A fairytale Christmas in Estonia

Markets, fairs, and special events can be found all over Estonia at Christmastime. These attractions will make you feel the true magic of Christmas.

In cities large and small across Estonia, a real-life fairytale Christmas awaits.

Most Estonians don't identify as religious, but Christmas traditions are still an important part of Estonian culture, though a visit from Jõuluvana is more popular than setting up a nativity.

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 and Christmas events 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 a great first or last stop, as you'll likely start and end your trip in Tallinn's ferry terminal or airport. The Tallinn Christmas Market is the crown jewel of Christmas in Estonia and one of the country's biggest annual events. After all, it was named the best Christmas market in Europe in 2019 and has often been mentioned on lists of the best Christmas markets to visit.

The 2025 market is open from November 21st to December 27th.

Estonia's most popular Christmas market may work its enchantment on you — making it hard to even think about leaving the city — but the rest of the country is filled with magic during the holiday season.

Estonian Santa Claus at the Tallinn Christmas Market

Photo author: Kadi-Liis Koppel, Visit Tallinn

Photo author: Sergei Sjuganov

A magical Christmas holiday in Tallinn

Heading to Estonia to spend Christmas in Tallinn? Count on cozy cafes, interactive museums, and a winter wonderland decorated with twinkling lights.

Narva and Ida-Viru County

The square in front of Narva's newly renovated Town Hall will host a Christmas Village from December 20th to 28th. You can visit Santa and finish your Christmas shopping at stands selling sweets and handicrafts from local artisans. There is a Christmas cafe where you can get a warm drink, and children can cuddle animals at the petting zoo.

View of Narva Town Hall Square at night with Christmas tree

Photo author: Dmitri Shutov, Visit Estonia

Central Estonia

The Winter Village at the Torma Manor complex in Jõgeva County is where Santa's brother Glämmi lives with elves and other characters. On the weekends from December 1st to January 19th, families can come and participate in children's activities or spend a night glamping in a cozy furnished tent.

In Väätsa, the whole community decorates the windows of the community center for Christmas. At first, the window project was a way for locals to create something special together, but now, it has become a unique tourist attraction. Väätsa's Christmas windows was selected as one of the TOP 100 Green Destinations sustainability stories in 2024.

Photo author: Visit Järva, Järva-Madise Church

What to do in Central Estonia during the winter

What does Central Estonia have to offer in the winter? Skiing and snowshoeing, bog hikes, quirky museums, fantastic food, and so much more!

Tartu and South Estonia

Tartu is Estonia's second city, but its Christmas City is not as well known as Tallinn's famous Christmas market. From December 1st to January 5th, the city's Town Hall Square is filled 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.

The MICHELIN Guide recommends warming up with a cocktail at Blood Milk Water and stopping at Joyce or Hõlm for dinner.

Usually on one weekend in December, hundreds of folk dancers from Tartu and South Estonia will come to the Christmas City for the Winter Folk Dance Day. Grab a partner and join them around the Christmas tree! The weekend of December 13th, 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.

People ice skate in Tartu around Kissing Students statue

Photo author: Timo Müürsepp, Visit Tartu

Pärnu County

Pärnu's main event is its Christmas Village, which usually opens on Independence Square for one weekend only. Stop by to see Santa and his helpers and enjoy the performances. There will also be fun activities for children and a Christmas fair featuring local handicrafts and tasty treats.

The Christmas Wonderland 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 park's houses, gardens, and forest paths. 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 13th and 14th, the 20th and 21st, and 26th through 30th of December, and January 2nd to 4th.

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 Santa's little helpers and get to know the farm animals. Dress warmly as some of the activities take place outdoors!