Tallinn’s special Christmas trees

Christmas tree on the Town Hall Square

Traditionally, the ornament and centrepiece of the Christmas Market is the Christmas tree, which has decorated the square for more than 580 years. In 1441, the Brotherhood of the Blackheads placed Europe’s first Christmas tree on Tallinn’s Town Hall Square. Now this custom has spread all over the world and has become an important part of Christmas in many different nations – almost every village square has its own Christmas tree these days.

Christmas tree in the Rotermann Quarter

Rotermann is a vibrant urban space, home to excellent restaurants, cosy cafés and full of stores with popular fashion and design brands. This year, Rotermann's main square is home to a 7-metre tall Christmas tree adorned with an abundance of gifts and ornaments. The luscious red Christmas decorations that shine on its branches are by no means the only reason behind the warm and cosy atmosphere – the entire quarter is decked out in festive holiday ornaments! Every Advent, Santa Claus will visit the quarter, and you can share your Christmas wishes with him or leave a letter in the mailbox outside his little house.

Christmas tree at Port Noblessner

The magnificent Christmas tree at the trendy Noblessner seafront area has once again been decorated by the designers of the furnishing brand Shishi. This year's Christmas tree is adorned with huge, stunning red baubles at its base that you simply must see for yourself. In addition to the regular ornaments, the tree is also decorated with 22,000 twinkling LED lights.

Reed Christmas trees at the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre

Tallinn Tourist Information Centre (Niguliste tn 2) is decorated with four Christmas trees made of reeds. In accordance with old traditions, the little Christmas trees are hung from the ceiling, decorating the service area and creating a festive atmosphere for the visitors of Tallinn. The Tourist Information Centre is open every day, except on public holidays. See our website for exact opening times.

The Christmas trees will arrive in the houses of the Estonian Open Air Museum in time for the Christmas Village event taking place in mid-December. Each household will have a unique Christmas tree, decorated according to their era. For example, at Köstriaseme Farm, a Christmas tree will be hung from the ceiling, and at Härjapea Farm, visitors can admire a Christmas tree decorated with 1930s ornaments. The kolkhoz apartment building has homes decorated in four different eras.

During this holiday season, the pride of Tallinn’s Old Town, the Estonian Maritime Museum Visitor's Centre in Fat Margaret cannon tower, will be adorned with a nautical-themed Christmas tree inspired by the maritime heritage of the museum. The tree is adorned with miniature ships, glass buoys and stars that shine like the North Star. This eye-catching Christmas tree invites everyone to participate in a holiday tradition celebrating Estonia's maritime history. You can visit Fat Margaret by purchasing a museum ticket or a Tallinn Card. Please see the Estonian Maritime Museum’s website for more details on prices and discounts.

The Christmas tree decorating the banquet hall of Kadriorg Palace will make you feel like you’ve stepped into The Nutcracker. The tree leaves also hold a hidden object game – some of the decorations point to works of art in the museum, which we invite you to find in the halls!

This year, the bright white Christmas tree at the Niguliste museum is decorated with adorable snowy owls, inviting visitors to explore a winter wonderland. Christmas at Niguliste has become a beloved tradition and the kickoff to the winter holiday season at the museum. The holiday season started with the unveiling of the Niguliste Christmas tree on the first Advent on 1 December. The Christmas tree, decorated by the Shishi decoration company, has been a part of Niguliste for the eighth year. During the holiday season, visitors can enjoy the enchanting Christmas tree, an exhibition dedicated to magical unicorns, medieval treasures in the permanent exhibition, organ music and beautiful concerts.

In the unique architecture of the Seaplane Harbour is made even more enchanting and dazzling by a Christmas tree decorated by experts at Shishi. These nautical-themed decorations create a cosy atmosphere that perfectly compliments the museum’s unique exhibits. During this holiday season, the Seaplane Harbour invites you to enjoy their festive events. You can visit the Seaplane Harbour by purchasing a museum ticket or a Tallinn Card. Please see the Estonian Maritime Museum’s website for more details on prices and conditions.

Something truly extraordinary is happening at the Proto Invention Factory from 19 December to 7 January, as the usually terribly curious inventors have made an exception and unleashed all sorts of Christmas characters into PROTO. You can find lake elves, the Snow Queen’s country, the world behind the mirror, a giant gingerbread house and naturally the Christmas carousels and many spinning Christmas trees at the PROTO hall.