The Tallinn Christmas market is the crown jewel of Christmas in Estonia. After all, it was named the best Christmas market in Europe in 2019 and has once again made the list of Christmas markets to visit all over the continent. The market may work its enchantment on you — making it hard to even think about leaving Tallinn — but the rest of Estonia is filled with magic during the holiday season.
In cities large and small across Estonia, a real-life fairytale Christmas awaits. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at markets packed with handicrafts, see your children's eyes light up with a visit to Santa's farm, sample seasonal treats and hot mulled wine, and marvel at all the twinkling lights illuminating the winter sky.
Where to find Christmas spirit around Estonia
You can never have too much Christmas cheer, so turn your visit into a full-on festive tour of Estonia. Here are the top holiday attractions around the country. Some events run for a limited time, so double-check the schedule before heading out.
Tallinn
Tallinn is Estonia's Christmas capital, and it makes for a great first or last stop as you'll likely be starting and ending your trip in Tallinn's ferry terminal or airport. Here's our guide to spending Christmas in Tallinn. The market is open from December 1st to January 7th, ending on the day the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas.
Narva
Narva Castle will host a Christmas Village from December 23rd to 26th. You can learn about the historical traditions of this holiday. Each day of the Christmas Village will be dedicated to a specific time period and country. Watch performances and participate in contests and workshops. Children can visit Santa's hut and cuddle animals at the petting zoo.
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Christmas games at Narva Castle
Photo by: Narva Castle, Visit Estonia -
A snowy Christmas Village at the Torma Manor complex
Photo by: Torma Manor, Visit Estonia -
A visit with Santa at Põltsamaa Castle's Snow Kingdom
Photo by: Põltsamaa Castle, Visit Estonia
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Jõgeva County
The Christmas Village at the Torma Manor complex in Jõgeva County is where Santa's brother Glämmi lives with elves and other characters. During every weekend in December, families can come and participate in children's activities or spend a night glamping in a cozy furnished tent.
The courtyard of Põltsamaa Castle will become a magical Snow Kingdom on the 9th and 16th of December from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kids can work their way through a spruce maze and have a chat with Santa. Take a sleigh ride and marvel at the twinkling lights and the sparkling snow. Even if there isn't much snow, there will be heaps of Christmas spirit!
Tartu
Tartu is Estonia's second city and the 2024 European Capital of Culture. While not as well known to tourists as Tallinn's famous Christmas market, Christmas City Tartu, which runs from December 3rd to January 7th, fills the city's Town Hall Square with magic. Brightly lit glass pavilions are the highlight of the Christmas City; each one is decorated with a unique theme. Visitors can take a spin on the ice rink set up on Town Hall Square and enjoy sleigh rides or a turn on the wooden carousel.
On December 9th, hundreds of folk dancers from Tartu and South Estonia will come to the Christmas City for the Wintry Folk Dance Day. Grab a partner and join them around the Christmas tree! That same weekend, the Estonian National Museum hosts their annual Christmas Fair, featuring high-quality handicrafts and Estonian food products. It's a great opportunity to finish up your Christmas shopping.
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The twinkling glass houses of Tartu's Christmas City
Photo by: Rein Leib -
Ice skaters glide around the rink on Tartu's Town Hall Square.
Photo by: Timo Müürsepp
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Võru
See folk dancers from all over Estonia and do some Christmas shopping at the Winter Festival in Võru on December 8th and 9th. Dancers from all over Estonia will come to Võru to perform and visitors to the fair can purchase Estonian handicrafts and local farm products, which make memorable souvenirs and gifts for everyone on your list.
Pärnu County
Pärnu's main event is its Christmas Village, set to be open for one weekend only — December 17th and 18th — on Independence Square. Stop by to see Santa and his helpers and enjoy the performances. There will be fun activities for children and a Christmas fair featuring local handicrafts and tasty treats.
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Lotte and friends at Lottemaa's winter wonderland
Photo by: Lottemaa, Visit Estonia -
Pärnu's lights shine at Christmastime.
Photo by: Priit Loog, Visit Pärnu -
Santa Claus and friends at Korstna Farm
Photo by: Korstna Farm, Visit Estonia
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Christmas at Lottemaa is a favorite of Estonian children. This theme park outside of Pärnu recreates the village where Lotte, the puppy dog inventor, lives with her friends. For Christmas, Gadgetville turns into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations lighting up the houses, gardens, and forest paths of the park. Even if the weather outside is frightful, it is guaranteed to be warm and delightful indoors at Lottemaa! This year Christmas at Lottemaa is celebrated on the 16th and 17th of December, the 25th through the 30th of December, and January 5th to 7th.
Did you know Santa has a small farm in West Estonia? You can visit to see how he keeps busy in the summer, but the most festive time to visit is the day after his whirlwind world tour. On December 26th, you can visit for Family Days at Santa Claus's Korstna Farm. Meet Mrs. Claus and his little helpers and get to know all his farm animals. Dress warmly as some of the activities take place outdoors!
Hiiumaa
On December 9th, Hiiumaa will be filled with pop-up glögg cafés! Bundle up and ski, snowshoe, sled, or drive from house to house, cafe to cafe, and warm your belly with hot cups of glögg, cinnamon buns, savory pumpkin soup, hot chocolate, and many other local delights.
