Tallinn Christmas Market In Estonia

Tallinn is an incredible place to visit at Christmas and you can’t miss the beautiful Tallinn Christmas Market. So here’s all the info.

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How To Get To Tallinn Christmas Market

Tallinn Christmas Market is held on the Old Town Hall Square in the centre of the city.

If you’re staying in the city, almost everything is within walking distance.

If you’re not up for walking there is public transport operating around the city such as buses, trolleys and trams.

You can purchase a Tallinn card in order to have unlimited transport as well discounts on city attractions during your stay. Or, you can buy a single-ride paper ticket from the driver in cash – exact change only.

During your visit, if you fancy seeing more of the main attractions in Tallinn, the Tallinn Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is another great way to get around.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Tallinn Christmas Market Entrance Fee

It’s free to visit Tallinn Christmas Market.

Tallinn Christmas Market Opening Times

The Market runs from the last week in November until the end of the first week of January each year.

Open daily from 10am until 8pm.

Hot drinks can still be purchased until 10pm week days and 11pm Saturday and Sunday.

Best Time To Visit Tallinn Christmas Market + Tips

As always, it’s best to get there early to beat the crowds if you want to get a good look at all the different market stalls.

Although, the evenings are very atmospheric and magical with all the sparkling lights and hustle and bustle.

I like the build up to Christmas, so I would prefer to visit before Christmas Day but it is still a great market to visit into the New Year.

If you are present hunting, this is a great place to pick up some unique gifts for loved ones at reasonable prices.

Don’t forget your camera as there are lots of great photo opportunities.

A very family friendly Christmas market and a great day out for all ages.

Wrap up warm and enjoy!

What To Pack

Reusable Water Bottle

Beanie Hat

Knit Gloves

Tallinn Christmas Market History

Tallinn is said to be the first city in Europe to put a Christmas tree on display.

Erected in 1441 by the Brotherhood of Blackheads (an association of local unmarried male merchants, ship owners and foreigners), it was one of the earliest examples of a tree decorated for the Yuletide.

So, for over 580 years a Christmas tree has been placed in the middle of the Tallinn Market Square. Nowadays making it the proud and sparkling centre piece of the Christmas Market.

The modern Tallinn Christmas Market was started in 1997 and has become known as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, with thousands of visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy it.

Tallinn has one of the best preserved medieval town centres in the world and is the oldest capital city in Northern Europe, all giving this Christmas market a very special feel.

If you are really into history and would like to learn more about this beautiful city, the Medieval Tallinn 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour will be just up your street!

What To Expect At Tallinn Christmas Market

Voted one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, Tallinn Christmas Market won’t disappoint. Plus it’s an absolute must in Tallinn!

Set in such a beautifully historical town square, surrounded by medieval buildings, it certainly has a fairy tale feel to it.

Moreover, if it snows during your visit it becomes a truly magical experience!

The pretty stalls surrounding the tree offer a great selection of produce including unique handmade Christmas gifts as well as delicious local food and drink.

You will find a huge range of gingerbreads, that look like works of art, and plenty of different flavoured Gloggs on offer to warm you up. (Glogg is a traditional Nordic winter drink of spiced, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, mulled wine or spirit.)

Also, lots of cheeses, smoked sausages, waffles, different flavoured local coffees, and freshly baked cinnamon and cardamom buns, whose delicious smell will lead you to their stall!

There are lots of cosy sheepskin and wool products from small Estonian manufacturers including mittens, slippers, hats, boots, blankets along with wooden Christmas decorations and much more.

In addition, amongst the stalls is a small house of crafts, where you can try your hand at crafting with the help of local artisans.

Look out for a variety of performances on the specially erected stage, including folk dancers and folk music performers as well as bands from all over Estonia. .

More importantly for the children, on the first Sunday of Advent, Santa Claus arrives at the fair and takes up residence in his house on the Town Hall Square. Letters for Santa can be dropped into the mailbox on the wall of his house!

So, if you are looking for some beautiful Christmas gifts, good food and drink and a lovely Christmassy atmosphere, Tallinn Christmas Market will tick all the boxes.

Where To Stay In Tallinn

Luxury – OldHouse Apartments

Located in Tallinn’s Medieval Old Town, OldHouse Apartments provides accommodation in stylish apartments with free WiFi.

Each apartment has a living room with a flat-screen TV, a bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator. A stove, a microwave, a dishwasher, a toaster, a coffee machine, a kettle and kitchenware.

Each apartment come with a bathroom and either a shower or a bath.

A hairdryer and free toiletries are provided. There is also a minibar in most apartments.

Mid-Budget – Convenient Central Apartment

Convenient Central Apartment is located in the Kristiine district of Tallinn.

1.4 miles from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, 1.5 miles from Town Hall Square and 1.6 miles from Estonian National Opera.

The accommodation is 1.2 miles from Toompea Castle, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.

The apartment is located on the ground floor and comes with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a microwave, a fridge, a washing machine, an oven and a stovetop.

Budget – Red Emperor Hostel

Located in Tallinn’s beautiful Old Town and 550 yards from the Town Hall Square, Red Emperor Hostel offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk.

Free luggage storage is available.

The rooms at Red Emperor are colourful and feature wooden furniture and views of the city.

Shared bathroom facilities are in the corridor.

The hostel comes with a common lounge, guest computers, a shared kitchen bar with draught beers and giant Jenga game, pool table and other entertainment.

For more places to stay in Tallinn. you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.