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Winter in Tallinn
By visittallinn.ee • 17.04.2019
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'll find Tallinn at its most enchanting. From skating at the Old Town's outdoor ice rink to enjoying a cup of mulled wine in a cosy café - every day brings new delights! December brings high spirits and festive moods to Tallinn's medieval churches, shops and of course, the world-famous Christmas Market at the Town Hall square. 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.
From as early as November, visitors can come and make Christmas wishes under the lush Christmas tree towering in Town Hall square. The Christmas tree of Tallinn always has a story to tell, because it is chosen each year through a contest that sees spruce trees all over Estonia competing for the honour. The tree will be lit with candles on the first advent.
Come and experience Tallinn's winter full of magic!
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, taking place every year from mid-November to the beginning of January, was recently voted Best in Europe in 2019.
Seasonal 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 Traditional home-made beer has been replaced by dark porter that goes well with a roast.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.
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.