Tallinn in Winter: 12 Things to Do from December to March

Tallinn in winter is a fairy tale: snow on the medieval roofs of the Old Town, the smell of glögi on Town Hall Square and warm cafés after a walk in the frost.

Here are 12 things to do in Tallinn from December to March, with dates for the 2026 to 2027 season, plus easy day trips and tips on getting around in winter.

1. Tallinn Christmas Market

The Christmas market on Town Hall Square is open from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, every day from 10:00 to 20:00. Wooden huts, handicrafts, glögi and the main Christmas tree of the city make it the heart of winter in Tallinn. Read our full guide to the Tallinn Christmas Market 2026.

2. Old Town Ice Rink

The outdoor ice rink on Harju Street, next to St Nicholas Church, is open from 30 November to 30 March, daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Skating in the middle of the Old Town is one of the most popular winter activities in Tallinn.

3. Town Hall Pharmacy

On Town Hall Square you will find the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe, dating back to 1422. You can look inside the old rooms for free.

4. Christmas at the Niguliste Museum

From 29 November 2026 to 7 January 2027 the Niguliste Museum, housed in a 13th century church, hosts a Christmas season with a large Christmas tree.

5. Gingerbread Mania Exhibition

From 3 December 2026 to 6 January 2027 about one hundred artists show works made entirely of gingerbread.

6. Kumu Art Museum and Kadriorg Palace

Kumu shows Estonian art from the 18th to the 21st century and was named European Museum of the Year in 2008. Nearby stands Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great, which houses the foreign art collection. A perfect plan for a frosty day.

7. Seaplane Harbour

The Estonian Maritime Museum is housed in huge seaplane hangars in Kalamaja. Inside you can climb aboard the British-built submarine Lembit.

8. PROTO Christmas Land

From 15 December 2026 to 6 January 2027 the PROTO Invention Factory turns into a winter world of inventions and creativity. A great idea for families with children.

9. Christmas Village at the Estonian Open Air Museum

On 12 and 13 December 2026 the Open Air Museum shows Estonian Christmas traditions from different eras, with a fair around the old inn and a visit from Santa Claus.

10. Sledding, Winter Swimming and Saunas

The Winter Centre at the Song Festival Grounds offers sledding and snowtubing. For the brave there is winter swimming, followed by a warm igloo sauna at Iglupark.

11. New Year's Eve in Tallinn

On 31 December the city hosts a free concert on Freedom Square with a light show instead of fireworks. All details are in our article New Year's Eve in Tallinn 2026.

12. Winter Day Trips from Tallinn

Lahemaa National Park: a snowy boardwalk through Viru Bog and the frozen Jägala Waterfall on the way. See our Lahemaa tour with Viru Bog and Jägala Waterfall.

Keila-Joa and Laulasmaa: a waterfall, a Neo-Gothic castle and a seaside pine forest. See our Keila-Joa waterfall and Laulasmaa tour, or relax with a transfer to Laulasmaa spa.

Riga: visit the second Christmas market of the Baltics with our Tallinn to Riga Christmas Market trip.

Narva: Hermann Castle on the eastern border of Estonia, see our Tallinn to Narva tour.

Getting Around Tallinn in Winter

In winter the days are short, cobblestone streets can be icy and suitcases are hard to pull through snow. A private transfer takes you from the airport, the port or the station straight to your hotel door.

Artsantaxi works 24/7 with a fixed price agreed in advance. We track your flight and meet you with a name sign. Our cars are warm, child seats are available on request, and for families and groups we offer the Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 8 people and the V-Class for up to 6.

See all hotels on our Tallinn Airport to hotel transfer page. Popular hotels in and near the Old Town include the transfer to St. Olav Hotel, transfer to Nunne Boutique Hotel, transfer to Merchants House Hotel, transfer to Hotel Palace, transfer to Swissôtel Tallinn and transfer to Kalev Spa Hotel.

Early Flight Home? Hotel to Airport Transfer at Any Time

We also take you from your hotel to Tallinn Airport at any time of day or night, including very early morning departures for the first flights.

On 31 December and 1 January many drivers are busy and demand for taxis is very high. Book your transfer in advance, and your driver will be waiting at the hotel entrance at the agreed time, so you do not have to stand in the cold and you reach the airport on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tallinn worth visiting in winter?

Yes. From late November to early January the Christmas market, festive lights and snowy Old Town make Tallinn one of the most atmospheric winter cities in Europe.

What is there to do in Tallinn in December?

The Christmas market, the Old Town ice rink, Christmas at the Niguliste Museum, Gingerbread Mania, the Christmas village at the Open Air Museum and New Year's Eve on Freedom Square.