Experience Christmas magic in Tallinn
Winter turns Tallinn’s Old Town into a snow-covered fairytale city, where medieval towers, candlelit cafés and glimmering lights make every street feel enchanted. Add to that the sights and scents of some of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets and it truly feels like stepping into a storybook. Ready to make this winter holiday magical?
Spend your Christmas holiday in Tallinn
Tallinn’s Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, and its cobbled streets truly come to life during the holiday season. It’s the perfect winter wonderland – whether you’re exploring the markets, tasting gingerbread and mulled wine, or simply enjoying the festive spirit with friends and family. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your city break in Tallinn.
Four must-see Christmas spots in Tallinn
Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Visit Tallinn
Tallinn Christmas Market
At the heart of the Old Town, the Town Hall Square transforms into a fairytale Christmas market filled with wooden stalls, festive music and twinkling lights. Warm up with a cup of mulled wine, take a bite of gingerbread and admire the magnificent Christmas tree. For additional holiday spirit pop by the Christmas markets at Balti Jaam and Rotermann.
Old Town Ice Rink
Just a short stroll away, on Harju Street you can find a charming outdoor ice rink. Rent a pair of ice skates and glide beneath the spires of medieval churches, while enjoying seasonal hits and Tallinn’s wintry skyline.
Christmas in Niguliste museum
This 13th century church houses Estonia’s most famous painting, weekly organ concerts and a Christmas tree that’s even more lavishly decorated than the one on Town hall Square. Take the glass elevator up to the church tower’s sky deck to get a 360 ° bird’s-eye view of Old Town.
Seaside iglusaunas
At Iglupark, you can step from a steaming sauna straight into the crisp Estonian sea air – or even the sea itself. In December, expect fireside marshmallows, a fun photo corner, along with creative workshops and Santa’s post office for the little ones.
How to get into the Christmas spirit
You’ve just arrived in Tallinn on the morning ferry, ready to enjoy a full day of winter magic in the city. Here are a few cosy ideas to help you make the most of your Christmas visit.
Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Visit Tallinn
Start your day at the Christmas Market
Take a short walk or taxi from the harbour to the Old Town and begin your morning at the Christmas Market on Town Hall Square, open from 21 November to 28 December. Stroll between the wooden stalls, sip a cup of mulled wine and admire the hand-made gifts and decorations. Starting from the first Advent, Santa is also there to hear the wishes of little visitors.
Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Visit Tallinn
Wander through the magical Old Town
Tallinn’s medieval center looks like something out of a Christmas card. The cobbled streets are lined with little fir trees, star lights glow in the windows and when dusk falls, the city becomes even more magical. Spend a few hours just walking, taking in the sights and warming up with coffee or lunch in one of the many cafés and restaurants along the way.
Photo: Gingerbread Mania
Discover gingerbread art
Across from the Estonia Theatre, the Design and Architecture Gallery hosts the annual Gingerbread Mania exhibition. Everything on display is made entirely of gingerbread – from tiny ornaments to full-sized sculptures. Over a hundred Estonian artists, architects and designers take part, creating one of Tallinn’s most imaginative holiday traditions.
Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam / Visit Tallinn
Take a trip to another side of Tallinn
Take a winter stroll or hop on a tram to Telliskivi Creative City, a lively area just beyond the Old Town walls. It’s full of design boutiques, wine bars and cozy cafés, while nearby Balti Jaama Market offers everything from local delicacies and street food to unique vintage finds upstairs.
Photo: Aron Urb
Make your holiday opulent and ingenious
Just a 35-minute walk from the Ferry Terminal, the vibrant Noblessner marina district wins you over with Michelin-star dining at 180 Degrees and the world-famous Christmas decoration boutique Shishi. From 16 December to 11 January, the family-friendly PROTO Invention Factory also opens its Christmas wonderland, featuring creative workshops and imaginative fun for all ages.
Food and drinks for every taste and occasion
After a day in the winter chill, nothing feels better than stepping inside one of Tallinn’s many cosy cafés, bars and restaurants. Whether you’re here for a few hours or staying for longer, you’ll find plenty of festive flavours and welcoming places to warm up.
Photo: Silver Raidla
Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in style
If you’re staying in town for Christmas Eve or New Year’s, make the evening unforgettable with live music, great company and a delicious meal.
On 24 December, enjoy a lavish and elegant buffet dinner at restaurant Nero in the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel or at City Grill House in the Tallink City Hotel. Both events feature live guitar music and special rates for guests staying overnight. At Nero, even Santa himself will pop by with small presents for the youngest Christmas fans.
The Quarter at the Swissôtel Tallinn also offers a special Christmas buffet dinner on 24 December, combining panoramic views with modern Nordic cuisine.
On 31 December, welcome the new year by raising a toast to 2026 at restaurant ISSEI in the Radisson Collection Hotel. From the rooftop, you can take in the dazzling city lights while enjoying a culinary journey that blends Japanese and Peruvian influences.
Photo: Renee Altrov / Visit Tallinn
A sweet break for a sweet tooth
Pick your favourite among the candlelit cafés hidden inside medieval houses. Cosy Kehrwieder is a local favourite for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and handmade chocolate truffles. Just around the corner, Pierre Chocolaterie on Vene Street is a real paradise for chocolate and cocoa lovers.
Photo: Whisper Sister
Something to warm you up
If you’re feeling a bit thirsty after your travels, Hell Hunt pub is a local favourite known for its wide selection of Estonian craft beers. Nearby, Mikkeller Vanalinn also offers great brews just steps from the Christmas Market. For wine and cocktails, head to Vixen Vinoteek on Pagari Street or the atmospheric Whisper Sister speakeasy – the perfect place to end your evening.
Photo: Lauri Laan / Stenhus
Dine like a medieval lord
Stepping into the legendary Olde Hansa feels like travelling back in time. Candlelight flickers on wooden tables as troubadours play medieval tunes and dishes such as stewed bear or elk tenderloin make you feel like a 15th century nobleman. For a more classic touch, enjoy a fireside dinner at Stenhus Restaurant, where warm service and timeless atmosphere make every meal feel special.
Christmas concerts and events in Tallinn
There’s one sure way to find the Christmas spirit – by listening to Christmas music. Throughout December, Tallinn hosts a variety of wonderful concerts and musical events that are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. From the Estonian National Opera to jazz clubs and from medieval churches to open-air museums, wintry Tallinn has a tune for every taste.
Photo: Tanel Meos / Estonian National Opera
Christmas concert of the Estonian National Opera
Few places celebrate the season with as much elegance as the Estonian National Opera. At its traditional Christmas concert on 11 December at St. John’s Church, the orchestra and choir perform Mozart’s Coronation Mass (Krönungsmesse in C Major, KV 317*) alongside beloved Christmas carols – a performance guaranteed to make your soul sing with holiday cheer.
Photo: Anu Huntsaar / Estonian National Male Choir
Estonian National Male Choir
On 23 December, the powerful voices of the Estonian National Male Choir fill the air at St. John’s Church with their traditional Christmas concert “As the Day Turns.” Their heartfelt performance has become a cherished favourite among audiences – the perfect way to welcome Christmas Eve in Tallinn.
Photo: Jazzkaar
Christmas Jazz 2025
From 29 November to 9 December, Christmas Jazz 2025 invites audiences in Tallinn to slow down and take time for themselves under the theme “Time for You, Time with Jazz.” Across 13 concerts, Grammy nominee Cyrille Aimée and other internationally acclaimed artists join Estonia’s brightest jazz talents to fill the city’s intimate venues with soulful melodies and true Christmas spirit.
Photo: Rene Riisalu
PROTO Christmas Wonderland
From 16 December to 11 January 2026, the PROTO Invention Factory transforms into an enchanted forest themed “Invented Christmas, Ingenious Christmas.” It’s a dazzling world where creativity meets imagination, filled with light installations, VR rides and family-friendly experiments. Both children and adults will find something to craft, explore and discover in one of Tallinn’s most inventive indoor attractions.
Photo: Simon Snopek
Christmas Village at the Estonian Open Air Museum
On 13–14 December, the Estonian Open Air Museum’s enchanting Christmas Village comes alive. Take your time to wander among candlelit farmhouses, listen to choirs singing in a wooden chapel and browse stalls for handmade gifts and festive treats. Meet Santa and the Yule Goat, who love hearing children’s Christmas carols and verses. Depending on the weather, you can also take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or on a kicksled.
Photo: Dnipro Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
Dnipro Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
For one night only, on 18 December, the Dnipro Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre from Ukraine brings its grand production Merry Christmas to Tallinn. Expect to be whisked away by the moving music, glittering costumes and world-class performers in a show that lights up the winter darkness.
Beyond Tallinn
If you’re visiting Estonia for a couple of days, use the opportunity to hunt for festive charm beyond the capital. From fairy-tale family adventures to cultural Christmas markets, each destination adds its own sparkle to the season.
Photo: Lotte Village
Christmas Wonderland at Lotte Village
A favourite among families, Lotte Village is a theme park dedicated to Estonia’s beloved cartoon character Lotte of Gadgetville. During Christmas it transforms into a magical wonderland, where you can meet Lotte and her friends, take part in creative workshops and explore the joyful streets of Gadgetville.
Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Visit Estonia
Tartu Christmas Market and Ice Rink
From 30 November to 4 January 2026, Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, turns its Town Hall Square into a glowing Christmas village. Enjoy open-air concerts, meet the animals in the winter petting zoo or skate across the charming city-centre rink surrounded by twinkling lights.
Photo: Jelizaveta Gross / Visit Estonia
Christmas Village in Narva
From 20–28 December, the Christmas Village in Narva fills the city’s central square with festive lights, family activities and seasonal treats. Located on Estonia’s eastern border, this event blends holiday cheer with a touch of history and cross-cultural charm.
Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam / Visit Tallinn
Did you know?
Tallinn’s Town Hall Square Christmas tree is said to be the world’s first public Christmas tree. The city’s merchants first erected and decorated it in 1441, beginning a tradition that still brings people together every winter.
Tallinn’s Town Hall SquareFrequently asked questions
- When is the Tallinn Christmas Market open?When is the Tallinn Christmas Market open?
The opening dates vary slightly from year to year, but the Tallinn Christmas Market usually runs from the first Advent weekend until just after Christmas. In 2025, the market will be open from 21 November to 28 December. The stalls are open daily from around 10:00 to 20:00. Hot drinks are offered until 22:00 and until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
- What is the weather like in Tallinn during winter?What is the weather like in Tallinn during winter?
Tallinn’s winter weather is quite similar to Helsinki’s — temperatures are often around zero, with occasional frost and snow. The city can also get quite windy, especially near the harbor, so bring a warm hat and scarf to stay cosy while exploring the Christmas markets and cobbled streets.
- At which events and locations do I have Club One discounts?At which events and locations do I have Club One discounts?
Many of the events mentioned above offer special discounts for Club One members. For the latest offers, visit our offers page.
NB! Be sure to check for discounts before travelling — while most Club One discounts are valid on-site, some offers requiring pre-registration are only available when booked online together with Tallink Silja Line ferry tickets.