17.11.2023 | Culture

Exciting Events in Estonia Between Now and the End of the Year

Text Mark Taylor
Photos Sergei Zjuganov, Mikko Virta, 
Andrei Chertkov

Tallinn Christmas Market was voted the Best in Europe in 2019.

03–19.11 Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)

Is not just the biggest film festival in Northern Europe, but one of just 15 worldwide with an A-category certification (this includes Cannes, Berlin, and Venice). This year, as usual, the festival will host countless premieres from filmmakers from around the world.

03–19.11 From Forest to Table – Southern Estonian Flavours

For two weeks, restaurants across Southern Estonia will serve up exciting set menus that all contain locally produced ingredients, including at least one fresh from the forest.

A total of 25 restaurants are taking part in Pärnu Restaurant Week.

11–19.11 Pärnu Restaurant Week

Discover the rich, diverse, and high-quality gourmet scene of Pärnu at lower-than-normal prices. In total, 25 restaurants in the city will be offering special set menus as part of the restaurant week.

15–19.11 Jõhvi Ballet Festival

The five-day ballet festival at the Jõhvi Concert Hall will see performances from numerous Estonian ballet studios as well as international groups such as Pavlo Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble and Mykola Lysenko Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

17–18.11 Robotex International Festival

Discover all there is to know about the latest developments in robotics and artificial intelligence at the annual event that has been held since 2001. The two days will be packed full of exciting robotics competitions and workshops.

22.11–26.11 Estonian Music Week

Each concert of the chamber music-focused festival is an exploration through the life and works of an Estonian composer, that is performed by local classical musicians.

01.12–07.01 Tallinn Christmas Market

Tallinn’s fairytale and internationally award-winning Christmas market will return again this year. Explore the numerous stalls, warm yourself with a glass of mulled wine, listen to live music, and more.

02.12 Stebby Estonian Night Run

If you are looking to lose a few kilos before the end of the year, or keep that extra slice of Christmas pudding in check. The annual Stebby Estonian Night Run in Narva might just be what you’re looking for. You can compete over 5 and 10 km distances.

03.12–07.01 Tartu Christmas City

On the first Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit in Tartu Town Hall Square which signifies the lighting of all the Christmas lights in the city and the opening of the annual Christmas city, which will include an ice rink, sleigh rides for children, and more.

Warm yourself up at Hiiumaa Glögg cafés.

09.12 Glögg cafés in Hiiumaa

In cozy cafes all over Hiiumaa, a steaming cup of glögg, pleasantly cinnamony pastries, spicy pumpkin soup, hot chocolate, and many other delicious treats await you!

09–10.12 Estonian National Museum Christmas Fair

High-quality handicrafts and foods will be available at the annual fair which takes place both inside and outside the museum building. There will also be musical performances and other surprises for visitors.

16–17.12 Christmas Village and Fair Pärnu

Santa and his helpers will be the special guests at the annual fair held in the city’s Independence Square. You will also find countless stalls selling beautiful gifts, foods, and more. Not to mention, a full cultural programme full of performances.

22–26.12 Narva Christmas Village

Each day of the Christmas fair in the Northern yard of the castle will be dedicated to a different country and era. This is on top of a petting zoo, Christmas café, workshops, Santa, and more.

31.12. New Year’s Eve Operetta Ball

At the Estonia National Opera, the theatre’s soloists, chorus and dancers will perform timeless operetta melodies. At the buzzing party, you can dance to the accompaniment of the grand symphony orchestra and Estraadiorkester band.