Christmas markets around Estonia in 2024
Text Mark Taylor Photos Visit Estonia / Riho Kirss, Sigrid Absalon, Maanus Kullamaa, Hans Jakob Väär, Lisbeth Mugame, Narva Jõuluküla
Tallinn Christmas Market was voted the best in Europe in 2019
Christmas markets have a nostalgic, almost magical feel for most of us. The twinkling lights, wooden stalls, Christmas music, and of course Santa Claus. The pull of Christmas markets is so strong that some people travel thousands of miles by air or land to visit a few in particular.
Here is our selection of the best and biggest Christmas markets across Estonia in 2024.
Tallinn Christmas Market 22.11-27.12
Held in the city’s town hall square, is the jewel in the crown of Estonian Christmas markets. At the centre of the market, which was voted the best in Europe in 2019, is a majestic tree chosen by a yearly national contest.
Every autumn, people can submit a tree, but it must meet a few strict requirements. It must be at least as tall as a 5-storey building, be even across its branches, and come from within 150km of Tallinn, to name but three. The bringing of the tree to the square is led by Santa himself and is a nationwide media event. Tallinn’s connection to a Christmas tree is a long one- being the first city in Europe to erect one in their town hall square all the way back in 1441.
Surrounding the tree you will find around 60 stalls, selling winter clothing items, Christmas gifts, sweets, handicrafts, and delicious Estonian food. There will also be a number of hot Glöggi (mulled wine) stands, a must for any trip to a Christmas market. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options will be available.
The market is also well regarded internationally for its rich cultural programme, with daily free live music, dance performances, and more, each day.
Children are also well catered for, not only will there be no less than 3 carousels this year, but Santa will be waiting in his grotto next to the stage to receive their wishlists. If he is busy feeding his reindeer or they are a bit shy, Santa also has a postbox.
Tartu Christmas City 30.11-05.01
The opening of the popular annual Christmas city will coincide with the closing ceremony of Tartu’s year as the European Captial of Culture 2024 on November 30.
Just like in Tallinn, the centrepiece is the Christmas tree, however, there are a few key differences. Instead of wooden stalls selling crafts, foods, and mulled wine – you will find glass pavilions.
In addition, the ice skating rink around the famous kissing students statue at the top of the square will return for a fourth year in a row (though it’s not recommended after a few glasses of mulled wine!), as will the possibility to go on an old-fashioned sleigh ride.
You can expect to find a full cultural programme too, the highlight of which is the Winter Dance Festival, that will take place on December 14.
Santa will of course be the main attraction for the little ones (if you can get them off the ice rink and sleigh).
EKA Christmas Fair 08.12
The second Sunday of December will see the annual EKA Christmas Fair take place at the Estonian Academy of Arts in Tallinn.
More than 100 both current and ex-students of the academy will offer their exquisitely designed and made items from jewellery, textiles and ceramics to paintings and glasswork.
The fair is an opportunity to buy unique one-of-a-kind items for your loved ones, as well as support young artists at the beginning of their careers.
Pärnu Christmas Market 13–15.12
The usual two-day Christmas market in the city’s Independence Square has been extended to three days this year.
You can expect to find stalls selling festive gifts, locally-made handicrafts, hot food, and of course mulled wine. However, the main attraction is the rich cultural programme that will see performances from well-known Estonian singers such as Daniel Levi, Robert Linna, Lauri Liiv, and many more. This programme even includes free workshops ranging from ice fishing to winter swimming for those brave enough to take part.
Santa will make time out of his busy schedule to attend as well, listening to children’s wishes and handing out sweets. However, all visitors to the Christmas market are warned to watch out for the Grinch who has played tricks in previous years and has warned he will be back again this year to cause mayhem.
Telliskivi Christmas Market 15.12
After a successful debut last year, Telliskivi will play host to a Christmas Market once again. Both the indoor shopping streets of Loomelinnak as well as the music venue Roheline Saal (Green Hall in English) will be filled with stalls selling all manner of different products.
The shops of Loomelinnak will not only be beautifully adorned with gold tinsel, but many will be hosting individual events throughout the day.
If the shopping gets a bit too much, Telliskivi is full of places to grab a bite to eat, relaxing drink, or even visit a museum.
Viljandi Christmas Market 20-22.12
The UKU Shopping Centre is the home of the city’s annual Christmas market. Like many of the other markets on this list, you will be able to find delicious food and locally made handicrafts, including handmade textiles, ceramics, glass, and other items.
However, the twist is that a maximum of 2 sellers can sell similar products at the fair, meaning that the selection of goods on offer promises to be wide. The local group of craftsmen who organise the fair – the Bonifatius Guild – are also focusing particularly on traders selling Christmas gifts and foods they produce themselves this year.
Narva Christmas Village 22.12–26.12
The city’s newly renovated town hall square will be transformed into a magical Christmas village decorated with fir trees for the second year in a row for five days during the festive period.
At the Christmas village, you can buy locally made handicrafts, sweets, and more. There will also be a village cafe where you can grab a bite to eat or a cup of mulled wine to warm up.
Santa Claus and his elves will also be in attendance despite it being so close to Christmas – in order to collect the final wishlists. Every day there is also a special entertainment program with different activities for children.
To learn more about this and similar topicsChristmas Christmas Market Christmas Markets Estonia Christmas Markets Estonia 2024 Narva Christmas Village Pärnu Christmas Market Tallinn Christmas Market Tartu Christmas City
