European Christmas markets: Tallinn

Currently in its eighth year, the Tallinn Christmas Market is one of Europe’s youngest markets. However, with the revival of the Christmas market tradition following the fall of the Soviet Union, organizers hope to make this Estonian festival one of the world’s best.

The Tallinn Christmas Market’s festive scene or colorful lights and music is enhanced by the city’s Old World charm. Centered around a massive Christmas tree, the market features 64 wooden stalls situated within Tallinn Town Hall Square’s wide open spaces.

In these quaint stalls, skilled artisans sell traditional and original wares including felt hats, slippers, buckwheat pillows, wooden bowls, wickerwork, hand-sewn quilts, knitted hats and scarves, cardigan sweaters, ceramics, glassware, homemade candles, and traditional Christmas wreaths.

Hungry shoppers can find a plentiful supply of Estonian holiday foods including pork, sauerkraut, blood sausage, hot soups, gingerbread, marzipan, black pudding, nuts, honey, cookies and sweets. Thirsty visitors can warm themselves with steaming mugs of hot mulled wine.

Santa Claus wanders through the market, meeting with visitors and his elves. Market mascots Scribble and Scrabble held guests find the Santa Claus House and Santa’s Post Office, where children can mail their Christmas letters.

Town Hall Square also hosts a variety of Christmas performances every Thursday and Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The programs feature a range of choirs, dance groups and musicians. Film screenings and poetry readings are also available.

Shoppers can also visit the new Rotermann Christmas Market, located a short distance from Tallinn’s Old Town area. An indoor market is available at the Rotermann Center and an outdoor market in Rotermann Square.

Other seasonal activities include the Open Air Museum’s Christmas Village, a Christmas bazaar at the Radisson Hotel Tallinn and Gourmet Delights at the NOP Cafe.

The Tallinn Christmas Market is open from November 29 through January 7, 2010. Market hours are daily, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Shorter hours will be observed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Source http://examiner.com/x-10331-worldwide-travel-examiner~y2009m~