Tallinn's Medieval Old Town takes on an especially magical quality in winter as a fresh powdering of snow covers its rooftops, and candles fill its cobblestone lanes with a flickering glow.

Though the nights may be dark, winter is when you find Tallinn at its most enchanting. From skating at the Old Town's outdoor ice rink to enjoying a cup of mulled wine at the best Christmas Market in Europe on the medieval Town Hall square - a true winter wonderland! 

December brings high spirits and festive mood to Tallinn's medieval churches, cute shops, and cosy cafés. From as early as mid-November, visitors can come and make wishes under the lush Christmas tree towering the fairy-tale-like Town Hall square. The tree lights are lit on the First Sunday of Advent. 

Come and experience Tallinn's winter full of magic!

Winter romance in Tallinn

Christmas markets

During the most wonderful time of the year, Tallinn hosts many Christmas markets around the city. The Christmas Market on Town Hall Square (15 November 2019 - 7 January 2020) was voted Best in Europe in 2019. Regardless of whether it's snowing or reminiscent of autumnal temperatures, the market is full of life, selling everything from knitwear to traditional Estonian Christmas food.  

Winter events

Despite this being the darkest time of the year, Tallinn is glowing with warmth, light and buzzes with positive energy. Every evening offers new opportunities to take part in enchanting winter events in the city's cinemas, concert and theatre halls, churches, pubs and nightclubs. Look for all the events from here.

Festive food

Sampling the wonderful flavours of Estonian cuisine is a must during your visit to Tallinn. Estonian food, traditional or modern, changes throughout the year, with each season boasting its own unique flavours. The winter brings a range of hearty dishes. At a genuine Estonian Christmas dinner, you'll find jellied meat (sült in Estonian), beetroot salad, herring, roast potatoes and pork, sauerkraut, Christmas bread, black pudding with pickled pumpkin and lingonberry jam. 

Traditional home-made beer has been replaced by dark porter that goes well with a roast. Few know that the porter-type beer is also excellent for desserts, especially chocolate treats. From local brands look for special Christmas brews from Saku, A Le Coq or one of the many Estonian craft breweries. 

Traditional Estonian desserts often include kringle, a pretzel-shaped sweet bread and delicious buns, served with whipped cream, that are great after a day of skiing or sledging. 

While strolling along the snowy town, pop into any shop, café or wine bar for a delicious cup of hot drink of your choice from mulled wine to hot chocolate.

Shopping

Between the modern department stores, cosy Old Town boutiques and design and handicraft shops, you'll have no trouble finding that special gift to take with you from Tallinn. The Old Town in particular offers a mix of design shops featuring the work of both burgeoning and established local designers.

If you want to add a personal touch to your gift, there's nothing like making it yourself. Tallinn has a number of workshops to start you off, most situated in Old Town and easy to find.

Winter fun

When the air is crisp and streets covered in white snow, head down to fairy-tale-like Tallinn Old Town or for a stroll in a quiet local suburb! The winter season in Tallinn offers different activities such as skating at the Old Town's outdoor ice rink. The more adventurous souls can explore winter parks or try out cross-country skiing. 

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