A Magical Christmas in Estonia
Visiting Tallinn, Estonia, around Christmas time feels like stepping straight into a festive storybook. The city is already famous for its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, but when December arrives, it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Snow-dusted rooftops, cobbled streets, and the glow of its world-famous Christmas market make the capital one of the most magical holiday destinations in Europe.
Why I Chose Tallin
When I first began searching for Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, one photo instantly caught my heart: a snow-covered view of Tallinn’s Old Town square, with wooden stalls circling a giant Christmas tree and the spire of a medieval church rising in the background. That was it – I knew my first real continental European Christmas market had to be in Estonia.
I’d been to plenty of festive markets in the UK and even visited Paris around Christmas, but I’d never experienced the traditional charm of a Central or Eastern European market. That picturesque scene sold me instantly. With only four days available for my trip, I started planning how to make it work without spending a fortune on flights.
How I Got There
Direct flights to Tallinn weren’t available from the airports I had in mind, but I found a great Ryanair deal from Leeds Bradford to Riga, Latvia—perfect, since Riga is only about four hours from Tallinn. The flight took around 4 hours, and I booked priority with an extra cabin bag (a lifesaver with Ryanair).
I arrived in Riga around 6 p.m. and spent my first night enjoying its own magical Christmas market (see my Riga post). The next morning, my Tallinn adventure began.
A Perfect Day Trip from Riga
One of the best things about visiting Tallinn is how easy it is to combine with Riga. Buses run frequently between the two capitals, and the journey takes around four hours through beautiful Baltic countryside. You can visit as a day trip – exploring Tallinn by day and returning at night – or stay overnight to soak in both daytime charm and the magical evening lights.
I chose Lux Express for my journey, and it was a fantastic choice. Spacious seats, free coffee and water, and a smooth ride made the early 7 a.m. departure from Riga comfortable. Watching the sun rise over snow-dusted pine trees on the way set the perfect mood.
By 11 a.m., I arrived in Tallinn. The bus station is about a 30-minute walk from the Old Town, but since I only had a backpack, I didn’t mind the stroll. Next time, I might opt for the bus that stops at Tallinn Port, which is much closer to the Old Town.
The Setting: Medieval Charm
Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in winter, the cobblestone streets glisten with snow, while the sharp spires of gothic churches pierce the crisp northern sky. In the heart of it all, in Town Hall Square, the Christmas market unfolds – a collection of charming wooden stalls surrounded by centuries-old buildings. The smell of cinnamon, gingerbread, and roasted almonds floats in the air, inviting you to explore every corner.
A Market Steeped in Tradition
Tallinn’s Christmas market is not just beautiful; it’s historic. It’s said to be one of the oldest in Europe and is home to the tradition of the world’s first public Christmas tree, which was displayed in Tallinn in 1441. Today, the towering Christmas tree still takes center stage in the square, decorated with glowing lights and ornaments that shimmer against the snowy backdrop.
Festive Flavors & Handcrafted Treasures
No Christmas market visit is complete without food, and Tallinn does not disappoint. I warmed up with steaming glögi (Estonian mulled wine with almonds and raisins), then tucked into crispy potato pancakes with sour cream—simple but delicious. Traditional sausages, sauerkraut, black bread, and rows of gingerbread cookies filled the air with mouth-watering aromas.
The market is also perfect for finding unique gifts. I loved browsing the hand-knitted scarves and mittens, intricate wooden toys, and delicate glass ornaments—each piece felt like it carried a little piece of Estonia’s soul.
Music, Magic, and Winter Joy
Live performances add to the magic, with choirs singing carols in Estonian and international Christmas classics bringing joy to this special time. The sound echoes through the square, blending with the laughter of children riding the market’s carousel. If you’re lucky, a gentle snowfall might begin, dusting the scene with extra sparkle.
Dates for 2025
Tallinn’s Christmas Market runs from 21st November to 27th December 2025, starting earlier than many others – making it a perfect first stop if you want to kick off the festive season.
Practical Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: The market usually runs from late November until late December, with the atmosphere at its coziest in the evenings. I visited it early in the afternoon and went back again in the evening.
- Dress warmly: Temperatures can drop well below freezing, so layer up with thermal wear (I love Uniqlo or Merino wool), a hat, gloves, and sturdy boots.
- Stay in Old Town: Booking accommodation within walking distance lets you enjoy the market at different times of the day without rushing. I stayed at the Adoryal Hotel near the port because I was going to Helsinki early on the next day. The hotel was within 15 minutes walking to Old Town.
- Bring cash: Many stalls accept cards, but small purchases are easier in cash, especially from smaller vendors. Estonia uses the Euro. I used both cash and a card during my stay.
- Flights: Book with low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, or airBaltic. I flew Ryanair from Leeds to Riga, paying £152.92 return, including priority boarding, an extra bag, and full insurance.
- Bus Journey: I used Lux Express to travel from Riga to Tallinn (4.5 hours, £10.10). The journey was comfortable, with complimentary tea, coffee, and water. On the way back, I took the FlixBus for just £6.98, which was a great option for my timing.
- When to Go: I visited on a Tuesday early in the afternoon and back in the evening. Weekdays are less crowded and the atmosphere is quieter.
Why Tallinn’s Christmas Market Stands Out
While Europe is full of beautiful Christmas markets, Tallinn’s offers something uniquely magical – a blend of authentic medieval charm, snowy fairytale landscapes, and a warm, intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale book. It’s not just a market; it’s an experience that captures the very essence of Christmas.
If you’re looking for a destination that delivers festive spirit, history, and charm in equal measure, Tallinn at Christmas is pure enchantment. Whether you’re visiting as a quick day trip from Riga or making it your main holiday destination, you’ll find yourself completely swept up in the magic.
