Christmas edition- Tallinn and surroundings
Example programme for travel professionals
Spend your Christmas holiday in Estonia
Throughout December, Estonia's big cities and small towns sparkle with Christmas spirit. Christmas markets are magical places for fun, music, and outdoor games for the whole family. Fairy lights twinkle, and the smell of spicy hot wine and fried sausages fills the air. If you plan to meet Jõuluvana — the Estonian Santa Clause — come prepared with a Christmas song or winter poem. Like Estonian children, you may have to recite one before he grants your Christmas wish.
An unforgettable winter destination with snowy forests and frozen lakes.
From cross-country skiing to post-sauna swims in sub-zero temperatures, this Nordic wonderland welcomes you with activities to invigorate your body and soothe your soul. With so much to do, you will not even feel the cold!
Source: Rauno Liivandi
Day 1: Medieval Old Town with Christmas Market
Guided tour to explore Tallinn's unique medieval Old Town
Divided into the Lower Town and Upper Town (the hill of Toompea), the area is quite big yet still compact enough to explore on foot.
Little break in one of the oldest cafés in Tallinn cafe Maiasmokk for hot drink
Visit to Tallinn Christmas market, which was voted one of the best ones in Europe 2019. Local merchants will offer Estonian Christmas cuisine, from black pudding and sour cabbage to gingerbread and hot Christmas drinks.
Lunch at old town, suggested group restaurants here
Visit the Noblessner Quarter, the major submarine shipyard of Imperial Russia, it has now turned into a seafront quarter that is open to the sea. Here you will find historical industrial buildings with their stately architecture, Noblessner Marina, art galleries, the best restaurants in the city.
Shopping stop at Shishi Christmas shop, to admire wide variety of Christmas products
Põhjala brewery tour and degustation, to taste the most popular porters and beers aged in oak barrels and brewed with Estonian forest ingredients.
Check-in to one of the 4 star hotels: Mövenpick Hotel, Nordic Hotel Forum, Tallink City Hotel or something more unique
Dinner suggestions here
Source: Riho Kirss
Day 2: Winter wonderland in Kõrvemaa nature- Small Lapland
Breakfast at hotel
An hour drive outside of Tallinn, to Kõrvemaa, located in the middle of the beautiful nature combining hiking and sports opportunities.
Spend a half day in Small Lapland, where trails and trees are decorated with romantic hats of pure white snow, in the evenings, the trails and kennels are lit with fairytale lanterns, forest trails are prepared for sleddog rides and the whole area is radiating serene magic. Sleddogs love the Winter, the cold, the snow, people and the pulling. With Christmas feeling just around the corner..
Activities to try out:
- Hike on a forest trail lit by lanterns with kicksleds or by foot
- Ride on a beautiful forest trail with a sled or four-wheeler pulled by 4 dogs
- A cozy dog barn and the opportunity to take photos in the photo studio corner
Enjoy local lunch: grilling sausages, marshmallows and bread over the campfire. Wild bog tea.
Drive back to Tallinn
Visit to Gingerbread mania, to see the exhibition with the whole class and bake artistic gingerbread yourself.
Back to hotel
Dinner suggestions here
Source: Mairo Marmor
Day 3: Telliskivi Creative City
Breakfast at hotel
Excursion to Telliskivi Creative City, located in the former industrial complex of Tallinn, which houses galleries, small shops, various creative companies, start-ups, and restaurants.
Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop under the guidance of expert chocolatiers. You’ll roll, dip, and decorate your own sweet creations—perfect for gifting or savoring yourself.
Lunch and visit to Balti Jaam market, which includes nearly 300 traders on three floors. Large hall for fish and meat, a street for vegetables, and a versatile street food area with nearly 20 dining options.
Free time to explore market, filled with handicraft shops and seasonal delights.
Afternoon activity: try out a unique pop-up ice skating rink in the centre of Tallinn's Old Town or any other part of the city
Enjoy spa and hot sauna in your hotel
Overnight or departure
Source: Anete Tomingas
Last updated
18.02.2025