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Discover the charm of the Tallinn Christmas Market in Estonia’s Old Town. Explore festive stalls, savour traditional treats, and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland perfect for families.

After going to Vilnius and Riga earlier on in the year, I was really keen to go to Estonia and I heard the Christmas market there could be a perfect first trip.

The Tallinn Christmas Market, held in the city’s medieval Town Hall Square, is a popular winter event featuring local crafts, seasonal food, and festive lights. Set against the backdrop of historic buildings and a large Christmas tree, it offers a cosy, low-key Christmas experience in the heart of the Old Town. I took my daughter, Megan, at the end of November for a quick two-night break, and while we didn’t get any snow (sadly!), we still completely fell in love with Tallinn. The market’s relaxed, storybook atmosphere felt magical without being overwhelming—something she’s already asking to do again next year. It’s the kind of trip that feels like the start of a lovely new Christmas tradition. Below is an overview and some general thoughts, in case you’re planning your own trip to the Baltics for a festive getaway.

Where to stay

We stayed inside the walls of the old town and I was really pleased we did. I found this really cute, warm, and cosy apartment on Booking.com that turned out to be perfect for the two of us. It had everything we needed, with a welcoming vibe that made it feel like a little home away from home. The best part? It was just a three-minute walk from the Christmas market, which made it super easy to pop in and out throughout the day. Being right in the heart of the Old Town, the location couldn’t have been better—cobbled streets, historic buildings, and that festive charm around every corner.

What to expect

If you’re looking for a huge, bustling Christmas market packed with crowds and nonstop action, Tallinn might not tick all the boxes—but that’s exactly why we loved it. The market has a smaller, more intimate feel, with just the right amount of festive charm. Maybe it was because we visited earlier in the season, but the atmosphere was calm and relaxed—we could browse the stalls, grab a bite to eat, and soak up the twinkling lights without ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It’s definitely a market you can see in one evening, so if you’re after a longer trip, consider pairing it with a few days in Helsinki or Riga—both are just a ferry or short flight away. That said, we did notice some of the stalls changed over the couple of days we were there, which kept things fresh and made it worth going back for another wander. Also, it just feels like a nice place to hang out and grab a mulled wine!

Tips for Visiting with Family

Wander around the town

Beyond the magic of the Christmas market, Tallinn itself is a dream to wander through. Even though we caught it on a gray, drizzly day, the charm of the old town still shone through—and I can only imagine how magical it would be under a fresh blanket of snow or with a bit of winter sun lighting up the rooftops. Take some time to stroll along the ancient city walls and lose yourself in the winding cobblestone streets. There’s a real fairy-tale feel here, with medieval towers poking up between colorful buildings, ivy-covered archways, and tucked-away courtyards that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. One of the best things you can do is just wander with no agenda—chances are, you’ll stumble upon a cozy little café, a quirky boutique, or a breathtaking view from one of the city’s many lookout points.

Take day trip to Helsinki

Megan is the kind of person who’s always on the go so even though we were only in Tallinn for a couple of days, she was determined to make the most of it. We found ferry tickets to Helsinki online here and before we knew it, we were sailing across the Baltic. The tram from the ferry terminal in Helsinki took us straight into the heart of the city, which made things super easy. The Christmas market there wasn’t quite what we hoped for—less festive and a lot more crowded than Tallinn’s—but it still had its moments. We caught some Finnish carols, Megan had a sweet moment meeting Santa, and we both warmed up with hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Vegetarian options

While Tallinn does offer a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots, especially within the city itself, the local market scene still leans heavily toward traditional, meat-based fare. Walking through the markets, you’ll find stalls brimming with cured meats, sausages, and hearty stews—delicious, no doubt, but not ideal if you’re plant-based. That said, we did manage to find a couple of cosy restaurants tucked just off the main square that had a more diverse menu.

Other practicalities

We took a Ryanair flight from Stansted, and I decided to splurge just a little on convenience—we booked the Green Multi-Storey parking at the airport. It’s a bit pricier than the long-stay options, but being able to stroll right from the car to the terminal was totally worth it (especially when you’re juggling early flights and a tired child). After landing in Tallinn, we hopped on the number 2 bus to the city centre. Tickets were just €2 each and easy to grab from the machine at the bus stop (cards accepted). The ride only took about 15 minutes, and then just a five minute walk to our accommodation. We also got the bus back to the airport at the end of our stay

All in all this was a perfect little break with enough to do for a couple of days but it was by no means overwhelming, which sometimes I think Christmas markets can be. Now for planning the next one…