World-Class Holiday Ambiance at Tallinn's Christmas Market - According to The Financial Times
The Financial Times has included the Tallinn Christmas Market among the world's top ten best, joining the ranks of renowned markets in Europe as recognized by Conde Nast Traveler, CNN, and The Times.
The esteemed British newspaper featured a carefully curated list of the world's finest Christmas markets, titled "where to stock up on stollen, glögg, gifts, and seasonal snacks." To make the cut, the market must offer an authentic and unforgettable holiday experience, and Tallinn certainly delivers on that front.
Ranked alongside illustrious markets in Dresden (Germany), Bath (UK), Montbéliard (France), San Francisco (USA), Zagreb (Croatia), Copenhagen (Denmark), Chicago (USA), Vienna (Austria), and Singapore, Tallinn showcases its rich history and Estonian traditions proudly. The city claims to have been the first to erect a Christmas tree in the center of its medieval town hall square back in 1441.
Every year, a grand competition takes place to select the perfect fir or spruce to serve as the market's centerpiece. Beneath its branches, visitors will find traditional Estonian offerings such as felt hats, sheepskins, sauerkraut, blood sausage, gingerbread, and warming glögg.
Adding an enchanting touch to the festivities, Santa arrives by reindeer-pulled sleigh, delighting children and adults alike. Moreover, the square is alive with brass bands, bell ringers, and endless dance troupes, creating a festive atmosphere that draws crowds from across Europe.
However, the origins of the Christmas tree tradition are a matter of debate between Estonians and their neighbors to the south, the Latvians, who claim that Riga was the first to introduce the practice. While historians have yet to reach a consensus on the matter, both cities offer a captivating holiday experience that is undeniably magical.
This year's Tallinn Christmas Market features a 14-meter-tall spruce tree, adorned with thousands of Christmas decorations and a charming gnome house. The warm and cold lights cast over the stalls, which favor local producers, sprinkle an additional dose of holiday cheer across the square.
The market is open daily until 7 January, from 10 am to 8 pm, offering a lively cultural program to visitors. If you find yourself in Europe during the holiday season, be sure to add the Tallinn Christmas Market to your must-visit list.
- The Tallinn Christmas Market, recognized by esteemed publications like The Financial Times, is among the top ten best Christmas markets in the world, showcasing Estonian traditions and home-and-garden products.
- Santa arrives in Tallinn each year in a reindeer-pulled sleigh, adding an enchanting touch to the city's medieval town hall square, which proudly hosts one of the world's finest Christmas markets.
- Alongside celebrated markets in Dresden, Bath, Montbéliard, San Francisco, Zagreb, Copenhagen, Chicago, Vienna, and Singapore, the Tallinn Christmas Market offers a lifestyle experience that blends business, travel, and seasonal entertainment.
- While the origins of the Christmas tree tradition are debated between Estonia and its neighbor, Latvia, both countries offer captivating holiday experiences, making Tallinn's Christmas Market a must-visit destination for life's memorable moments.
