Congrats to the Christmas Market in Tallinn!
Congratulations to Tallinn, named as the best Christmas Markets this year in all of Europe!
Of course, the fairytale atmosphere of Tallinn’s medieval center makes for a perfect backdrop. The gorgeous Christmas tree is shimmering in brilliant reds and golds.The tree is decorated with 50 LED light strings, 5,000 smaller lights, 2,500 larger lights, white orbs, 240 red and gold ornaments and 50 illuminated hearts. That’s a load of decorations!
In the surrounding huts, you’ll find handicrafts, gingerbread, seasonal foods and mulled wine. There’s also a carousel and Santa Claus’ house for kids to join in on the fun.
Look out for all the performances in the Christmas Market Stage. Read the official program of events here: http://christmasmarket.ee/en/
Open from November 16th 2018 to January 7th 2019.
Did You Know? – Christmas Market in Tallinn
Founded in 1997 by Paul Oberschneider, the market draws around 200,000 visitors from all over the world!
According to legend, the first Christmas tree ever to be displayed publicly in Europe was right here, in Tallinn’s gorgeous Town Hall Square, erected in 1441 by the Livonian Order, Brotherhood of Blackheads (the guild of merchants). The merchants kept the tree in the town hall until the end of the festivities, whereupon they carried it out into the square and lit on fire. The annual ceremony became so popular that it drew people from all over, including Peter the Great of Russia, who participated in 1711.
The Christmas Tree is picked annually during a nationwide competition. Candidates must measure at least 15-18 meters high, and have been grown in Estonia. This year, the tree was grown on Tallinn’s own Kibuvitsa Street.
Join us on our Tour of Tallinn: The Pearl of Estonia
Jõulud, winter solstice or the Christmas season, is celebrated in Estonia from 21-25 December. According to folk tradition, the solstice was celebrated as the Sun’s birthday. The word comes from the word Jul, an ancient Scandinavian, that dates back to pre-Christian times.
In Estonia, it’s traditional to celebrate Christmas on December 24. Estonian children receive little candies by visiting päkapikud (elves) in the weeks before Christmas, and on the eve, the great Jõuluvana (Santa Claus) himself visits with gifts.
A typical Christmas feast in Estonia includes pork, mulgikapsad (sauerkraut), potatoes, blood sausage, potato salad with beet, gingerbread and marzipan for dessert, and mulled wine glögi and hõõgvein. The feast leftovers and candles are left out overnight for departed spirits of the family.
Embark on an Old City Tour of Tallinn
Featured Photo: Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau, photo credit Kaupo Kalda
