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…

Looking for smaller, local campsites in France? Skip the big chains. Discover these absolute gems

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When we go camping—whether it’s in the UK or across Europe—we almost always skip the big-name chains. Sure, we’ve stayed at a Huttopia now and then when choices are limited, but our most memorable camping holidays have always come from those small, locally owned campsites tucked away in the French countryside.

There’s just something special about them. They’re quieter, more personal, and often full of unexpected charm. Don’t get us wrong—we’re big fans of a good swimming pool, a pizza van, and a decent playground for the kids. But you don’t need to book a spot at a massive resort like Yelloh! Village to find those things. In fact, many of the independent campsites in France we’ve stayed at have offered just as much fun, with a whole lot more character.

We’ve spent years camping across France, and it’s become one of our favourite ways to travel. With all that experience comes confidence—not just in knowing where to look, but in being able to find incredible campsites on the fly, without having to book everything in advance. And some of our best stays have been those spontaneous finds, often off the beaten path.

So if you’re looking to explore smaller campsites in France, here are some campsites we’ve personally stayed at—and absolutely loved.

Camping Le Moulin d’Onclaire

We stumbled across Camping Le Moulin d’Onclaire by pure luck after our original campsite turned out to be a total disaster—and honestly, it was an absolute gem of a find. Tucked away in the pretty village of Coux, just a few minutes from Privas, this riverside gem is set around a 17th-century mill and has a peaceful, laid-back vibe that immediately won us over. There’s a pool to cool off in, a little bar and games area to unwind, and even a restaurant serving proper Ardèche-style food in summer. The pitches are spacious, the staff are lovely, and there’s a mix of nature, comfort, and charm that made it feel like a hidden treasure. We didn’t plan to stay here—but we’re so glad we did. We extended our stay and we’d definitely go back.

L’Orangerie de Beauregard

We stayed at L’Orangerie de Beauregard at the end of our trip, and it was the perfect way to unwind. The facilities are absolutely pristine, with everything from the heated pool, the play park to the mini-market kept in tip-top shape. What really stood out, though, was the lovely atmosphere—it’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at home. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying a quiet moment in the beautiful woodlands, there’s a real sense of peace and tranquillity here.

Camping des Bastides

If there’s one campsite our kids keep asking to return to, it’s Camping des Bastides. Set in the peaceful Lot-et-Garonne region, this site has everything to keep them entertained. From the fun water slide and pool to the playground with a bouncy castle and trampoline, there’s no shortage of activities. With seasonal events like football, boules, and live music, the whole family can join in the fun. Plus, the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it a spot we’ll keep coming back to for years to come.

Camping au Bois Dormant

Camping Au Bois Dormant in Chauffour-sur-Vell offers the perfect balance of nature and comfort. Set in a peaceful oak forest, we had a huge pitch and we felt like there was plenty of space for our kids to roam freely. With an outdoor pool, waterslide, sports facilities, and games room, there was no shortage of activities to keep them entertained. The campsite also hosts fun events like karaoke and barbecue nights. Our kids got very into the karaoke! Plus, with nearby attractions like the villages of Collonges-la-Rouge and the Gouffre de Padirac, there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area.

Camping La Serre

If you’re on the hunt for a peaceful getaway where nature is the star of the show, Camping La Serre in Aigues-Vives is an absolute gem. Seriously, it’s one of the most beautiful campsites we’ve ever stayed at. Each pitch feels like your own little secluded spot in the middle of nature, giving you that perfect off-the-grid vibe, but with all the creature comforts you want. The pool is the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring and the on-site restaurant serves up some great pizza.

There’s a great variety of accommodation, too—whether you prefer a spacious pitch, a cozy glamping tent, or a mobile home, you’ve got options. What makes this place really stand out is its commitment to sustainability. It’s a certified LPO refuge, with meadows full of orchids and butterflies, creating a super peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hiking through the Pyrenees, or treating yourself to some yoga, Camping La Serre is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Camping La Viste

Camping La Viste in Rousset is another gem we stumbled upon when our plans took an unexpected turn—and we’ve been back twice since! It’s walking distance from the stunning Lac de Serre-Ponçon, this campsite offers the perfect balance of action and relaxation. There are two outdoor pools, including one with a water slide that the kids absolutely loved. Plus, there are great pizzas for a speedy dinner, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring and swimming.

We can’t get enough of camping in France — we keep finding ourselves going back again and again! It’s easily one of the best spots in Europe for campers, with an amazing variety of campsites to suit every style and budget. If you’re planning your next trip, check out pitchup.com for ideas, and don’t be afraid to try some of the smaller, independent sites — they can be real hidden gems.

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Tallinn Christmas Market 2024: A Magical Winter Experience in Estonia