Tallinn Christmas Market 2024: Incredible Estonia

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: confirmed dates, opening times, locations, and a taste of Estonian specialties.

Tallinn Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Tallinn Christmas Market dates: 22nd November to 27th December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in April. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.

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 square.

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 market.
Reason to visit: Tallinn is one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe and its Medieval centre has been wonerfully restored.

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 main event.

When I last visited Tallinn, I stayed at Hotel Telegraaf. This beautiful, historic hotel would be ideal as it’s only a 2-minute walk to Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats).

Discover additional places to stay by reading my hotels in Tallinn 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

In late November, an outdoor ice rink known as Ice Rink Uisupark opens on Harju Street, Tallinn. The rink is next to St Nicholas Church, and you can hire skates or bring your own.

The full price is €7 per hour, but the Tallinn Card offers a 50% discount (confirm this is still the case before booking).

What to Expect

About the Market

The wonderful Town Hall Square is the historical focal point for locals and visitors alike. The decorated stalls line the square.

This is where you can find classic 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 winter events outside the centre square if you want to explore the city further.

Food Specialties

• Gingerbread (Piparkoogid): Gingerbread cookies are a traditional market snack or gift. They are usually made with honey, cinnamon, and ginger and are often decorated with icing.
• Mulled Wine (Glogg): Mulled wine is always popular. It’s made from red wine, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and sometimes raisins and almonds.
• Blood Sausage (Verivorst): This dish is 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 the region.
• Roast Pork (Seapraad): Roast pork is usually seasoned with garlic, allspice, and black pepper and served with sauerkraut and potatoes.
• Cabbage Rolls (Kapsarullid): 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 typically made from boiled and grated beetroot, onions, sour cream, and a touch of vinegar.
• Buckwheat (Tatrajahu): Buckwheat is a staple grain in Estonia and is often served as a vegetarian side dish. It can be cooked with onions, garlic, and mushrooms for added flavour and is a great gluten-free option.
• Fried Fish: Fried fish is a popular street food, especially in coastal towns, including Tallinn. It is often battered and deep-fried and served with French fries and a side salad.
• Sõir: Sõir is a traditional fresh cheese. You can sometimes find it baked or fried and served with lingonberry jam.
• Piroshki: These are small stuffed buns popular in the Baltics and Central European countries. They can be filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, mushrooms, or cabbage, and they are often served warm.
• Langos: This Hungarian dish has become popular across Europe. 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.
• 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): Some stalls sell items such as hand-knitted woollen socks, mittens, and hats.
• Jõulukaunistused (Christmas decorations): From hand-painted glass ornaments to wooden figures, the decorations you find here are steeped in Estonian and folklore.
• Puidust mänguasjad (Wooden toys): Wooden toys have a nostalgic appeal, embracing the joy of simpler times. Crafted by hand, they 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.

Sustainability Tips

• 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, 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.