Tallinn Christmas market 2025 – Dates, costs & travel guide

Looking for a European Christmas market experience steeped in history? Then look no further than the Tallinn Christmas market in Estonia.

It’s the country’s capital and the historic centre transforms into a snowy paradise during the festive season, boasting one of Europe’s oldest and most popular Christmas markets.

Don’t think it’s worth visiting? Then appreciate that the Christmas market was previously voted Europe’s best in a poll of 208,000 travellers by European Best Destinations. It prides itself on being child-friendly and the event will impress.

We think you’ll love it and here, the Christmas.co.uk team takes a closer look at what Tallinn offers to help you enjoy a great festive market experience.

When is the Tallinn Christmas market in 2025?

Tallinn’s Christmas Market is held in the city’s charming Town Hall Square and it’s where Europe’s first Christmas tree was put on public display – in 1441!

Visitors to the 2025 Tallinn Christmas market will get to enjoy the return of the ‘Gingerbread Mania’ exhibition which features more than 100 artists who have created gingerbread sculptures. The exhibition runs from 29 November to 7 January 2026.

The huge Christmas tree which becomes a festive hub, surrounded by lovely wooden stalls offering traditional Estonian crafts, delicious treats and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Tallinn Christmas market dates for 2025 are:

21 November – 28 December 2025

Why visit Tallinn for its festive markets?

There’s a lot to enjoy at the Christmas market in Tallinn, such as:

• Festive treats: Warm yourself up with a steaming mug of glögi (mulled wine) infused with cinnamon and cloves. There are traditional Estonian gingerbread cookies (piparkook) – and you can enjoy a slice of piparkoogimaja (gingerbread house), a tasty festive treat. Indulge in a serving of mulgi puder (barley porridge) topped with berries and cream – a comforting winter dish. Plus, don’t miss out on a taste of verivorst (blood sausage – it’s better than it sounds!), a local Estonian delicacy enjoyed during the festive season
• Handcrafted treasures: Explore a treasure trove of Estonian craftsmanship. Find unique Christmas ornaments depicting Tallinn’s iconic landmarks like the Town Hall or the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, hand-knitted woollen mittens and scarves perfect for the cold weather, intricately carved wooden toys featuring Estonian folklore characters, and warm sheepskin mittens to keep your hands warm. Witness skilled artisans demonstrating their traditional crafts, like felt-making, glass-blowing, and weaving
• Festive entertainment: Immerse yourself in the heart-warming atmosphere with traditional Estonian carols sung by local choirs. The dazzling Christmas illuminations lighting up the historic buildings and streets are impressive and there’s even a performance by Santa Claus himself, who doubles as a multilingual MC for weekend events on the market stage
• Weather: Visitors heading to Tallinn for the Christmas Market should be prepared for winter conditions, as late November and December are among the coldest months of the year. Daytime temperatures often sit between –5°C and +3°C, with nights dropping well below freezing, and icy winds around the Old Town can make it feel even colder. Snow should be expected from early December onwards and be aware that the streets and cobbles can become slippery, so sturdy boots with good grip are essential, and it’s wise to pack thermal layers, a warm coat, gloves and a hat.

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Magical Tallinn Christmas Market Experience

Here’s a great video from Visit Tallinn and an enthusiastic presenter who calls the market ‘as cute as a button’.

It is certainly an eye-catching city.

The Old Town is a pretty place to spend time in – and there’s plenty of snow to enjoy.

The presenter stresses that the Christmas market isn’t too small or too big – there’s enough to do here and enjoy for everyone.

The Town Hall is 700 years old with a striking interior – and the trip to the top is worth it to look down on the market. Entry is €2 or free with the Tallinn Card (see below).

The presenter also tells us that Tallinn was the first city in Europe to begin the tradition of erecting a Christmas tree in its market. That tradition is now 580 years old.

We quite liked the mulled wine stalls that have pots of extras you can just chuck on such as lemon slices and nuts and raisins.

The food stalls are also interesting, while the knitted woollen mitten stalls are crying out for your cash as these make for great gifts.

There are also cute toy elves available who help Santa deliver his presents.

The presenter also puts together a traditional Estonian Christmas dinner from the stalls – blood sausage, sauerkraut and roast potatoes. There’s also some cranberry sauce added.

The video also extends into the night when the festive lights come on – it’s a lovely, festive experience.

Essentially, the Christmas market in Tallinn is small when compared to many others but it certainly does have a charm and a lot of great stalls to visit.

It has a laid-back atmosphere, and it is somewhere families can relax and enjoy.

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The tradition of Tallinn’s Christmas market

Tallinn’s Christmas market boasts a rich history dating back to 1444, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Christmas markets in Europe.

Originally established as a one-day market for locals to buy provisions for Christmas Eve and the dark winter months, it has evolved into a major tourist attraction while retaining its warm and welcoming spirit.

That’s because the market retains its medieval charm, with many vendors dressed in traditional Estonian attire, adding to the authentic atmosphere.

This is also a chance to explore the Old Town of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, towering spires and historic architecture.

One of the market’s big attractions is that it prides itself on showcasing and selling traditional Estonian crafts. This is where you will find unique handmade treasures you won’t find elsewhere, supporting local artisans and taking home a piece of Estonian culture.

The other big reason for visiting is when compared to other major European Christmas markets, Tallinn offers a more affordable experience, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats, handcrafted souvenirs, and festive activities without breaking the bank. See below for more about the cost of visiting Tallinn.

How to plan a visit to Tallinn Christmas market

While the Tallinn Christmas market is highly recommended, do consider these Christmas.co.uk tips:

Planning: Aim for weekdays, if possible, to avoid weekend crowds, especially during peak season. Book your accommodation well in advance

Clothing: Tallinn winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Pack warm layers – thermals, a winter coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots with good grip are essential. Remember too that the city has a lot of cobbled streets, and you should expect snow showers so be prepared for slippery conditions underfoot!

• Currency: Estonia uses the Euro (€). Consider exchanging some currency beforehand or using a travel card. Most stalls accept debit and credit cards, but some don’t so carry some cash, just in case
• Souvenirs: Keep an eye out for unique Estonian keepsakes. Consider a hand-knitted woollen scarf featuring traditional Estonian patterns, a beautifully carved wooden figurine depicting a mythical creature from Estonian folklore, or a box of delectable piparkook cookies to share back home
• Basic Estonian phrases: Here are a few basic Estonian phrases that will be appreciated by locals: ‘Tere’ (Hello), ‘Aitäh’ (Thank you), ‘Palun’ (Please), ‘Vabandust’ (Excuse me) and ‘Rõõmsaid jõule!’ (Merry Christmas!).

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3 reasons to visit Tallinn Christmas market

Here’s another great YouTube video from Visit Tallinn with three reasons this Estonian city is worth a visit at Christmas.

The first reason is to enjoy hot mulled wine in a magical market setting. The drinks do look tasty!

The drink is made with Vana Tallinn which is, the presenter says, guaranteed to keep the winter chill out. She adds nuts and raisins, along with lemon slices to the drink for more zest.

The second reason is to grab a plate of traditional Estonian Christmas dinner. The blood sausage and sauerkraut look enticing enough.

The third and final reason is to enjoy the market at night and there’s no doubt that the festive lights add an ambience to enjoy.

There’s also a look at one of the concerts that is held on the main stage and it’s also nice that people can leave a message for Santa on the Christmas tree – it’s a lovely tradition.

The video illustrates nicely why the Christmas market at Tallinn is worth a visit for those who want to get off the beaten trail and visit somewhere different.

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How to get to Tallinn for Christmas

Flying: Tallinn is straightforward to reach from the UK, with a mix of low-cost airlines and full-service carriers offering regular winter flights that fit around the Christmas market dates. Flying from London is usually the cheapest option, with return fares often starting from around £35–£60 on quieter days. These ultra-low fares usually exclude luggage but show how affordable an early-booked trip can be. Expect to pay between £75 and £125 return, especially once you add a cabin bag.

Check live fares from London:
• Skyscanner
• Kayak
• Cheapflights

Travellers from Manchester and the North usually pay a little more, with many return fares between £180 and £300 during the Christmas market season. Some cheaper options appear on midweek dates or if you’re willing to take a one-stop connection via Amsterdam, Copenhagen or Helsinki. Some flights from Manchester can be as low as £27 (Kayak).

Check live fares from outside London:
• Skyscanner
• Cheapflights
• Kayak (all UK airports)

CHEAP FLIGHT TIPS: If you’re trying to keep the cost down, we would recommend travelling midweek since this often brings the best deals, and booking six to 10 weeks in advance to offer the strongest balance of price and availability. Weekend flights, especially Fridays and Sundays in December, are usually the most expensive.

• Ferry: For a scenic journey, consider taking a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. This option allows you to experience the Baltic Sea and explore another Nordic capital city on your trip. The ferry journey itself is short, around 2-3 hours, and offers onboard amenities like restaurants, shops and entertainment.
• Driving: Driving from London to Tallinn will take 29 hours, using the Channel Tunnel. You’ll need to drive through France, Belgium, Germany and Poland. Flying is easier, cheaper and more convenient!
• Train: Travelling by train is also a possibility but takes 43 hours and will cost around £160 using the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam, then via Berlin and Stockholm before catching the ferry to Tallinn.
• Bus: Travelling by bus from London to Tallinn is a budget-friendly option – but will take 42 hours. It will cost between £130 and £200. If this is an option, then Flixbus offers more help.

Staying in Tallinn

Here are some ideas for the best places to stay in Tallinn for the Christmas markets. We recommend staying within the Old Town since this will put you right next to the market. We used Booking.com and a couple of other platforms to find hotels and hostels, and if you’re on a tight budget, look further away from the Town Hall Square where the main market is located because there are some good deals a little further out, especially near the Viru Gate. We think it’s also worth considering short-term apartment and holiday-let rentals.

Budget and value hotels: Expect rates around £60-£110 per night for a 3 and 4 star city-centre hotel (such as the Old Town or nearby) for two adults

• Mid-range hotels: More comfort, better location or amenities so budget roughly £110-£180+ per night

• Premium and luxury hotels: Boutique and five star stays in Old Town etc will typically cost £200+ per night, especially on weekends

• Airbnb and short term rentals: A sound choice for those who prefer the space, flexibility and ‘living like a local’ feel of a rental apartment. Expect to pay £85–£90 per night.

We used Booking. com for checking hotel prices for visiting the Tallinn Christmas market. Note: As an affiliate, we might earn a small commission.

Other attractions for your stay in Tallinn

Tallinn offers a lot of attractions along with its Christmas market, including:

• Kumu Art Museum: Enjoy Estonian art history with its comprehensive collection from the 18th century to the present day
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This is an impressive cathedral – it’s a majestic Russian Orthodox church with striking onion domes, offering stunning views of the city from its bell tower
• Town Hall Square: Outside of the Christmas market season, Town Hall Square is a bustling hub, offering historical landmarks like the Town Hall itself and some great restaurants and cafes
• Medieval City Walls: Walk along the well-preserved sections of Tallinn’s medieval city walls, with an insight into the city’s past and panoramic views.

Budgeting for your Tallinn Christmas market trip

If Tallinn sounds like the place where you want to enjoy its history, charm and Christmas market, here’s a rough budget for a visit in 2025.

Food and Drink: The cost of food at the Christmas market is quite affordable. You’ll find hot drinks from around £3-6, sweet treats from £3-10, light snacks from £4-9 and more substantial meals from about £7-13

Accommodation: See above for the range of hotels and hostels in Tallinn. We found that accommodation during the Christmas market season will range from about £60-£100 per night for a budget stay, a three star offering is around £120-£250+ a night, while higher-end 4-5 star hotels are much more expensive.

• Transport: For transport around Tallinn there’s the Smartcard and you can expect to pay approximately £5 for a full-day ticket, about £8 for a three-day pass and around £9-£10 for a five-day pass. There’s also the Tallinn Card which offers free public transport and free entry to 50 museums and attractions, it costs around £30 for 72 hours
• Souvenirs and gifts: For souvenirs at the market, we think you should allow around £30-£80 for typical local gifts such as mittens, ornaments or woollen items, and upwards of £100 for more exclusive crafts or large pieces.

Nearby Christmas markets

Extend your festive experience by visiting other Christmas markets in the region:

• Helsinki Christmas market: Finland’s capital city has a lovely Christmas market offering Finnish crafts, glögi, and a beautiful setting in Senate Square. Take a day trip by ferry across the Baltic Sea
• Krakow Christmas market: We love this Polish city and at Christmas it takes on an impressive look and feel. Most of the market is found in the main square but the city is easy to get around and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions about Tallinn’s festive market

Is there an entry fee for the Tallinn Christmas Market?
No. The market is completely free to enter and you can wander around the stalls, stage area and Town Hall Square without buying anything.

When is the best time of day to visit?
Evenings feel the most atmospheric thanks to the lights and music, but they are also busier. If you prefer quieter browsing, visit late morning or early afternoon on a weekday.

Can I pay by card at the stalls?
Most stalls accept debit and credit cards, but not all. It’s worth carrying a small amount of cash in euros for smaller items or older-style craft stands.

Will it snow during the Christmas Market?
Tallinn usually gets its first snow in late November or early December. Snow can never be guaranteed, but temperatures often hover around freezing, so pack warm layers, gloves and boots with decent grip.

Is the market suitable for children?
Yes. There are family-friendly food stalls, the central Christmas tree, festive performances and plenty of space to explore. The Old Town’s cobbled streets can be slippery, so take care in icy weather.

How long should I spend in Tallinn?
A two- or three-night trip gives you enough time to enjoy the market, explore the Old Town and perhaps visit Kadriorg or Telliskivi. Longer stays suit those who like museums, saunas or day trips.

Is Tallinn safe for visitors?
Tallinn is considered very safe and the Old Town is well-lit and busy during market season. As with any city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.

How far is the market from Tallinn Airport?
Tallinn Airport is only about 15–20 minutes from the Old Town by taxi or an Uber. The tram (Line 4) also connects the airport to the centre in roughly 15 minutes.

Do I need to book accommodation early?
Yes. Hotels and Airbnb-style apartments in or near the Old Town fill up quickly, especially for weekends in December.

Can I get vegetarian or vegan food at the market?
Yes. Many stalls offer vegetable soups, pastries, grilled cheese options and vegan-friendly snacks, although menus vary every year.

Enjoy the unique attractions of Tallinn’s Christmas market!

We think that Tallinn’s Christmas market offers an interesting blend of festive cheer, rich history, and a touch of medieval magic.

It’s very different to the festive markets found in France and Germany and the market showcases Estonian crafts, delicious local cuisine and we found the people friendly and the main attractions easy to find.

For many visitors, Tallinn promises an unforgettable Christmas market experience.