As it’s the beginning of December and Christmas is coming soon, we have decided to put together information on different Christmas fairs and gift markets taking place in Estonia – so that we can offer an enjoyable alternative to big department stores for gift-hunters. There are many events: some in the beginning of the month, some immediately before the holidays. One can look for the market that takes place the closest or discover a new cool corner of Estonia while looking for gifts. Here are the favourites of culture.ee team!
Christmas Fair in Anija Manor
Anija Manor (Anija village, Harjumaa), December 5
On Saturday, December 5 Anija Manor will become an incredibly sweet Christmas pantry, where many beautiful, lovingly made gifts from great Estonian craftsmen and delicious organic foods for the Christmas table are available in the mysterious rooms over the manor’s two floors.
Habaja Christmas Market
Habaja Village Centre (Habaja borough, Harjumaa), December 5
Situated less than 60 km from Tallinn, the borough of Habaja will hold a Christmas market selling gifts and Christmas decorations. Come and buy ceramics, fancy handicrafts, organic foods and everything that is made by Estonian craftsmen and farmers with love and care. A Christmas café is open, children are welcome to make paper-snowflakes, and horse-rides are offered outside!
Paide Christmas Crown 2015
Various venues in Paide (Paide, Järva county), December 6
“Christmas Crown” is a Christmas event for the whole family to experience the real Christmas spirit. In addition to the Christmas market there are concerts, exhibitions, gingerbread competition, performances by elves and a lot else. But of course there will be time and choice to buy something for Santa’s bag.
Drama Theatre´s Christmas Pantry
Estonian Drama Theatre (Pärnu st 5, Tallinn)
The cozy atmosphere of the Estonian Drama Theatre is welcoming everyone to participate in the Christmas Pantry. There, one can participate in the charity lottery or enjoy something delicious in the cafeteria and of course find beautiful presents for friends and loved-ones. Traditionally, actors from the Drama Theatre, but also from other Estonian theatres offer their own handicrafts.
“Kellawärk”, Christmas Market of Tartu Centre for Creative Industries
St Anthony’s Courtyard (Lutsu 3, Tartu), December 11
Tartu Centre for Creative Industries (Kalevi 17, Tartu), December 12
Tartu Department Store (Riia 1, Tartu), December 16-23
The fifth Christmas market “Kellawärk” (“Clockwork”) of the Centre for Creative Industries is bigger than ever before. It takes place in three different locations and lasts for a long time. The Christmas market offers gift choices for every member of the family as more than 20 Estonian designers are present at the market.
Coastal Folk’s Christmas Fair
Museum of Coastal Folk (Viimsi, Harjumaa), December 12
On the second Saturday of December, the best masters and craftsmen will gather in Viimsi. Excellent choice of goods is offered in the cosy and homely museum atmosphere. Gifts and Christmas decorations will be traded at the fair. The museum’s gift shop is open and the gifts can be wrapped in the gift-wrapping workshop.
Great Christmas Market
Vastseliina Episcopal Castle (Vana-Vastseliina village, Võrumaa), December 12
The Episcopal Castle holds a family day on December 12, which also hosts a Christmas market. In addition to some major trading there is live accordion music, knight trials for kids, merry games of skill, and predictions for the new year.
Winter Fair in Northern Yard
Narva Museum’s Northern Yard (Narva, Ida-Virumaa), December 15
Narva Vocational Training Centre and Narva Museum organize a winter fair, which offers lots of different surprises. Merchants and craftsmen from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will be trading their goods at the winter fair. Guests can take part in different masterclasses and workshops, where things are made using old technologies. Gifts for every taste can be found.
Mondo Christmas Bazaar
Telliskivi Creative City (Telliskivi Str 60a, Tallinn), December 19
On the pre-Christmas Saturday, NPO Mondo will hold a Christmas bazaar in their office. Fair handicrafts (embroidered bags, pillow cases, oven gloves) from Mondo communities in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya and Afghanistan as well as fair-trade chocolate, coffee, and cocoa are on sale. Every purchase provides work and better living conditions for women and youngsters in these countries.
Kassari Christmas Fair
Kassari Resort Centre (Kassari village, Hiiumaa), December 19
For those who want to get away from the city early before the holidays, we recommend Kassari Christmas fair in Hiiumaa. There you can find something that has grown on the island, been made with soul, prepared with care and comes from the heart. You will get Christmas food for your table, gifts for Santa’s bag and beer moustache under your nose!
Christmas Fair of the Estonian Academy of Arts
Estonian Knighthood House (Kiriku Square 1, Tallinn), December 19
Estonian Academy of Arts also holds a traditional Christmas fair. The students of the academy offer their work including jewellery, textiles, bags, other commodities, and, without doubt, pure art. Why not support young artists instead of big corporations.
Design market “Home for Christmas”
Tallinn Creative Hub (Põhja Blvd 27a, Tallinn), December 20
The design market “Home for Christmas” is a solution to those who leave the Christmas shopping to the last minute. You will find the best Estonian design and gifts for really everyone. In addition to Estonian designers, Latvians and Lithuanians are present. Children’s clothing, accessories, bags, ceramics, home furnishings, illustrations, eco-cosmetics and a lot else is available.
