Everything you need to know about visiting Tallinn at Christmas — from dates and food to where to stay and travel tips!
If you’re looking for a quieter Christmas market to visit this year — one set in a beautiful, historic city, that won’t break the bank and still offers plenty of local culture — then Tallinn Christmas Markets in Estonia should be at the top of your list.
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, a city where modern architecture meets a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. In fact, it’s considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Tallinn also claims to have hosted the first recorded public Christmas tree in Europe, and it’s regularly voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
🎄 When to Visit
Christmas market dates can vary slightly year to year, but typically:
- Open: Late November
- Close: Just after Boxing Day
To check the exact dates for your visit, head to the official tourism site:
👉 https://visitestonia.com/en/tallinn-christmas-market
And if you’re lucky… you might even get snow! Sadly, we weren’t!
✈️ Getting To & From the Airport
Tallinn Airport is very close to the city centre, making transfers quick and easy!
Your options:
- 🚕 Taxi / Uber / Bolt – affordable and convenient
- 🚋 Tram 4 – around 15 minutes into the city
- 🚌 Bus – slightly longer but just as cheap, with more stops
If you’re staying in Old Town Tallinn, take Tram 4 to Viru — it’s then just a 5-minute walk into the Old Town, making this the cheapest and easiest option.
We hired a car during our stay, which was cheap and straightforward, and perfect if you want to explore beyond the city.
💡 Day trip idea:
Drive out to Jägala Waterfall and Lahemaa National Park — both are under an hour from Tallinn and absolutely stunning, especially in winter.
🏨 Where to Stay
Tallinn is a very walkable city.
- Old Town:
If you want the Christmas markets right on your doorstep, staying in the Old Town puts everything within minutes. - Spa lovers:
If you don’t mind a 15–20 minute walk and love a spa, Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel is a fantastic option.
It’s surprisingly affordable and has excellent spa facilities — pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas.
After a cold day exploring the markets, there’s no better way to warm up.
We booked our stay through Expedia:
👉 https://expe.app.link/tVdldtLV5Yb
🧤 What to Pack
Tallinn can be very cold in winter.
- Temperatures often hover around freezing
- Some Decembers stay well below 0°C
- Snow and icy streets are common
Pack essentials:
- Warm layers
- Thermal socks
- Gloves, hat & scarf
- Good shoes with grip for icy or snowy conditions
🎄 What to Expect at the Markets
Tallinn’s Christmas Market is held in Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), right beside the historic Town Hall.
You’ll find:
- A central stage with live performances on selected dates.
- Wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, food, and drinks.
- A few small rides for children.
- If you are lucky, you might see Santa!
- And of course… the giant Christmas tree towering in the centre of the square.
🍽️ What Food to Try
Come hungry — there’s plenty to sample.
🥞 Mini Pannkoogid
One of the highlights of the market are the mini pannkoogid (mini pancakes).
- Served sweet or savoury
- Savoury versions filled with cheese
- Sweet versions topped with chocolate sauce
They’re an absolute must-try.
🌭 Verivorst
Another festive favourite is verivorst, Estonia’s traditional black pudding and a Christmas staple.
Not for you? Don’t worry — there are also:
- Grilled sausages
- Hot drinks
- All served with Estonia’s famous sauerkraut
📍 Don’t Miss Exploring Old Town
While the Christmas markets are the main draw, make sure you spend time wandering the Old Town itself. The medieval streets, viewpoints, cafés, and historic buildings are just as magical as the market.
I’ll be sharing a separate, full Estonia guide, including things to do in Tallinn — coming soon!
Enjoyed Tallinn and want to explore another Christmas market in the Baltics?
Why not check out one of my other festive guides below:
A Guide to Riga’s Christmas Markets
A Guide to Vilnius Christmas Markets
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