The Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia during Christmas Time

Tallinn in December feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe. Yes, the Christmas market in Town Hall Square is the star of the show, but the city has way more going on than just mulled wine and market stalls. From medieval taverns with candlelit dinners to snowy strolls through cobblestone streets, Tallinn knows how to do winter right—without being overhyped or overpriced. Whether you're here for the holiday vibes, the history, or just to soak in some serious Baltic charm, here are the best things to do in Tallinn during the Christmas season.

1. Meander through the Tallinn Christmas Market

The market is centrally located in the center of Old Town, so it’s incredibly accessible if you’re staying in the area. The market is in the center square and is surrounded by colorful buildings. The spoke-and-wheel design of the market gives the feeling of being utterly surrounded by Christmas cheer. As if on queue, the moment we walked up to the Christmas market, Bing Crosby’s rendition of White Christmas played in the square just as snow went from a sprinkle to heavy snowfall as the overpowering yet delicious smells of cider and gingerbread spread throughout the market. You simply cannot plan for a moment as quintessentially magical as that.

You’ll find a full breakdown of the market in our Tallinn Christmas Market Guide, but in short: this is the coziest, most historic market we’ve ever visited. Come for the mulled wine, stay for the snow-dusted rooftops and centuries-old traditions.

2. Ice Skate in the Heart of Old Town

If you’re looking for that classic winter-in-Europe moment, ice skating in Tallinn’s Old Town is the move. Head to Vanalinna Uisupark to get your heart racing as you skate with your partner around the outdoor ice rink! The seasonal rink pops up on Harju Street, right between St. Nicholas Church and the old city wall, making it one of the most scenic skating spots in the Baltics. You’ll be gliding past medieval towers and fairy-lit trees with Christmas music in the background—it’s very “main character energy” without being overcrowded.

Skate rentals and entry usually cost around €10–12 total, and no need to book ahead. We recommend skating after dark (which is earlier than you think!) when the lights are on and the vibes are peak festive, or earlier in the afternoon if you want the ice mostly to yourself.

3. Try a Renaissance-Style Dinner

For one of the most unique dining experiences in Tallinn, book a candlelit dinner at Olde Hansa, where everything—from the menu to the music to the lack of electricity—feels straight out of the 15th century. And yes, the bathroom matches the vibe. Feeling brave? Try eating bear for dinner at the Renaissance-style restaurant. Hands down one of the most unique things we’ve ever eaten in our lives. Give it a shot - why not?

4. Explore Old Town On Foot

Tallinn’s Old Town is compact, walkable, and stunning in the snow. Start at the Viru Gate, wind your way past pastel buildings and crooked streets, and make your way up to Kohtuotsa viewing platform for a panoramic view over the red rooftops and icy Baltic Sea. Don’t miss the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the pink Parliament building, and the town walls lit up at night. Just watch your step—those cobblestones get slick fast.

Old Town also offers darling shopping options, from local boutiques to handcrafted items at the Christmas Market. Don’t forget to stop by and literally smell the flowers right outside of the city defense towers! Along with the Christmas Markets, Old Town has cool coffee shops and cozy, quaint boutiques. While you’re there, visit the interesting Town Hall Pharmacy - allegedly the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Bonus points, it’s free to visit!

5. Hit the Slopes for a Half-Day Adventure

Want a change of pace from the city? Just 30 minutes outside Tallinn, Vimka - Viimsi Mäepark offers a quick winter escape with small ski slopes, snowboarding runs, and even tubing lanes. It’s not a full alpine resort, but it’s fun, affordable, and easy to reach by car or Bolt (ride share!). If you're craving some outdoor adrenaline without committing to a full ski trip, this is a solid way to spend a few hours—and you’ll be back in Old Town in time for dinner and glögg.

6. See the Tallinn TV Tower

If you want to add a different vantage point to the trip, drive to the Tallinn TV Tower on the way to or from skiing! It’s essentially a high viewing point to see the city from way up high, but most importantly, it played a crucial role in gaining Estonian independence in the 90s when Estonians came to defend the tower from the Russian takeover.

7. Walk the Town Wall: Nunna, Sauna and Kuldjala Tower

Not every city has 13th-century city walls to walk atop for new views of the winter wonderland! We’d recommend starting here for excellent views and a unique city experience! Buy a ticket at the door for a few euros, purchase a cup of glögi to warm your hands and insides, and climb the defense towers for a spectacular view of the city. Here you’ll learn so many interesting facts about Estonian history and feel like an explorer as you go.

8. Visit the Toompea Hill area

Walk up to Toompea Hill to see Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Kohtuotsa viewing platform, Kiek in de Kök (Medieval artillery tower), Toompea Castle (right beside each other - no tickets needed), and The Danish King’s Garden. With its colorful houses and charming streets, this area is very photogenic. The hill is about 65 ft higher than the rest of the old town, offering some amazing viewpoints.

9. Shop for Great Gifts

If you want to bring something home that isn’t mass-produced or marked up for tourists, head to Käsiteo Ait for handmade Estonian crafts, or duck into the creative shops inside Masters’ Courtyard. For something trendier, Telliskivi Creative City is a short walk or Bolt ride from the center and packed with indie boutiques, art galleries, and weekend markets. Tallinn does a great job blending traditional and modern design, so you’ll find wool accessories, ceramics, and natural skincare that actually feel worth packing.

10. Try a Sauna Like a Local

Estonians take their saunas seriously, and winter is the perfect time to join in. For a traditional experience, Kalma Saun is one of the oldest public saunas in the city—no-frills, very local, and super affordable. If you’re after something sleeker, book a session at Iglupark, where you can warm up in a private igloo sauna right on the water. Either way, sauna culture here is the real deal: rinse off, go hot, go cold, repeat. Bonus points if you follow it with dinner or drinks nearby.

11. Warm Up with a Cozy Drink

Tallinn is full of places to duck into when the cold hits. For coffee, Røst Bakery is our favorite—great sourdough, better cinnamon buns, and excellent espresso. If you want old-world charm, try Saiakangi Kohvik or settle in at the upstairs café inside Maiasmokk. For cocktails, Tallinn delivers. Whisper Sister is a stylish speakeasy, while Sigmund Freud Bar leans playful and creative without being too fussy. And if you see Vana Tallinn on the menu, try it—this local liqueur is sweet, spiced, and basically Christmas in a glass.

12. Catch a Concert or Holiday Event

If you’re here in December, check local listings for classical concerts and holiday performances. St. Nicholas Church often hosts candlelit shows that are as atmospheric as it gets, and St. Olaf’s has a gorgeous interior that’s worth seeing whether there’s music or not. The Estonian National Opera occasionally has seasonal programs too, but even if you’re not seeing a show, the building is worth admiring.