Tallinn Christmas Market: a medieval square in winter

Tallinn's Christmas market fills the Town Hall Square in the heart of its medieval Old Town. With a tall Christmas tree, snow-covered roofs and wooden stalls, it feels like a fairytale scene in northern Europe.

Fun facts

• Tallinn claims the first public Christmas tree, put up in 1441 by the Brotherhood of Blackheads.
• The Gothic Town Hall is the oldest surviving town hall in the Baltic region and Scandinavia.
• Tallinn's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see

• The Christmas tree and stalls on Town Hall Square.
• The Old Thomas weathervane on top of the Town Hall tower.
• The viewing platforms on Toompea hill over the Old Town.

What to taste

• Verivorst, Estonian blood sausage served with sauerkraut.
• Glögi, warm spiced wine or juice.
• Piparkoogid, spiced gingerbread biscuits.

What to do

• Walk along the medieval city walls and towers.
• Visit the Telliskivi Creative City for cafés and design shops.
• Relax in a traditional sauna.

💡 Tip: Tram 4 links the airport with the city centre in about 15 minutes. Days are very short in December, so plan sightseeing for the few daylight hours.