In anticipation of Advent, Tallinn will be decorated with fairytale-like winter lights - Christmas decorations and various lighting solutions will be installed in the Old Town and all over the city. People are invited to visit the Christmas Market, enjoy ice skating in various ice rinks and take part in several events.

According to Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart, the city once again pays special attention to various outdoor events and lighting solutions to create festive spirit. “As in previous years, we want Christmas to be as special and cheerful for Tallinners as possible. Christmas lighting will offer people positive emotions not only in the Old Town, but in every city district. This year, we are celebrating the 580th anniversary of the Tallinn Christmas tree tradition, namely the first public Christmas tree in Europe was reported in Tallinn. This tradition is still important for us today,” the mayor emphasized. “Our world-renown Christmas Market will once again be open, this year from November 26 until January 2. The citizens and guests will be provided a versatile program to bring the joy of Christmas, but also to support the business of the Old Town. The Christmas tree - and the Christmas spirit with it - will arrive at the Town Hall Square tomorrow. However, in order for us all to enjoy safe Christmas without restrictions, it is important that we maintain the current downward trend of the coronavirus infection.”

This year marks 580 years of the mentioning of the first public Christmas tree in Tallinn. This year’s Christmas tree will be installed on the Town Hall Square tomorrow, November 18, and the first Advent candle will be lit on November 28. The tree will arrive in Tallinn from Kuusalu parish. In addition, nearly 250 illuminated small spruces will be installed on the streets of the Old Town. Elaborate Christmas trees can also be enjoyed in Vabaduse Square, St. Nicholas Church and the Fat Margaret Museum and Visitor Centre, among others.

In addition to the decorated streets, the traditional Christmas Market will be opened on the Town Hall Square, which was recognized as the best Christmas Market in Europe two years ago. The Tallinn Christmas Market will operate from November 26 this year and will remain to bring the joy of Christmas until January 2, 2022. The market is open every day from 12 noon to 7 pm, but late-night walkers can buy hot drinks from the market stalls until 10 pm.

The passages and gates of the Old Town are decorated with wreaths, the streets with chandeliers and light chains, many trees and hedges are decorated with light chains and other light ornaments. Katariina Gild's gallery studios are illuminated with candlelight on Advent weekend evenings, and from November 12, a five-minute light show can be enjoyed on the historic walls of Patarei Sea Fortress in the evenings.

Every Saturday, the Old Town will also be full of music, as the concert series "Living Windows" will again take place. The first concert will be performed on November 27 on Viru Street. The diverse Christmas program of Hopner House also includes various concerts, workshops and much more. In the Old Town you can take part in the displays of Christmas nativities, different exhibitions and excursions, and you can also take a ride on a carousel or a double decker Christmas bus. Visitors are invited indulge in seasonal gastronomic experiences in cafés and restaurants.

In addition, skating rinks will be opened across the city, offering the joy of open-air skating for the whole family. On Saturday, November 20, at 11 am, the Old Town Ice Rink will be opened on Harju Street, and at 12 noon, an ice rink will be opened in Vilde Sports Park at Vilde tee 69. On November 27, at 11 am, Nõmme skating rink will also be opened in the courtyard of Nõmme Secondary School at Raudtee 73. The newest and most modern open-air skating rink in Tallinn will be opened at the beginning of December in Tondiraba Park at Varraku 18.

Additional information about Christmas program in Tallinn: https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/christmas