Exploring Christmas Markets and What to do in Winter

The winters here are very cold, but at the same time extremely enchanting. Cities wear their festive robes in the form of snowy roofs and all kinds of Christmas decorations. 

Some people like to go outside a lot and enjoy active activities in winter, but at the same time there is something to do for all those who prefer to be in a warm room. Let's take a look at the biggest Christmas markets in the area and explore other fun winter activities!

What to do in Tallinn in winter?

Tallinn Christmas market

Tallinn's Christmas market is a real winter wonderland. In the center of the market is a wonderful Christmas tree, the tradition of which began in 1441, and the entire area around it is decorated with adornments and Christmas trees. The market features a vibrant cultural program, including live music and dance performances. It's an ideal destination for experiencing the magic of the season in the heart of Tallinn's old town.

More than 200,000 people visit the Christmas market every year, and the market is known for its delicious food, hot mulled wine and souvenirs.

The Tallinn Christmas market started in 1991. Open from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024, it transforms the historic Town Hall Square into a winter wonderland. Visitors can indulge in unique crafts, local delicacies, and hot seasonal drinks like glögi.

While in Tallinn, visiting the Christmas market is definitely a great idea, because then the Old Town of Tallinn will be in its true glory and it will give a completely new wonderful experience to everyone who has not been there yet.

A few years ago, the Tallinn Christmas market received the title of the best Christmas market in Europe.

For more detailed information, you can visit Tallinn Christmas Market's website.

Kohtuotsa viewing platform

This place offers a vantage point of the city's magnificent spiers and orange roofs, and is one of the best and most beautiful locations to capture the beauty of Tallinn. You can also see the modern high-rise buildings of the city center, as well as the harbor, the Gulf of Finland and Pirita.

A walk in the Telliskivi creative city

Telliskivi is an industrial complex located on the outskirts of Tallinn.

This is the creative side of Tallinn, so everyone who loves cool hipster shops and cafes - Telliskivi is made for them.

It is the largest creative center in Estonia, which consists of many unique studios and creative companies.

There is a flea market in the area every Saturday and nearly 600 cultural events take place every year.

Go ice skating

Every winter, an ice rink is opened in the Old Town of Tallinn.

The skating rink located next to Niguliste Church on Harju Street is open from December to March and is one of the best places to visit in Tallinn in winter.

There is a chance to go ice skating or just walk around and watch the many events held there, such as hockey matches and more.

Nothing is as wintry and festive as an ice rink in the middle of beautiful Tallinn.

What to do in Tartu in winter?

Tartu Christmas City

Tartu Christmas City, nestled in the heart of Tartu Town Hall Square, is a winter extravaganza from the First Advent Sunday to Epiphany. Visitors are greeted with a magical display of lights and glass pavilions offering festive treats like mulled wine and gingerbread. The ice rink, a central attraction around the Kissing Students fountain, remains open till March, inviting all to skate in the glow of holiday lights. The market also hosts a variety of workshops, cartoon screenings, and live performances, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. The blend of traditional holiday elements with contemporary entertainment makes Tartu Christmas City an unmissable destination during the holiday season.

For more details, please visit this website.

Visit Tartu Snow Park

A real snowy wonderland awaits everyone in the eight-hectare Tartu Snow Park, which offers various sledding and tubing trails.

In the snow park, seven snow circuits of different lengths, speeds and characteristics are available for fun. All children, teenagers and adults can choose the track that suits them best.

There is also a free sledding hill where everyone can come and enjoy the icy slopes with their own sled.

Water parks in Tartu

If the winter weather makes you want to improve your health and physical activity, junipers, hot steams and smells, and water pleasures can help.

For example, you can go on a short sauna marathon in the Aura Keskus health club, because there are steam saunas of different levels as well as steam, aroma, salt stone, steam-aroma and igloo saunas.

In V Spa, however, there is a world of water and relaxation with 11 different pools and hot tubs, an energizing salt world and a soothing sauna world. In addition, there is also the opportunity to relax in the outdoor hot tub.

What to do in winter in Pärnu?

Pärnu Christmas Village

The Pärnu Christmas Village, set in the picturesque Independence Square, offers a festive and culturally rich experience. It runs from December 16 to 17, 2023, featuring an array of activities and performances. The village welcomes visitors with a cozy atmosphere, hosting a Christmas fair, a cafe, and entertaining programs for children. This event is not just a market; it's a celebration of the Christmas spirit, inviting families and individuals to enjoy the holiday cheer in the heart of Pärnu.

For more information, please visit this website.

Finnish sledding trip

Meadows near Pärnu in Soomaa often get flooded and then freeze over due to the winter weather. Therefore, there is a great opportunity to go sledding.

If it is a colder winter and the rivers are also under a thick layer of ice, you can also ride a Finnish sled on the rivers.

The hike is conducted by a local guide who chooses the route based on the hikers' wishes. The hike lasts 2 hours.

There are also small Finnish sleds and sleds with a seat that can be pushed by someone else for children.

Kitesurfing training

It is possible to learn kitesurfing on the Pärnu beach. It can be done on both skis and a snowboard which is carried along by a kite.

Wind is important for kitesurfing, which is why it can only be practiced in snowy areas in windy weather. There is no need to fear, as kitesurfing is not difficult or tough and is suitable for everyone.

Skiing and sledding on Jõulumäe

Jõulumäe Recreation Center is located near Pärnu, where there is a great opportunity for skiing in winter.

There are trails suitable for both beginners and top athletes. Ski trails are 3-10 kilometers long.

Jõulumäe sledding hill has three descent slopes where you have to bring your own sled. One of them is intended for more experienced sledders and two are flatter.

One of the flatter tracks is illuminated in the evenings and covered with artificial snow. Other tracks are usable when there is real snow on the ground.

Cookies and hot tea are also offered inside.

What to do in Riga in winter?

Riga Christmas markets

The Riga Christmas Market experience is enriched by multiple locations, each offering a unique festive atmosphere.

The Old Riga Christmas Market at Dome Square is a central attraction with its wooden huts, central tree, carousel, and assortment of gifts and goodies. Līvu Square hosts another vibrant market with a distinct Christmas tree and local specialties. The Esplanade Park Christmas Market offers family-friendly entertainment, including a rabbit-populated village. Additionally, the Kalnciems District offers a seasonal fair with artisanal foods, crafts, and live music, enhancing the city's holiday charm.

Food enthusiasts will relish the array of traditional offerings, including mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted almonds, alongside smoked meats and festive beverages. Additionally, the market presents an extensive selection of Latvian crafts perfect for Christmas gifting, featuring items such as intricately patterned mittens, elegantly crafted wooden candlesticks, fragrant Latvian honey, and aromatic wax candles. Handmade textiles, jewelry, and unique toys also add to the market's charm.

Snow bike rental and ATV safari

In several places in Latvia, including Riga, it is possible to rent a snow bike and go on an ATV safari tour.

This active way of spending time offers extra adrenaline, energy, momentum and a lot of emotions! ATV safari takes place in Latvian forests without roads.

A professional trainer will give you instructions beforehand and you will need to put on a special suit. Then you can enjoy the wonderful landscapes while breathing fresh air.

St. Peter's Church in Riga

St. Peter's Church in Riga is one of the oldest and most precious buildings of medieval monumental architecture in the Baltic States. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List at the end of 1997.

The church is one of the main attractions in Riga. You can take the elevator to the top of the church tower, where you have an amazing 360° view of the city.

In addition, art exhibitions are held in the church.

What to do in Vilnius in winter?

Vilnius Christmas Market

The Vilnius Christmas Market, known as Christmas Town, is a captivating winter highlight in Lithuania, primarily held in Cathedral Square. From November 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024, it features one of the world's most stunning Christmas trees. Additional markets at Vinco Kudirkos Square and Odminių Square offer diverse experiences. Visitors can enjoy ice skating at Lukiškės Prison and explore Lithuanian culinary delights and handmade ornaments, showcasing traditional motifs. The market, with its modern Christmas tree, embodies a unique blend of tradition and contemporary charm.

At the Vilnius Christmas Market and nearby cafes and restaurants, visitors can indulge in traditional Lithuanian street foods and Christmas delicacies. Celebrating Christmas in Vilnius and across Lithuania is characterized by enjoying festive foods and quality time with family and friends. This market is a hub for savoring these seasonal culinary delights.

For more detailed information, please visit this website.

The snowy rooftops of Vilnius

Vilnius has its own special charm, especially in winter. Climbing the Mount of Three Crosses, you can see a great view of the snow-covered city. This is a place worth capturing. If you are lucky, it is also possible to capture an elegant snowfall from there in the form of large slowly falling snowflakes.

Trakai Castle

Trakai is probably one of the most photogenic places in all of Lithuania.

Trakai is an island castle located on an island in the middle of Lake Galve, near Vilnius. Built in the 14th century, this red stone castle was built as the main center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

This historic city was preserved by diverse ethnicities. The city's Karaite, Tatar, Lithuanian, Russian, Jewish and Polish communities are said to have lived in harmony, which was quite rare at the time.

Historically, its strategic position on the island has made Trakai one of the most formidable fortresses in the region, but today it has been converted into a museum and is becoming one of the coolest places in Europe.

Inside is a permanent exhibition with all kinds of displays and old artifacts, all dedicated to preserving the people who lived in Trakai, their history and its castles.

Vilnius Cathedral

One of the most prominent sights you are likely to see when you arrive in Vilnius is the Vilnius Cathedral, a classical-style Roman Catholic cathedral built in the 18th century on the site of a pagan temple.

During Soviet rule, it was turned into a warehouse until 1988, when Lithuania gained independence and it was turned back into a cathedral that anyone can enter.

At the top of the hill behind the Vilnius Cathedral is the Gediminas Castle Tower, the top of which you can climb and enjoy a stunning view of the city.

What to do in Warsaw in winter?

Warsaw Christmas market

Warsaw's Christmas Markets in 2023 offer diverse and festive experiences across the city. Key locations include the Old Town Christmas Market at the Barbican, the Design Fair WZORY Best Gifts at Elektrownia Powiśle, and the Festival of Chocolate and Sweets at Pasaż Wiecha. Each market boasts unique attractions, from artisan gifts and sweets to special events and performances, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of the holiday season in Warsaw.

For more information, visit this website.

Tour of Warsaw with a vintage fire truck

Winter in Warsaw can get so cold that walking the streets becomes an extreme sport. If you still want to look around the city in winter, you can go on a guided tour in a restored fire truck from Poland's communist era.

This is an alternative way to discover the history and hidden beauty of Warsaw. During four hours, a small group will be driven around Warsaw, talking about its amazing architecture, ancient culture and history, exploring the city.

Locations in Warsaw that were affected by World War II are shown, including neighborhoods that survived the war. You can learn everything about life in Warsaw and also see the newer and growing part of the city.

You can listen to some of the more famous songs that were popular before World War II.

This is one of the most educational winter activities in Warsaw.

Royal Garden of Light

The Royal Garden of Light at the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace in Wilanów is a mesmerizing outdoor light exhibition, open from October 13, 2023, to February 29, 2024. It features thousands of multi-colored diodes crafted into intricate light sculptures, designed to illuminate and enchant winter evenings. This exhibition, suitable for all ages, promises a visually stunning experience that combines art and light in the historical setting of Wilanów.