If you suddenly decided to visit five European Christmas markets a year, it would take you approximately 160 years to visit them all. You can catch the New Year's mood with fewer losses in the Baltics. We have narrowed the choice to the minimum: in our review there are five economical options to find yourself in the atmosphere of Catholic Christmas.
The most fabulous: Tallinn Christmas Market Estonia, Tallinn, Town Hall Square
17.11.2017 – 06.01.2018 10:00 - 20:00
The highlight of the Tallinn Christmas market is the house of Jõuluvan (Estonian Father Frost), where you can feed rabbits, goats and a family of reindeer. And it turns out that it was in Tallinn in 1441 that the European tradition of placing a Christmas tree on main square cities.
This year, decorative lighting will be added to Town Hall Square and an updated stage with an LED screen will be installed. During the most “visited” times (Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoons) a cultural program is planned: about 1,700 artists, including choirs and dance groups, will appear on stage.
A stone's throw from the square, on Harju Street, next to the Niguliste Church, there is an excellent ice skating rink - with rentals and music. You need to snack on your emotions with seasonal treats: blood sausage, eel, sauerkraut, gingerbread and cookies. Wash it down with hot spiced wine. Blankets are brought as souvenirs from the Tallinn Fair self made, pillows with buckwheat husks, felt boots, woolen knitted items, sheepskin slippers and vests and candles of rare beauty.
Where to live
It is not recommended to stay in Tallinn outside the historical center - you have enough traffic jams at home, right? It’s better to live in the center: accommodation in “three stars” here will cost about 2 thousand rubles per day, and you can also save a lot on transport. In this case, all the sights can be explored on foot, and some of them can even be observed from the window of the room. In the area of Town Hall Square, from where to everyone historical places close at hand, most of the restaurants, coffee shops and pubs are concentrated. However, it is difficult to park here, and on holidays it is quite noisy. But - medieval aesthetics, festive surroundings... atmosphere!
How to get there
You can get from St. Petersburg to Tallinn by anyone possible way: by land, by sky and by water. The first option is especially tempting for car enthusiasts, because you need to drive some 360 km along a good highway (Muscovites will have to spend one daylight hours). The ferry is more suitable for a thoughtful journey - you can’t get to Tallinn directly on it, first go to Helsinki and Stockholm.
Direct flights, trains and buses depart to Tallinn from St. Petersburg and Moscow every day. By the way, both the railway and bus stations in Tallinn are located near the Old Town.
The youngest: Christmas market in Old Riga Latvia, Riga, Dome Square
02.12.2017 - 07.01.2018 10:00 - 20:00
This year the Christmas market in West Riga turns 11 years old. It is here that you can see both old (traditional) and new (modern) Riga as it is. The event opens on November 30 at 6 pm when the Christmas tree is lit on Dome Square. You can also celebrate the New Year here: every day the fair closes at 20.00, but on the night of December 31 to January 1 it is open until 2 hours.
On December 20, don't miss Ziemassvetki - the winter solstice celebration, the culmination of the "Ghost Season" and the birthday of Dievas, the supreme god in Latvian mythology. In the Middle Ages, Latvia was baptized, but the holiday remained, acquiring Christmas features. One of the most spectacular moments of the day is the ancient rite of deck drawing, which takes place on the streets of the Old Town and begins right on Dome Square. The log - an oak log - is dragged by the mummers from yard to yard, thus collecting the negativity that the people have accumulated over the year, and then solemnly set on fire.
This is only part of the varied fair program, which includes theatrical performances, performances by folk musicians and modern pop groups, creative workshops, communication with pets and Santa Claus (in Latvia his name is Salavetzis) and, of course, generous refreshments. Latvian folk beliefs prescribe eating nine times on Christmas night - then you can hope that the new year will be no worse than the old one. Traditional dishes- bread, pork ham, fried cereal with lard and onions, blood sausage, baked vegetables, pies. At the fair, this list is supplemented with smoked meats, piparkukas pepper cookies and mulled wine.
You can choose Christmas gifts for your friends from a wide range of Latvian souvenirs: all kinds of amber jewelry, useful little things made of leather, wood and ceramics, linen products, woolen patterned shawls, mittens, sweaters, wooden and rag toys.
Where to live
Dome Square is the largest in West Riga, the heart of the city, famous for its cathedrals And historical buildings. Tourists often choose a hotel closer to the Old Town, and it is not as expensive as it might seem. In Old Riga there are many hostels and hotels (starting from a decent two stars), which are located in both old houses and new buildings. True, driving in Wetzriga will not be very convenient: parking here is very expensive. But you will be in the center of events, and the main attractions can be easily reached on foot.
How to get there
Every day, several planes fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Riga, trains and buses depart (the average travel time in the last two cases is 15 hours). By car you will have to travel 918 km from Moscow and 641 km from St. Petersburg.
Most peaceful: Christmas Town Lithuania, Vilnius, Cathedral Square
How pre-New Year Vilnius compares favorably with other European capitals is the absence of exhausting pre-holiday bustle. Christmas events begin in Vilnius in mid-November, when the fairs open. The main one takes place on the main square of Vilnius, in the Old Town, in a temporary Christmas town. It is formed by fifty cozy houses where they sell original gifts, snacks and drinks. The natives themselves come here for smoked meats and other natural products, tourists come here for the taste national dishes and Lithuanian souvenirs: amber jewelry, dishes, baskets. The market walk should be supplemented with other local entertainment: a ride on the Christmas steam locomotive; watch the 4D show “Magic Christmas” (it will be broadcast three times a day from December 25 to 31 on the wall Cathedral); appreciate the nativity scene (on Cathedral Square from December 24 to January 6); cheer on the participants of the International Santa Claus Run (December 27). You can also go ice skating on Lukishskaya Square and wander through the Christmas tree-labyrinth on Town Hall Square.
Where to live
Compared to Tallinn and Riga, living in Vilnius is a little cheaper. Even in the Old Town there are many budget two- and three-star hotels, which are very popular among tourists. The reasonable price in this case is not the main advantage: there is also original architecture, a pleasant view from the window and a decent level of service. Even “two stars” offer breakfast and free Internet in the rooms. For more tangible savings, you can live in the station area - although it is a little provincial, it is clean, quiet and friendly.
How to get there
By plane Direct regular flights to Vilnius from Moscow are operated by UTair Aviation and Aeroflot, and from St. Petersburg by RusLine three times a week. The Lithuanian train runs from Moscow every day, from St. Petersburg - only the Kaliningrad train, which goes through Vilnius. You can also go by bus; the distance to Vilnius from Moscow is 875 km, from St. Petersburg - 739 km.
The most family-friendly: St. Thomas Fair Finland, Helsinki, Senate Square
St. Thomas's Fair is the main Christmas market in Helsinki, which is located on central square. Going through all 120 bright pavilions with Christmas goods and not going broke, choosing the best examples of toys, decorations, outfits and various goodies - this can already be considered an exciting attraction. There's also plenty of other outdoor entertainment to look forward to: theater performances, jazz concerts and choir performances of Christmas carols. On December 13 in Helsinki you can see the procession in honor of St. Lucia (it begins in the evening, right at Senate Square) or walk along the Christmas trail on the island of Seurasaari, very loved by children: it will be a real walk in ancient times, which can be completed with horse riding or fire show.
Where to live
Prices in Finnish hotels are quite high regardless of the season. If you add to this dear public transport, it becomes clear that it is better to settle in Helsinki in close proximity to the places where you are going to spend most of the time. So if you are going specifically to the St. Thomas Fair, you should stay in the Kruununhaka area - a relatively quiet, respectable place and almost in the center, and knowledgeable people recommend looking for apartments rather than a hotel.
How to get there
St. Petersburg residents know that the cheapest way to go to Helsinki is tourist bus on a shopping tour. A more expensive alternative is a minibus “from home to home”, a faster alternative when crossing the border is a regular bus, and a more romantic alternative is traveling by ferry. The fastest options from St. Petersburg and Moscow are offered by four names: Aeroflot, Finnair, Allegro and Lev Tolstoy (the last two are daily trains from the two capitals).
The most traditional: Skansen Fair Sweden, Stockholm, Djurgården Island
Skansen - museum under open air, which appeared in Stockholm in 1891, over a hundred years has grown into a grandiose ethnographic complex, and now its name is a household name for followers all over the world. The Skansen complex consists of 150 houses and estates from different eras, through which you can study the history of Sweden from the 16th century to the present and its nature from north to south. The spirit of the times is maintained in every detail: the museum staff are dressed only in National costumes, master folk crafts at the level of a professional teacher and can talk about the country all day long (but this is hampered by housework). At Christmas time, Skansen is even more like a hospitable fairy tale, from where you need to take away authentic souvenirs and culinary delights into reality: jewelry, embroidery, children's books, beautiful things made of wood, metal, leather, textiles, ceramics and a lot of other interesting things. Must-try: fried homemade sausages, salmon in cream sauce, dried venison, smoked turkey, ginger biscuits, marzipan sweets. The most Swedish Christmas drink is glögg, the local mulled wine: warmed wine plus strong alcohol and lots of almonds. The most correct glög, of course, is in Skansen - according to the recipes of our ancestors.
Where to live
Stockholm spoils the whole list in our selection with one feature: hotels here are expensive and very expensive. There are still expensive ones, but they are located far from attractions and the metro. Therefore, you won’t be able to save on housing, and it’s better to choose it according to your liking and location. The famous Scandic Ariadna hotel next to the ferry terminal is, by the way, a stone's throw from the island of Djurgården. But in terms of room prices, it does not lag behind central hotels, where there are other advantages.
How to get there
The only way to get from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Stockholm quickly and without transfers is by plane. You will have to go by train to Helsinki, and then change to a ferry. You can't avoid the ferry by car either, and you can board it in Helsinki, Riga or Tallinn.
The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria
Winter Vienna is one of the most elegant cities in Europe. The capital of Austria celebrates Christmas on a truly royal scale.
With the first frost in the city, the season for Christmas markets begins. Modern Vienna can boast that in winter more than a dozen Christmas markets unfold on its streets and squares, each of which has its own very special and unique flavor.
Vienna's largest Christmas market is the Christkindlmarkt Christmas market on the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz).
Against the background of the ancient Gothic Town Hall, the lights of a huge decorated spruce shine - the main Christmas tree of Vienna.
Official website of the fair
dates: November 13 - December 26
Marches de Noel, Strasbourg, France
The Strasbourg Christmas market has absorbed the best traditions of Germany and France. With a history of over 400 years, it is currently located in historical center, which makes it possible to visit this splendor by simply walking through the city decorated with garlands and festive lights. Hundreds of fair pavilions delight the citizens and guests of Strasbourg with local sweets, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin, Germany
From the end of November to the end of December, Berlin turns into one big Christmas market. All central streets They are lit with festive lights, and the smell of mulled wine is in the air.
And so - every year the most beautiful Christmas Market in Berlin invites guests to a winter wonderland. At the Fair, in addition to a wide selection of handmade goods, you will find all kinds of entertainment programs, toboggan runs, an ice skating rink and excellent food. And for children there are numerous carousels and slides.
Address: Gendarmenmarkt, Am Gendarmenmarkt 2, 10117 Berlin Mitte
Tallinna Jõuluturg, Tallinn, Estonia
As every year, the Traditional Tallinn Christmas Market offers its visitors a lot of interesting things this year too.
The cultural program is planned at the time when the Town Hall Square has the most visitors: on Fridays from 16.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays from 17.00 to 19.00 and on weekends from 12.00 to 14.00. In total, during this wonderful holiday period, about 100 groups and 1,700 participants will appear on stage, including a children's choir, dance schools and studios, and many folk dance ensembles.
On Sundays the Advent candle will be blessed.
The Christmas market will feature a wide selection of gifts and sweets. Among the goods in large quantities Christmas decorations, woolen knitted items, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens, slippers and sheepskin vests, as well as amazingly beautiful handmade candles are presented. You can also buy food here. You can also try Christmas dishes, sweets, Christmas cookies and mulled wine. Many producers will sell themselves, because who else can best tell the story of their products than the person who made or raised them.
The Christmas market is a place for entertainment and relaxation for the whole family.
Stockholm, Sweden.
The Stockholm Christmas market is located in the Old Town on Stortorget Square, next to Royal Palace. It is replete with local souvenirs, traditional Swedish sweets, smoked sausages, red fish, national delicacies, and handicrafts. At the market you can taste hot glögg with almonds and raisins and gluhwein, watch musical performances and take part in an exciting quest walk.
Mercado navideño en la Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain
Before Christmas, Madrid Square is transformed into the backdrop for a fabulous fair with a skating rink, colorful lights and, of course, stalls selling souvenirs, sweets and local liquor.
The Madrid Christmas Market features the best handmade goods from talented artisans. Homemade souvenirs are in great demand among fairgoers - they usually make excellent gifts for Christmas and New Year, well, someone buys things here to remember their trip to Spain. The range of products offered is striking in its diversity: among the participants there are more than two hundred workshops not only from the capital, but also from all over the country.
As part of the fair, concerts and competitions are held, and city excursions, including for children, start from here.
Adventi Ünnep a Bazilikánal, Budapest, Hungary
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe takes place every winter in the main square of the Estonian capital.
Although the Tallinn Christmas Market (Jõuluturg) in its modern form opened only in 2001, townspeople trace its history back to the 15th century. According to legend, Europeans adopted the tradition of decorating live spruce trees for Christmas from here. The first Christmas tree with decorations in the form of lit candles was installed back in 1441 on the square in front of the Tallinn Town Hall - exactly in the same place where the current market is located - by a local noble merchant, who laid the foundation for this world-famous tradition.
Whether the legend is true or not, when you find yourself in Old Tallinn with its authentic medieval atmosphere, it is easy to succumb to the charm of this beautiful story. A small but very cozy holiday market fits perfectly into the interiors of Town Hall Square. Against the backdrop of a strict Gothic profile Old Town Hall and the spiers of ancient temples towering above the square, the rows of neat chalet houses look like the scenery of a Christmas fairy tale come to life. On the shelves here you can always find the city’s best selection of themed gifts, jewelry, bright sweets, delicacies of Estonian cuisine and aromatic mulled wine brewed according to grandfather’s recipes. The winter idyll is complemented by a massive live spruce, under which on weekends you can hear an appropriate concert program of traditional Christmas carols.
Completely unexpectedly I found myself in Tallinn. Just for one day and, in general, with only one main goal: to look at a real Christmas market in a real medieval city.
Today is Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar. Not only, by the way, among Catholics, but also among some Orthodox Christians from other patriarchates.
Posts about Bratislava are postponed for a while, because the fair is close to the holiday. :)
The Christmas market in the capital of Estonia is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The smell of fresh baked goods, the aroma of glög, pleasant Christmas music, slowly falling snowflakes... A fairy tale, in a word! And everything would have been fine, but Tallinn greeted us with not at all winter weather. But this was only the only thing that was depressing, and even here it was not the city that let us down, but Lady Nature.
2. Already during the day, all these lights, wooden tents and a huge Christmas tree looked very nice, but I was looking forward to seeing the real beauty (especially in the absence of snow) in the evening.
3. All sorts of trinkets eliminate the need to go to souvenir shops.
4. All over the Old Town you can see stalls like this with glog (including non-alcoholic ones!) and with spiced nuts. The fair is no exception.
5. But after four hours of walking in the fresh air, nuts are somehow not enough to satisfy your hunger. You need to snack on something more serious and, most importantly, hot!
And pause here...
6. ...to return here in the evening. Every minute the fair becomes more and more like a swarm of fireflies in the dark blue sky.
7. Santa Claus the driver cleans the windshield wipers of his train. :) By the way, in Estonia this character’s name is not very easy to pronounce for the Russian ear - Jyuluvan.
8. The center of the fair is, of course, a Christmas tree sparkling with garlands. The balls, by the way, are also made of garlands.
10. On the bottom of the tree, children and adults hang notes and cards with requests, prayers, thanks and believe in the Christmas Miracle.
12. Another key place of the fair is the stage.
13. And again he glug! Both regular and currant, cherry, sea buckthorn...
14. No drinking, just heating! Non-alcoholic is also cheaper.
15. Sellers are mostly women and girls. Everyone speaks Russian, although with varying degrees of success. By the way, in Tallinn there was not a single place where Russian was not spoken.
18. Girl with a butterfly. :)
21. Even without buying anything, you can stand and look at every window.
29. In a corner of the fair next to the stage there is an inconspicuous house, into which sometimes a whole line of parents and children lined up. Even without looking at the inscription at the top, you can already guess who it is...
30. Of course, it’s him, Yyuluvana! :) I didn’t go inside, I just looked out the window. I was amused by the WinAmp screen on the wall. ;)
31. The same tent where my lunch was bought.
32. In fact, the fair is not that big, but I don’t want to leave. You walk along the rows, pass them again and again, listen to Christmas music, familiar from childhood...
35. Happy holiday! :)
To dive into Medieval Europe, decorated with hundreds of garlands, a huge number of tourists come to Tallinn. Tallinn Christmas Market- meridians of lights, ancient carousels, charming souvenirs and amazing aromas filling the Town Hall Square.
Tallinn Christmas Market - a wonderful Christmas fairy tale in which all wishes come true
The cozy fair welcomes guests with Christmas music and a festive mood. Products include a large selection of Christmas decorations, woolen knitted items and incredibly beautiful candles. Unique handmade goods that cannot be found in regular stores deserve special attention.
Visitors simply must try the Christmas dishes and sweets. Many manufacturers will market themselves to best communicate their products. Everyone will enjoy a traditional Estonian dinner of sausages, potatoes and sauerkraut.
A rich entertainment program awaits guests
The first Advent candle will be lit in the square, and Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar will greet fair visitors on this occasion. The Estonian Father Frost, Jõuluvana, will also come for the first Advent. Children will be able to visit his house, play with the gnomes - Grandfather’s assistants, read poems and receive sweets as a reward.
Everyone can ride on the carousels made by Peter Petzi based on the most legendary ones. Visitors will meet a family of reindeer and also have the opportunity to feed rabbits, goats, sheep and ponies.
About 100 groups and 1,700 participants will perform on stage. Among them: Ellerhein children's choir, E.T.A. dance school, Free Flow Studio and other folk ensembles.Talented masters of Tallinn will demonstratecraftsmanship. Frozen visitors will be warmed by aromatic mulled wine, and hungry ones will be warmed by a special Christmas soup.
How to get to Tallinn Christmas Market 2016
The fair is traditionally held on Tallinn Town Hall Square in the very center of the old city. Entry is free for all visitors.
