What will this year’s Advent markets be like in Talinn? Program and important information in one place

Are you interested in Advent in the Baltic? 

Christmas Markets in Tallinn is a must-see!

A magical winter world awaits you, with a rich accompanying program and excellent local delicacies.

We know all the important information!

Christmas Markets in Tallinn

According to many visitors, Christmas Markets in Tallinn are among Europe’s most underrated and beautiful. In recent years, more and more tourists have begun to discover this Estonian gem in the Town Hall Square under the canopy of twinkling lights hung from the tall central Christmas tree. Be among them!

Christmas markets at Raekoja Plats

When and where will it all take place?

What can you look forward to?

• impressive atmosphere
• giant Christmas tree
• Christmas treats
• rich program for children and adults

Tallinn Advent Fair Program

Every year, the opening of the Christmas markets in Tallinn is connected with the lighting of the city’s most important Christmas tree. The tree is decorated with thousands of Christmas decorations, and its lights illuminate the stalls resembling houses for elves. By the way, the Christmas tree has been standing here in the same place since 1441.

Many stalls will have traders offering Estonian Christmas cuisine, from sausages and sauerkraut to gingerbread and hot Christmas drinks, as well as various handicrafts. The specialty of the Tallinn Christmas market is the abundance of handicrafts. Woolen mittens, scarves, hats, sweaters, or wooden ornaments can become unforgettable gifts.

Every year, a handicraft workshop is prepared for active and curious visitors. Here, they can try out various traditions and folk crafts under the guidance of skilled craftsmen.

Children can look forward to the merry-go-round, and various accompanying programs, including musical performances and visits from Santa Claus, are also prepared.

Magical Tallinn Christmas Market Experience 2023

Interesting places in Tallinn

Imagine a city with an almost intact medieval center, red roofs and old walls, noble palaces, narrow streets, several impressive basilicas, and a castle. This is Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

What all is worth spending time on during a visit to the Tallinn Advent markets?

Town Hall Square

The Christmas markets in Tallinn take place in the heart of the Estonian capital’s old town. Raekoda, or Town Hall in Estonian, is Tallinn’s most representative architectural monument and the only example of a secular building in the Gothic style in Northern Europe.

Its 64-meter-high bell tower rises like a minaret. The town hall’s construction history dates back to the 13th century, when the Danish king Henry IV granted the city the right of Lübeck, on the basis of which the Council of Lords of Tallinn was established. Only in the 15th century, during the city’s economic and cultural heyday, did the town hall acquire the form it has preserved to this day.

Another interesting building is the local pharmacy, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. It was founded in 1422 and is still open to the public. According to local legend, marzipan was created here in the 15th century as a medicinal product.

Pikk Street

One of the most important streets in Tallinn is Pikk tänav, or Long Street, which runs through the old town and was once home to the city’s wealthiest merchants. Among the most architecturally interesting buildings that cannot be overlooked are the residences of the old guilds, which existed until the beginning of the 20th century and brought together representatives of various professions.

Kadriorg

Kadriorg, or Catherine’s Valley in Estonian, is the name of the classicist castle that Tsar Peter the Great dedicated to his wife Katerina as a summer residence. This red-and-white classicist palace was built in the first half of the 18th century and is surrounded by extensive gardens and a park. Today, the castle is home to an art museum.

Church of St. Alexander Nevsky

Although it is rightfully among the most beautiful buildings in Tallinn, it is good to be prepared and know that the Estonian capital’s inhabitants do not like it very much. The temple dominates the city from the top of Toompea hill. The Russians wanted to build it there at the end of the 19th century because a statue of Martin Luther used to stand there.

The saint to whom the cathedral is dedicated is the famous Prince of Novgorod, who was a symbol of the defender of the Russian Orthodox religion against the onslaught from the West.