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When visiting Estonia during the Christmas period, you’ll notice there’s a mix of traditional elements and modern twists. Snowflakes fall creating a blanket above the buildings, stringed lights are illuminated and warm mulled wine is passed around, resulting in the perfect festive atmosphere.
To get you into the Christmas spirit, here are some of the most cheerful events to visit in Estonia during the holidays,
Tallinn’s Christmas market is situated in the town hall square and runs from the middle of November to the start of January, so there’s plenty of time for you to have a look around and find some unique presents.
The main attraction is the giant Christmas tree that has been put up every year since 1441 and covered in multi-coloured tinsel. Warm-coloured fairy lights form a spider’s web around the tree, connecting the chalets.
Local merchants sell Christmas-inspired foods like Sauerkraut and home-baked gingerbread, as well as handmade, heart-shaped ornaments and winter accessories that make for great gifts. If you’re travelling with children, keep an eye out for Santa giving sweets out to children from a little cabin near the centre.
The annual Tartu Christmas Fair takes place along Küüni Street to the town hall during December. Illuminations stretch out across the street, square and wooden huts to transform the city into a village of lights.
The shopkeepers sell all kinds of goods from smoked meat and fish to baked goods and warm drinks. Singers and dancers perform and Santa Claus makes an appearance in the plaza to spread Christmas cheer.
Children are encouraged to get involved in workshops held throughout, where they can make crafts to take home as a souvenir. On the 8th December, local children read out poems and a brass band plays festive songs to get everyone up singing and dancing.
This traditional event is perfect for the whole family because it has an exciting program full of many wonderful things. You can listen to carols in the local church, watch folk concerts and children can get involved in creating a winter-themed garland.
A performance is put on towards the end of the day where you’ll see Santa’s elves dance around the central Christmas tree. You’re encouraged to join in so don’t be shy. However, if you wish to just look around the stalls, there are plenty situated in and around the city centre selling a wide range of things, from traditional Estonian foods to Christmas tree decorations.
If you’re looking to stay out of the cold this winter, the Narva Winter Fair is where you’ll want to be. It is set up inside the Narva educational centre and features craftsmen and traders from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia selling their native products. These pieces include sweets, accessories and seasonal souvenirs that make for the perfect Christmas present.
If you wish, you can participate in masterclasses on how to make handicrafts, feast on tasty cakes and biscuits, and sip on warm hot chocolate. An elf workshop is also organised for the children to take part in. The atmosphere feels very Christmassy and cosy with folk music playing in the background, families spending time together and Christmas decorations hung up everywhere.
Hopefully, after reading this blog post, you’re feeling very Christmassy. Why not book your Christmas market break and visit some of these amazing festive attractions? You can call us on 0800 021 3237 or contact us via our website. Alternatively, you can visit our Ipswich, Framlingham and Woodbridge Travel Agents to speak to a member of our team.
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