With the Christmas market season fast approaching, many travellers are on the lookout for their next European city break.
While cities like Berlin, Vienna, Prague and Budapest have well-established festive markets, one lesser-known destination is giving them a run for their money.
In Tallinn, Estonia, Christmas feels authentic, unexpected and genuinely affordable.
The city’s crown jewel of the festive season is the Gingerbread Mania exhibition, running from November 29 to January 7.
More than 100 artists, including architects, designers and visual artists, create intricate sculptures entirely from gingerbread.
Visitors can see edible castles, bridges and figurines before enjoying artisan gingerbread cookies in the exhibition café.
Tallinn’s Christmas Market, open from November 21 to December 28, brings a storybook charm to Town Hall Square.
Its historic Christmas tree, first put up in 1441, is widely recognised as Europe’s earliest public Christmas tree.
In Tallinn, Estonia, Christmas feels authentic, unexpected and genuinely affordable
Today, a large Christmas tree is still a central feature of the Tallinn Christmas market each year, continuing the centuries-old tradition
With a vibrant programme of performances, everyone can soak up an authentic atmosphere without the overcrowding or inflated prices of more famous markets
Members of the guild would later dance around the tree before setting it on fire as part of their winter solstice or Christmas celebrations.
The claim to the first public Christmas tree is a friendly, long-running rivalry between Tallinn and Riga, Latvia, which claims its first documented tree tradition dates to 1510.
Today, a large Christmas tree is still a central feature of the Tallinn Christmas market each year, continuing the centuries-old tradition.
At the Christmas market, local artisans sell traditional Estonian festive foods such as verivorst (blood sausage), sült (jellied pork) and hapukapsas (sauerkraut), alongside mulled wine and seasonal treats.
With a vibrant programme of performances, everyone can soak up an authentic atmosphere without the overcrowding or inflated prices of more famous markets
‘Brits are craving authentic winter breaks that feel special but still offer great value,’ said Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice Holidays.
‘Tallinn delivers both value and unique experiences like Gingerbread Mania and husky sledging, competing with other European favourites.’
And Tallinn doesn’t just offer a unique festive experience; it’s also a far more affordable alternative.
Tallinn’s Christmas Market, open from November 21 to December 28, brings a storybook charm to Town Hall Square
While trips to cities like Vienna or Copenhagen now average close to £1,000 for a weekend break, a similar stay in Tallinn with First Choice costs as little as £153 per person.
When it comes to food and drink, meals at the markets rarely total more than 12 euros, and mulled wine costs as little as three euros.
In a world where many travellers are becoming disillusioned with overcrowded, overpriced Christmas markets, Tallinn stands apart, offering rarity and authenticity.
For those looking to rediscover what makes Christmas travel feel truly special, this small Baltic capital might just be Europe’s biggest festive surprise.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
