay: Hotel Telegraaf – a historic hotel located a 2-minute walk to the Christmas markets.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Switch-on at 6pm on 1st December.
Santa: Yes, at Santa’s House in Town Hall Square. Everyday from the 2nd December 2024.
Ice skating: Yes, there is ice skating at Ice Rink Uisupark although this isn’t part of the Christmas market.
Reason to visit: Tallinn is one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe and its Medieval centre has been wonerfully restored. Tallinn is an incredible destination all year round and particularly festive during winter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Food specialities: Blood pudding, gingerbread cookies, Estonian mulled wine.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
Naturally, you’ll want to stay in the Old Town during your visit. This district is known as Vanalinn, and given that this central district is small, anywhere here is near the Christmas market.
I stayed at Hotel Telegraaf when I last visited Tallinn. This beautiful, historic hotel would be ideal for the Christmas markets as it’s only a 2-minute walk to Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats).
Discover additional places to stay in Tallinn by reading my detailed hotel guide.
Recommended Tours
If this is your first time in Tallinn, I suggest taking this Old Town Walking Tour. It only takes 1.5 hours but will give you an excellent overview of the city, its history, architecture and Estonian culture.
You might also consider taking this popular Estonian Food Tour, where you can try 3 or 4 Estonian dishes and several traditional drinks. It’s a 3-hour tour where you can experience a number of local specialties like green chocolate and berry chips.
Location Map
Ice Skating
An outdoor ice rink in late November opens on Harju Street, Tallinn, known locally as Ice Rink Uisupark. The rink is next to St Nicholas Church, and you can hire skates or take your own.
The full price is €7 per hour, and you can get a 50% discount with the Tallinn Card (confirm this is still the case before booking).
This event isn’t part of the Christmas markets, but it’s a fun, family-oriented event open to everyone.
Christmas in Tallinn
At Christmas, Tallinn becomes a wonderland of snow and lights, with the medieval Old Town offering a backdrop that feels straight out of a storybook.
You’re treated to a city that embraces the festive season with warmth, hosting live concerts and traditional Estonian Christmas events that fill the streets with joy and celebration.
About the Market
The wonderful Town Hall Square is the historical focal point for locals and visitors alike. The decorated Christmas market stalls line the square.
This is where you can find Christmas snacks, hot drinks, gifts, decorations and traditional Estonian souvenirs.
The cobblestone streets and stunning architecture of the square add to the romantic, family-friendly setting.
There are some smaller Christmas markets outside the centre square if you want to explore the city further.
Watch the Video
Coming soon: A video from last year’s event.
Tallinn Christmas Market Food
Estonia has a rich culinary heritage, and there are many delicious foods to try during Christmas. Here are some popular and traditional Christmas foods worth trying while you’re in Tallinn:
- Gingerbread (Piparkoogid): Gingerbread cookies are a traditional Christmas treat in Estonia. They are usually made with honey, cinnamon, and ginger and are often decorated with icing.
- Mulled Wine (Glogg): Mulled wine is a popular Christmas drink in Estonia, made from red wine, sugar, spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and sometimes raisins and almonds.
- Blood Sausage (Verivorst): This is a popular Christmas dish in Estonia, made from pork blood, barley, and spices such as black pepper, allspice, and marjoram. It’s usually served with lingonberry jam and potatoes.
- Sauerkraut (Hapukapsas): Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that is commonly eaten in Estonia during Christmas. It’s usually cooked with pork, barley, and other seasonings.
- Roast Pork (Seapraad): Roast pork is a popular Christmas meat in Estonia. It’s usually seasoned with garlic, allspice, and black pepper and served with sauerkraut and potatoes.
- Cabbage Rolls (Kapsarullid): Cabbage rolls are a traditional Christmas dish in Estonia. They are usually filled with ground pork, rice, onions, and spices and are often served with lingonberry jam and boiled potatoes.
- Beetroot Salad (Peedisalat): Beetroot salad is a popular Christmas side dish in Estonia. It’s made from boiled and grated beetroot, onions, sour cream, and a touch of vinegar.
- Buckwheat (Tatrajahu): Buckwheat is a staple grain in Estonia, and it is often served as a vegetarian side dish during Christmas. It can be cooked with onions, garlic, and mushrooms for added flavour. Buckwheat is a great gluten-free option.
- Fried Fish: Fried fish is a popular street food in Estonia, especially in coastal towns, including Tallinn. The fish is usually battered and deep-fried, often served with French fries and a side salad.
- Sõir: Sõir is a traditional Estonian fresh cheese. You can sometimes find it baked or fried and served with lingonberry jam. You can find sõir stands in some Christmas markets and fairs.
- Piroshki: Piroshki are small stuffed buns that are popular in Estonia and other Eastern European countries. They can be filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, mushrooms, or cabbage, and they are often served warm.
- Langos: Langos is a Hungarian dish that has also become popular in Estonia. It is a deep-fried dough usually topped with sour cream, garlic, and grated cheese. It’s definitely worth trying.
Gifts and Souvenirs
- Käsitöö õlu (Handcrafted beer): Discover the tradition of Estonian craft brewing with a selection of handcrafted beers available at the market.
- Kohalikud maiustused (Local sweets): Some stalls sell Estonian sweets, including marzipan figures and kama bars. Marzipan, a delicacy believed to have originated in Tallinn, is artfully crafted into various shapes and often painted. Kama bars, made from a traditional mix of roasted grains, are a uniquely Estonian snacking option.
- Eesti käsitöö (Estonian handicrafts): The market stalls feature items like hand-knitted woollen socks, mittens, and hats.
- Jõulukaunistused (Christmas decorations): From hand-painted glass ornaments to wooden figures, the Christmas decorations you find here are steeped in Estonian festive traditions and folklore.
- Puidust mänguasjad (Wooden toys): Embracing the joy of simpler times, wooden toys from Tallinn’s Christmas market offer a nostalgic appeal. Crafted by hand, these toys range from puzzles and building blocks to traditional Estonian figures.
Personal Insights
Visiting Tallinn was an unforgettable experience for me. The city has one of Europe’s most beautiful old towns, where the architecture alone transports you to another era.
What stood out were not only the stunning sights but also the exceptional food, a blend of traditional Estonian dishes and modern cuisine, all without breaking the bank, thanks to Tallinn’s affordability.
For someone with an interest in history, particularly the Cold War, the Soviet occupation, and WWII, Tallinn offers a deep dive into these periods.
Patarei Prison and the KGB prison cells give a stark glimpse into Estonia’s past. The Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom has insightful exhibitions on Estonia’s fight for freedom.
Kadriorg Palace is an impressive example of Tsarist architecture surrounded by tranquil gardens, even in winter. Lastly, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands out with its distinctive domes and interesting interior.
Travel Information
Visit Estonia is the country’s official tourism website. It has the latest information for travellers to Tallinn, including events, experiences, how to get around, and things to do.
Official Website
For the most up-to-date information, including any changes to dates or times, visitors should consult the market’s official website or contact the Visit Estonia or Visit Tallinn tourist office.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Our choices have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. When visiting Tallinn, it’s important to consider sustainability.
Implement some or all of these simple measures to create a positive impact.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food if it has lower emissions.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences. Consider attending events in Tallinn, where you can meet locals.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
If you have any questions or comments about visiting the Tallinn Xmas Market in 2024 or visiting Tallinn in winter more generally, please comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Brigita
Will there be any program on the square on New Year’s night, 31th December? Fireworks?
Andrea Anastasakis
I have heard about anything, sorry.
Rebecca
Is the market definitely open on Christmas Day please? Hoping to do a day trip from Helsinki on that day. Thank you!
Andrea Anastasakis
Their opening hours are listed as daily, but I haven’t personally visited on Christmas Day so can’t guarantee it.
Sanna
Hi, is the Tallinn Christmas market open on Christmas Eve, December 24th?
Andrea Anastasakis
Yes, they’re open daily.
Shirley Fox
Do you need to book a slot for Santa visits?
Andrea Anastasakis
I’m not sure Santa will be there.
Ayan Dhingra
I want to sell some hand made woolen products in Christmas Market. Any leads how to book/hire/rent a stall for the same? Its my first time in Estonia so any leads would be much appreciated.
Andrea Anastasakis
The organiser’s contact details are here: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/tallinn-christmas-market
Adriana
We are going to be in Tallinnn for New Years and was wondering if the market will be open on the 1st of January.
Andrea Anastasakis
Yes, it will be open on New Year’s Day from 12 noon to 7pm, with some food stalls open later.
Anita
Yes Christmas market in Talinn is open till 8 the January .So you can enjoy on 1 st Jan.Cheers.
Anita