The seven most beautiful Christmas trees in Tallinn
17.12.2020
Are you looking for the most beautiful Christmas tree in Tallinn? – You can find wonderful Christmas trees all around the city: in museums, in churches, on public squares and elsewhere, one more stylishly decorated than the other. We have put together a list of this year's seven most spectacular spruces in Tallinn, which you should definitely see.
The Christmas tree on the Town Hall Square
Did you know that Tallinn was the location of the world's first public Christmas tree? In 1441, the Brotherhood of Black Heads set up a decorated Christmas tree on the Town Hall Square, and this tradition continues to this day.
However, finding the right Christmas to decorate the Town Hall Square is no simple task: every autumn the city organises a public competition. To participate the spruces must be at least 15 meters (49 ft) tall and located within a 150-kilometre (93-mile) radius from Tallinn. This year's competition was international – the furthest candidate came from Vantaa, Finland. However, the winner was a local: an evergreen beauty from the suburb of Pääsküla.
Good to know! Visit the Town Hall Square on a working day – you can calmly admire the spruce, and there is plenty of space for everyone. In the evening, dozens Christmas decorations light up the Old Town. Grab a hot drink from one of the cosy cafés and stroll through the medieval streets of the Old Town!
The 'Invisible Christmas tree' at the St. Catherine's Church
The beautiful and delicate art installation is one of the best-kept secrets of Tallinn's Old Town. The Christmas tree is hidden between the medieval walls of St. Catherine, once the largest church of the city. The installation is both spectacular and solemn, invisible as well as visible – a truly enchanting discovery! The tree is designed by Pille Kivihall, Merle Suurkask, and Eero Kotli with the help of the artists of the St. Catherine's Guild and Hopner House.
The art installation can only be admired on weekends: St. Catherine's Church (Vene 14, Tallinn) is open from Monday to Friday until 6 January 2021. See the event page for exact opening times. Free entrance.
Good to know! If you wish, bring a small tealight with you. The artistic installation and the interior of the medieval church truly come to life in candlelight.
Estonia's largest reed spruce in the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre
This year, the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre (Niguliste 2, Tallinn) is decorated with a truly special Christmas tree: a simple and beautiful Nordic reed tree. Traditional himmeli-style ornaments have been given a modern interpretation by artist Urmas Veersalu and the Eesti Rookoondis.
The Tourist Information Centre is open every day, except on public holidays – see our website for exact opening times. Free entrance.
Good to know! When in town, drop by the Tourist Information centre not only to admire the tree but to get useful advice and tips on what to do and see in the city.
The Christmas tree in Noblessner seafront quarter
As always, the trendy seaside Noblessner celebrates Christmas in style: the gorgeous spruce of the port's main square has been decorated by the designers from the locally-born interior design brand Shishi. This year's theme is 'Salute'. A small igloo Christmas village surrounds the tree: you can buy hot drinks, sweets, and even go to a mini-sauna.
Good to know! From December, you can admire a 30-meter light installation 'Sunset' in front of the Kai Art Centre. The art piece illuminates the dark winter nights until spring.
The Christmas tree in St. Nicholas' Church
This year's theme of the traditional Christmas tree of St. Nicholas' Church is recycling. Ornaments with bird motifs by the Estonian designer and fashion illustrator Britt Samoson add timeless glamour to the richly decorated spruce. Entrance with a museum ticket or the Tallinn Card.
Good to know! Once you have seen the Christmas tree, take your time to visit St Nicholas' Museum's latest exhibition of Christian Ackermann, one of the most scandalous and talented sculptors of the Baroque era in Estonia.
The Christmas tree in Fat Margaret Visitor Centre
One of the symbols of Tallinn's Old Town, the Fat Margaret Cannon Tower, is decorated with a fascinating sea-themed Christmas tree. Among the ornaments, you will find both ships and glass floats, dotted with beautiful details that shine like the Northern Stars in the night sky – what else can you expect from the impressive maritime museum? Entrance with a museum ticket or the Tallinn Card.
Good to know! Once you have explored the museum, take a walk along the historic Pikk Street – you will find the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads, Estonia's oldest and still operating café Maiasmokk (Sweet Tooth), the Great Guild Hall (now the Estonian History Museum), the headquartes of city's richest merchants in the Middle Ages, and several beautifully decorated windows.
The Christmas trees in Rotermann Quarter
If one tree is not enough for you, take a walk downtown. For several years now, not only one but several spruces adorn Rotermann – in fact, the whole quarter sparkles with Christmas lights and decorations!
Good to know! In addition to the beautiful trees of Rotermann, a whole forest stands behind the Estonian National Opera in Tammsaare Park. The view is especially Christmassy in the evening when thousands of little lights come to life on the trees.
Let's keep each other safe!
To prevent the spread of coronavirus, please keep a safe distance, in crowded areas use a mask or cover your mouth and nose, wash or disinfect your hands frequently, and follow other specific guidelines. Stay at home when sick.
If you use a smartphone, also download the HOIA contact-tracing app.
You can find more information on the kriis.ee website. Let's keep each other safe!