Event Details
Welcome to Tallinn Christmas Market 2026
From 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, the historic Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) in the heart of Tallinn's medieval Old Town becomes home to one of Europe's most magical Christmas markets. The UNESCO World Heritage setting provides an unforgettable backdrop of Gothic spires, cobblestone alleyways and wooden stalls glowing under thousands of fairy lights. Entry is completely free.
Crowned the Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, Tallinn's market is celebrated for its authentic atmosphere, unique Estonian traditions and a pace that feels refreshingly unhurried compared to the big-city markets of Central Europe.
Highlights
- Historic Town Hall Square set within Tallinn's UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town
- Europe's oldest Christmas tree tradition: the tree has stood in Town Hall Square every year since 1441
- More than 40 wooden market stalls offering handicrafts, Estonian specialities and festive gifts
- Glögi paradise: Tallinn's market is said to offer more varieties of mulled wine than any other market in Europe
- Weekend programme with church choirs, Advent candle-lighting and live performances
- Santa Claus house open daily for children from the first Sunday of Advent
- Official Advent opening ceremony with Tallinn's Mayor
- Open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Program
The market is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Drink stalls remain open until 22:00 Sunday to Thursday and until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. On the first Sunday of Advent, the official opening ceremony takes place when Tallinn's Mayor and Dean light the Advent candle, accompanied by the joint choir of Tallinn's churches and the Tallinn Chamber Choir. The Santa Claus house opens the same day and welcomes children every day from 12:00 to 18:00. Every Advent Sunday at 15:00, the neighbouring Hopner House hosts guided fairy-tale courtyard walks with a storyteller (advance tickets required).
Food & Drink
Tallinn Christmas Market is renowned for its authentic Estonian flavours. Must-try highlights include:
- Glögi (Estonian mulled wine), served with or without alcohol, often paired with a shot of Vana Tallinn liqueur
- Piparkook (traditional Estonian gingerbread)
- Grilled sausages with sauerkraut and potatoes
- Traditional Estonian black rye bread and black pudding
- Roasted almonds and festive sweet treats
Crafts & Shopping
Local artisans and craftspeople fill more than 40 wooden stalls around the square. Popular souvenirs include hand-knitted woollen mittens and sweaters, wooden ornaments and decorations, handmade ceramics and traditional Estonian Christmas items. Prices tend to be more affordable than at many other major European Christmas markets.
Entry & Opening Hours
Admission to the Tallinn Christmas Market is completely free. The market runs from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. The market remains open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Separate tickets are only required for special side events such as the Hopner House fairy-tale courtyard walks.
Visitor Tips
- Visit on a weekday afternoon for a quieter, less crowded experience.
- Come at the weekend if you want to catch the choir performances and Advent candle-lighting ceremony.
- The entire Old Town is very walkable; most major sights are within a short stroll of Town Hall Square.
- Tallinn can be well below freezing in November and December; pack warm layers and waterproof footwear.
- Book accommodation in the Old Town several months in advance, as demand during the festive season is very high.
- The outdoor ice rink Uisupark on Harju Street, next to St Nicholas' Church, also opens in late November.
- For panoramic views over the snow-covered Old Town rooftops, head to the Kohtuotsa viewing platform.
