7 Most Delightful Christmas Markets In Tallinn, Estonia

christmas markets in tallinn
Isha
Isha 
Updated
| 4 min read

Most countries celebrate Christmas with great abundance and cheer, but Estonia’s love of Christmas goes to another level altogether. Long before December rolls around, the Christmas markets and fairs in and around Tallinn in Estonia are already set up, welcoming the winter and inviting visitors to partake in celebrations of the most important festival of the year. Locals and visitors gather in town squares across Estonia to celebrate the holidays. Bright lights, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, cute huts selling Christmas goodies and holiday tunes all make for the perfect Christmas market ambience. And in Estonia, Christmas markets are everywhere - from Tallinn through Tartu to Narva and everywhere in between. To get your fix of Christmas festivities, come along and take a look at the most delightful Christmas markets in Tallinn, Estonia.

1. Tallinn Christmas Market

Tallinn by @skyfire1972 #visitestonia

Posted by Visit Estonia on Sunday, 10 January 2016

Tallinn Christmas Market is unarguably Estonia’s most popular Christmas market. Situated in the beautifully-preserved medieval city of Old Town Tallinn, this Christmas market looks like something out of a fairy tale with its snow-covered stalls, bright lights strung everywhere, dozens of stalls selling all manner of Christmas goodies and happy Christmas shoppers milling about. At the centre is a giant Christmas tree that has been set up since 1441 and is the highlight of the market. Shop for handicrafts, Christmas decorations, hand-woven socks and scarves, etc. and sample local Estonian Christmas treats like black pudding, gingerbread, sausages and mulled wine at the market. Children can enjoy visiting Santa in his house or enjoy various Christmas activities.

Tallinn Christmas Market

Address: Raekoja plats 8-9, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia

Website: Tallinn Christmas Market

Opening dates: Nov 26, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022

Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)

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2. International Christmas Bazaar

photo: Ilze Dzirniece

Posted by International Women's Club of Tallinn/ Tallinna Rahvusvaheline Naisteklubi on Wednesday, 6 December 2017

Organised by the ‎International Women’s Club of Tallinn each year, International Christmas Bazaar is a celebration of all things Christmas. Established with the co-operation of embassies of over 20 countries in Estonia, the bazaar brings specialities of these countries to visitors. It is a unique Christmas market since all proceeds from the sale go to women’s and children’s charitable organizations working across Estonia. Visitors the bazaar to shop for fabulous handicrafts, traditional items of various countries and also participate in a silent auction. A tombola, children’s corner and a meet-and-greet with Santa are also to be enjoyed here.

International Christmas Bazaar

Address: KultuuriKatel, Põhja puiestee 27a, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia

Website: International Christmas Bazaar

Opening hours: Nov 24: 1pm - 6pm (daily)

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Nearby Christmas markets

3. Tartu Christmas Fair

Christmas time in Tartu by @kaupo.kalda #winter #christmas #christmasfeeling #europe #bucketlist #beautifuldestinations

Posted by Visit Estonia on Saturday, 15 December 2018

Spend an enjoyable day by yourself, with family or friends in and around Tartu Town Hall Square while attending the beautiful Tartu Christmas Fair. On one day of the holiday season, the town square in Tartu transforms into a magical Christmas land with a gorgeous Christmas tree, beautiful Christmas decorations, lovely glass stalls selling Christmas treats, live music, activities and more! Against the backdrop of the handsome town square buildings, visitors can enjoy shopping for Estonian handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, cosmetics, traditional sweets, baked goods, warm drinks, etc. Adults can enjoy dancing to live music and various entertainment programmes and workshops suitable for the whole family are also held at Tartu Christmas Fair.

Tartu Christmas Fair

Address: Tartu linn, Tartu Raekoja plats, Estonia

Website: Tartu Christmas Fair

Opening hours: Dec 14: 11am - 5pm

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4. Paide Christmas Festival

Posted by Visit Estonia on Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Renowned for its 13th-century castle, the small town of Paide is situated in central Estonia and hosts a lovely holiday festival called Paide Christmas Festival in its central square each year. During this day-long festival, families come together to celebrate the Christmas spirit with a range of fun activities like singing folk songs and Christmas carols, tree decorating contest, candy tournament, performances by Santa’s elves, folk concerts, etc. Visitors can participate in these events or tuck into local Christmas fare and shop for traditional crafts.

Paide Christmas Festival

Address: Paide Central Square, Paide, Estonia

Opening hours: Dec 8: 9am - 8pm

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5. Christmas Fair at Pärnu Kaubamajakas shopping centre

Kaubamajakas hindab kõrgelt kohalikku elanikkonda ja nende eluväärtusi, sest oleme ju ometigi kõik Pärnakad, kes...

Posted by Kaubamajakas on Wednesday, 30 January 2019

In Estonia, visit the local Kaubamajakas shopping centre in Pärnu for a cute Christmas fair that has the flair that will put you in the right mood for the holidays. For starters, the shopping centre has striking Christmas decorations that will take your breath away - from a giant snowy Christmas tree through multiple festive-looking trees lining the shopping corridors to the beautiful red carpet welcoming the visitors. Plus, be entertained by various performers at the fair or shop for Estonian handmade gifts, home furnishings, decorations and more. Of course, Christmas treats and drinks are available too!

Christmas Fair at Pärnu Kaubamajakas

Address: Pärnu linn, Kaubamajakas, Estonia

Opening hours: Dec 13 - Dec 24: 10am - 8pm (daily)

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6. Winter Fair at Narva

Posted by Ida-Virumaa Kutsehariduskeskus on Monday, 17 December 2018

With its location on the eastern border of Estonia, Narva is able to attract artisans, traders and craftsmen from the neighbouring Baltic countries of Lithuania and Latvia to its Winter Fair. Thus, visitors to the fabulous Christmas market of Winter Fair at Narva can enjoy browsing through the handicrafts of three countries, including local Estonian products. You can also buy lovely Christmas presents, beautifully decorated cookies, cakes, gingerbread and hot chocolates here. Various masterclasses are held at the fair and visitors are invited to participate in them.

Winter Fair at Narva

Address: Narva, Ida-Virumaa Kutsehariduskeskuse Narva koolimaja, Estonia

Opening hours: Dec 7: 10am - 4pm

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7. Christmas fair at Tartu Exhibition Fair Centre

Posted by Jõululaat on Saturday, 1 December 2018

Started more than 20 years ago, Christmas Fair at Tartu Exhibition Fair Centre has now become the largest and one of the best holiday markets in Estonia. The reason for its popularity is the number of merchants that attend the fair from countries like Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania and Latvia. Thousands visit the fair each year for its Christmas cheer and goodies like handmade gifts, candles, woollen clothes, ceramics, Christmas ornaments, slippers, traditional embroidery, handicrafts, Christmas decorations, etc.

Christmas Fair at the Tartu Exhibition Fair Centre

Address: Tartu linn, Tartu Näituste Messikeskus, Estonia

Website: Christmas Fair at the Tartu Exhibition Fair Centre

Opening hours: Dec 6 - Dec 8: 12pm - 4pm

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Christmas cheer in Tallinn, Estonia!

Tallinn Christmas Market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nathan lund used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

From large town squares to humble local gatherings, Estonians’ love for Christmas is evident in their joyful Christmas markets. Offering food, drink, entertainment and shopping, these markets are a must-visit in and around Tallinn in Estonia. So, arm yourself with our list of the most delightful Christmas markets in Tallinn, Estonia and have a merry Christmas!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

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