The big events in Estonia between now and the New Year
Text Mark Taylor Photos Estonian Open Air Museum, Luisa Greta Vilo, Andrei Chertkov, PÖFF
You will be able to take horse-drawn sleigh rides at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn.
01–17.11 From Forest to Table – Southern Estonian Flavours
From Viljandimaa to Võrumaa restaurants all across Southern Estonia will be serving special set menus that not only all contain local ingredients, but at least one that is freshly picked from the forest.
01–30.11 Taste Adventure of Ida Viru
Throughout November, the east Estonian county of Ida-Virumaa will welcome gourmet travellers for what it describes as a taste adventure. Restaurants all around the county will not only be offering good food, but special themed dinners and events will also take place.
08–24.11 Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)
PÖFF is one of just 15 A-category film festivals in the world. Meaning it is not only the biggest in the Nordic and Baltic region, but in the same category as the likes of Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. This festival will host countless world premieres from established as well as up-and-coming filmmakers.
11–15.11 Estonian Music Week
This year’s edition of the chamber music festival will focus on the works of Estonian composers Jaan Räätsa, Raimo Kangro and Jüri Reinver. Each concert, by top local musicians, will be an exploration of the composer’s life and works.
22.11–27.12 Tallinn Christmas Market
Highly regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Tallinn’s scenic town hall square will become a festive wonderland filled with 60+ stalls packed with handicrafts, sweets, and of course, the possibility to buy mulled wine to keep you warm while watching the extensive programme of free live music and dance performances on the stage.
25.11–15.12 Christmas Jazz (Jõulujazz), around Estonia
The annual almost month-long jazz festival is the last major music festival of the year in Tallinn. Venues around the country from Niguliste Museum to the Alexela Concert Hall will play host to concerts from top international acts such as Kit Downes (UK), Veronica Swift (USA), and Alfredo Rodriguez (Cuba), as well as top local performers and groups.
30.11–05.01 Tartu Christmas City
The popular annual Christmas city will begin with the conclusion of Tartu’s year as the European Capital of Culture on November 30. As well as countless stalls and the opportunity to see Santa, there will be a diverse entertainment programme that includes the Winter Dance Festival.
06–07.12 Robotex International Festival
The annual robotics and artificial intelligence festival has taken place for more than 20 years. At the two-day event at the Unibet Arena in Tallinn, visitors will find exciting robotics competitions, workshops, and much more.
07.12 Glögg cafés in Hiiumaa
The island of Hiiumaa will become a mulled wine lovers paradise on the first Saturday of December. Countless cafes around the island will be offering steaming cups of glögg, along with tasty treats such as cinnamon pastries, pumpkin soup, hot chocolate, and much more!
13–15.12 Christmas Village and Fair Pärnu
As well as stalls selling festive gifts, food, and of course mulled wine, there will be a full programme of live music and performances in the city’s Independence Square. Santa will also be there for the little ones, but watch out for the naughty Grinch.
14–15.12 Estonian Open Air Museum Christmas Village
The area around the museum’s Kolu Inn will be transformed into a vibrant Christmas Fair, with stalls packed with potential presents for family and friends, a wooden carousel for the little ones and sleigh rides. Inside the inn, you can partake in Christmas decoration-making workshops and children can give Santa their wish lists. There will also be carol singing at the museum’s chapel.
22–26.12 Narva Christmas Village
The city’s town hall square will become a beautiful Christmas village for 5 days, filled with fir trees and stalls selling festive gifts, crafts, and sweets. For the little ones, Santa will also be there, along with his elves and animals to pet.
To learn more about this and similar topicsBlack Nights Film Festival Christmas Fair Christmas Village Pärnu Restaurant Week Robotex International Tallinn Christmas Market Tartu Christmas City
