A fairytale Christmas in Estonia
Markets, fairs, and special events can be found all over Estonia at Christmastime. These attractions will make you feel the true magic of Christmas.
In cities large and small across Estonia, a real-life fairytale Christmas awaits.
Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at markets packed with handicrafts, see your children's eyes light up with a visit to Santa's farm, sample seasonal treats and hot mulled wine, and marvel at all the twinkling lights illuminating the winter sky.
Where to find Christmas spirit around Estonia
You can never have too much Christmas cheer, so turn your visit into a full-on festive tour of Estonia. Here are the top holiday attractions around the country. Some events run for a limited time, so double-check the schedule before heading out.
Tallinn
Tallinn is Estonia's Christmas capital, and it makes a great first or last stop, as you'll likely start and end your trip in Tallinn's ferry terminal or airport. The Tallinn Christmas Market is the crown jewel of Christmas in Estonia. After all, it was named the best Christmas market in Europe in 2019 and has once again made the list of best Christmas markets to visit in 2024.
The 2024 market is open from November 22nd to December 27th.
The market may work its enchantment on you — making it hard to even think about leaving Tallinn — but the rest of Estonia is filled with magic during the holiday season.
Source: Kadi-Liis Koppel, Visit Tallinn
Narva and Ida-Viru County
The square in front of Narva's newly renovated Town Hall will host a Christmas Village from December 22nd to 26th. You can visit Santa and finish your Christmas shopping at stands selling sweets and handicrafts from local artisans. There is a Christmas cafe where you can get a warm drink, and children can cuddle animals at the petting zoo.
Source: Dmitri Shutov, Visit Estonia
Central Estonia
The Winter Village at the Torma Manor complex in Jõgeva County is where Santa's brother Glämmi lives with elves and other characters. On the weekends from November 20th to January 15th, families can come and participate in children's activities or spend a night glamping in a cozy furnished tent.
In Väätsa, the whole community decorates the windows of the community center for Christmas. At first, the window project was a way for locals to create something special together, but now, it has become a unique tourist attraction. Väätsa's Christmas windows have been selected as one of the TOP 100 Green Destinations sustainability stories for 2024. This year, they will host a Christmas market in front of the center on three evenings in December.
Tartu and South Estonia
Tartu is Estonia's second city, but its Christmas City is not as well known as Tallinn's famous Christmas market. From December 1st to January 5th, the city's Town Hall Square is filled with magic. Brightly lit glass pavilions are the highlight of the Christmas City; each one is decorated with a unique theme. Visitors can take a spin on the ice rink set up on Town Hall Square and enjoy sleigh rides or a turn on the wooden carousel.
The MICHELIN Guide recommends warming up with a cocktail at Blood Milk Water and stopping at Joyce or Hõlm for dinner.
On December 14th, hundreds of folk dancers from Tartu and South Estonia will come to the Christmas City for the Winter Folk Dance Day. Grab a partner and join them around the Christmas tree! That same weekend, the Estonian National Museum hosts their annual Christmas Fair, featuring high-quality handicrafts and Estonian food products. It's a great opportunity to finish up your Christmas shopping.
Source: Timo Müürsepp, Visit Tartu
Pärnu County
Pärnu's main event is its Christmas Village, which will be open on Independence Square for one weekend only — December 13th and 15th. Stop by to see Santa and his helpers and enjoy the performances. There will also be fun activities for children and a Christmas fair featuring local handicrafts and tasty treats.
The Christmas Wonderland at Lottemaa is a favorite of Estonian children. This theme park outside of Pärnu recreates the village where Lotte, the puppy dog inventor, lives with her friends. For Christmas, Gadgetville turns into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations lighting up the park's houses, gardens, and forest paths. Even if the weather outside is frightful, it is guaranteed to be warm and delightful indoors at Lottemaa! This year, Christmas at Lottemaa is celebrated on the 14th and 15th, the 21st and 22nd, and 26th through 30th of December, and January 3rd to 5th.
Did you know Santa has a small farm in West Estonia? You can visit to see how he keeps busy in the summer, but the most festive time to visit is the day after his whirlwind world tour. On December 26th, you can visit for Family Days at Santa Claus's Korstna Farm. Meet Mrs. Claus and Santa's little helpers and get to know the farm animals. Dress warmly as some of the activities take place outdoors!
Source: Lottemaa Theme Park
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Last updated
09.12.2024