Things to Do in Tallinn in December

December Weather in Tallinn

34°F (1°C) High Temp

26°F (-3°C) Low Temp

2.3 inches (58 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas Market season peaks mid-December with over 50 traditional wooden stalls in Town Hall Square selling authentic Estonian handicrafts, mulled wine (glögi), and black bread - open daily 10am-8pm with 3-4 hours of magical twilight ambiance
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after New Year's week, with boutique Old Town properties available for €60-90/night versus €120-180 in summer peak season
Authentic winter atmosphere transforms medieval Tallinn into a fairy tale setting - cobblestone streets glisten with frost, Gothic spires emerge from low clouds, and locals gather in cozy pubs by 4pm when darkness falls
Tourist crowds thin to 20% of summer levels after Christmas week, allowing peaceful exploration of Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and medieval wall towers without queues or photo-bombing

Considerations

Limited daylight from 9:15am to 3:30pm (6 hours 15 minutes) makes outdoor sightseeing challenging - most walking tours compressed into midday window
Icy cobblestones in Old Town become treacherous after freezing rain - expect at least 3-4 days with slippery conditions requiring careful navigation
Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours - Kadriorg Park rose gardens dormant, Pirita beach area essentially unusable, and some museum outdoor sections inaccessible

Best Activities in December

Old Town Medieval Walking Tours

December transforms Tallinn's UNESCO Old Town into a winter wonderland. The medieval atmosphere intensifies with shorter days creating dramatic lighting against Gothic architecture. Tours run 11am-2pm window to maximize daylight. Cobblestone streets require careful footing but reward with authentic medieval ambiance impossible to experience in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed guides (€25-35 per person for 2-3 hour tours). Look for small groups (6-8 people maximum) and guides with medieval history specialization. Many tours include warm refreshment stops. See current options in booking section below.

Estonian Sauna and Wellness Experiences

Traditional Estonian saunas become essential December experiences when temperatures drop below freezing. Authentic smoke saunas offer respite from harsh weather and cultural immersion. Many facilities include ice swimming opportunities for the adventurous. Perfect for warming up after cold-weather sightseeing.

Booking Tip: Traditional sauna sessions typically cost €15-25 per person for 2-3 hours. Book evening slots (5pm-9pm) after daytime sightseeing. Look for facilities offering traditional birch branch treatments and authentic Estonian design. Private group bookings available 24 hours ahead.

Indoor Cultural and Art Museum Tours

December's limited daylight makes indoor cultural experiences ideal. Kumu Art Museum, Estonian History Museum, and medieval merchant house museums offer warmth and rich cultural content. Many feature special winter exhibitions and extended evening hours during December to accommodate shorter days.

Booking Tip: Museum combination tickets typically €20-35 for multiple venues. Many offer evening hours until 8pm in December. Book online 2-3 days ahead for special exhibitions. Look for guided tours with heating breaks and Estonian cultural context. Check current museum tour options below.

Traditional Estonian Food and Market Tours

December brings seasonal Estonian specialties - blood sausage (verivurst), sauerkraut, and traditional Christmas cookies. Indoor food markets like Balti Jaam Market stay warm and bustling. Food tours focus on winter comfort foods, mulled wine traditions, and historic taverns with centuries-old recipes.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €45-65 per person for 3-4 hours including 6-8 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead as December slots fill with holiday visitors. Look for tours including market visits, traditional restaurant stops, and mulled wine education. Indoor venues essential for comfort.

Christmas Market and Winter Festival Experiences

Tallinn's Christmas Market ranks among Europe's most authentic, set against genuine medieval backdrop. Traditional crafts, Estonian winter foods, and mulled wine served in ceramic mugs. Evening visits (4pm-8pm) capture magical atmosphere with medieval lighting and local families shopping for handmade gifts.

Booking Tip: Market entry free but budget €30-50 for authentic souvenirs and food sampling. Guided market tours available €20-30 per person including cultural context and vendor introductions. Book accommodation near Old Town during mid-December market peak. Current festival tour options available below.

Medieval Themed Indoor Entertainment

December evenings perfect for medieval dinner experiences, traditional Estonian folk performances, and historical reenactments in heated venues. Many restaurants offer period-authentic meals with entertainment starting 7pm when outdoor activities become impractical due to cold and darkness.

Booking Tip: Medieval dinner experiences typically €55-85 per person including 3-course meal and entertainment. Book 10-14 days ahead for December dates, especially weekends. Look for venues with authentic medieval interiors, traditional Estonian dishes, and cultural performances. Indoor heating and atmosphere essential.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through early January

Tallinn Christmas Market

One of Europe's most authentic Christmas markets set in medieval Town Hall Square since 1441. Features traditional Estonian crafts, mulled wine served in ceramic mugs, gingerbread, and handmade woolen goods. Evening illumination creates magical atmosphere against Gothic architecture.

Mid December

Christmas Jazz Festival

Annual winter jazz festival featuring Estonian and international artists performing in intimate venues throughout Old Town. Concerts held in medieval buildings, creating unique acoustic experiences enhanced by December's cozy atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof boots with deep treads - Old Town cobblestones become ice rinks after freezing rain, which occurs 3-4 times per week in December

Thermal underlayers (merino wool or synthetic) - outdoor sightseeing in 26-34°F (-3 to 1°C) temperatures requires proper base layers for 3-4 hour walking tours

Windproof outer jacket - Baltic coastal winds add significant wind chill factor, making 30°F (-1°C) feel like 20°F (-7°C)

Warm hat covering ears - heat loss through head critical in sub-freezing temperatures during limited daylight hours

Waterproof gloves - essential for handling cameras, phones, and maps during 10 rainy/snowy days typical in December

Thick wool socks - feet get coldest first on icy cobblestones during extended walking tours through medieval streets

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, crucial for navigation and photos during short daylight window

Small daypack - carrying layers as you move between heated indoor attractions and cold outdoor sightseeing areas

Lip balm with SPF - despite low UV index of 1, reflected light from snow and wind exposure causes chapping

Cash in small bills - many Christmas Market vendors and traditional establishments prefer cash for small purchases under €10

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor sightseeing at 10am sharp when light begins - locals maximize the 6-hour daylight window by front-loading outdoor activities before 3pm darkness

Book restaurant reservations for 4:30-5pm dinner time - Estonians eat early in December to enjoy meals while some daylight remains, avoiding tourist dinner rush at 7-8pm

Purchase Christmas Market ceramic mug on first visit - vendors offer €1-2 discount on subsequent mulled wine purchases with same mug throughout December visit

Use Tallinn Card strategically for indoor attractions - December weather makes the 24-48 hour museum passes more valuable as you'll spend more time indoors than summer visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating icy cobblestone danger - tourists attempt normal walking pace on frozen medieval streets and slip frequently, especially around Town Hall Square slopes

Planning too many outdoor activities - trying to maintain summer-pace sightseeing schedule impossible with 6-hour daylight window and freezing temperatures

Wearing cotton clothing layers - cotton becomes dangerously cold when wet from snow/rain, unlike wool or synthetic materials that retain warmth when damp