Estonia's Christmas Markets

"Centered on Town Hall Square, this festive market unfurls around Tallinn’s legendary Christmas tree—the very spot where Europe’s first public Christmas tree was displayed in 1441—with the city running a September contest to find a full-bodied fir or spruce with dense, symmetrical branches that’s lit at the official opening. From the square’s center, characterful wooden stalls radiate outwards selling woollen scarves and jumpers, sheepskin slippers and blankets, hand-crafted leather gifts, and tree decorations and carved wooden ornaments; overhead, fairy lights glitter against fluttering snowflakes during the short winter days (Tallinn receives just six hours of daylight at the solstice). Warm up with a spicy-sweet mug of glögg—traditionally a mulled wine or spirit flavoured with local berries and fruits, now also offered in non-alcoholic forms—while watching visitors of all ages spin on the carousels, then seek out the piparkoogid stalls for ready-made cookies, intriguingly flavoured doughs, and stunning gingerbread creations, including some made to a “health-benefitting” medieval recipe that border on works of art. If you’re feeling hands-on, head to the craft workshop to make your own Christmas ornaments or try your hand at a reflector (mandatory attire on Estonia’s dark streets), or simply grab a seat by the weekend stage for classic performances in traditional dress while tucking into sausages, potatoes, stewed sauerkraut and black pudding with lingonberry sauce. Opening hours are 10am–10pm from 22nd November 2024 to 27th December 2024." - Elizabeth Winter