Fairy Tale Christmas in Tallinn’s Old Town on Town Hall Square from 22.11.2024 to 27.12.2024

Fairy Tale Christmas in Tallinn’s Old Town on Town Hall Square from 22.11.2024 to 27.12.2024

The Tallinn Christmas Market, which was awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, will once again delight visitors this year, opening its doors to a winter Christmas fairy tale on November 22, 2024. The market will be open every day until December 27, 2024. Step into the magical winter world and enjoy traditional Christmas dishes, discover unique handicrafts, and experience a diverse entertainment program. Come and feel the Christmas spirit of Tallinn’s Old Town in all its beauty and magic.

The Tallinn Christmas Market will be officially opened on November 22. The opening speech will be given by the Head of the Central District, Sander Andla, after which the Christmas lights on the city’s most important Christmas tree will be lit. The tree, adorned with thousands of sparkling ornaments, will cast both warm and cold light across Town Hall Square with its glowing garlands. The gnome-like stalls, filled with local producers’ handmade crafts and delicacies, offer a true Christmas experience for all visitors.

To ward off the winter chill, the Tallinn Christmas Market offers a wide selection of handmade woolen mittens, socks, scarves, and hats. Products are available in both new and traditional styles and patterns, ensuring that everyone can find something to their liking. Additionally, last year’s successful newcomer, ALPAKA, will surprise visitors again with a renewed product range, offering unique alpaca wool and leather items that combine Estonian design with precious ecological materials. ALPAKA products make perfect gifts for those who value eco-friendliness and luxurious warmth.

This year, the Gingerbread World at the Tallinn Christmas Market will bring together both new and old traditions. Artistically decorated gingerbread cookies, whose decorations become more elaborate each year, make ideal gifts for international visitors or for creating a cozy Christmas atmosphere at home. Some of these gingerbreads are made exclusively for the Christmas Market, making them truly unique treats that cannot be found anywhere else.

To experience the true Christmas spirit, the market offers hot mulled wine (glögg), made from nearly every berry and fruit found in Estonia! Handcrafted mulled wines are highly valued, and once again, visitors can enjoy the favorites of recent years—sea buckthorn and blueberry mulled wines. Spicy and sweet aromas of glögg will fill Town Hall Square, accompanied by the rich scents of Christmas dishes, which are prepared right at the market. Visitors can savor traditional blood sausages, beer-braised sauerkraut, and seasoned potatoes. Vegetarians also have a reason to explore the market, as there is a diverse selection of plant-based Christmas food available.

To fully immerse in the festive mood, the Tallinn Christmas Market offers the widest variety of mulled wines, made from almost all the berries and fruits found in Estonia. Particularly prized are handcrafted mulled wines, including the popular sea buckthorn and blueberry varieties, and a new addition—chili mulled wine, which gained great popularity last year. The spicy-sweet aroma of glögg harmonizes with the scent of traditional Christmas dishes, which are prepared right at the market.

Sustainability remains at the heart of the Christmas Market again this year. All visitors have the opportunity to enjoy food and drinks in reusable dishes, with a deposit of two euros. By returning the dishes to the collection point, guests can get their deposit back, contributing to reducing the ecological footprint.

On December 1st, the First Advent, Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski and Tallinn Provost Jaak Aus will officially announce the beginning of the Advent season. Together, they will light the first Advent candle, accompanied by solemn Christmas hymns performed by the united choir of Tallinn’s parishes. Participants include the Concert Choir of the Tallinn Kaarli Church, Chamber Choir Canorus, the Mixed Choir of the Jaani Church, Chamber Choir Aktiva, the Chamber Choir of the Holy Spirit Church, the Mixed Choir Laudate Dominum of the Dome Church, the Chamber Choir of Peeteli Church, the Mission Choir, and the Tallinn Chamber Choir.

On the same day, Santa Claus will open the door to his cozy house, where he will greet children every day from 12:00 to 18:00. Those who can recite a poem or sing a song will receive a sweet treat from Santa! The more reserved children can leave their gift lists and Christmas wishes in Santa’s mailbox. In addition, three classic carousels will await the youngest visitors at the market, bringing joy and a festive atmosphere to the whole family.

As is tradition, the stage at the Tallinn Christmas Market will be filled with a colorful cultural program, taking place on Fridays and Saturdays from 17:00 to 19:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 14:00. Various well-known collectives and artists will perform, including folk dance groups Sõleke and Leigarid, as well as modern dance troupes JJ Street and TantsuGeen. Many other long-time favorites of visitors will also perform. The program and events will be hosted by the familiar Santa Clauses Äffy and Arlet.

On Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 11:50, Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski will proclaim the Christmas Peace, following the traditional words used by Queen Christina 369 years ago.

The Tallinn Christmas Market will close on the evening of December 27, 2024, but the new Christmas Market will welcome visitors in just ten months.

Come and be part of the magical Christmas in Tallinn’s Old Town!