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ESTONIA |
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Location:
Tallinn
2010 dates and details to be confirmed.Below are examples of past festivities
(29 Nov – 7 Jan 2010)
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, hosts its 8th Christmas market since the tradition was revived in post-Soviet times. The 64 wooden stalls that throng the picturesque wide open space of Tallinn’s Town Hall Square around a massive central Christmas tree will set up daily from 9am – Appropriately enough the Town Hall square was the site of the world’s first Christmas tree, which was central to a ritual begun in 1441, when unmarried merchants sang and danced with local girls around a tree, which they then burned!
Although one of Europe’s youngest markets, the organisers of Tallinn’s Christmas market have stated they are aiming to make it the best in the world. This year the market will be better than ever as the square, right in the heart of Europe’s best preserved medieval walled town, comes alive with colourful lights, music, with Santa Claus wandering between the stalls meeting visitors and his elves, Scribble and Scrabble (Tallinn Christmas Markets’ mascots) helping guests find the Santa Claus House and Santa’s own Post Office, from where kids can send their Christmas letters.
The Town Hall Square will also host Christmas performances that include choirs, dance groups, poetry, musicians and films from 5pm – 7pm every Thursday and Friday and from 12pm – 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Amid this amazing festive scene, with temperatures barely hitting zero and the city’s spires and tall, colourful medieval houses creating a frosty, white-tinged setting, stallholders sell felt hats and slippers, buckwheat pillows, wooden bowls and artefacts, wickerwork, beautiful hand-sewn quilts, ceramics and glassware, sea-grass animals, home-made candles, Christmas wreaths, knitted hats, scarves and traditional cardigans. The scent of hot mulled wine fills the air, along with the appetising aromas of Estonian holiday foods that include pork, sauerkraut, blood sausages, hot soups, gingerbread, marzipan, honey, cookies, nuts and sweets.
For further information see www.visitestonia.com www.tourism.tallinn.ee and www.christmas.ee.
Timings
09.00 - 19.00
Dec 31 09.00 - 15.00
Jan 01 12.00 - 19.00
www.christmas.ee |
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Other locations in:
Estonia
Tallinn
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Tallinn advent market - Toomas Volmer |
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How to say "Merry Christmas" Estonian: Ruumsaid juulup|hi
Due to its Northern location you can usually bet on snow to give the real festive atmosphere
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The medieval houses of Tallin's old town at Christmas |
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Estonia’s second city Tartu also has a Christmas Market from the 17.–20 December 2009 The Antonius Guild’s Christmas Market
Local dishes: Smoked fish, especially trout (suitsukala) is an Estonian speciality and, when it comes to sausages, you could be excused for thinking that the country caters more to vampires than vegetarians. At Christmas time, sausages are prepared from fresh blood and wrapped in pig's intestine. Blood sausages (verevorst) and blood pancakes (vere pannkoogid) are served in most traditional Estonian restaurants. The syrupy Vana Tallinn liqueur is sickly sweet, very strong and an essential part of any Estonian table. It's best served in coffee, over ice with milk or with Champagne. Estonia's best beers are the light Saku beer and the heavier Saare beer from the island of Saaremaa, while some cafes and bars serve tasty, warming hoogvein (mulled wine).
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Additional services provided:
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