Don’t miss these Christmassy things in Tallinn
The small Estonian capital of Tallinn offers a proper Christmas experience with its decorations, food and medieval old town. Here is a list of things you shouldn't miss when visiting Tallinn during Christmas.
1. Discover the sparkling Rotermann quarter
Rotermann is a unique quarter full of shops and cafes built within the walls of an old industrial quarter. During Christmas, the area has a truly magnificent tree and lots of Christmas lights.
2. Try to find the light installations of the most famous tales hidden in the Old Town
The event is called Fairytale Courtyards (Muinasjutuhoovid). The installations will be in the Old Town until December 29th. You can find the installations in courtyards, small parks and narrow streets of the Old Town. There are 10 installations in total. See the map below for where to find them.
3. Visit the Gingerbread Exhibition
The annual “Piparkoogimaania” exhibition, where all the sculptures and exhibits are made of gingerbread, is a really cool thing to see, as the exhibits change every year!
4. Eat delicious fresh pastries at Pulla Bakery
Pulla Bakery is a homely bakery located on a narrow, cozy street in the Old Town, next to Town Hall Square. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee and a warm pulla to warm yourself up while exploring the city in winter.
5. Ride the Skywheel of Tallinn on the roof of T1 Mall
See Tallinn from a different angle! Ride the Ferris wheel 120 m above sea level, where you can enjoy a unique view of Tallinn. Pods are weatherproof, heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer. I recommend going to see the city when the snow is on the ground and everything is white and sparkling.
6. Find Christmas magic at ShiShi store
ShiShi is an Estonian decoration company that is now widely known and sold all over the world. Their decorations can be purchased in the best department stores around the world, but one of their outlets and stores is located in Tallinn, where customers have a unique opportunity to buy their decorations. The store is also so beautiful, the trees are decorated and it feels like there is Christmas magic hidden in this place.
7. Buy and eat a big gingerbread
The most popular Christmas dessert in Estonia is homemade crunchy gingerbread. It can be glazed, but it doesn't have to be. Usually, large gingerbread cookies sold separately are glazed, and small ones sold in packs can be purchased unglazed if you're not a fan of sugar. However, Estonians often buy pre-made dough from the store (or mix the dough themselves) and bake the gingerbread cookies at home.
8. Visit the Old Town Christmas Market
The most popular activity in Tallinn. And it's a must! Go see the beautiful tree, enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of the market, eat Christmas food, drink mulled wine and buy souvenirs.
9. See the beautiful tree at St. Nicholas Church and the unicorn exhibition at their museum
The tree at St. Nicholas Church is always worth a visit. This year it is all white and decorated by ShiShi. Also visit the unicorn exhibition at their museum. This exhibition, created in collaboration with the Swedish Museum, shows how we have perceived the meaning of unicorns throughout history. So, Christmas time is the perfect time to see this magical exhibition.
10. Explore the Noblessner Quarter and visit Christmas Land in the Iglupark
Noblessner Harbour has the most beautiful Christmas tree in Tallinn in my opinion. It is definitely different from all the others. But remember that when exploring the area, it is by the sea and it is really windy and cold (keep your hats on and mittens on) and try not to get blown away. There is also a Christmas Land event in the Igloo Park where you can experience sauna, swimming, fire, hot drinks and activities for children.
