In 1441, the city says, the merchants of the Brotherhood of Blackheads put up a tree on Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, danced around it, and then set it on fire. Riga, a few hours south, says the same about itself in 1510. Both cities have their tree, and their argument, every December.
Tallinn’s tree stands in the middle of one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, under the Gothic tower of the Town Hall, with snow on the stalls more often than not and the smell of mulled wine in the cold air.
Here is what to see, when the market opens in 2026, what to eat and drink, and how to plan the trip with friends.
What are the best Christmas markets in Tallinn?
| Market | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tallinn Christmas Market | Town Hall Square, old town | The one market: a tall tree, stalls and a stage |
| St Catherine’s Passage | Katariina käik, old town | Craft workshops in a medieval lane |
| Toompea Hill | Toompea, upper town | The viewing platforms over the old town |
Town Hall Square, old town
Tallinn Christmas Market
Wooden stalls ring the tree on Town Hall Square, under the tower of the Gothic Town Hall, selling woollen socks and mittens, juniper wood, glass and gingerbread.
A stage hosts choirs and dancers most days, and Santa usually keeps a cabin for the children.
Good to know: Climb the Town Hall tower or walk up to the Toompea viewing platforms for the old town under snow.
Katariina käik, old town
St Catherine’s Passage
A short medieval lane of artisans’ workshops, glass, ceramics and jewellery, with old gravestones set into the walls. Not a market, but the best place for a handmade present.
Toompea, upper town
Toompea Hill
The upper town on its limestone hill, with viewing platforms looking down over the red roofs and church spires of the old town.
When are the Tallinn Christmas markets open in 2026?
The Christmas market usually opens in late November and runs into early January. The first Sunday of Advent is November 29 in 2026.
Check the market’s site for the exact dates and hours, which are shorter around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
What should you eat and drink at the Tallinn Christmas markets?
- Verivorst: Blood sausage with barley, fried and served with lingonberry jam: Estonian Christmas food.
- Hapukapsas: Sauerkraut, often stewed with pork, on the side of everything.
- Hõõgvein: Estonian mulled wine, the market’s default drink.
- Vana Tallinn: The city’s dark rum liqueur, often added to coffee or mulled wine.
- Piparkoogid: Thin, spiced gingerbread biscuits, sold by the bag and on every Christmas table.
How do you plan a Christmas market trip to Tallinn?
Two days covers the market, the old town walls and towers, Toompea and the Telliskivi creative quarter.
Stay in or next to the old town and walk; cobbles and snow mean good boots.
Make it a two-capital trip: Helsinki is about two hours away by ferry, and Riga about four and a half hours by bus.
Why go to the Tallinn Christmas markets with friends?
Tallinn is a small, walkable city that is perfect for a group weekend: the market, the medieval taverns, and a ferry to Helsinki if you want a second capital.
In SwipeSights, everyone swipes on real places in Tallinn, from the Town Hall tower to the tavern for dinner, and the group’s picks become a day-by-day plan.
Plan Tallinn at Christmas together
Start a trip, invite your friends, and let the group’s picks become a day-by-day plan.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the Tallinn Christmas market in 2026?
It usually opens in late November and runs into early January, on Town Hall Square in the old town.
Did Tallinn have the first Christmas tree?
Tallinn says the Brotherhood of Blackheads put up a public Christmas tree on Town Hall Square in 1441. Riga claims the first, in 1510. Both cities keep the tradition.
Is the Tallinn Christmas market worth it?
Yes, for the setting: one market in the middle of a medieval old town, often under snow, and easy to combine with Helsinki by ferry.
What should I eat at the Tallinn Christmas market?
Verivorst (blood sausage) with sauerkraut and lingonberry jam, gingerbread biscuits, and mulled wine with a splash of Vana Tallinn liqueur.
How cold is Tallinn in December?
Usually around freezing, often with snow, and it gets dark by about half past three in the afternoon. Bring warm boots.
SwipeSights: plan the whole group trip together.
