We know Estonia
15.12.2023 | Culture

Watch out for the Grinch this weekend in Pärnu

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Pärnu Jõuluturg

Watch out for the Grinch this weekend in Pärnu

 

This weekend, December 16-17, Pärnu’s central square will be transformed into a magical Christmas Village full of festive gifts, foods, and of course Santa himself. There will also be a full programme of entertainment on the stage from local youngsters all the way up to well-known Estonian musicians.

As with tradition, the much loved Pärnu Christmas Village and Market will return once more this year. At the market, you can expect to find all manner of locally made handicrafts and foods that would make great gifts or stocking fillers for family and friends. There will also be stands selling hot food and mulled wine to keep you warm.

Santa has also taken time out of his busy festive schedule to attend on both days to meet children, where he will be joined by some of his helpers. However, on Sunday, little ones need to watch out because the Grinch will be in the Christmas Village playing tricks.

Throughout the weekend there will also be a full programme of entertainment on the stage. Both days will start with performances from children’s and youth groups before ending in the evening with professional and well-known artists from around the country including  Rolf Roosalu and Marvi Vallaste, the British Army Band, saxophone quartet Saxlik, HarpSirens, and Kristjan Siiman.

Entrance to the Christmas village in the city’s Independence Square, which will be open from 12 noon to 6 pm on December 16 and 17, is free of charge.

You can learn more about the event and full progamme of performances on the official website here

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Christmas Christmas Market Grinch Handicrafts Pärnu Pärnu Christmas Market Pärnu Christmas Village Rolf Roosalu

19.6.2026 | Culture

Tartu City Day 2026 Promises a Full Programme of Events

Tartu City Day 2026 Promises a Full Programme of Events

Estonia’s second city is Tartu, and this year’s Tartu City Day promises a long list of fun-filled, family-friendly activities over … Read more

18.6.2026 | Culture

After Midsummer’s, What’s Next? More Midsummer Celebrations!

After Midsummer’s, What’s Next? More Midsummer Celebrations!

Midsummer’s Eve, or jaanilaupäev in Estonian, is the single biggest annual holiday in the country. Typically celebrated with bonfires, sauna, … Read more

17.6.2026 | Culture

Finnish Sounds on Estonian Stages

Finnish Sounds on Estonian Stages

Radio Suomipop celebrated its 25th anniversary in March, and this autumn will mark ten years since the station released “Suomipoppia,” … Read more

17.6.2026 | Culture

Retrobest Festival Celebrates Ten Years in Otepää

Retrobest Festival Celebrates Ten Years in Otepää

Pühajärve Beach in Otepää is the setting for the tenth anniversary of the Retrobest Festival, on 26–27 June. This music … Read more

13.6.2026 | Culture

Award-Winning Van Gogh Immersive Exhibition Arrives in Tallinn

Award-Winning Van Gogh Immersive Exhibition Arrives in Tallinn

At the end of next week, the international “Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience” will open in the creative hub … Read more

12.6.2026 | Culture

Suure-Jaani Music Festival 2026

Suure-Jaani Music Festival 2026

Classical music has a home in Estonia from 16–23 June in Suure-Jaani, just 20 minutes north of Viljandi. The 29th … Read more

11.6.2026 | Leisure

Grillfest’s Main Event: Pärnu

Grillfest’s Main Event: Pärnu

Where can you find more than 50,000 visitors eating grilled food? Where can you find over 300 food vendors offering … Read more

9.6.2026 | Culture

Tallinn’s Oldest Museum Celebrates an Anniversary

Tallinn’s Oldest Museum Celebrates an Anniversary

If you think Tallinn’s oldest museum is located in the Old Town, think again. That distinction belongs to Peter the … Read more