When the opportunity came up to visit Tallinn in early December, I jumped at the chance. Estonia’s capital is often called one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and seeing it in all its festive glory was an experience I won’t forget.
From twinkling Christmas lights to snow-dusted rooftops, incredible food and a market straight out of a fairytale, Tallinn is a Christmas city break I’d recommend in a heartbeat.
Getting there
Reaching Tallinn is easier than you might think. I flew directly with Ryanair from Stansted, but other options include Wizz Air from Luton, Air Baltic from Heathrow on select days, or Finnair via Helsinki, with just a short 20-minute hop to Estonia’s capital. The airport is small and efficient, and within 15 minutes, I was in the heart of the city, ready to start exploring.
A step back in time: the magic of Tallinn’s Old Town
Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Surrounded by towering medieval walls that took over 300 years to build, the cobbled streets and historic buildings transport you to another time. Many places - including our stunning hotel - incorporate original parts of the old city walls, preserving Tallinn’s rich history while offering all the comforts of modern travel.
We stayed at the Nunne Boutique Hotel, right in the centre of the Old Town. The building dates back to the Middle Ages, and its charm is undeniable. With just 75 rooms, it’s intimate, beautifully designed and perfectly located for exploring. Whether visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, it’s an ideal base.
What makes Tallinn so fascinating is how history is still so visible in everyday life. There are parts of the Old Town that feel like stepping into another era, with wooden houses from Soviet times, churches with centuries of history and small traditional shops tucked into ancient streets.
Europe’s oldest Christmas market
Tallinn’s Christmas market is one of the most magical I’ve ever seen. The city holds a special place in festive history, as Tallinn was the first European city to display a public Christmas tree - a tradition that continues today with a beautifully decorated tree at the heart of the market.
The wooden stalls are packed with handmade gifts, woollen goods and delicious festive treats. The scent of mulled wine and sizzling Estonian street food fills the air, and twinkling lights make everything feel even more enchanting. Even better, on our second day, snow started to fall - just enough to make it feel like a true winter wonderland.
Food & Drink Highlights
Food in Tallinn is a real highlight, and we were lucky enough to experience some of the city’s best restaurants. Agnia from Visit Estonia ensured each meal was in a different, carefully chosen spot, allowing us to sample the variety of Estonian cuisine.
Some standouts included...
Restaurant Lee
A fine dining experience with locally sourced ingredients, wonderful wine and impeccable service.
Restaurant Pull
A must for steak lovers, with beautifully cooked meats and a relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurant Kaerajaan
Serving modern Estonian cuisine in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for a cosy, welcoming meal.
Olde Hansa
A medieval banquet-style feast, complete with shared dishes and a truly authentic atmosphere.
Of course, no trip to Tallinn would be complete without sampling glogg, a spiced non-alcoholic fruit drink, or a steaming cup of mulled wine from the Christmas market.
For something a little stronger, we visited Junimperium, Estonia’s first craft gin distillery and a truly special place. The gin tasting was excellent, and in a funny twist, I discovered that the UK contact for the brand is actually the husband of a good friend - proof that the travel world is a small one!
Hands-on experiences: gingerbread and history
One of the most unexpected but delightful parts of the trip was a pop-up Hungarian gingerbread workshop. The things they had made from gingerbread were mind-boggling! We made our own gingerbread biscuits using traditional stamps and moulds, baked them, and decorated them with gold dust. It was such a fun, festive activity, and impressively, my biscuits were still perfect at Christmas!
Beyond the festive atmosphere, Tallinn is a city steeped in history. We visited the Niguliste Museum, housed in a former church, which is home to Tallinn’s most famous artwork - the Danse Macabre (Dance of Death) by Bernt Notke.
At over 500 years old, it’s the only surviving canvas of its kind in the world.
The Silver Chamber exhibition, showcasing treasures from churches, guilds and the Brotherhood of Blackheads, was also fascinating.
Exploring more of Tallinn
While the Old Town is the heart of the city, there’s plenty to see beyond its medieval walls. The Seaplane Harbour Museum offers an immersive look at Estonia’s maritime history, while the Song Festival Grounds, home to the famous Estonian Song Festival, is an important cultural landmark.
Tallinn exceeded all my expectations. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, the festive atmosphere is enchanting and the mix of history, culture and food makes it an ideal winter getaway.
A huge thank you to Nordic Tourism, Visit Estonia and our fantastic guide, Jaan, who brought the city to life with his deep knowledge and passion for his home.
If you’re looking for a Christmas market trip with a difference, Tallinn should be top of your list. It’s beautiful, welcoming and filled with magical experiences.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’ll be bringing an extra suitcase for all the Christmas market goodies!
Debbie
