The festive season in Tallinn has a charm like no other. The Estonian capital is transformed into a winter wonderland, completed by the city's medieval architecture. From educational experiences to fun outdoor activities, Tallinn will not disappoint at Christmastime. If you are intrigued by culture, history and culinary delights, Tallinn's cobbled streets promise a memorable trip. Tallinn stands out as a unique destination in Europe, especially during the Christmas season.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is the main gateway for international travelers.
• Getting Around: Tallinn's public transportation system, including buses, trams and trolleys, makes it easy to get around the city. And the compact Old Town is perfectly walkable, so explore its nooks and crannies at your own pace.
• Where to Stay: Opt for accommodations within the medieval Old Town to truly embrace the holiday spirit. Here, you'll find boutique hotels and charming inns that add even more holiday flair to your experience.
• How Long to Visit: A 2-3 day visit is sufficient to see and do the most popular sights and activities.
• Similar Destinations: Within Europe, Bruges mirrors Tallinn's small-town festive charm.

Highlights:

The Christmas Market:

The Tallinn Christmas Market exudes festive joy. This lively setting is crowned by the magnificent Christmas tree in its center, glittering with hundreds of lights. Stroll through the market, and you will find booths filled with winter essentials, such as mittens and scarves, perfect for gifts or personal treasures. Taste plays a starring role here: indulge in traditional Estonian dishes such as roast potatoes and pork, served with tangy sauerkraut or blood sausage paired with pickled pumpkin. Lingonberry jam adds some sweetness, and Gingerbread, a timeless treat, fills the air with its spicy aroma. And, of course, a hot cup of mulled wine is a must-have.

Learn more about Estonian Christmas traditions:

Estonia's rich holiday traditions are brought to life by the Estonian Open Air Museum and the Kumu Art Museum to help you understand the country's holiday customs. Both provide insightful exhibits and workshops, allowing you to make traditional ornaments or engage in holiday customs, among many other activities.

Outdoor Activities:

Winter in Tallinn is not just about cozying up indoors. You could head out on a snowshoe walk through the bogs that surround the city and enjoy peaceful and beautiful terrain. The Jägala Waterfall freezes over in winter and presents a rare and surreal spectacle; its cascading waters halted mid-fall by the cold. But Tallinn also provides the perfect spot for high-energy outdoor fun at the winter center of Tallinn's Song Festival Grounds. Slopes, ready for skiing and ice skating rinks await you under the starry winter sky. Or you can enjoy the thrill of sledding and snow tubing down the white slopes of the festival grounds.