December in Tallinn City Museums
Text Ingel Kink Photo Andrei Chertkov
December brings the Christmas spirit to Tallinn City Museums with a variety of events and activities for everyone. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening:
Estonian Museum Shop’s Christmas Market
When: December 14, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Kultuurikatel
The Estonian Museum Shops’ Christmas Market is a good place to find meaningful and special holiday gifts while supporting a good cause. Visitors can browse an array of handcrafted items, cultural keepsakes, and museum-themed merchandise from over 20 participating Estonian museums. Throughout the day, there’s a program introducing different exhibitions and the fascinating stories behind them. Additionally, the event’s charity lottery supports Minu Unistuste Päev (My Dream Day in English), an organisation dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with serious or chronic illnesses. Proceeds from the lottery will also contribute to the mental well-being of these children and their families.
Christmas Concerts at the Kiek in de Kök Museum
When: December 13 & 20
Where: Kiek in de Kök Museum, 6 p.m.
The historic Kiek in de Kök Museum will host classical music performances, featuring string quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn. These concerts will take place in the atmospheric setting of the museum’s fifth floor, surrounded by centuries-old walls.
The program on December 13:
Mozart: String Quartet No. 19 in C major, “Dissonance”
Haydn: String Quartet Op. 76 No. 2 in D major, “Fifths”
Haydn: String Quartet Op. 33 No. 3 in C major, “The Bird”
The program on December 20:
Haydn: String Quartet Op. 77 No. 1 in G major
Haydn: String Quartet Op. 20 No. 5 in F minor
Haydn: String Quartet Op. 76 No. 2 in D major, “Fifths”
The performances will be delivered by students of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, working under the guidance of lecturers Mari Poll-Novakovic and Johanna Vahermägi. Tickets are priced at 10 and 5 euros.
Museum of Photography: Christmas ornament workshop
When: Saturday, December 14, 1–3 p.m.
Where: Museum of Photography
The Museum of Photography invites everybody to a creative workshop to craft unique Christmas ornaments using the cyanotype technique. This 19th-century photographic process involves UV light, water, and iron-based chemicals to produce stunning, deep blue images. Participants will get hands-on experience with the method, creating beautiful designs for Christmas ornaments. All necessary materials and tools will be provided on-site. To complete the festive atmosphere, warm glögi will be available for everyone to enjoy during the session.
The workshop is suitable for individuals of all skill levels, which makes it an ideal way to spend a cosy and artsy December afternoon with family and friends.
Advent crafting weekends at Kalamaja Museum
When: Every weekend during Advent
Where: Kalamaja Museum
Throughout Advent, the Kalamaja Museum invites children and craft enthusiasts to create festive Christmas decorations. Each project has been chosen by local community members and museum friends Elsa and Anna. The crafting sessions are tailored for school-aged children, although younger participants can join with the help of a parent. All sessions take place in the museum’s dedicated educational space and are accessible with a museum ticket or museum card.
Upcoming schedule:
December 14 & 15: Crafting the Kalamaja Christmas Angel
December 21 & 22: Surprise crafting activity
New tour: Avahoidla aarded (Treasures of the open storage in English)
The Tallinn City Life Museum presents a fascinating tour into history with its open storage tour, located in the cellar of the medieval merchant’s house. This space is home to an exceptional collection of porcelain, ceramics, tin, and bronze artefacts.
The oldest room of the storage demonstrates tableware that once adorned Tallinners’ tables, including exquisite pieces created locally. Highlights of the collection include stunning Baltic Rococo items crafted at Carl Christian Fick’s manufactory, elegant works from Nikolai Langebraun’s workshop, and the renowned Delft faience. The display also features ceramics from as far afield as Japan and England, appealing to all who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Another room houses the museum’s impressive collections of brass, bronze, and tin items. Among the exhibits is a rare medieval indoor well, a remarkable architectural feature that has survived the centuries. The museum’s tin collection is considered the most comprehensive in Estonia. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the vaulted cellar’s significant medieval architectural elements.
Get more information about the events and exhibitions at Tallinn City Museums official website.
To learn more about this and similar topicsChristmas Decorations Tallinn Classical Music Tallinn Cyanotype Workshop December events Tallinn Kalamaja Museum Crafts Kiek in de Kök concerts Photography Museum Tallinn City Museum
